Amalfi Coast Guide: All you need to know in 2025
How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast?
Public Transport:
There are bus lines on the Amalfi Coast. But when the weather permits, ferries are a much more efficient way to visit the villages.
Ferries
Ferries along the Amalfi Coast run all year long. But the winter timetable is a bit more limited. Taking a ferry will allow you to see the coast from the sea, that is a very scenic perspective. And you can save time compared to buses. Check out my post on ferries, with updated timetable for 2025 summer season.
Buses
There are public bus lines along the Amalfi Coast. The main company is SITA Sud. The two main routes are Salerno to Amalfi and Amalfi to Sorrento. Other operators also offer buses, like the small minibuses between Positano and Praiano.
Buses can get crowded, and when they’re full, they don’t stop. So you will need plenty of patience and flexibility if you plan to rely only public buses during your vacation on the Amalfi Coast. For more information on bus routes, timetables, and how to get tickets, check out my dedicated post.
Private Transfer and taxis
To avoid surprising taxi prices, it’s always best to book a private transfer in advance. If you’re staying in Sorrento, Salerno or Naples, you can book a full-day tour with a driver to explore the Amalfi Coast.
Airport Transfer
From the airport, you can even book a shared car service to popular places like Sorrento.
For the Amalfi Coast itself, you would likely need to book a private transfer. But, it could be worth it for a group of people or a family traveling together.
You can find more information on the closest airport, and public transport from the airports at the end of this post.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast?
I’ve written a couple of guides on some of the most popular villages on the Amalfi Coast. The famous and glamorous place to stay is, of course, Positano. If you want great connections to other places on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is your best option, as it serves as the transport hub of the region. There are also some off-the-beaten-path villages like Cetara, which is well connected to other parts of the Amalfi Coast by ferries.
Positano
Positano is the most famous and luxurious option. You should book your accommodation well ahead, if you wish to stay in Positano during summer. If you’re staying here, check out my tips on booking the best hotel in Positano.
Amalfi
As I said above, Amalfi is the transport hub of the Amalfi Coast. If you’re looking for great connections to other places on the coast, Amalfi is a great choice. But, the centre of Amalfi can get very crowded during the high season. So consider staying in nearby Atrani during July and August. This scenic little village is within walking distance from Amalfi.
Minori and Maiori
Check out Minori or Maiori for accommodations with more moderate prices. they also have a less touristy vibe compared to Amalfi or Positano. Maiori has many family friendly hotels close to the beach. The town center of Maiori is also flat and easy to walk around. With lots of restaurant and bar options in the evenings.
Vietri sul Mare
Just next door to Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is the only village on the Amalfi Coast with a train station. Also the village has a great seaside.
Ravello
If you don’t mind to stay a bit higher up and further from the beach, choose Ravello. It’s a very romantic, little town. And has some incredible views, and the famous gardens.
Sorrento and Salerno
Although not part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Salerno are popular bases to explore the Amalfi Coast. Many choose to stay in these cities and make day trips to Positano and Amalfi.
Sorrento is more touristy, but it’s a very scenic town situated on top of a cliff. With lively nightlife and plenty of pubs.
Salerno, is a classic, authentic Italian mid-sized city.
Both cities are well-connected during the summer with ferries to the Amalfi Coast.
Here’s a short introduction to some of the best villages to stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Camping and Motorhome Travelers
If you’re traveling in a motorhome, Sorrento has one of the best campsites on the coast. Keep in mind that there are traffic restrictions for big rigs along the Amalfi Drive. So you’re most likely only able to drive at night on the coastal road. The closest campsite to Amalfi is in San Lazzaro, and there are many campsites south of Salerno in the Pontecagnano area.
You can also stay in your own tent at this campsite. Or there’s a cute glamping site near Maiori.
Itinerary and Planning
How Long Should You Stay on the Amalfi Coast?
Ideally, you should stay around 3 to 5 days on the Amalfi Coast. In 3 days, you can visit the highlights.
If you have only three days, this itinerary covers all the must-see spots. You’ll be able to visit Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, and more.
5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Follow the 3 day itinerary to visit the most important landmarks and sights. Than one day can be dedicated to a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast. Which is a great way to escape the crowded small beaches, especially during the high season. You’ll also want to explore some of the off-the-beaten-path places. Or enjoy hiking and walking to get a true feel of the Amalfi Coast. If you stay in Amalfi, check out one of my favourite hikes, the Ferriere Valley. Or go to explore some of the best beaches of the Amalfi Coast, like the Furore Fjord.
