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- Discover What To Do On The Amalfi Coast
One of the most sought-after vacation spots in Italy is the Amalfi Coast. With its winding roads, ocean-facing cliffsides, and abundance of citrus trees, the Amalfi truly is one of the world’s top travel locations. Due to the area’s abundance of natural beauty, the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area also has a rich history, spanning from Ancient Roman times to the Medieval era to today.
Made up of many small towns—13 municipalities in total, some of which are the notable Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—the Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to go for tourists who want to explore many different places within a location.
One of the many interesting facts about the Amalfi Coast is that the land route here, known as the Amalfi Drive, is 25 miles or 48 km long but can take between one and four hours to drive because of its low speed limits and the heavy traffic that fills this area during tourist season. The drive along this road is a sight to see here in itself, with beautiful cliffs on one side of the road and a stunningly blue ocean on the other.
UPDATE: 2023/09/01 11:17 EST BY DYLAN MYERS
Discover What To Do On The Amalfi Coast
As if the tiny but treasured stretch of coast in southwestern Italy wasn't already alluring, this refreshed guide included even more things to do in Amalfi. Visit charming towns, explore bustling cities, trek one of the best hikes in the world, and find even more attractions and breathtaking sights in this updated list.
Top Things To Do In The Amalfi Coast
From sitting back with a dessert and a shot of limoncello to exploring beautiful seaside towns, visitors to the Amalfi will have plenty of ways to fill their time in this stunning region of Italy, one of many unique Italian summer destinations that aren't Rome or Venice. Find out more in this ultimate travel guide!
1 Explore The Town Of Positano
For visitors who want to see beautiful Italian architecture, historic churches, and Mediterranean beaches, Positano is the place to go! This location is one of Amalfi's top attractions.
Visitors can see the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Mariana Grande Beach. They also will have a great time walking around the town, exploring the many shops and restaurants, and snapping stunning Amalfi Coast photos.
- Address: Viale Pasitea, 84017 Positano
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: Visit historic churches such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, visit the Mariana Grande Beach, explore shops and restaurants, see beautiful Italian architecture
2 Visit The Roman Archeological Museum Of Santa Maria Assunta In Positano
While in Positano, visitors should be sure to see the Roman Archeological Museum of Santa Maria Assunta. For visitors who are looking to see Ancient frescoes and the ruins of an Ancient Roman villa, this museum is the place to go! In Roman times, the area of Positano was a popular vacation spot, much like it is today.
- Hours: 1st of April to 31st of October: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, November 1st-March 31st 10am-4pm
- Address: Piazza Flavio Gioia, 7 - 84017 Positano
- Admission: €15 ($16.51)
- What to do here: Learn about Ancient Roman history, see the ruins of an Ancient Roman villa, see Ancient frescoes
3 Buy Ceramics At Vietri Sul Mare
When traveling around the Amalfi, visitors will quickly notice the stunning ceramics that are present in restaurants and as decoration. It is easy to become enthralled with the rich blues and bright yellows of these excellently crafted artisan-made items.
The best place to go shopping for this kind of pottery is in the town of Vietri Sul Mare. When visiting this town, visitors should also try their excellent wines, paired with a plate of Italian cheese or stuffed zucchini flowers atop a beautiful ceramic dish.
- Hours: Varies based on individual shops
- What to do here: Shop for beautifully painted pottery, enjoy the vistas of Vietri Sul Mare, try the many restaurants of this town
4 Take A Day Trip To Neighboring Capri To See Villa Jovis
For lovers of Ancient Roman history, taking a stop at Emperor Tiberius’ island residence of Capri is a great way for history to come alive and some of the most stunning Roman ruins to visit around Naples.
Visitors can explore a boat tour of the island or enjoy hiking around the many trails here. The town of Capri also has plenty of restaurants and shops for tourists to enjoy, as well as museums.
- To get to the island, visitors can take a ferry from Sorrento or Naples. The vistas of the island alone are definitely worth the trip! Seeing the colorful buildings of Capri against the blue of the sea is one of the best sights in all of Italy.
One of the best things to do on Capri is to explore the ruins of Villa Jovis, one of the Roman Emperor Tiberius’ many villas on the small island.
When visiting, travelers will learn about Ancient History during the period of the early Roman Empire and will learn about the life of Emperor Tiberius, who was simultaneously known for his hedonism and willingness to hand over the Roman government to other officials and his deep paranoia and fears of political insecurity.
Visitors should be on the lookout for ancient cisterns and living quarters. While walking to and from the villa, travelers should take time to imagine what the grounds would have looked like in the 1st century AD and marvel at this feat of Ancient Roman engineering.
