Welcome to this Amalfi Coast travel guide! A breathtaking destination in Southern Italy that draws in millions of travelers from all over the world every year. With its stunning scenery of towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming hillside towns, the Amalfi Coast is a true gem of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventure-filled vacation, or a peaceful escape, this beautiful region has something to offer for everyone. From the colorful houses of Positano to the historic streets of Amalfi, the Amalfi Coast is a destination that will leave you mesmerized and never wanting to leave…. truly! In this travel guide, I will share with you everything you need to know about Positano, Amalfi, Capri, and Ravello! I’ll recommend where to stay, must try restaurants, what to do and so much more! Enjoy!
For starters, I would suggest avoiding the months of July and August if you can. The number of tourists that flock to Italy during these months is insane. Because of this, hotel accommodations become more expensive. Additionally, the prices of excursions typically increase as well, along with menu prices at restaurants. Furthermore, it’s difficult to get a reservation unless booked far enough in advance. That being said, the shoulder season is the best time to go in my opinion. If you can plan your trip for May, June, or September, you’ll still get great weather, “cheaper” accommodations, and fewer crowds. Don’t get me wrong- it will still be crowded, but July and August are by far the busiest, hottest, and most expensive months. Our trip took place during the second week of September, so we didn’t see many families, and we had incredible weather!
This will definitely depend on what all you plan on doing here. Do you plan on hopping from town to town? Do you want to stay located in one town and take day trips along the coast? To fully experience all of Amalfi Coast, I suggest at least one week. If you plan on visiting Amalfi, Positano, and Capri, and want to ensure you aren’t feeling rushed, you could easily spend 10 days to two full weeks on the coast.
We spent exactly one week here and if I could do it again, I would stay for at least 10 days. We also stayed in Amalfi the entire time and took day trips to Positano, Capri and Ravello. Personally, this is something else I would have done a little differently. Although some people like to stay situated in one place, I would’ve preferred to move around every few days to have more time in the other towns.
Ferries stop running after about 6:30pm, so it was never an option for us to go to the other towns for dinner unless we had a car service to get back from Positano. So, this is something to keep in mind when planning on where you would like to stay.
We also only really had one full “beach day”, since we wanted to do so much exploring. Amalfi Coast has so many beautiful beaches, you’ll want to plan for several beach days in various locations! We personally had one beach day, one boat day, 1.5 days in Amalfi, one day trip to Positano, one day trip to Capri, and one day in Ravello. So, as you can see, a week’s itinerary in Amalfi Coast goes quickly!
If you have the time and can make it work, I think 3-4 nights each in Positano, Capri, and Amalfi is perfect. While in Amalfi, you can take a day trip to Ravello. I thought it was beautiful and definitely worth a visit, but I personally preferred staying on the coast.
I will admit, one downside of the Amalfi Coast is that it can be a little more difficult to get to compared to other destinations. It also takes a bit more planning beforehand.
Unfortunately, you cannot fly straight into the Amalfi Coast. The closest airport is Naples Capodichino International Airport. Once you’re in Naples, you’ll need to make your way down from there.
The easiest option is to order a car service ahead of time. It will cost you around 110-150 euros and takes about 1 hour 15 mins – 1 hour 30 mins to get there. You can book a car service ahead of time here.
Another option would be to take a bus or train. You’ll first need to head to Stazione Centrale in Naples where the train departs. There are no railway stations on the Amalfi Coast, so you will first need to take a train to Sorrento. From Sorrento you can take a bus to Positano or wherever your final destination is. The Via Campania Express train is the better option, as it is the faster train and can get you to Sorrento in about 45 minutes. Once you get to Sorrento, you can hop on a SITA bus 5070 to reach the Amalfi Coast in less than an hour.
Lastly, if you arrive in Naples in the morning or afternoon, you could also get to the Coast by ferry. The Naples to Positano ferry route is only available from May to the end of October with 2-3 daily ferry crossings. As of now, the earliest Naples ferry to Positano departs at 8:35 AM. The latest departure is at 3:35 PM, with the ferry reaching Positano at approximately 5:55PM. You can check here for the ferry schedule.
