Searching for la dolce vita? You can find it on the Amalfi Coast. The dreamy, rustic coast is located in the southern region of Italy. The 30-mile stretch of the mountainous coastline may be small, but it packs a unique combination of beautiful Mediterranean architecture and stunning natural wonders. With the coast’s dramatic jagged cliffs, pastel-colored buildings and glistening aquamarine waters, it is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, the picturesque coast became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
The coast is home to a collection of gorgeous towns wrapping around the mountains, each with its own charm to offer. The atmosphere on the coast exudes a dramatic, romantic aura. It is the classic Italian indulgence. The coast truly comes alive during its peak season from September to October.
Stop dreaming about this idyllic escape and plan your visit to the fascinating and memorable Amalfi Coast.
1. Begin at Sorrento
Small fishing boats at harbor Marina Grande in Sorrento | Cezary Wojtkowski, Getty Images
While not technically a part of the Amalfi Coast as it is on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is popular with those visiting the area. This is because it is the gateway to the coast from the City of Naples. However, the town is not without charms — it is a treasure trove of gorgeous landscaping, trendy shops, and hotels with access to the beach.
Jump off your Mediterranean adventure in Sorrento. Visitors say it has a more authentic atmosphere than the more touristy parts of the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento
80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Don Geppi Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Accènto Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• La Cantinaccia del Popolo (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Sorrento in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Sorrento based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Hotel Ambasciatori (9.3/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
2. Explore Positano
Beautiful Positano colors, amalfi, Italy | lina harb, Getty Images
Positano is perhaps what people imagine when they visit Amalfi Coast. Its iconic landscape features cascading cliffs hugged by brightly colored houses and a busy turquoise harbor filled with luxury yachts and boats. Most visitors flock to this town because it is easily accessible from the airport and has most of the coast’s accommodation.
Wander through the steep footpaths of the city and see what you can find in the beautiful and lively town of Positano. If you have a short time on the coast, Positano is your best bet to get the most out of your time.
Positano
84017 Positano, Province of Salerno, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Casa Mele (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Il Ritrovo (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• Terrazza Celè (4.5/5 stars, Italian, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Positano in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Positano based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi (9.1/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
3. See Atrani on Foot
Morning view of Amalfi cityscape on coast line of mediterranean sea, Italy | Aleh Varanishcha, Getty Images
Atrani is a small coastal fishing village that seems to be stuck in a time bubble. Despite modern times, its buildings are well-preserved and full of character, giving it a distinctly old Italian charm. The town is peaceful yet full of interesting nooks and crannies. It’s perfect for a laidback exploration on foot. Stroll through the scenic winding streets and stunning coastline of Italy’s best-kept secret.
Piazza Umberto, the town’s main square, is one of the few busy spots in the area. Stop by a cafe terrace and people watch over a warm drink.
Atrani
84010, Atrani, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• A’Paranza (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Sensi Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Shabu Amalfi (4.6/5 stars, Sushi, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Atrani in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Atrani based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Belmond Hotel Caruso (9.5/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
4. Take a photo at Amalfi
This aerial shot was taken at the sunrise over Amalfi breathtaking coastline | Roi Shomer, Getty Images
One of the most scenic beach destinations on the coast is in the town of Amalfi. From its name, you can tell it is the main town in the region. The coastal town is bigger than the other towns due to one of the town’s attractions: the Amalfi Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. Appreciate the picturesque landscape the town offers and take a snapshot to capture the memory.
One of the highlights of the town is the scenic, winding cliffside ride to get to the town. Make sure you sit on the coastal side of the bus for impressive views of the coast.
Amalfi
84011 Amalfi, SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ristorante Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra – antica trattoria dal 1911 (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Da Gemma (4.5/5 stars, Southern Italian, €€)
• Taverna degli Apostoli (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Amalfi in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Amalfi based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Villa Cimbrone (9/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
5. Find peace in Praiano
Praiano town from above, right by the ocean, Amalfi coast, Italy | Shalom Rufeisen
Amalfi Coast is popular and the influx of tourists can be overwhelming. Escape the crowds and head to the sleepy town of Praiano. Located just 10 kilometers from Positano, it promises a quick and easy escape. As it is located below the towering cliffs of the coast, rather than over them, Praiano brings the calm Meditteranean waters closer to you.
Take in the serene atmosphere of the quaint fishing village tucked away in the quiet corners of the coast. If you want more quiet time, you can opt to take the excellent scenic hikes in the area starting from the town.