For a Perfect Day in Positano?
If you’re visiting Positano, I’ve put together an itinerary what to do and see in 1 day. There are some extra recommendations if you’re staying in the town for a couple of days. Before booking your hotel, be sure to check out my guide on Positano.
What to Do on the Amalfi Coast?
Beaches and Boat Tours
The Amalfi Coast isn’t known for long sandy beaches. But it has many little bays and hidden coves.
A boat tour is the best way to explore these shores. You can book a private boat tour, or there are also shared boat trips. Some of the tours are along the Amalfi Coast, while others include Capri as well.
Check out my guide to the 7 best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. and my list of more “secret” shores if you’re looking for some place more adventurous.
Tip: If you are travelling on a budget, and don’t want to take a boat tour, at least take a short ferry ride, to see the coast from the sea. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the views of Amalfi Coast from the sea!
Capri Day Trip or Overnight Stay on the Island?
Many people choose to visit Capri as a day trip from the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento. But if you’ve just started planning your itinerary, I would suggest adding a few days in Capri. And staying a couple of nights on the island. Here are some of my favourite hotels in Capri.
Hiking and Walking on the Amalfi Caost
Hiking and walking is one of the best way to see the Amalfi Coast. The more you wander around, the more you’ll discover the authentic side of the coast.
The Path of the Gods is just one of the many hiking routes in the Lattari Mountains. There are also easier walks, like the Path of Lemons, and beautiful hikes on Capri Island as well. One of my personal favorite is the walk from Minori to Ravello.
Other Activities
I love kayaking along the Amalfi Coast.
There are also many cooking classes you can take during your holiday.
Did you know there’s even a zip line on the Amalfi Coast?
Here, you can find a list of the 15 best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
And if you prefer less touristy activities and places, don’t miss my post about that!
Must-Visit Places on the Amalfi Coast
The Villages and the Landscape
The villages themselves are one of the biggest attractions. Positano and Atrani are particularly scenic. And of course the unique natural and cultural landscape of the Amalfi Coast (that has earned UNESCO protection for the territory). If you’re interested in Mediterranean terraces and agriculture, visit a lemon farm or a vineyard. Also check out my post on the iconic trees of the Amalfi Coast. And if you’re into ceramics, make sure to visit Vietri sul Mare.
Ravello and the famous Gardens
Visit Ravello and the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Both offer stunning views of the coastline. You can easily see both in half a day. Count around 2 hours for each garden so you don’t feel rushed. Villa Cimbrone has the famous Infinity Terrace, and Villa Rufolo is known from hosting the Ravello Music Festival in the summer.
Amalfi Cathedral
Don’t miss the Amalfi Cathedral and the Paradise Cloister. While you’re in Amalfi, pay a visit to the Paper Museum as well.
In Positano
In Positano, visit the Roman Villa ruins. And the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
For some of the best photos of Positano, walk from the Sponda bus stop towards Restaurant Bruno. Also, check out my guide on the best photo opportunities along the Amalfi Coast.
When is the best time to Visit the Amalfi Coast?
Spring and Autumn (April – May & September – October)
The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn. There are fewer crowds and generally good weather. Ferries also start running more frequently from April 1st.
High Season
This is the trickiest time to visit. You should prepare for crowds and higher prices. If you’re visiting in summer, June is the best month. July and August you should book your accommodation at least 5 or 6 months in advance. As the nicest places get booked out quickly for the high-season, especially in the popular towns.
If you’re staying in Positano, the crowds are mostly during the daytime. Evenings are bit more pleasant since many visiting Positano come just for a day trip.
High season is generally from June to September. The busiest peak period in July, August, and the first weeks of September. If you can, try to avoid visiting during this months.
TIP: In high season, choose a hotel with a private beach or at least with beach access. The small public beaches get very crowded in July and August. Also, lately, September has been just as busy as August on the Amalfi Coast.
Should You Visit the Amalfi Coast in Winter?
I have a Facebook group to help people plan their Amalfi Coast vacation. And I often see comments discouraging winter visits. Many say, “Everything is closed” which I find very misleading.