Villa Jovis:
- Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm, closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
- Address: Via Tiberio, 80073 Capri NA
- Admission: €6 ($6.60)
- What to do here: Learn about local Roman history, enjoy archeological ruins, see beautiful Mediterranean vistas
When visiting Villa Jovis, be prepared to walk uphill! Visitors should wear excellent walking shoes. Access to the archeological site is only available by foot, which includes a roughly 2 km / 1.2-mile walk.
5 Learn About Medieval History At Ravello
One of the best places in Amalfi for history lovers is the quaint town of Ravello, one of the area's hidden gems. With several churches, medieval villas, and many other things to see in Ravello, this area showcases local historical architecture better than any other place on the Amalfi.
This town is also known as a historic haven for artists, including but not limited to Jackie Onassis, M. C. Escher, Virginia Woolf, and Joan Miró. With such beautiful streetscapes, this is the perfect place for artists to be inspired!
- Hours: Any
- Address: Piazza Duomo, 1, 84010 Ravello SA
- What to do here: explore Medieval churches and villas, see beautiful streetscapes, eat at nice restaurants
6 Stop By Villa Rufolo In Ravello
Overlooking the town square, the Villa Rufolo is one of the best historic sites in Ravello. Although it was originally built in the 13th century, the building was remodeled beyond recognition in the 19th century.
Villa Rufolo not only has a beautiful interior and museum for visitors to explore but also has a gorgeous garden complex and views of the sea.
- Hours: 9am-8pm daily
- Address: Piazza Duomo, 1, 84010 Ravello SA
- Admission: €7 per person
- What to do here: Enjoy the beautiful gardens, see the villa's museum, learn about Italian Medieval history, enjoy seaside views
7 Experience Natural Beauty At Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Located in Ravello, the Villa Cimbrone Gardens is a must-see when traveling on the Amalfi. Richly decorated and carefully tended to, the gardens of this hilltop villa provide the perfect place to relax after hours of driving.
Visitors will be able to see not only local and exotic plants but will also have excellent views of the ocean and coastline.
- Hours: 9am-8pm daily
- Address: Via S. Chiara, 26-84010, Ravello
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: See local and exotic plants, marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the garden, see excellent views of the ocean and coastline
8 Hike The Path Of The Lemons
For those who are interested in stretching their legs after a long and slow car ride, the Path of the Lemons is the perfect place to go. Made from an old path that connects the towns of Maiori and Minori, this path is a relatively easy hike, only taking about an hour to complete.
As the name suggests, the path is lined with beautiful lemon trees. As with most areas of the Amalfi, this path has gorgeous vistas of the sea and sky.
- Hours: 24 hours per day, daily
- Address: Via Torre, 84010 Minori SA
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: See gorgeous lemon trees ripe with fruit, explore the vistas of the Mediterranean, enjoy hiking in the beautiful Italian landscape
While this path is beautiful and not considered too difficult, areas of the path do have a lot of stairs. Visitors with strollers or issues climbing stairs should take caution.
9 Experience Limoncello Like Never Before By Buying And Trying The Amalfi’s Classic Drink
When traveling to the Amalfi, visitors have to try the exquisite regional drink, limoncello. As the name suggests, this alcoholic drink is made from lemons. A great way to experience this delicious drink is to shop for a bottle and try some.
When walking around any town on the Amalfi—whether that is Ravello, Vietri Sul Mare, Positano, or Amalfi itself—visitors will likely see at least one shop selling the iconic spirit of the region.
- Hours: Varies
- Price: Ranges, can be $$ to $$$
- What to do here: Drink some of the world's best limoncello, try new flavors of the iconic drink, enjoy time with friends
10 See The Beautiful Duomo Di Amalfi
Originally built in Medieval times, this beautiful duomo has historically been considered to be the resting place of the Catholic saint, Andrew. Visitors should go here to see not only the incredible architecture but should stop inside to experience the peace and quiet of this holy site.
Even for those who are not Catholic, the Duomo di Amalfi is a perfect place for silent contemplation amid a bustling town.
- Hours: 10am-6pm daily
- Address: Piazza Duomo, 1, 84011 Amalfi SA
- Admission: Free, but donations appreciated
- What to do here: pay respects to the Catholic saint, Andrew, enjoy incredible architecture, enjoy peace and quiet
11 Learn About The Natural Environment Of The Amalfi At Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere
To see beautiful waterfalls and forest views, visitors should check out Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere. Located near the town of Scala, this protected nature reserve is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails.
Visitors should be sure to bring their guidebook on local birds to fully appreciate this hiking location!
