Non-Touristy Things to Do and Places to See on the Amalfi Coast

So, you may already know that the Amalfi Coast is a very touristy place. And now, you’re wondering if there’s anything hidden worth exploring.

The answer is yes. And probably more than you expect.

But first, when you go also matters. August is the most crowded season. Aside from that, many of the quieter parts of the coast remain calm until mid-June. If you visit in the winter, you’ll have the Amalfi Coast mostly to yourself, sharing it almost only with locals.

So, there’s one main road that runs along the Amalfi Coast: the Amalfi Drive. It’s a long coastal road that starts in Vietri sul Mare. Then, passes all the seaside villages of to Amalfi Coast, till Positano. From there, the road winds over the cliffs a bit, climbing up and down to reach Sorrento.

Why does it matter when it comes to touristy and non-touristy places? You might ask. The answer is easy.

Most people visit the Amalfi Coast by hiring a driver to take them along this road. They typically stop for a visit in Amalfi. Take a couple of photos in the center of Atrani, and then head to Positano. Along the way, there are other great—but touristy—stops. Like the Emerald Grotto, panoramic points, and occasional fruit seller stalls. Perfect for those must-do pictures with the Amalfi lemons.

But there’s a “but.”

That’s a typical itinerary, and more often than not, a rushed one.

Further away you get from the coastal road (especially toward the mountains), the less touristy the places become. It’s enough to walk up from one of the less popular villages, like Minori, into the valley. And you find yourself facing a different reality. With far fewer tourists around. Mostly, you’ll meet only other tourists who have their BnBs in these hidden backroads.

The same is true for Amalfi. One moment you’re in front of the cathedral in a crowd of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Then, you turn two corners, walk up an unassuming staircase, and boom—you’re completely alone in a huge square. It’s surreal.

In this guide, I want to share some non-touristy things to do and places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

Learn About Ceramic Making in Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare may not be the most popular village of the Amalfi Coast on the international scene. But it’s still very touristy, especially for domestic Italian tourism. The town is famous for its ceramics. And like many things on the Amalfi Coast, there are also layers to how touristy a ceramic-related activity can be.

Most people walk across the main road of the historic center. And do their ceramic shopping in the shops along the way. Fewer visitors visit the Solimene factory shop. Which is the Mecca of ceramic treasure hunting.

Solimene family’s ceramic pieces considered some of the most prestigious among locals. So shopping here would instantly qualify you as someone with insider knowledge.

Even fewer people probably take the time to try ceramic making. Small bottegas offer this as a fun activity for travelers. But many tourist “doing the cost in a day or two” wouldn’t have the time for a program like this.

If you walk up to Raito (or take a 10-minute bus ride), you’ll find the ceramic museum. If you visit during the week, you’ll likely have the place to yourself—except for the museum staff, of course. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the rich history of local ceramic making. The museum is housed in a historical villa with a lovely park surrounding it.

Also, Raito is a hamlet of Vietri, a tiny village. Yes, there’s a fancy 4-star hotel here, and some tourists prefer staying in this quiter area. But the village is hardly touristy—especially when compared to Positano or Amalfi.

Kayaking on the Amalfi Coast

Kayaking is, in my opinion, a very underrated activity on the Amalfi Coast.

Many locals use their kayaks during the summer to reach hidden beaches. It’s their way of escaping the crowds and having a stretch of beach to themselves. If you decide to rent a kayak, you can enjoy remote beaches and little coves for a fraction of the price of a boat tour.

Great places to start with a kayak:

Vietri: Between Vietri and Cetara, there are many shores only accessible by sea.

Maiori: From Maiori, you can kayak to Dead Horse Bay. This beach considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast. And only accesible from the sea. In peak summer, the bay may be crowded with boats. But there are many grottos around Maiori, such as Pandora’s Cave, worth exploring.

Positano: Yes, just a short 10-minute kayak from Positano’s main beach, you’ll find hidden beaches. The “La Porta” beach cove is one of them. In the other direction, past Fornillo Beach, there are also great spots to explore.

The Amalfi Coast shoreline is perfect for kayaking. With all those rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and beaches you can only reach by sea. It’s a fun way to see places you can’t get on foot. It’s a serene, intimate way to enjoy the coast without the crowds.

Hiking in the Lattari Mountains

Yes, the Path of the Gods is probably on most tourists’ checklists. So, this trekking route is quite crowded, especially on weekends with good weather. But that’s just one of the 100+ signed trails on the Amalfi Coast. There are 500 km of trekking routes around the Lattari Mountains to explore!

If you choose the Ferriere Valley, you won’t be completely alone. But this trail is definitely less crowded than the Path of the Gods.

The Avvocata Sanctuary hike is a bit challenging because of the high elevation and length. But you’ll mostly meet only a few hikers along the way—definitely not the typical tourist crowd.

Want to get even further off the beaten path? Try the Sentieri degli Agave in Bloom between Furore and Marina di Praia. Or the San Nicola Convento loop from Minori. The upper Ferriere Valley trail from Scala is another hidden gem. Punta d’Aglio is a fantastic place in nature. We hardly ever meet anyone there, apart from the locals.

More on best hikes on the Amalfi Coast

Walking Between Villages and Hamlets

If trekking isn’t your thing, walking might be an option for you.

The rural area is a maze of paths and stairs. There are many little backroads, known as mulattieri, on the Amalfi Coast. These little footpaths connects the villages with each other. The name comes from mulo (donkey). As they were once used by donkeys to transport goods between the small hamlets.

You can walk around in places like Nocelle, the little hamlet above Positano. Or explore the paths between Albori and Raito near Vietri Sul Mare. Visit Pogerola, the charming hamlet perched high above Amalfi. There’s even a bus that takes you up to the village from the Amalfi center. You could also hike up to Furore. Or walk from Scala to its most beautiful hamlets like Minuta and Pontone.