Within each town you’ll be able to get around completely on foot. This is dependent on where your Airbnb / hotel is located of course. The towns are small enough that you won’t really need another way to get around, but there are alternatives if needed. For example, Capri has a funicular cable car which can get you from the Mariana Grande to the center of Capri.
Now that you’ve decided how long you will spend in the Amalfi Coast and figured out how to get there- let’s get to the fun part! Each town has so much to offer and is unique in its own way. I will break out each town and share with you delicious restaurants to try, best beaches to visit, and all the things to do! So, with further adieu- Positano!
Positano is the most famous town in the Amalfi Coast, and the one you’ll probably recognize by its famous cliff side colorful houses. The first time I saw Positano in real life it truly took my breath away. I cannot believe a place this beautiful exists!
Like I mentioned, Positano is by far the most famous and most visited town. And because of this, it is the most crowded, expensive and overall, very touristy. You will also notice accommodation, restaurants and even sunbeds at the beach will be more expensive than Amalfi for example.
Positano definitely is not a town that will have cheap accommodations, but you will find a vast range of price points. Here are just a few options of hotels and Airbnb’s with great locations, reviews, and different price points for various budgets.
Explore the beautiful town: Just walking around the scenic cliff side town was one of my favorite things we did. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than Positano. You can stay on sea level near the beaches or make your way up to the top for some amazing postcard views! There are a lot of steps and hills when wandering through Positano, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Path of Gods: While this is not something we personally did since we felt so limited on time, it is one of the most popular things to do while visiting. I will definitely be adding it to my list for next time! In total the hike is close to 8km (5 miles) and takes 2-4 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take a break and snap pictures. The hike stretches between the towns of Bomerano down to Positano. Most people will recommend starting in Bomerano and heading towards Positano because it is mostly downhill. Additionally, you’ll be ending your hike in Positano where you can have lunch or an afternoon at the beach!
Church of Santa Maria: Located in the heart of Positano, you won’t miss the beautiful green dome church just behind Spiaggia Grande Beach. The church is free to enter and worth taking a view inside!
Shop In Positano: While exploring the town of Positano, there will be no shortage of shops and boutiques to wander in. The center offers so many clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, ceramic shops, art galleries, and much more. You could easily spend a full day just shopping! Some popular items that people love to shop for while visiting are crochet tops and bottoms, linen dresses, hand painted ceramic dishware, and anything and everything lemon!
Beach day: The Amalfi Coast offers some amazing beaches, but they aren’t traditional beaches like what you may be used to. For starters, don’t expect beautiful white sand on the beaches in Amalfi Coast. The beaches here are all rocks- the towns are on a cliff after all. That won’t take away from the beautiful views you’ll have once on the beach.
Here are some of the most popular beaches in Positano.
Rent a scooter: This is a fun half day activity, or even just for a few hours. I should warn you that the roads are very windy and the locals in Italy can tend to drive a little crazy. I definitely don’t suggest this activity if it is something you will feel unsafe doing. If you plan to rent a scooter during your time in the Amalfi Coast, it’s best to book in advance. When we went, most companies were already sold out or had very little to choose from. There are so many scooter rental companies, but here is just one to pick from.
Boat day: No trip would be complete without at least one day on the water! I mean the whole reason you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast is for those breathtaking cliffside views, right?! A day out on the water was by far our favorite thing we did during our trip. You truly just don’t ever get over the views. We found our boat ride excursion through Airbnb experiences. In total we were gone for about 7 hours, including stopping in Positano briefly for lunch. I highly recommend one that is a full day activity!
Music on the Rocks: Right underneath the Rada Restaurant, you’ll find this nightclub. It’s the only one in Positano and even for miles, so if you’re wanting to hit up a nightclub while on vacation, this would be the one!
Lo Guarracino: Located just above Fornillo beach, this restaurant offers a quieter atmosphere, with an incredible view.