- Hours: Sunrise-sunset, daily
- Address: Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere 84010 Scala, SA
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: Have fun hiking and getting exercise, see beautiful waterfalls, see local birds and wildlife
12 Hike The Path Of The Gods
Spanning from Bomberano to Nocelle, the Path of the Gods is one of the best hikes in the world. Trek along rocky routes hugging the cliffside near the sea, surrounded by Mediterranean flora and dramatic views of the coast.
Not only panoramas, but the four-mile-long route also leads hikers through ruins and historical towns, making it the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary for sunset views, picnics, or a leisurely day enjoying the coast. The Belvedere viewpoint is one of the most iconic stops along the path and an essential addition to anyone's Amalfi Coast guide.
- Path Length: 4 miles
- Duration: 3 - 5 hours
- Admission: Free
- Address: Piazza Paolo Capasso, 7, 80051 Agerola NA, Italy
- What to do here: Enjoy the scenery, hiking, incredible coastal and cliffside views, and photo opportunities
Using public transportation is a convenient way to get to the trailhead in Bomberano. Take the SITA bus from Positano or Sorrento to Amalfi, then the bus from Amalfi to Bomberano.
13 Kick Back And Relax At Furore Beach
One of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to head to the beach. Furore Beach is one of the region's most iconic, boasting warm turquoise waters basking below the town of the same name.
Drive to Furore to experience this stunning beach and discover the impressive stone bridge arching above, connecting the cliffsides. There's no parking near the beach, so the best way to arrive is by taking a bus or car to the town and following the set of stairs that leads down to the shore.
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Address: Via Marina di Praia, 84010 Furore SA, Italy
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: Swimming, sunbathing, diving, relaxing
The earlier the better when beachgoers go to Furore Beach. Due to its position between cliffs, the beach only receives sunlight in the morning, making it the best time to soak up rays and go for a warm swim.
14 Visit Atrani
The smallest city in Italy has a lot of character. Less than .08 square miles and 1,000 inhabitants, Atrani is a maze of narrow residential streets showcasing an authentic Italian lifestyle. Take the 10-minute walk from Amalfi to Atrani to get a glimpse of locals gathering in the town square, chatting at bars, or heading down to the beach.
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: Swimming, relaxing on the beach, wandering the streets, finding a restaurant for a meal or coffee
Atrani's Beach is one of the quieter beaches along the Amalfi Coast, less frequented by tourists and offering cheaper umbrella and lounge chair rentals.
15 Spend The Day In Sorrento
The starting or end point for many, Sorrento is the gateway into the Amalfi Coast. Throngs of tourists pass through this bright Italian city on their travels along the coast, making it a hub for great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Apart from marvelous sea views, fresh seafood, and diving opportunities, Sorrento is also the birthplace of the Amalfi Coast's prized limoncello.
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
- What to do here: Start or end a vacation in Amalfi, try restaurants, go shopping, enjoy the nightlife, and even if travelers make no plans, because it's a bigger city, it's easy to spend the day and find things to do in Sorrento
16 When To Go To The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is known for its hot summer temperatures and its mild winters. The weather here tends to get hot quickly, even in the spring and autumn, so visitors should pack light clothing. However, the sea winds up on the cliffs can also send travelers reaching for jackets, so visitors should be sure to pack appropriately.
Going to the Amalfi in the height of the summer is not recommended for several reasons. The first is that the area experiences a lot of heat: temperatures can get as hot as 90° F! The second is that the area is usually packed with tourists, with July and August being the peak of the tourist season. Instead, consider some of these other underrated summer destinations in Italy.
For these reasons, avoiding this area in summer and instead going to the Amalfi during the spring or autumn is a much better option.
The best months to go to the Amalfi Coast are in April or October.
Spring
Springtime will allow visitors to not only beat some of the intense summer crowds but will give them the chance to see the many citrus trees full of ripe fruit.
- Month: April
- Temperatures: 50s-60s
Fall
Going to the Amalfi in the autumn will also provide visitors with a similar experience: cooler temperatures and fewer crowds!
- Month: October
- Temperatures: 60s-70s
How many days do travelers need along the Amalfi Coast?
As with all travel, a longer trip is probably better when packing for the Amalfi Coast, but around five to seven days are plenty to see most of its attractions.
Travelers are unlikely, however, to get tired of the views! Tourists may feel bombarded with what to do on the Amalfi Coast, so rather than just a day trip, it's important to stay a few nights to enjoy all its beauty.
17 Best Ways To Get Around The Amalfi Coast
When going to the Amalfi, visitors often notice the two-lane winding cliffside roads that this region is known for. For some travelers, this provides the perfect place to test their driving skills, while others would rather sit back and let someone else handle the road.
