Italy’s Amalfi Coast is dotted with colorful towns, and the dramatic landscapes and idyllic weather have drawn people to the region for millennia.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
The mountains and cliffs are dotted with historic houses perched above the crystal clear waters, making the coast one of the most visited destinations in the world.
Positano, Ravello, Sorrento and Amalfi are the area’s top destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Amalfi Coast is located in southern Italy, in the Campania region, 50 km from Naples. It is one of the most famous driving routes in the world, and driving along its curves, high on the cliffs, is truly spectacular.
The route starts in Sorrento, ends in Vietri sul Mare, and along the approximately 55 km, incredible landscapes await you at every turn.
There are several possibilities to visit the area: by public transport (train, bus or high speed ferry), private transfer or rental car/scooter.
We rented a car from Naples airport and stayed in the small town of Gragnano, famous for pasta production, which started here since the 1500s (Pasta di Gragnano).
If you rent a car, one of the biggest problems is finding a parking space. In Positano it was the hardest to find something, especially since we arrived in the afternoon, and all the parking lots were already full, and where there was still availability, it cost 10-11€/h. Here you find a list of car parks on the Amalfi Coast.
We had two days to visit the Amalfi Coast, so on the first day we chose to go to Salerno and included the towns of Minori, Maiori, Atrani, Vietri Sul Mare and Amalfi, and on the second day we visited Sorrento and Positano. To truly experience this glamorous area you definitely need several days, even a week.
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is between April and June or the second half of September, when the temperatures (and prices) are not very high and there are no crowds.
Amalfi is the main road and maritime hub of the Coast and the town that gives the Amalfi Coast its name. The picturesque town lies beneath steep cliffs on the south-west coast of Italy.
You can get here very easily from Positano, Capri or other major destinations on the Amalfi Coast by any means of transport.
In Amalfi you cannot miss the famous architectural masterpiece: Duomo di Sant’Andrea. The dome is famous for its special architecture, with Moorish influences, as well as for the fact that it houses the skull of St. Andrew the Apostle.
As well as sitting on the beach, you can stroll around the stunning town, past traditional boutiques and shops selling ceramics, handmade leather goods or delicious local citrus dishes.
In Amalfi we parked at Parcheggio Berma and paid €17/3h.
About 3 km from Amalfi is Minori. It is a small and authentic town, famous for its pasta making that dates back to the Medieval Era.
Also in the heart of the city are the ancient ruins of the Villa Romana e Antiquarium, which features restored tile work, thermal baths and other interesting artefacts perfectly preserved.
Near Minori is the town of Maiori which has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast (930m long and 40m wide) and one of the few sandy beaches.
The towns of Maiori and Minori are connected to The Path of Lemons trail. Spend a day among lemon groves and stunning sea views.
Atrani is Italy‘s smallest city, with an area of ​​0.12 km2. The town is only a few minutes’ walk from the town of Amalfi, making it easy to access. The beach in Atrani is the right place to relax, the sunbeds and umbrellas having a lower price than in other towns on the Coast.
Vietri Sul Mare is known for its ceramics industry and considered the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Vietri ceramics are characterized by bright colors and bold designs and are exported worldwide.
Ornate and vibrant plaques can be found all over the city – in churches, alleys, on walls, fences, floors and in courtyards.
To see the cultural heritage of the city you can visit the multitude of ceramic shops, including Ceramica Pinto, but also the Museum of Ceramics and the Solimene Ceramic Factory.
In addition to these, there are other sights such as the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Dragonara Castle, built in the 17th century.
Salerno is located in the Gulf of Salerno and known for its historical and cultural heritage. It was an important center of learning in the Middle Ages and the birthplace of modern European university medicine.
Salerno is home to interesting sights such as the Arechi Castle, a fortress built in the 8th century, and the Cathedral of Salerno, which dates back to the 12th century.
If you’ve seen pictures of the Amalfi Coast, chances are you’ve seen the town of Positano. With its brightly colored houses spilling over the cliffs surrounding the bay and the mountains rising behind, Positano is a place steeped in stories and the absolute gem of the Amalfi Coast.
The largest and most emblematic beach in Positano is Spiaggia Grande, also called Marina Grande Beach.
If you want a quiet place on the Amalfi Coast, visit Scala . It is the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast, founded – according to legend – in the 4th century AD. by the Roman castaways with the aim of reaching Constantinople.
Scala is scattered in many hamlets on the mountainside and some of the medieval walls of ancient fortresses can be found throughout the valley, making it the ideal place for a hike.
Sorrento is one of the main must-sees on the Amalfi Coast. The town is located on the Sorrentina Peninsula, perched on the cliffs with superb views of the bay and busy harbours.
The historic center is made up of narrow alleys lined with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cathedral of Sorrento, the Basilica of Saint Antonino, and the Correale Museum.
Sorrento is also famous for Limoncello, a traditional Italian liqueur made from lemons.
We recommend you stop at Limonoro. We tasted lemon, pistachio and melon cream liqueur and fell in love with everything.
In Sorrento there is the Municipal Parking Achille Lauro – 4€/2h.
Located in a natural and picturesque setting, on the border between the sea and the mountains, the Amalfi Coast is the most beautiful area of ​​Italy and we recommend you to visit it.
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