The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful and iconic destinations, a 31-mile (50-kilometer) stretch of road framed by turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and pastel-colored villages.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a dream trip for many visitors to Italy.
During our Southern Italy road trip, we visited Positano and drove the legendary coastal highway.
In this guide, I’ll share that experience along with planning advice, highlights of other Amalfi Coast towns, and practical travel tips.
Amalfi Coast At A Glance
- Location: Campania, Southern Italy
- Length: ~50 km coastline (Sorrento → Salerno)
- Major towns: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
- Best season: May–June & September (warm, not too crowded)
- Getting there: Best accessed from Naples or Sorrento
- Famous for: Cliffside houses, the Amalfi Coast road (SS163), boat trips, lemon groves
- UNESCO status: World Heritage Site since 1997
Getting To The Amalfi Coast
Most travelers start their trip from:
- Naples (Napoli): Nearest international airport, and a gateway to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Sorrento.
- Sorrento: Technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, but a practical hub with hotels, restaurants, ferries, and buses.
It’s also relatively close to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Naples, so you can easily combine cultural sightseeing with your Amalfi Coast days.
Positano: My First-Hand Experience
Positano is the most famous and the most photographed village of the Amalfi Coast.
The pastel houses tumble down the cliffs toward Marina Grande Beach, creating a postcard view that feels almost unreal.
- Best view: From the promenade and beach.
- Size: Compact, can be explored in about two hours, but better to stay overnight.
- What I loved: Wandering the stairways, browsing boutiques, sipping coffee with sea views.
- Good to know: Expect steep climbs, expensive restaurants, and pricey beach clubs (€30/day per lounger).
Driving The Amalfi Coast? What It’s Really Like
We drove the Amalfi Coast road (SS163), and it was unforgettable.
The scenery is jaw-dropping, with curves revealing one picture-perfect view after another.
But it’s also stressful for the driver:
- The road is very narrow and winding.
- Summer brings heavy traffic and large buses squeezing around blind corners.
- Parking in villages is extremely limited and expensive.
My advice:
- If you’re a confident driver and love road trips in Italy, it’s worth experiencing once for the views.
- If you’d rather relax, consider taking the local SITA bus. It’s cheap, frequent, and you get to enjoy the view without dealing with traffic. Locals will thank you for this choice.
- Another great option is to get around by ferry in summer (April–October).
- Compare and book with the rental car comparison site Discovercars for up to 70% off of your booking.
More details in our Guide to Driving in Italy and Renting a Car in Italy.
The Path Of The Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
One of the most famous hikes in Italy (besides hiking Cinque Terre), this 5-mile (8 km) trail connects Agerola to Nocelle (above Positano).
It’s known for stunning views of the cliffs and is accessible enough for families.
Capri Island Glamour & The Blue Grotto
A popular day trip from the Amalfi Coast, Capri is synonymous with luxury and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
- Blue Grotto and Emerald Grotto.
- Gardens of Augustus with views of the Faraglioni rocks.
- The cable car from Marina Grande to Capri town.
How to Visit Capri
From Positano, you can:
- Take a public ferry.
- Or join a guided day trip, often including a boat ride around the island (with swimming stops), free time in Capri town, and sometimes even Blue Grotto entry. This is the easiest, most stress-free option.
Amalfi: Historic Heart
Amalfi gave the coast its name and was once a maritime powerhouse.
Today, it’s lively and flat enough to explore easily.
- Don’t miss: The Duomo di Amalfi with its striking mosaics.
- Great starting point for boat trips along the coast.
Ravello: Villas & Views
A quieter, hilltop town above Amalfi, Ravello is famous for:
- Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens with panoramic terraces.
- Music festivals in dramatic open-air settings.
Sorrento: Gateway To Coast & Pompeii
Although not part of the coast proper, Sorrento makes an excellent base:
- Easy access to Amalfi Coast towns via bus, ferry, or guided tour.
- Lovely old town, Piazza Tasso, sea views from Villa Comunale Park.
- Perfect for day trips to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Naples, all less than an hour away.
Best Time to Visit
| Best Time To Visit The Amalfi Coast | |
|---|---|
| April–May: | Mild, ideal for sightseeing and hiking. |
| June & September: | Warm, perfect for swimming with fewer crowds. |
| July–August: | Hot, crowded, expensive. |
| October: | Shoulder season, still pleasant weather. |
Suggested Amalfi Coast Itinerary (3–4 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive in Naples → Travel to Sorrento.
- Day 2: Visit Positano (overnight stay recommended).
- Day 3: Explore Amalfi + Ravello.
- Day 4 (optional): Capri day trip by ferry or as a guided tour from Positano.
More trip ideas: 7-Day Southern Italy Itinerary and Southern Italy Road Trip.
Amalfi Coast Travel FAQs
What is the best month to visit the Amalfi Coast?
May, early June, and September offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak summer months.
Is it worth driving the Amalfi Coast?
Yes for the views, but be prepared for narrow roads, traffic, and extensive parking. If you don’t want the stress, buses and ferries are perfect alternatives.
How many days should I spend on the Amalfi Coast?
3-4 days is ideal to see Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri. With more time, use Sorrento as a base for side trips to Pompeii and Naples.
Can I visit Capri on a day trip?
Yes. You can either take a ferry from Positano, Sorrento, or Amalfi, or join a guided day tour that includes swimming stops and island sightseeing.
What’s the easiest way to get to the Amalfi Coast?
From Naples, take a train or bus to Sorrento, then switch to local buses, ferries, or tours to reach Amalfi Coast towns.
Final Thoughts About The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast more than lives up to its reputation.
The drive is as thrilling as it is stressful, but even if you don’t get behind the wheel, ferries and buses make it easy to enjoy the views.
From Positano’s postcard charm to guided boat trips to Capri and the cultural treasures of Amalfi and Ravello, this coastline is a highlight of any Italian trip.
Base yourself in Sorrento or Naples for easier logistics, and mix your days between sightseeing, slow meals, and scenic strolls.
It’s a place that offers both adventure and relaxation, and it will stay with you long after the trip is over.