The Ruins of San Eustachio Church

There’s one (of many) place I adore on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s almost unheard of: The ruins of San Eustachio Church

The church ruins are dating back to the 12th century. Even though it’s in ruins, you can still see how grand it used to be. It sits high up on a rocky hill. The remaining parts of the church stand tall, above the ground. And the sight looks impressive from far away.

The view from the terrace under the church is fabulous. While so many people flock to the infinity terrace, here you can probably have it all to yourself. From this spot, you will have a great panorama of the city of Ravello and the coastline.

It’s located between the two hamlets of Scala, Pontone and Minuta.

Look for “secret beaches”

If kayaking isn’t your thing and you don’t want to take a boat tour, there are still a few secret beaches you can reach on foot. Generally, the more difficult the path, the fewer people you’ll find.

Tordigliano is a great example of one.

More about hidden beaches here.

Do your groceries in the local way

In most of Italy, especially in the south, small grocery stores are still the norm. You get your meat from the butcher, cheese from the “caseificio,” and bread from the panetteria. And of course, the best fruits and veggies come from the local “fruttivendolo.” These are the places where locals do their shopping, and you can meet and interact with them here.

If you don’t have a kitchen in your BnB or you’re staying in a hotel, don’t worry. You can always pop into a small “alimentari” and ask them to make you a panino (sandwich). Most will happily do that for you. Many small shop owners on the Amalfi Coast are incredibly friendly. Some might even offer you a little taste if you’re unsure which cheese to pick!

Visit to the local weekly market

Every town on the Amalfi Coast has a weekly market. These markets are completely non-touristy, although tourists might wander through occasionally. The market caters mostly to locals, and you’ll find mostly clothes and a variety of food. It’s a great spot to try typical foods of the territory and buy directly from local producers and farmers.

The market in Minori is every Thursday, and you can’t miss it—it’s directly on the promenade. In Amalfi, it’s every Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 1 PM. During the summer season, it’s at the end of the Port, on the pier. In the winter season, it moves to the small square, Piazza Municipio. In Maiori, the weekly market is on Fridays. The one in Maiori is the biggest and probably the most characteristic. It’s in a bit of a hidden location, at Piazzale di Via Pedamentina, from 6 AM to 2 PM. In Ravello, you’ll find the market on one of the terraces of the big parking lot every Tuesday.

Urbex

The Amalfi Coast is surprisingly a great place for urban exploration. And I definitely have a thing for abandoned places.

Hiking on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll often come across so-called “ruderi”. This long-abandoned rural houses, often located outside the villages. Many are nothing more than a few walls remaining.

More interestings are the abandoned paper factories and -mills along the Ferriere Valley. They’re easy to find, as the Ferriere Valley trail from Amalfi passes right by them.

But with a bit of research, you’ll come across many more interesting abandoned places.

I may not be revealing a big secret when I mention there is a completely abandoned park in Furore. With a beautiful colonnade. Although it is officially closed to the public.

There is a very active local urbex community. So it’s worth following them if you’re interested in the material.

Disclaimer: I am not encouraging anyone to enter abandoned buildings or trespass on private property. Please be cautious and respect local laws and safety guidelines when exploring.

Shop for Antiques

There are no second-hand shops at all on the Amalfi Coast, but you can find a few antique stores, like this one in Minori. Vintage shops are getting really popular in Naples.

If you’re looking for second-hand finds, go to the outskirts of Salerno or Pontecagnano.

My favorite is Anticovecchio in Pontecagnano. You’ll find everything and more here. From furniture to paintings and quirky knick-knacks. Address: Corso Italia, 155, 84098 Pontecagnano Faiano SA,

In the old town of Salerno, there are a couple of antiquariums.

i vicere’ libri e sud -Bookshop

An incredibly filled one is right next door to the cathedral. Here, you must squeeze in through a narrow path between towering columns of books to see what the shop has to offer. There are a couple of English books here. And I have found very interesting vintage guidebooks on the Amalfi Coast.

Address: Vicolo Cassavecchia, 6, 84121 Salerno SA

Vecchi Libri Libreria Antiquaria Mercatino dell’Usato

In the higher district of Salerno, there’s a unique little shop that’s part bookstore, part antique store. A must for anyone who loves vintage treasures.

Address: Via Calata S. Vito, 58, 84126 Salerno SA

Mercatino Franchise Shops

For a bigger selection of second-hand items, Italy has Mercatino franchise shops. One of the largest in the area is just next door to the Amalfi Coast, in Cava de’ Tirreni. These places has second-hand clothes too.

Going treasure hunting in the second-hand shops of Salerno, could be a solid rainy day activity.

Visit Maiori and the Botanical Garden

Maiori the largest coastal town with the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast. Yet, it often overlooked. Unfortunately, the old town was destroyed by a flood. Which is why the buildings in the center appear much more modern compared to other villages. But wander around around the town’s edges. And you’ll find plenty of charming alleyways, archways, and characteristic staircases.

The Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro, a 5-star hotel on a hilltop in Maiori. And home to a beautiful botanical garden, as the name suggests.

The garden features an impressive collection of mostly cactus plants. Which were collected by Beniamino Cimini. Who left this precious gardens of exotic plants as his heritage. Arranged across terraces overlooking the sea, it is a place absolutely worth seeing.

Today, the garden is open to the public. With an entrance fee of just 5 euros. You’ll also receive a complimentary non-alcoholic drink on the hotel’s terrace.

The gardens are easily accessible from town, with the hotel’s mini-funicular taking you up and down. The garden extends across several terraces. The last terrace is full of lemon trees, and you’ll probably find yourself alone beneath them.

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