Hey, we know that you’ve been working hard. So how about taking a break? And what better way to take a break than by going to the coast? In case you don’t know what a coast is, it’s a place where land meets the sea. So double up that sunscreen because today we’re going to talk about Amalfi, a renowned coastal town in Italy and a popular tourist destination in Europe. Now, let’s take you on a virtual tour of this coastal town and talk about the things to do in Amalfi. Are you ready?
Amalfi Town: Location and Overview
Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline situated in southern Italy’s Campania region. The region consists of rugged terrain, picturesque towns, and beautiful beaches. Visitors mainly come here to relax and enjoy the rich cultural experience of the coast. The town offers a truly magnificent travel experience to its visitors.
How to Get to Amalfi Coast
Considering that you’re traveling as a foreigner, there are multiple ways to go to Amalfi. Flights, trains, and buses are available to provide you with a seamless journey. Here are the possible ways to travel to the Amalfi Coast.
Flights to Amalfi Coast
The closest international airport to Amalfi Coast is in Naples. However, most international travelers prefer to land at one of the larger airports, like Rome or Florence. Regardless of which city you fly into, you can always book a domestic flight to Naples to connect with the Amalfi Coast.
Trains to Amalfi Coast
Trains are one of the most relaxing ways to transport yourself around Italy. It is also the cheapest alternative available among the different methods. You can travel from the UK via France to Italy by train. This journey will connect you to Italy’s internal rail network. You can reach the direct route of Napoli Centrale to Sorrento through Italy’s national train company, Trenitalia. From Sorrento, you can choose from different transport options to arrive at Amalfi Coast.
Busses to Amalfi Coast
Finally, one of the most straightforward ways to arrive at the Amalfi Coast is through shuttle sharing options. One such option is the Positano Shuttle, which travels from big airports to Positano. You can also rent a car if you’re confident in your driving and over the legal age with a valid license. A third option is taking a cab, but that is on the pricy side.
Top Destinations on the Amalfi Coast
If you think the Amalfi Coast is just a beach, then we suggest you think again. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) coastal area has so much to offer that one or even two days won’t be enough to explore it all. Here’s a list of the top destinations to visit on the Amalfi Coast.
Positano
Positano is a glitzy resort town with price tags that call people like us poor in 50 different languages. Even the cheapest room rates start from €350. However, the greatest riches of Positano are practically free. Still, you’ll need sturdy shoes and even sturdier lungs to explore this cliffside village. This once-fishing village now has great boutiques, galleries, and restaurants beaming with culture.
The Path of the Gods
Hold your horses before you try to conquer the path of gods. It is one of Italy’s most thrilling hikes. The trail is a 7-kilometer stretch of shrubland, a staggering 630m (2065 ft) above sea level. The medium-difficulty trail has several entry and exit points. The most popular course starts in Agerola and ends in Nocelle. Along the hike, you’ll find refreshment stalls, so there’s no need to carry heavy water bottles. Just take a mini bottle for emergencies.
Amalfi
Now, let’s talk about the actual town of Amalfi. It is the coast’s seaside hub, with a beautifully walkable medieval village. The hub has tasty pastry shops, a 12th-century Gothic cathedral, and a reliquary. Lorenzo D’Amalfi is the main drag to the edge of town, where you’ll find Amalfi’s paper museum.
Ravello
Higher up in the Lattari mountains resides the romantic Ravello. Here, you can expect to see exquisite 800-year-old villas and some breathtaking views of the region. The region has many great historical monuments. 5.7 kilometers inland from the coast lies the tiny village that served as a refuge from 5th-century invaders. Moving to the main square, you’ll find villas that took several centuries to build, such as Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Island of Capri
Although not part of the Amalfi Coast, the island is right next to the coast of Amalfi. If you have some time to explore outside of Amalfi, then the island of Capri is where you should head. To get to Capri, you’ll need to take a boat tour or ferry from Positano. The island is smaller compared to Amalfi, with small roads and construction. Nonetheless, here you can take boat rides to travel around the beautiful island. Renting a boat for 3 hours will cost you €120.
These are the top spots that you absolutely can not miss while visiting the Amalfi Coast. Visiting all of them comfortably would take roughly 3 to 4 days. If you plan to stay longer, there are also other spots that we did not cover. So, no worries; you won’t be bored at all!
Things to Do in Amalfi Town
Now, let’s come to the actual fun part. What are the things that you can do on the Amalfi Coast? Well, the answer is easy—a lot of things! Here’s a list of things that you can do on the Amalfi Coast.
