The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. With its steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters, colorful villages and delicious cuisine, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. In this article, we present the 15 must-sees of the Amalfi Coast, to help you plan your trip and make the most of this magnificent region. Whether you're a lover of hiking, the beach, culture or gastronomy, you're bound to find something to suit you on the Amalfi Coast. So, are you ready to set off and discover this pearl of the Mediterranean?
1. Sorrento
Sorrento© J. Schelkle - shutterstock.com
Sorrento isa picturesque coastal town set on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's a popular destination because it offers stunning sea views, lively streets and delicious cuisine. The first thing to do in Sorrento is stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the old town . Admire the colorful buildings, local craft stores and historic churches. Don't miss Piazza Tasso, the town's main square, where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato in one of the many cafés. The town has inspired many artists, from Le Tasse - who gave his name to one of its main squares - to Maxime Gorki and Henrik Ibsen. Sorrento, with its view over the Gulf of Naples, is indeed an ideal place for reflection and creativity.
2. What to do on the Amalfi Coast? Visit Amalfi, maritime beauty
Amalfi© nickolpetr - Shutterstock.com
Amalfi is one of the most emblematic towns on the Amalfi Coast, with its colorful cliffside houses and narrow, winding streets. According to legend, Hercules created Amalfi to offer the most beautiful of burials to the nymph he loved. Although this is the birthplace of Flavio Gioia, inventor of the compass, you'll be delighted to lose yourself in the maze of alleyways lined with lemon trees used to make one of the Amalfi Coast's tastiest liqueurs: limoncello. Don't miss a visit to Saint Andrew's Cathedral, a magnificent Arab-Norman building dating from the 9th century. Amalfi is also famous for its handmade paper production. You can visit the Amalfi Paper Museum, which traces the history of this tradition and offers paper-making demonstrations.
3. Atrani, discreet charm
Atrani© proslgn - Shutterstock.com
As you make your way through the narrow streets of Amalfi, you'll come across the discreet Atrani. Less visited than its neighbor, Atrani is a little jewel set in the rock. Nestled in the rock and overlooking the sea, Atrani is distinguished by its winding white streets and narrow stairways. It was here that the doges of Amalfi lived, so the village was built around the main churches, such as San Salvatore de Bireto, whose foundations date back to the year 1000, or Santa Maria del Bando, a chapel that offers a splendid panorama of the Amalfi coast. The church of Santa Maria Maddalena, meanwhile, boasts a Baroque style and a medieval portal cast in Constantinople, just like that of Amalfi Cathedral.
4. Ravello, all beauty
Villa Cimbrone© Inu - shutterstock.com
After 16 km of winding road, you reach Ravello, one of the most beautiful belvederes on the Amalfi Coast . Founded in the 6th century, this village charms visitors with its old-fashioned beauty that bears witness to the craftsmanship of past centuries. The town has inherited exceptional traditional craftsmanship, and you can admire its elegant churches, remarkable palaces and magnificent gardens (such as Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone). This rich heritage has seduced artists such as Boccaccio, Wagner and André Gide. And we understand them! A visit to Villa Cimbrone is a must, with its unique atmosphere.
5. Furore and its Mediterranean fjord
Furore fjord© Simone Padovani - shutterstock.com
Between Amalfi and Positano, Furore is a must-see fjord . In reality, it's more of a ria, a river valley that joins the sea. In any case, this sumptuous setting made the little village a success, inspiring Fellini, Rossellini and also the actress Anna Magnani, who owned a house nearby. From the small beach, you can bathe in the waters of the Schiato torrent, which flows directly from Mount Agerola.
6. What to do on the Amalfi Coast? Visit Minori, a major stopover
Minori© Inu - shutterstock.com
Bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, Minori is less than 6 km from Amalfi. This charming little town on the Amalfi coast is less frequented by tourists than its neighbors. It boasts a pleasant seafront, well laid out for strolling. Among its monuments of interest, the Romanesque basilica of Santa Trofimena is well worth a visit : built in the 11th and 12th centuries, it houses the remains of the village's patron saint, celebrated on November 5. There are also the ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa, a reminder of Minori's history as one of the preferred holiday resorts of Roman notables. It's a testament to the Amalfi Coast's appeal for its magnificent scenery since ancient times!