Praiano
84010, Praiano, SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ristorante Il Pino (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Kasai (4.7/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Trattoria Da Armandino (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Praiano in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Praiano based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Onda Verde (9.4/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
6. Sample pasta at Minori
Minori, Italy. Amalfi Coast. View on the city, mountains, beach | Daria Zlodyushkina, Getty Images
Located in a wide cove at the center of the Amalfi Coast is Minori. This seaside town is a relaxing fish village that attracts with its rustic and scruffy vibe. What made the town famous is its pasta. In the 18th century, the folk of Minori became experts at creating pasta largely due to the watermills and pasta factories operating in the town. Taste the authentic Italian pasta in the small restaurants nestled between the charming, pastel-colored buildings.
One famed attraction in the town is Villa Marittima Romana, an ancient Roman villa that used to be the lofty residence of an influential member of the imperial court.
Minori
84010, Minori, SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Osteria Il Pontile (5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Ristorante L’Antica Cartiera (4.6/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Ristorante Garum (5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Minori in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Minori based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Palazzo Avino (9.3/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
7. Visit the beach at Maiori
Road on Amalfi coast between Maiori and Minori, Campania, Italy | Milena Pigdanowicz-Fidera, Getty Images
A stone’s throw away from Minori is Maiori. Maiori, like its neighbor town, is a small fishing village. The town is famous for having one of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Over 930 meters long and 40 meters wide, having the longest unbroken stretch of beach in the region did not come with a price. It was a result of devastating floods in 1954 that destroyed the town’s historic center and increased the shoreline to what it is today.
Stretch your toes and soak in the sun in one of the few sandy beaches of the Amalfi Coast. There are plenty of beachside accommodations if you wish to stay on the beautiful beach for a little bit longer.
Maiori
84010 Maiori, SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Donna Maria pizza (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Torre Normanna (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• Enjoy Bistrot (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Maiori in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Maiori based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• B&B Palazzo Montesanto (9.4/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
8. Descend to Fiordo di Furore
Tyrrhenian sea bay in Campania region called Fiordo di Furore | YKD, Getty Images
Fiordo di Furore is the sole fjord in the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Highway runs through it with a bridge that connects the two sides of the fjord. The bridge gives it a unique geological feature you can admire from the base of the gorge. Stairs line the gorge’s cliff, which you can use to descend to a small beach. Admire the bridge as man’s ingenuity to enable access to beautiful vantage points.
You can also take a refreshing dip in the gorge’s cozy beach.
Fiordo di Furore
Via Marina di Praia, 2, 84010 Furore SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Melchiò (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Restaurant La Selva Di Fusco Antonio (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• Trattoria Da Armandino (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Fiordo di Furore in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Fiordo di Furore based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Divina Costiera B&B (9.4/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
9. Enjoy the views at Ravello
Romantic ornamental garden on mediterranean coast,Ravello | Leonid Sorokin, Getty Images
Set on the cliff sides of Amalfi Coast is the gorgeous town of Ravello. The town is known for its beautiful and well-maintained gardens and villas, most of which are open to the public. Given its steep location, the gardens offer amazing views of the deep blue sea and stunning coastline. Visit the two famous Ravello Gardens – Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo – and immerse yourself in all its splendor.
Ravello is also nicknamed the City of Music, as it hosts plenty of music festivals and concerts. If you’re lucky, you can catch a concert on Villa Rufolo’s scenic terrace.
Ravello
84010 Ravello, SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Belvedere Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Ristorante L’Antica Cartiera (4.6/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Borgo San Pietro ristorante (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Ravello in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Ravello based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Marmorata (8.8/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
10. Make your way through Valle Delle Ferriere
Small waterfall in the Valley of the Ferriere, Amalfi Coast | Aleh Varanishcha, Getty Images
Fic’ ‘a Noce – Valle delle Ferriere | Giovanni Visetti, YouTube
Valle Delle Ferriere is a nature reserve in the Amalfi Coast. Considered one of the coast’s prized jewels, it showcases the region’s natural beauty. Seeing lush tropical forests, flowing streams and cascading waterfalls may not be what you imagined in Amalfi, but it is a happy surprise. This valley has provided water sources to the many farms, factories and businesses on the coast, thus instrumental in helping Amalfi become the world-class destination it is today.
Take the relatively easy 6.4-kilometer hike to admire the beauty of the Riserva Natural Orientata. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Valle Delle Ferriere can be reached within an hour’s walk from Amalfi.