For those who are interested in driving or in traveling at their own pace, renting a car is a great way to get around.
- Renting a car can cost anywhere between $42-$90 per day here.
To help curb tourism-related traffic, the Amalfi Coast has imposed certain restrictions on travelers. On the weekends from April through September, rental cars with license plates ending in an odd number can only drive along the coast on even-numbered days. On the other hand, license plates ending in even numbers can only take to the coastal highways on odd-numbered days.
For those who are not interested in driving themselves, taking the bus is another great option. While visitors may have to take multiple buses to get to their ultimate destination, it may be a less stressful way to get around the Amalfi.
For longer distances, taking a taxi or using a ride-share is not recommended, as they can get quite expensive in this area.
Is it walkable in Amalfi?
Like any coastal area, some parts of Amalfi are walkable in a leisurely sense. To reach farther-flung areas, however, travelers will need to take the bus, rent a car, or plan on a long hike.
That said, hiking through some of the many beautiful towns in Italy is an excursion all its own.
18 Where To Eat In The Amalfi Coast
Like all of Italy, the Amalfi is known for its delicious food. Some of the best dishes throughout the Amalfi Coast that visitors should look out for are stuffed and fried zucchini flowers, pasta dishes like pasta al limone or seafood pasta, or octopus.
Visitors can look forward to great desserts, too, like Delizia al Limone, cannoli, and, of course, gelato. Most restaurants also have great views overlooking the Mediterranean, so visitors should look forward to eating at a place with outdoor seating!
Breakfast
- Price: $
- Hours: 8am-12am
- Address: Viale Pasitea, 168/170, 84017 Positano SA
- What to get here: pastries, seafood dishes, pancakes, bacon and eggs
Sisina's
- Price: $$
- Hours: 8am-12am
- Address: Piazza Fontana Moresca, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
- What to get here: coffee with great views, pastries,
Lunch
- Price: $$
- Hours: Lunch: 12-3:30pm, Dinner 7-11:30pm, open daily
- Address: Via Positanesi d'America, 12, 84017 Positano SA
- What to get here: pasta, fish, seafood dishes, wine
Dinner
- Price: $$$
- Hours: Lunch: 12:15pm-2:45pm, Dinner: 6:15-10:45pm, daily
- Address: Viale Pasitea, 172/178, 84017 Positano SA
- What to get here: seafood pasta, meat dishes, pastas, cocktails, excellent wines
Drinks
- Price: $$
- Hours: 7:30am-11:30pm, daily
- Address: Via del Saracino, 32, 84017 Positano SA
- What to get here: cocktails, wines
19 Where To Stay On The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, being known for its many coastal towns, has lots of different options to choose from when staying. A great option is to stay in multiple towns over the course of a single trip to fully get the most out of an experience here. However, a good home base when traveling to the Amalfi is Positano.
Budget Locations
- Price: $99 per night
- Address: Via Cocumella 12, 80065 Sant'Agnello, Naples
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, bar, free WiFi
- Price: $71 per night
- Address: Via Filangieri 132, 80069 Vico Equense, Naples
- Amenities: Private beach, snorkeling, outdoor and indoor pool, spa, restaurant, bar and lounge, room service
Mid-Tier Locations
- Price: $264 per night
- Address: Via Laurito 13/15, 84017 Positano, Salerno
- Amenities: Bar, lounge, room service, internet, free WiFi
- Price: $373 per night
- Address: Via Pasitea, 122, 84017 Positano, Salerno
- Amenities: Balcony, terrace, parking, free WiFi
Luxury Locations
- Price: $1,056 per night
- Address: Via Madonna Di Roselle 20/a, 80063 Piano di Sorrento, Naples
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, infinity pool, restaurant, bar, bike rental, free WiFi
- Price: Contact property for rates
- Address: Via Rampa Teglia 4, 84017 Positano, Salerno
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar & lounge, parking, free WiFi
20 Tips To Know When Visiting The Amalfi Coast
As always when traveling internationally, visitors should try to learn a few phrases in the local language, this one being Italian. Although many people speak English here, visitors should try to be respectful to the locals by learning at least how to order and how to ask where the bathroom is.
When driving on the Amalfi, visitors should be aware that many of the roads are high up, so travelers who are afraid of heights should be cautious. Similarly, when walking around some of the adorable towns, visitors should also keep in mind that this area has a lot of hills. Bringing a good pair of walking shoes is always a good idea.
Since Amalfi is one of Europe's most expensive vacation destinations, travelers should be sure to prepare funds in advance!