The Amalfi Coast has 13 villages (plus smaller satellite villages) where local people actually live. So no, the coast doesn’t shut down in winter. While some seaside restaurants close due to weather and high waves, and a few touristy spots take a break, many good restaurants stay open all year-round.
Famous pastry shops like Sal De Riso in Minori and Pansa in Amalfi are also open all year.
Most high-end hotels are closed during the winter season, but Anantara is one of the few 5-star hotels that stays open year-round. You’ll also find smaller hotels and B&Bs open all year. In winter, you can still visit many museums and the gardens in Ravello open too.
If you’re into hiking, sunny winter days are perfect for that! The Path of the Gods can get so hot and sunny during the summer, so it’s much better to hike in winter. The air is crisper, and the visibility is better.
As I like to say: the beauty stays, the crowds are gone.
Avoid the rainy months or plan ahead
That said, it’s best to avoid the rainiest months, as most activities on the Amalfi Coast are outdoors. There’s not much to do if it rains all day long. It’s difficult to predict, but November and February are the rainiest usually. March, and April can be mixed, with rainy and sunny days. But in March and April often rainy days turning into sunny spring days.
Spring Time on the Amalfi Coast
March is often considered the crazy month in Italy, much like April is on mainland Europe. The weather can be unpredictable, from hot and sunny to rainy and humid.
These are also great months to visit the lemon gardens, before the harvest starts around June. To maximize your chances of good weather, try staying longer. Or base yourself in Salerno, where you can easily plan alternative day trips in case of unfavourable weather.
Easter Week
Easter is a particularly nice time to visit the Amalfi Coast. There are lots of celebrations in every village, with local traditions and processions that you can witness. We had such a great Easter last year in Minori. It was a bit rainy, but I still loved it. It’s also the time when many hotels and restaurants reopen for the season, or at least for Easter weekend. So it’s a great time to see the Amalfi Coast as it starts to come alive again from it’s winter sleepiness.
When Can You Swim on the Amalfi Coast?
Generally, you can swim from late April to October.
You’ll most likely still be able to swim in October. Last year, I was still enjoying a few swims during November! I usually take my first dip around April. By May, the sea gradually gets warmer and more comfortable.
Must-Try Foods on the Amalfi Coast
Best Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast: There are many Michelin-starred restaurants on the Amalfi Coast. But you can also find great food in smaller trattorias. I’ve included some of my favorites in the guides of each village.
Street Food on the Amalfi Coast: Cuppo fritto is a typical street food to try in Amalfi. Pizza is usually eaten in a restaurant, but you can also ask for take away and enjoy it on a bench while watching the sea. If you’re looking for a break from Italian cuisine, Simone’s Burger in Positano has yummy hamburgers.
Local Specialities to try: The Amalfi Coast is home to many local dishes that are unique to the region. Some are even specific to just a village or two. Scialatielli al mare is a classic dish created here. This is a pasta dish with seafood. Ndunderi is another pasta dish unique to Minori.
Cetara is famous for its fish sauce, colatura di alici.
Melanzane al cioccolato is a unusual dessert, mostly found in Maiori and Minori. It’s made with layered eggplant and chocolate, often prepared for summer festivities like Ferragosto.
Pastry shops not to miss on the Amalfi Coast: Pasticcieria Pansa is a historical café shop in Amalfi. they have great ice cream, chocolate, and desserts. Sal de Riso (Minori) is a famous master pastry maker of Italy, and he invented delizia al limone and torta ricotta e pera. Today, these cakes are widely available as desserts in many restaurants across Italy. In Positano, a famous spot to enjoy a coffee and cake is La Zagara. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, go to Pasticceria Trieste in Maiori, where you can try the unique “sospiri“. This is an almond based biscuit specilaity of the town of Maiori.
Limoncello is a local liquor and the most well-known. There are many other flavors like fennel, melon, and pistachio. Concerto is a liquor made with mixed herbs, typical of the Tramonti area.
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian: Many Italian dishes are vegan or vegetarian. You will find great pasta dishes, as well as lots of vegetable sides and appetizers. Even if it’s not on the menu, most restaurants will be happy to make you a vegan starter plate.
