ITALY

4 min read

A MINI AMALFI COAST GUIDE

50 kilometers of rugged shoreline dotted with colorful towns and jaw dropping landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is a stunning example of the Mediterranean coastline in Italy. With plenty to do, delicious food, unique character in each town, and all the charm we've come to associate with Italy, the Amalfi Coast is the ultimate vacation destination.

GETTING THERE

Things that are worth it rarely come easy. I say this because getting to the Amalfi Coast can be a bit of a pain, but I and probably anyone else that has been there can confirm it is well worth the trouble. There are several options with varying levels of convenience.

1 | The easiest, albeit most expensive option is to hire a driver to pick you up at the Naples airport or train station and drive you straight to your accommodations in any of the Amalfi Coast towns. I highly recommend Amalfi Car Service. If convenient, make a stop at Pompeii on your way in or out.

2 | Renting a car is also an option, however, some of the driving between towns can be rather narrow and treacherous, so only comfortable drivers should use this method. Additionally, parking is few and far between along the Amalfi Coast, so make suure your accommodations have parking or can show you to a place where you can leave your car, otherwise I would advise to avoid this option.

3 | Take a taxi to the port in Naples and hop on a ferry. Some towns will require a stop in another town before moving on. Be sure to check the schedules as they change with the seasons.

4 | Hop on the rickety Circumvesuviana train below the main train station in Naples (you can buy tickets on the platform) and ride to the end of the line in Sorrento. From here, take a Sita bus to your final town destination or stay in Sorrento for a bit. Sorrento is considered the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and thus has a robust ferry terminal with boats going to all the towns along the coast as well as the island of Capri.

AMALFI

Once the capital of the maritime republic of Amalfi and an important trading power, Amalfi is now listed as one of several Unesco heritage sites along the coast. Amalfi lies at the base of the Monte Cerreto, providing a dramatic backdrop to this idyllic seaside town.

Where to Stay

Santa Caterina Hotel
Hotel Amalfi
Grand Convento di Amalfi
Hotel Luna Convento
Rent a Villa

Where to Eat

Da Gemma
La Caravella
Marina Grande
Eolo

What to Do

Stroll the town and peruse the shopping and the impressive Byzantine Church
Head to Le Nereidi Piscina for an afternoon poolside high up in the cliffs. (Ask someone at one of the cafes near the port to call up for you and the pool will send a car)
Hike the Sentiero Degli Dei
Spend a day on the beach at Lido degli Artisti at Duoglio Beach. Catch the boat with a sign saying "Spiagge" in the harbor to take you there.

POSITANO

Perhaps the most picturesque of all the Amalfi Coast towns, Positano is known for its colorful buildings draped in bougainvillea and wisteria that cascade down the cliffs.

Where to Stay

Le Sirenuse Hotel
Hotel Palazzo Murat
Villa Tre Ville
Casa Buonocore

Where to Eat

La Sponda
La Taverna del Leone
Da Adolfo (take the boat with the red fish)
Next2
La Tagliata

What to Do

Stroll the winding streets of Positano and get caught up on all the latest fashions
Beach day at Da Adolfo - look for the boat with the red fish in the harbor
Rent a boat and cruise the coast
Visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
Sip on limoncello from an outdoor terrazza
Visit Pompeii

PRAIANO

Low-key Praiano marks the halfway point between Positano and Amalfi. Although often overlooked, there is still charm and character in this coastal town.

Where to Stay

Casa Angelina
Hotel Margherita
Casa Privata

Where to Eat

Trattoria da Armandino
Il Pirata

What to Do

The rock walled Marina di Praia Beach
Convento di Santa Maria a Castro
Head up up up the slopes to the Cantine Marisa Cuomo for some wine tasting
Rent a boat and cruise the coast

RAVELLO

Perched high on the cliffs above Amalfi, Ravello is home to a handful of lavish villas, luxury hotels, and remarkable views. With a more peaceful and quite vibe than the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns, Ravello is the ideal place to unwind for a few days or for a day trip.

Where to Stay

Belmond Hotel Caruso
Palazzo Avino
Hotel Parsifal Antico Convento del 1288
Ravello Rooms

Where to Eat

Rossellinis
Hotel Caruso
L'Antica Cartiera
Ristorante Confalone
Restaurant at Villa Cimbrone

What to Do

Explore the Villa Cimbrone
Catch a concert during the Summer Concert Series
Visit Villa Rufolo
Stop in at the 11th century Duomo di Ravello
Take the hour walk down the steps to Atrani then explore the town or lie on the beach. You can catch the Sita bus back up to Ravello if you are returning.

CAPRI

A famed island in the Bay of Naples, Capri is known for its designer fashions, handmade leather sandals, cove studded coastline, and the impressive Faraglioni.