7. Maiori and its long beach
Maiori© Pfeiffer - shutterstock.com
Maiori is much bigger than its neighbor Minori! It has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast, and is very pleasant during the high season, as it is certainly one of the least crowded villages on the coast, which doesn't take away any of its charm! The church of Santa Maria a Mare is a must-see. Built in the 12th century, its majolica-decorated dome is a thing of beauty. Sheltered from the winds in a natural cove, Maiori also offers beach lovers the largest beach on the Amalfi Coast, with a beautiful seafront promenade dotted with cafés. All of which makes Maiori an ideal destination for a seaside vacation!
8. What to do on the Amalfi Coast? See Vietri sul Mare and its ceramics
Vietri sul mare© Magnago - shutterstock.com
Vietri sul Mare is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast from Salerno. Renowned for its tradition of ceramics since the Middle Ages, its narrow streets are colorfully decorated with mosaics depicting the daily lives of its inhabitants over the centuries. The 17th-century cathedral of San Giovanni Battista , a symbol of the village, pays tribute to local craftsmanship with its blue, green and yellow ceramic dome. Enjoy the town's beaches, especially Marina di Vietri. If you like hiking, the paths along the coast offer views of some of the most beautiful scenery in the Mediterranean.
9. The emerald grotto, precious waters
The Emerald Grotto© stonja - shutterstock.com
The Emer ald Grotto is located in Conca dei Marini, west of Amalfi. This submerged cavity owes its name to the color of its waters, which, illuminated by a cleft in the rock, turn an incredible emerald green. It can be reached from the main road via a staircase or elevator to water level, or by boat from Amalfi (Molo Pennello). Inside the grotto, stalactites and stalagmites form bizarre natural sculptures. In July and August, the site is very - too? - crowded.
10. What to do on the Amalfi Coast? Positano, between heaven and earth
Positano is certainlyone of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Campania, if not in Italy. Superlatives are not enough to describe the breathtaking beauty of this place, one of the most spectacular in Italy. The steep, sun-drenched cliffs are reflected in the turquoise waters, creating an almost unreal landscape. Many hikers reach Positano from the "path of the gods" that starts in Agerola. At the end, Positano appears with its pastel-white houses, clinging to the cliff like natural outgrowths. Positano defies geometry with its narrow streets and tangled staircases, where restaurants and artists' studios follow one another. John Steinbeck wrote of it:"It's a dreamy place that doesn't seem real when you're there, and you feel a great nostalgia when you leave".
11. Naples
Naples is a fascinating, dynamic city in southern Italy. It is difficult to define because of its complex history and many facets, but it offers a unique and authentic experience to those who visit it. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many impressive buildings and monuments, such as the Royal Palace, Naples Cathedral and Castel Nuovo. The city is also famous for its cuisine. You can sample many local dishes, such as Neapolitan pizza, spaghetti with tomato sauce and ricotta cakes. To make the most of your stay, let yourself be carried away by the city's lively and noisy atmosphere, sample the local cuisine in the restaurants and discover Naples' must-sees.
See also our article How to visit Naples in 3 days? Itinerary tips.
12. What to do on the Amalfi Coast Visit Pompeii
Pompeii is one of Italy's most fascinating and visited sites. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. covered the town of Pompeii, then home to 20,000 inhabitants, under a layer of ash, volcanic dust and pumice. Today, Pompeii is one of the world's most visited archaeological sites, and a must-see when visiting the Naples area. Indeed, the disaster allowed the customs and lifestyles of the Pompeians to be frozen in time, giving visitors the chance toadmire the remains of richly decorated houses such as the House of the Boars, the House of Poquius Proculus and the House of the Tragic Poet.
Discover our article dedicated to Visiting Pompeii: practical information you need to know! You can also take advantage of your stay to visit Herculaneum, just next door. Here you'll find all the information you need to prepare your visit.
