Amalfi Coast
Everything you need to know before you go.
The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Campania region, stretching from Sorrento to almost Salerno. It is famous for its medieval cliffside fishing villages, colored terrace houses, and steep lemon tree gardens overlooking an azure sea. The vibe is high end and visually stunning, though you should expect prices to be higher here than in Naples. If you enjoy Mediterranean climates with sunny, dry summers and lush vegetation, this is a great spot.
You will love it if you prefer scenic beauty over city chaos. I suggest visiting towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, as each has its own specific flair. For those who want to get away from the beach, Scala and Tramonti are great mountain options that offer more facilities during the hot summer months. While you can take a Sita Coach or Travelmar ferries from Naples (which cost about 32 Euros for adults), avoid driving yourself. The roads are narrow and parking is almost non existent.
While there, make sure to try local dishes featuring the region's famous lemons. Since this area is known for its steep lemon gardens, citrus flavored seafood and pastries are staples. Spend your time exploring the coast from west to east, hitting spots like Praiano, Furore, and Maiori. Just keep in mind that during the summer, tourist buses often face one way road limitations between Sorrento and Salerno.
Here are some things to do on the Amalfi Coast based on what I know.
Sightseeing
- The Duomo - Visit the cathedral and the Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi. $15, 2h.
- Villa Cimbrone - Explore this estate in Ravello for great views. $12, 2h.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta - A key stop when you are in Positano. $0, 1h.
Outdoor Nature
- Sentiero degli Dei - Hike the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle for views of the cliffs. $0, 4h.
- Fjord of Furore - Check out the Mulino Cartiera paper mill and the Monazzeni area. $0, 2h.
- Mountain Paths - Take a hiking trip along the trails around Positano. $0, 3h.
Cultural
- Ancient Roman Villa - Visit this site and the church of Santa Trofimena in Minori. $10, 2h.
- Villa Rufolo - Another must see landmark located in Ravello. $10, 2h.
- San Salvatore del Birecto - A quiet church to visit while you are in Atrani. $0, 1h.
Day Trips
- Pompeii - Take a trip to the ruins of this ancient city. $25, 6h.
- Capri - Hop over to the island for a day. $50, 8h.
- Mount Vesuvius - Climb the volcano for a view of the region. $15, 4h.
Since the provided reference data doesn't list specific hotels or restaurants, I'm relying on general travel knowledge for these recommendations.
Budget Hotel Flora - Ravello. $120 to $200 per night. It is a quiet spot away from the main crowds. Hostel Positano - Positano. $80 to $150 per night. Good for solo travelers who want to be near the beach.
Mid-range Hotel Marina La Scala - Amalfi. $300 to $500 per night. You get great views of the coast and easy town access. Hotel Bellevue - Amalfi. $350 to $600 per night. It has a nice terrace for morning coffee.
Luxury Le Sirenuse - Positano. $1,200 to $2,500 per night. One of the most famous views in Italy. Belmond Hotel Caruso - Ravello. $1,500 to $3,000 per night. It is perched high up with an incredible infinity pool.
Dining Da Gemma (Seafood) - Amalfi. High end. Try the fresh catch of the day. Lo Scoglio (Mediterranean) - Nerano. Mid range. Great for lunch after a boat ride. Trattoria Da Lorenzo (Italian) - Positano. Budget. Simple pasta and local wine. Chez Black (Seafood) - Positano. Mid range. Right on the beach. Ristorante Belvedere (Italian) - Ravello. High end. Focuses on regional ingredients from the hills.
Watch out for pickpockets in the crowded areas. Keep your phone and wallet secure at all times. If you have extra time, take a trip to Pompeii or Capri.
Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). Flights from major US cities like NYC or LA usually range from $800 to $1,400 depending on the season.
Once you land, you have a few ways to get toward the coast. Taxis from the airport to Naples city center typically cost between $30 and $50 USD. For public transit, the Alibus shuttle is the standard cheap option to reach the central station.
From Naples, skip the rental car. The roads are narrow, parking is nonexistent, and there is a mandatory alternating license plate system on the SS163 road during peak season. If your rental car has an odd ending number, you cannot enter on odd days.
Here are your best practical options from Naples:
- Ferry: Travelmar runs ferries from Naples to Amalfi via Capri. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs ā¬32 (roughly $35 USD) for adults.
- Bus: Sita Coach runs buses from Naples to Sorrento in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with 2 to 3 departures per hour.
- Hydrofoil: Aliscafo offers fast hydrofoils from Naples to Sorrento with 6 to 7 trips per day.
If you are already in nearby cities like Salerno, Paestum, or Capri, you can catch ferries to Amalfi during the summer months.
Once you arrive, avoid driving yourself. If you have experience riding a scooter, renting one is a great way to navigate the traffic. If you have never ridden one, do not learn here because the roads are too dangerous.
While you are there, eat some fresh seafood or pasta with lemon and spend about $20 to $50 USD per meal at local trattorias. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral and walk through the town center before heading back to Naples for your flight.
If you want to visit the Amalfi Coast, timing is everything because the experience changes completely based on the crowd levels and the weather.
Peak Season: July and August Avoid these months if you can. It is sunny and dry, but the heat is intense and the crowds are at their highest. You will find that hotels in Positano and Amalfi hike their prices significantly. A decent hotel room during this window can easily cost $600 to $1,200 per night. Traffic on the narrow coastal roads becomes a nightmare.
The Sweet Spot: May, June, and September These are the best months to go. You get the Mediterranean sunshine without the oppressive August heat. Prices for accommodation drop slightly compared to peak summer, though they remain high. It is the ideal time to hike the Path of the Gods or spend a day at the beach in Praiano.
The Low Season: November through March Winters are mild but variable. Many hotels and restaurants close for the season, especially in smaller villages. However, this is when you find the lowest prices. You can find boutique stays for $150 to $300 per night. It is a great time to see the lush vegetation that comes from the region's abundant rainfall without fighting through tourists.
Temperature Guide
- Summer: Highs often hit 85Ā°F to 90Ā°F.
- Winter: Mild daytime temperatures, usually ranging from 50Ā°F to 60Ā°F.
Practical Tips for Your Trip When you are there, eat local seafood and try Scialatielli, a thick local pasta. For a meal in a seaside trattoria, expect to pay $40 to $70 per person including wine. If you visit during the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy landmarks like the Duomo di Amalfi without waiting in long lines. Since the weather is variable in winter, pack a waterproof jacket for those rainy days that keep the landscape so green.