Amalfi Coast Travel Guide

Discover the stunning Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy with our comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a picturesque strip of coastline in the Salerno province of Campania, in Southern Italy. Along the coast, steep cliffs rise dramatically from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, dotted with colorful fishing villages, lemon groves, and terraced vineyards. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Amalfi Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Amalfi Coast is steeped in history, art, and architecture, making it a fascinating destination for culture buffs. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions include:

  • The Cathedral of Amalfi: This stunning cathedral was built in the 9th century and features a mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles.

  • Villa Cimbrone: This iconic villa in Ravello is known for its beautiful gardens, intricate mosaics, and stunning views of the coast.

  • Museo della Carta: This museum in Amalfi tells the story of the region’s rich paper-making heritage, which dates back to the 12th century.

  • Pompeii: This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD but has been remarkably preserved, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Roman times.

Natural Attractions of Amalfi Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Amalfi Coast is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Some of the must-visit natural attractions include:

  • Sentiero degli Dei: This hiking trail runs along the Amalfi Coast and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

  • Emerald Grotto: This sea cave in Conca dei Marini is known for its emerald-green waters, stalactites, and stalagmites.

  • Furore Fjord: This stunning fjord is one of the most picturesque spots on the Amalfi Coast and can be explored by boat.

  • Valle delle Ferriere: This nature reserve near Amalfi is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and streams in the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts, thanks to its rugged terrain, scenic trails, and breathtaking views. Some of the best hiking and biking routes on the Amalfi Coast include:

  • Path of the Gods: This trail runs from Bomerano to Nocelle and offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside.

  • Monte Tre Calli: This mountain offers some of the most challenging hiking trails in the area, with steep ascents and stunning views of the coast.

  • Sorrento Peninsula: This peninsula offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the region, with challenging terrain and breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Amalfi Coast: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do on the Amalfi Coast, whether you’re interested in history, culture, adventure or just kicking back and relaxing. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Take a boat tour: There are plenty of boat tours available along the coast, which offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.

  • Visit the beaches: The beaches of the Amalfi Coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.

  • Taste the local cuisine: The food on the Amalfi Coast is world-renowned, with a focus on fresh seafood, local vegetables, and homemade pasta.

  • Explore the villages: The villages along the coast are each unique and charming, offering a glimpse into life on the Amalfi Coast.

Week-Long Itinerary for Amalfi Coast

If you’re planning a week-long trip to the Amalfi Coast, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Naples and transfer to your hotel on the Amalfi Coast
  • Day 2: Explore the villages of Positano and Amalfi
  • Day 3: Visit the archaeological site of Pompeii
  • Day 4: Hike along the Sentiero degli Dei trail
  • Day 5: Take a boat tour to Capri
  • Day 6: Visit Ravello and its beautiful gardens
  • Day 7: Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast

Food and Drink Scene of Amalfi Coast

Must-Try Dishes

The food on the Amalfi Coast is renowned for its freshness and simplicity, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes. Some of the must-try dishes in the area include:

  • Spaghetti alle vongole: Spaghetti with fresh clams, garlic, and parsley is a classic dish on the Amalfi Coast.

  • Pizza Margherita: Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is just a short drive from the Amalfi Coast, so be sure to try this classic dish.

  • Insalata di mare: A refreshing salad of mixed seafood, lemon juice, and olive oil is perfect on a hot summer day.

  • Limoncello: This sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur is made from the lemons grown in the area and is a popular after-dinner drink.

Local Beverages

In addition to limoncello, the Amalfi Coast is also known for its excellent wines, particularly the whites and rosés. Some of the best local wines to try include:

  • Furore Bianco: This dry white wine is made from the local Falanghina grape and pairs well with seafood dishes.

  • Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: This red wine is made from the Piedirosso grape and has a smoky, earthy flavor.

  • Amalfi Coast Rosato: This refreshing rosé is made from the Aglianico grape and has fruity notes of red berries and citrus.

Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Amalfi Coast has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in the area include:

  • Palazzo Avino: This luxury hotel in Ravello offers stunning views of the coast, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and beautifully appointed rooms and suites.

  • Hotel Tramonto d’Oro: This family-run hotel in Praiano offers a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, a swimming pool, and comfortable rooms.

  • Ostello Brikette: This budget-friendly hostel in Amalfi offers clean and comfortable dorm rooms and private rooms, as well as a communal kitchen and lounge.

What to Buy in Amalfi Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its ceramics, limoncello, and handmade paper products. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Ceramics: Hand-painted ceramic tiles, plates, and bowls are a popular souvenir from the Amalfi Coast.

  • Limoncello: This sweet liqueur is made from the lemons grown in the area and is the perfect gift for friends and family back home.

  • Handmade paper: The Amalfi Coast has a long tradition of paper-making, and handmade paper products such as notebooks and cards make unique and thoughtful gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Amalfi Coast

The people of the Amalfi Coast are proud of their heritage and traditions, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms. Some of the local customs and traditions to be aware of include:

  • Dress code: When visiting churches or other religious sites, be sure to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.

  • Siesta: Many shops and restaurants close during the midday siesta, so be sure to plan your activities accordingly.

  • Respect for elders: Respect for elders is an important part of the culture on the Amalfi Coast, and visitors are expected to show deference to older people.

Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. July and August are the busiest months, with high temperatures and large crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Amalfi Coast

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, particularly seafood dishes and limoncello.

  • Do explore the beautiful villages and take in the stunning views of the coastline.

  • Do visit Pompeii to learn more about the area’s fascinating history.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

  • Don’t try to drive along the narrow, winding roads of the Amalfi Coast unless you are an experienced driver.

  • Don’t be disrespectful to older people or ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is generally a safe destination for travelers, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Health in Amalfi Coast

It’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during the summer months, as the heat and sun can be intense. In case of a medical emergency, head to the nearest hospital or call for an ambulance.

Getting to Amalfi Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Amalfi Coast

The closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (NAP), which is about an hour’s drive from the coast.

Bus Stations Near Amalfi Coast

The local SITA bus company offers regular bus service along the coast, stopping in all the major towns.

Other Options

You can also take a train from Naples to Salerno or Sorrento, and then take a bus or ferry to the Amalfi Coast.

How to Get Around in Amalfi Coast

The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is on foot or by public transportation. The local SITA bus company offers regular bus service along the coast, and ferries also run between the towns.

Where to Go Next from Amalfi Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore from the Amalfi Coast, including:

  • Capri: This beautiful island in the Gulf of Naples is just a short ferry ride from the Amalfi Coast, offering stunning views, excellent shopping, and beautiful beaches.

  • Naples: The bustling city of Naples is just an hour’s drive from the Amalfi Coast and is famous for its pizza, museums, and art.

  • Sorrento: This charming town on the Sorrentine Peninsula offers beautiful views of the Bay of Naples, excellent shopping, and delicious food.

Conclusion

The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for travelers who love stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and exceptional cuisine. With its charming villages, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful trails, the Amalfi Coast offers something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to this magical corner of the world.

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    Atrani
    Positano
    Praiano
    Scala