Valle Delle Ferriere
Via Valle Delle Ferriere, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Ph: +39 338 560 5550
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ristorante Savò Quality Food (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Il Veliero (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, €€)
• Hostaria Acquolina (4.6/5 stars, Italian, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Valle Delle Ferriere in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Valle Delle Ferriere based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Casa Nilde (9.5/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
11. Walk the Path of the Gods
Path of the Gods Trailhead (Positano) | karp85, Getty Images
The Best Hike in the World is Italy’s Path of the Gods | ANYDOKO, YouTube
The best things in life may come at a price, especially in the Amalfi Coast, but this definitely does cost a pretty dime. The Sentiero Degli Dei, or the Path of the Gods, is a cliff top trail that runs along a mountain ridge high above the sea. The high altitude allows for dramatic and sweeping views of the turquoise waters below, framed by the rugged cliffside terrain.
Set aside half a day to walk along this 7.8-kilometer ancient trail that takes you through farmland and valleys with sublime overlooking views. There are several options on how you can start this trek. You can start at Praiano or the more popular Bomerano section.
Path of the Gods Trailhead (Positano)
Via Pizzillo, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Ph: +39 081 879 1064
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Santa Croce (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• La Taverna Del Leone (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• Casa Mele (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Path of the Gods Trailhead (Positano) Inizio del Sentiero Degli Dei (Positano) in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Path of the Gods Trailhead (Positano) Inizio del Sentiero Degli Dei (Positano) based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Unconventional Sorrento Coast (9.4/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
12. Lounge at Arienzo Beach
Bagni d’Arienzo beach in village Positano | mathess, Getty Images
Sometimes a little trouble is worth the rewards. This certainly holds true for the popular Arienzo Beach. Tucked away between two cliffs, this secluded beach can be reached by going down a 300-step stairway. The descent can be somewhat of a struggle or a mini workout. However, it is worth it as you will be rewarded with the beautiful scenery of the glimmering beach with few crowds.
The beauty can almost make you forget the arduous task of going up the stairs to get back to the coastal road. Enjoy the Mediterranean sun on one of the most intimate beaches on the coast. The beach has umbrellas and sun loungers you can avail of for a small fee.
Arienzo Beach
Via Arienzo, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Ph: +39 089 812002
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Santa Croce (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Terrazza Celè (4.5/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Ristorante Adamo ed Eva Positano (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Arienzo Beach in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Arienzo Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Hotel Tritone (9/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
13. Walk along the shoreline at Fornillo Beach
The beach of Fornillo on a mild winter morning | lucamato, Getty Images
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its pristine beaches. One particular beach is beloved by artists and has in fact been immortalized in paintings in an effort to capture its beauty: Fornillo Beach. This small pebble beach in the heart of Positano features the rocky mountains descending to the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea and the iconic Clavel Tower, an ancient stone watchtower.
Take in the wonderful views of the surrounding area by taking a quiet stroll along its shoreline. You’ll realize why many have fallen in love with the seaside scenery.
The pebbles can get hot under the sun, so make sure to bring your beach shoes for a more comfortable walk.
Fornillo Beach
Spiaggia di, Via Fornillo, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ristorante Da Costantino (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Li Galli (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
• Restaurant Mirage (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Fornillo Beach in Amalfi Coast.
The best hotel to stay near Fornillo Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Villa Magia (9.6/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
14. Take the ferry for a lovely time
Beautiful Positano, Amalfi coast, Italy | Cristinatrif, Getty Images
Amalfi to Positano Ferry ride, Amalfi Coast, Italy | JivingGerbil, YouTube
For a wallet-friendly option to see the sights of the Amalfi Coast, opt to take a ferry and see the island from a fresh perspective. The best views of the island can be had out on the sea, where a panoramic view of the island comes into your view during the boat ride. The region offers ferry rides from April 1 to October 31 to carry visitors to the coasts’ many towns. The popular routes to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi start in mid-May.
Gain an unobstructed vantage point of the breathtaking cliffs and bright architecture adorning the coast as you cruise along the sea.
15. Bring home limoncello
Traditional delicious Italian lemons in Taormina, Sicily, Italy on farmer market | romrodinka, Getty Images
Regions of Italy have different goods that it takes pride in. For the Amalfi Coast, its towns are known for its locally grown lemons, especially in Amalfi and Sorrento. Amalfi lemons are renowned for their sweet, tart flavor and powerful citrus aroma. Some consider these lemons as the best in the world. Shops line the towns in Amalfi, retailing different goods created from the famous lemons like soap, perfumes, candles, and limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur.
Bring home lemons and lemon-inspired souvenirs that bring you back to the refreshing atmosphere of the coast.
Like this article? Share it!
Subscribe to get more travel tips and guides like these to your inbox.