Gluten-free pasta is widely available in Italy. If you’re celiac, look for restaurants certified by AIC. Ristorante d’Olmo in Maiori serves great gluten-free pizza. Click here for my Gluten free guide to the Amalfi Coast.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The Amalfi Coast isn’t typically known for its nightlife. But during the summer, you can enjoy cocktails late night cocktails in many of the villages.
Positano, Amalfi, and Maiori have the most nightlife.
In Positano, you’ll find the Music on the Rocks if you want to go clubbing. But aside from that, there aren’t many discos or clubs on the Amalfi Coast itself. For more lively nightlife, go to Salerno or Sorrento. There are plenty of pubs, bars, and occasional live music.
Amalfi has theatre nights during summer. And there is the Ravello Music Festival. In summer there are Open-Air Classical Music Concerts on the Path of the Gods.
There are also local celebrations, like the feast of Saint Andrew in Amalfi.
If you’re after a beach party vibe: Gavitella in Praiano, Arienzo in Positano, and Conca del Sogno near Nerano are the best beach clubs for daytime fun!
Sustainability & Responsible Travel on the Amalfi Coast
Use Ferries Instead of Buses: The Amalfi Coast has a very narrow coastal road, and most transportation runs along it. Buses are barely frequent enough for locals. And during the summer, it can be chaotic. You may need to wait for a couple of buses to get on. Whenever possible, opt for the ferries instead.
Support Lemon Farms: Abandonment of terraces is a complex issue on the Amalfi Coast. Visiting lemon farms helps sustain local agriculture and preserve the region’s iconic lemon orchards.
Visit the coast in environment friendly way: Boat tours can be harmful to the environment and marine life. Rent a kayak to explore the coastline in a more sustainable way.
Travel Off-Season: Over-tourism is a huge issue on the Amalfi Coast. If possible, plan your visit during the off-season. Or choose less-crowded destinations like Cetara or Scala during summer.
Go for walking and hiking to experience the area in depth. Take your time to explore the territory and connect with locals.
Around the Amalfi Coast
Visiting Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast
Many choose Sorrento as a base for convenience. You can easily visit the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii from here. If you wish to visit Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast, doing it with public transport can be tricky and take a lot of time. So, your best option is a private driver with a guided tour. If you want to include Pompeii on your itinerary but want to stay directly on the Amalfi Coast, choose Vietri sul Mare. The village has a direct train connection to Pompeii.
The city of Naples
You’ll most likely want to visit Naples, at least for a day trip. The city has so much to offer, including some of the best and cheapest food in all of Italy. And of course, it’s the birthplace of pizza!
The Archaeological Museum is filled with the most beautiful frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii. There are also castles, the Royal Palace, and a decent contemporary art museum to visit.
The Islands of the Bay of Naples
Aside from the already mentioned Capri, which is definitely worth a visit, there are also Ischia and the lesser-known Procida. Ischia is famous for its thermal baths and it’s larger than Capri. Better to visit if you have a couple of days to spare in your itinerary. Procida is a smaller island near Naples. And known for its colourful houses and has an unspoiled mediterranean vibe. If you are short on time you can also visit the islands by speed boat.
Cilento Coast
The Coast of Cilento, just near the Amalfi Coast and south of Salerno. Is the place where many locals spend their summer holidays. It has great seaside towns and long sandy beaches.
The inland areas have so many great places to see too. It’s a place to rent a car and go on a road trip.
Closest Airports to the Amalfi Coast
- Salerno Airport
The closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast is Salerno Costa d’Amalfi (QSR) Airport. It is a small airport offering mostly domestic flights and a few international routes, primarily from Europe.
- Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Salerno Airport: Check the Salerno Airlink service. During summer, SITA buses also provide some direct connections between the airport and the Amalfi Coast.
- Naples Airport
Naples International Airport (NAP) is the best option for most travelers as it offers many flight connections, including direct flights from the USA.
- Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Naples:
- You can book a shuttle bus with Pintour Bus for a direct transfer to the coast.
- Or, use public transport via Salerno or Sorrento.
- For most Amalfi Coast villages, the best option is to take a train from Naples to Salerno and then transfer to a ferry.
- For Positano, it’s better to travel via Sorrento ( shuttle bus to Sorrento, then switch to a SITA bus or ferry).
- Rome Airport
You can also fly into Rome and take a train or bus to the Amalfi Coast. Rome is well connected with Salerno by frequent high-speed trains.
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