13. Capri
Located off Italy's Amalfi coast, Capri is the epitome of elegance and romance. The azure waters that surround it make it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Among the must-do activities on Capri, you can start with a boat trip to discover the sea caves, including the famous Grotta Azzurra. Then take the funicular or the steps up to Capri town, where you can stroll through the narrow, picturesque streets, visit Piazza Umberto I and admire the sea views from the belvederes. The hilltop town of Anacapri is also well worth a visit. For nature lovers, the Fortini trail along the island's west coast is a must. Finally, the island's beaches, such as Marina Piccola and Marina Grande, are ideal for relaxing and soaking up the Italian sun.
14. The island of Ischia
The island of Is chia is a prime destination for nature lovers, culture buffs and relaxation enthusiasts. Situated in the Bay of Naples, it offers magnificent scenery, with mountains, forests, vineyards and sandy beaches. Visitors can also discover the island's many cultural treasures, including the Aragonese castle, the Assumption Cathedral and the Roman baths of Cavascura. Ischia is also renowned for its hot springs and thalassotherapy centers, which attract numerous curists every year. The Spiaggia dei Pescatori beach to the east is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view of the colorful fishing boats.
15. What to do on the Amalfi Coast Climb Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is one ofthe world's most famous volcanoes, famous for its destruction of the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. Today, it's possible to climb to the top of the volcano for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding area. The path to Vesuvius' crater is relatively easy and well-maintained. The climb takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace. Once at the top, you can admire the crater of Vesuvius and enjoy panoramic views over the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri and the surrounding mountains.
It's important to note that Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano, although it has been dormant since its last eruption in 1944. It is therefore advisable to follow safety instructions and not venture off the marked trails. To find out more, read our article How to visit Mount Vesuvius? Our tips for climbing it.
How to visit the Amalfi Coast in 4 days?
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's dream destinations, with its picturesque hillside villages, pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters. To visit the Amalfi Coast in 4 days, here's a possible itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Naples and transfer to Sorrento
After arriving at Naples airport, take a transfer to Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast . Enjoy your first evening strolling through the town's lively streets and sampling an Italian pizza or gelato.
Day 2: Visit Positano and Amalfi
In the morning, take a bus or boat to Positano, one of the most famous villages on the Amalfi Coast . Stroll through the narrow streets, discover the local craft stores and enjoy the beach at Spiaggia Grande. In the afternoon, continue on to Amalfi, another pearl of the coast. Visit St. Andrew's Cathedral and the Paper Museum, and be sure to sample the delicious local pastries.
Day 3: Discover Ravello and the coast
In the morning, take a bus to Ravello, a village perched high on the Amalfi Coast. Discover the town's villas and gardens, including Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which offer spectacular sea views. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore other coastal villages, such as Praiano or Conca dei Marini, or hike in the surrounding mountains.
Day 4: Return to Naples and city tour
In the morning, take a transfer to Naples and use your last day to discover one of Italy's must-visit cities. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. And don't forget to sample typical local culinary specialties, such as pasta with tomato sauce or sfogliatelle, a typical regional pastry.
Of course, this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be adapted to suit your preferences and the length of your stay. In any case, the Amalfi Coast is an unmissable Italian destination that will leave you with lasting memories.
How can I visit the Amalfi Coast without a car?
The Amalfi Coast is a popular road-trip destination in Italy, but it's also renowned for its winding, narrow roads, which can make driving difficult and stressful. Fortunately, there are several ways to visit the Amalfi Coast without a car.
- The first option is to take public transport. SITA buses are an excellent option for getting around between the various towns on the Amalfi Coast. They are frequent, cheap and offer spectacular views of the sea and mountains. Buses can be crowded in high season, so it's advisable to get to the bus stop in advance.
- Another option is to take the ferry. Ferries connect the coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast, as well as Naples, Capri and Sorrento. Ferries offer a pleasant, relaxing alternative to driving, while offering magnificent views of the coast.
- Finally, you can visit the Amalfi Coast on foot. There are numerous hiking trails linking the towns of the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is one of the region's most famous and spectacular trails.
In short, it's entirely possible to visit the Amalfi Coast without a car, using public transport, ferries or on foot. Each of these options offers a unique and relaxing experience to take full advantage of the region's natural beauty.
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