Chez Black: Located right next to the beach along Spiaggia Grande. This restaurant is great for lunch or dinner and even better for people watching. Chez Black is actually one of Positano’s first restaurants! It is not on the menu but ask for the famous heart shaped pizza!
Terrazza Celè: Terrazza Celè offers a refined ambience surrounded by a secluded garden terrace that faces the sea. They specialize in pasta and seafood dishes.
Franco’s Bar: One of Positano’s most popular places for drinks and an aperitivo! Come here before dinner to enjoy a drink and a beautiful view. Something to know is that they do not take reservations, so it is on a first come first serve basis. I suggest coming at least 30 minutes before they open so you can snag one of the best seats in the house!
Maestro’s: This restaurant is part of Hotel Treville and offers fine dining and breathtaking views.
Rada Restaurant: Come here for lunch during your beach day or in the evening for a beautiful view of the beach at dinner!
Caffe Positano: Located a little further up on the hill, we stumbled upon this restaurant while roaming around Positano. The pizza, drinks, and views did not disappoint!
If you’re looking for a smaller town that feels a bit more laidback than Positano, then Amalfi is the place! I would argue it takes second place to Positano for coastal views and beautiful beaches but has its own unique charm. Whether you’re planning to use this town as a homebase like we did, or just visiting as a day trip- it is worth a trip nonetheless!
Because we found Amalfi to be slightly more cost effective than Positano or Capri, this is where we decided to stay put for the entire trip. We found a great Airbnb located right in town, just about a 5–7 minute walk to the main square. I will link our exact Airbnb here.
In case this accommodation is booked, or you are looking for something a bit different, here are some other great options.
Marina Grande of Amalfi: The main beach in Amalfi and the most famous in the Amalfi Coast, just after Positano’s main beach! A day in Amalfi town would not be complete without at least a few hours at the sunbeds. This beach is one of the more “family-friendly” beaches and also offers a free area, where you can throw down a towel and relax.
Spiaggia di Duoglio: This beach is pretty unknown to tourists and located just 1 km away from the Amalfi town square. You have two options of getting here- climbing 400 steps or renting a boat! Either way you get here, you’ll be happy you did!
Furore: One of the most unique beaches in the Amalfi Coast due to its surrounding cliffs. It is a small and narrow beach that is a bit harder to get to, but once here it is beautiful! Fun fact: it is the only fjord in Italy. It is also a tiny fisherman’s village.
Scooter rental: Scooter rentals are a fun activity in any of the towns and make for a fun excursion and some amazing photos!
Rent a vintage car: I’m sure you’ve seen the amazing photo shoots of the vintage cars in the Amalfi Coast. This is one of the most popular things to do and you’ll have these pictures for a lifetime!
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral: You can’t miss the Amalfi Cathedral, as it sits right in the heart of the small town. Go at sunrise for some epic pictures before it gets too crowded!
Andrea Pansa: located right in the heart of Amalfi, you won’t find a better location for people watching while enjoying a coffee and pastry. We came here almost every morning to start our day! It gets very crowded, very quick, so you will most likely have to wait for a table.
Donna Stella: some of the best pizza in the Amalfi Coast with a beautiful outdoor atmosphere covered in lemon trees!
Masaniello Art Cafe: A great spot for a drink after dinner!
Lido Degli Artisti: Come here for a delicious lunch on the beach!
Terrazza Duomo: This was one of our favorite meals we had during the week and the restaurant overlooks Amalfi’s beautiful old town. They offer delicious pastas, meats, and seafood!
Terrazza 17: An amazing terrace overlooking Amalfi, while offering typical local dishes like pastas and seafood.
Il Glicine at Santa Caterina Hotel: A Michelin Star restaurant with an incredible view and delicious cuisine.
While Positano is the most famous and most visited among the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri is by far the most luxurious. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, high-end designer shops, and the Blue Grotto cave. With its breathtaking scenery and more relaxed atmosphere, Capri is a must while visiting the Amalfi Coast!
