If you plan a trip to Italy, you should definitely pay a visit to the legendarily beautiful Amalfi Coast. In this guide, I have collected some practical travel tips to help you to make the most out of your stay.
Ravello
“There was a magical timelessness to Capri A special atmosphere, and a sense of history.” - Kitty Pilgrim (Summer of Fire).
The Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly one of the most praised travel destinations in the whole of Italy and keeps attracting thousands of tourists. This stunning coastline stretches along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. The Amalfi Coast thrives in jaw-dropping scenery, whitewashed and colored houses sitting on the rocky hills, sublime beaches, charming villas, and scenic gardens. The most famous towns on the coast are Capri, Sorrento, and Positano, there are though, several other cities that are worth a visit. Read on for some practical travel tips about how to arrive, where to stay, how to get from one city to another, and the top things to do in the Amalfi Coast so you can make the most of your time in this amazingly charming area. There is no better place to breathe in the "la dolce vita" vibe.
How to arrive
Cliffs in the Amalfi Coast
Most of the travelers arrive from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. I suggest you start to discover the Costiera Amalfitana starting with the famous city of Sorrento.
By airplane: there are more flights per day operating between Rome and Naples, the most popular ones are those from Alitalia and a flight takes only ca. 50 minutes. It is though not a common practice that travelers book a flight from Rome to Naples as it is very easy and convenient to get to the Amalfi Coast by train, bus or by car.
By train: From Rome (Roma Termini), you can take one of the fast-speed trains (e.g. Frecciarossa) to Naples (Napoli Centro Direzionale). This trip takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes and the cost of the trip is between 26-31 EUR/per person/one way (the price is of course subject to date and availability). If you want to pay less for your train ride, then book one of the normal speed trains. The duration of these trips vary from 2 to 3 hours and they cost between 13 and 21 EUR/per person/one way
You need to get then from Naples to Sorrento. In this case, you can also take a train or a bus. If you take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centro Direzionale station, please be aware that you have to change once (Napoli Centro Direzionale - Napoli P. Garibaldi, Napoli P. Garibaldi - Sorrento)
It is more convenient to take the bus from Naples to Sorrento. From Napoli Centro Direzionale you can take the local SITA Bus to go to Sorrento. If you would like to travel between the charming towns of the Amalfi Coast, you can check out the timetables and prices of this SITA Bus company. The journey takes about an hour and costs ca. 2,80 EUR per person (one way).
By bus: If you want to avoid changes, then the most convenient way is to take a bus from Rome (Rome Tiburtina Bus Station) directly to Sorrento. You can book your bus ticket with Flixbus. The trip takes ca. 4 hours 15 minutes and the price is 11.99 EUR/per person/one way.
By car: Driving along the Amalfi Coast is a very stylish way to discover the coastline but in my opinion, driving there requires good practice. Italian drivers tend to drive fast and the route is not the easiest one in Europe. Finding a good and cheap parking place can also be an issue.
Where to stay
Sorrento
The most famous towns on the coast are Capri, Sorrento, and Positano, there are though, several other picturesque towns that are worth a visit.
Sorrento
The charming town of Sorrento is perfectly situated looking out over the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Island of Capri. It makes for a great base from which to explore the region. It is the home of the famous limoncello. The Cathedral of Sorrento is located on the Corso Italia, in the heart of Sorrento. The old town center is home to several historical buildings, colorful shops, authentic restaurants and trattorias, and narrow alleyways. From Sorrento, you can easily take a day trip to Pompeii and Herculeneum or to Capri.
Capri
Capri, an island in the Bay of Naples, facing the city of Sorrento. The island is famous for its scenic landscape, luxury hotels, limoncello, and handmade sandals. The symbol of Capri are the Faraglioni, coastal and oceanic rock formation eroded by waves. In Capri visit the Blue Grotto, this sea cave is known for its bright blue water, due to reflected sunlight. Monte Solaro is one of the best areas in Capri to get a stunning view of the island. Visit the amazing Villa San Michele, Villa Jovis and the Gardens of Augustus.
Positano
Positano is a picturesque village located on a cliffside. It's a well-known holiday destination with narrow alleyways packed with boutiques and cafes and stunning beaches. The Chuch of Santa Maria Assunta houses a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Relax and recharge on Fornillo Beach. Take the scenery route of The Path of The Gods. You should walk from Agerola to Nocelle, the route runs gently downhill from this direction, with amazing views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Ravello
Ravello is a beach resort town and is home to iconic cliffside gardens the 13th-century, Moorish-style Villa Rufolo and the Cloister del Paradiso. From the Terrazza del Infinitivo you get a picture-perfect scenery.
Other notable cities in the Amalfi Coast are Amalfi, Praiano, Maiori and Salerno.
Moving around
Terrazza del Infinitivo, Ravello
There are several ways to move around in the Amalfi Coast. Renting a car or a scooter is the most flexible way to discover the island. As an alternative, you can take the SITA buses and Travelmar ferries.
Things to do in the Amalfi Coast
Positano
Day trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Take a day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii. It is well worth a visit! Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Explore one of Europe's most well-preserved archaeological sites.
Take a scenic drive from Sorrento
Take a 7-hour tour along the dramatic Amalfi Coast. Passing hillside towns such as Positano and Amalfi. Learn more about the once thriving maritime region along the way.
Visit Paestum and Salerno from Sorrento
Explore the fascinating archaeological site of Paestum, with its Roman and Greek remains, and the lovely town of Salerno with its captivating promenade by the sea.
Take a Vesuvius winery tour
Visit an enchanting winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and enjoy a 4-course lunch of local and homemade products accompanied by various wines (GetYourGuide)
Other things to do in the Amalfi Coast: visit the Blue Grotto in Capri, take a boat tour into the Grotta dello Smeraldo Cave, take a hike to the gorgeous waterfalls of the Valle delle Ferriere, enjoy a boat ride from Sorrento, Capri or from Amalfi.
Get a taste of the "la dolce vita" atmosphere in the captivating area in Italy.
