A romantic, stunning and bucket list worthy destination, the Amalfi Coast is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Coastal mountains, gastronomic delights, festivals, Instagram worthy sights, cliff top Amalfi Coast villas, lush forests, exhilarating hiking trails and the list goes on. What’s not to love? So here’s everything you need to know!
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Where is the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is located on the south side of southern Italy in the province of Salerno. The steep landscape of the Amalfi Coast bridges the Gulf of Naples and Gulf of Salerno. The Amalfi Coast is connected by a 40km road known as the Strada Statale 163 which runs from the town of Vietri sul Mare to Positano. There are thirteen municipalities along the Amalfi Coast and all have their own unique charm making them tourist destinations in their own right.
Need some inspiration? Check out this Naples to Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Amalfi Coast Weather and When to Visit
Being in the Mediterranean the climate on the Amalfi coast consists of mild winters and warm summers. July and August are is when the heat is at its peak but this is also high season for the coast. The tourist season officially starts in Easter and runs until September. Spring is when the weather is just warm enough and the flowers are in bloom. May, June and September will be less busy, generally cheaper and still have great weather.
Amalfi Coast Hotels
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury hotels, budget boutiques and grand villas on the Amalfi Coast. Here are five of the best hotels in the area.
- Hotel Pellegrino
- Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
- Hotel Palazzo Murat
- Il San Pietro di Positano
- Holidays Fico D’India
Amalfi Coast Airport and Flights to the Amalfi Coast
The nearest international airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples which is approximately 60km away and would take about an hour and a half at the most. The next closest is Rome (FCO) which is around a four hour drive. It is also possible to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples by train.
Easyjet and British Airways fly direct regularly to Naples from London and other airlines such as Thomas Cook, Monarch, Meridiana, Norwegian Air and Thomsonfly operate flights less frequently.
Check your flight prices below:
Things to do in the Amalfi Coast
Take a Hike
With its natural beauty and steep cliff faces, it’s no wonder that the Amalfi coast is popular amongst hikers. One of the most popular routes is the 7km ‘Path of the Gods’. Take a bus to Agerola and exit at Bomerano to start your hike. The hike isn’t along cliff edges but it does have lose steps and rocks so tread carefully. You can end the hike in either Nocelle or Positano.
Take a boat tour
A boat tour is a must to really appreciate the sprawling coastline of the Amalfi area. Not only can you avoid the summer traffic whilst taking in the major cities, you can also visit some secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat.
Go souvenir shopping
The town of Vietri sul Mare is a popular destination for its ceramics offering a unique blend of colour and art. You can while away an afternoon exploring the artisan stalls and craft shops.
Visit Ravello
A trip to the Amalfi coast wouldn’t be complete without seeing Ravello. Visit the Villa Rufolo which has extensive views from its terraced gardens. If you’re fortunate enough to be on the Amalfi Coast during summertime, try and catch an outdoor concert during the Ravello festival.
Go underground
The town of Conca dei Marini is home to the stunning Grotta dello Smeraldo. What makes this cave so special is the refracted light entering the cave opening which gives it an emerald glow. The cave is partially flooded with sea water so you’ll need to take an elevator from the surface and then board a boat that will take you through the grotto.
Eat seafood in Positano
A quiet fishing village until the 50’s when a Harper’s Bazaar article put it on the map, Positano is extremely photogenic and it’s prime location on the coast means it has a popular beach and exquisite seafood restaurants. Here’s a list of more things to do in Positano.
Get artsy in Sorrento
Sorrento is home to the Museo Correale a popular tourist attraction for those in the area. The 18th century villa is home to a vast array of paintings and porcelains.
Visit Cetara
Cetara is less popular with foreign tourists but that does not make this place any less special. This beautiful fishing village is renowned for its seafood and some might say it’s the best on the coast. For more information, check out this detailed guide to Cetara.
Go clubbing in Praiano
If you’re into clubbing or just fancy a lively night out the Africana Famous Club is a unique experience to have on the Amalfi Coast. Built inside a cave in 1962, it formerly attracted starts the world over. After a long closure, the club has now been reopened after a renovation. You’ll arrive by boat into the carved cave with stunning views of the sea.
Amar was born and raised in England and embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second, which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then, Amar has spent the last 14 years traveling the 7 continents.
Melanie Campbell
Thursday 28th of September 2017
Thank you for all the info – great review! I’m planning to go on a trip to the Amalfi coast mid-December. We’re planning to stay in Sorrento and then get to know the rest of the cities. We wanted to avoid renting a car. Is this advisable? Which is the best way to travel between cities? Thanks in advance!
Laura
Wednesday 26th of April 2017
Great info and ideas here for planning a trip....which we shall we doing very soon, thank you! :-)