Blue Grotto: The Blue Grotto is a cave located on the sea that has sunlight passing through it to create a beautiful blue reflection that illuminates the cave. You will first need to take a boat out to the cave. If you then decide you want to go inside the Blue Grotto, you will switch to a smaller boat out on the water that is small enough to fit inside. Something to know is that the men rowing the boat inside the Grotto do expect a tip, even if it is just a few euros.
Capri’s Piazzetta / Piazza Umberto I: This is Capri’s main square that is surrounded by luxury shops, cafes and bars.
The Gardens of Augustus: A beautiful botanical garden located on the island of Capri!
Belvedere of Tragara: This panoramic viewpoint is located just in front of Hotel Punta Tragara, which is an easy walk from the center of Capri.
Villa Jovis: Located on the top of Mount Tiberio, Villa Jovis sits more than 1,200 feet above sea level and is the ruins of Capri’s largest and most lavish Roman villa.
The Pizzolungo: A scenic hike in Capri that will take you 1-2 hours depending on how often you stop to admire the amazing views.
Mont Solaro: The highest point on the island, which can be reached with Capri’s funicular.
The Marina Piccola: A secluded and small beach located on the south side of the island. From the main square, you can take a bus here or arrive in just 15 minutes on foot. From Marina Piccola, you can see the famous Faraglioni rock formations that Capri is widely known for.
Ravello is a picturesque town located just above the coastline. It is known for its stunning panoramic views and beautiful gardens. It was very easy to reach Ravello from Amalfi. You just hop on a SITA bus and can reach Ravello in about 20 minutes. If you decide to rent a scooter during your trip and feel confident taking it up to Ravello, this is another great option to get there from Amalfi. Once you are in Ravello, you will be able to see the quaint town on foot.
As I previously mentioned, I didn’t mind the fact that we stayed in Amalfi and only took a day trip to Ravello. I personally loved being down by the beaches and closer to the coast. With that being said, I have also heard others say they definitely DO suggest staying 1-2 nights in Ravello. It definitely gives a different vibe than say Positano for example, as it has a much more relaxed and calmer atmosphere.
In case you decide that staying in Ravello is the atmosphere you’re looking for, I have found a few options of accommodations for you.
Even if you opt not to stay in Ravello, it is still worth the day trip!
Spiaggia di Castiglione Beach: Because Ravello sits on top of a cliff and not on the coastline, there are no beaches in the town of Ravello. You’ll find the nearest beach to be in the town Minori.
Visit the famous gardens (Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo): While Villa Cimbrone is now a 5-star hotel, its beautiful garden is open to the public. They offer amazing views of the sea, stunning gardens, and both are a top attraction while visiting Ravello.
Duomo di Ravello: Situated right in Ravello’s main square, visiting this beautiful cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
Shopping in Ravello: You’ll find many charming shops and boutiques in Ravello that are far less crowded than Amalfi or Positano. It’s worth taking some time to pop in and out of the stores!
Ravello to Minori trail and lemon walk: Minori is another little town on the Amalfi Coast that sits right underneath Ravello. You can walk to Minori in about 40 minutes and have great views along the way. Once you’re in Minori, you can take the “Sentiero dei Limoni” or “Lemon Walk” to Maoiri, which leads you through many lemon groves. The walk from Minori to Maoiri takes around an hour depending on how often you stop.
Enjoy lunch in the main square of Ravello: we found a great spot for lunch in the main square where we could enjoy a quick sandwich and some people watching before continuing on with our day in Ravello.
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The Amalfi Coast is truly one of the most beautiful places and deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. Of course, it can get expensive and overcrowded in the summer, but for good reason. If you plan accordingly, schedule your trip for May, June or September, book reservations and activities in advance, this trip will not disappoint. You’ll leave the Amalfi Coast and already be dreaming of the next time you come back. I know I did!
Are you heading anywhere else in Italy during your trip? Be sure to check out my other Italy travel guides in Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome!
If you’re like me and need help keeping all of your travel plans and itinerary organized, be sure to check out my travel journal that I designed for just this reason! It’s how I plan every single trip and keep organized. It has everything you need from a packing list, a page for your accommodation info, travel itinerary, budgeting on your trip, journaling each day and more!
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