Beach Hopping
Who doesn’t like beaches? Sea waves, sand castles, tans—everything that brings joy to even an adult’s heart. The Amalfi Coast has many beaches to offer, three of which are the most popular.
First, is Spiaggia Grande in Positano. It is one of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast. The beach is known for its vibrant views and atmosphere.
Second, there is Marina Grande beach in Amalfi town. It is the main beach of Amalfi and the biggest tourist gathering happens here.
Finally, there’s Fornillo Beach in Positano. It is a quieter alternative to the Spiaggia Grande of Positano.
Boat Tours
If you’re near the beach, a boat tour is a must. There are basically three hotspots for boat tours.
The first is in the Amalfi Coastline. You can rent a boat here for roughly €140 for three hours. With a boat, you can stop by the towns of Praiano, Atrani, and Minori.
Next is Emerald Grotto, located near Conca dei Marini. This sea cave is renowned for its emerald-green waters and stunning views. Don’t miss it!
Lastly, you can visit one more place by boat: the Island of Capri. For a fare of €120, you can tour the island for three hours.
Hiking
We know what you’re thinking when we say hiking. Path of the Gods, right? Yes, it is the most popular tourist attraction on the Amalfi Coast. It is a 7-kilometer trail with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, there’s another hike to the Valle delle Ferriere. This hike will provide you with a view of a lush scenic trail near Amalfi.
Culinary Delights
When you visit a new place, trying the local food is a must. If you don’t, you’ll miss out on a significant part of the experience. The same goes for here! Their famous lemon liqueur, Limoncello, is a fan favorite among tourists.
Additionally, being near the sea, you can experience fresh seafood here. They also serve traditional Italian cuisines such as pizza, pasta, and pastries.
Cultural Experiences
The Amalfi Coast is also rich with history which dates back to the 12th century. Some of these cultural spots include the Amalfi Cathedral, Paper Museum, Villa Rufolo, and Villa Cimbrone. All these monuments are hundreds of years old and are a testament to bygone times.
Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast
Well, each season will provide you with a different scenic beauty of the coast. So, we won’t tell you which season is the best. Rather, we’ll explain the benefits of each season, and you can decide which best suits you.
Spring (April to June)
During the spring, the weather is basically perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. People normally do not visit Amalfi during spring, so there will be fewer crowds. Additionally, you can experience the vibrant colors of the gardens around Ravello.
Fall (September to October)
Fall is ideal for beach activities since the weather is a little on the warm side. Visitors can enjoy the fall by visiting the historic sites of the town. Moreover, fall brings in the harvest of local produce from the region, which makes these seasonal dishes greatly enjoyable.
Summer (July to August)
Since the sun shines brightly in the summer, it is the best time to dive underwater. You can swim and sunbathe at Spiaggia Grande or Marina Grande. Summer brings the joy of celebration with festivals and concerts. It also brings more tourists, so expect larger crowds during this time.
Winter (November to March)
Although it can be a little chilly to go for a swim, winter allows you to experience the peaceful nature of the town. The serene atmosphere of Amalfi and Villa Camborne are popular attractions during winter. You can also engross yourself in the local lifestyle by trying seasonal culinary delights.
Inner Transportation on the Amalfi Coast
Once you’re inside Amalfi, you can use different transportation methods to travel around the town.
SITA Bus Network
The bus system connects major towns along the coast. This network makes traveling between Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento very easy. Unfortunately, the buses do not pass by very frequently and are known to not follow the schedule properly. However, the fare is as low as €1, which makes it a very budget-friendly option.
Ferries
Ferries travel on two routes: to coastal towns and to the nearby islands. The ferries operate between key coastal towns such as Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Additionally, some fixed-scheduled ferries travel to the nearby island of Capri.
Taxis
It is a convenient but expensive alternative to SITA buses. The cost of traveling to other cities starts from roughly €30 to €60. However, if you are short on time, then this is one of the best travel options.
Bikes and Scooters
Finally, there are bikes and scooters for rent on the coast. Yay! Just rent a bike or scooter for the day, and you can travel wherever you want. Just be careful as the roads are very narrow and certain spots do not allow tourist vehicles.
Tips for Travelers
Many mountains adorn the coastal area of Amalfi. Thus, visitors need to prepare properly before going there. Follow these top tips to avoid accidents and ensure safety.
Pack Light
The streets of Amalfi are steep and narrow, especially the hiking zones. That’s why it’s important to pack light. Too much weight would make navigating challenging. On the Path of the Gods hike, you’ll find multiple refreshment vendors. So, there’s no need to carry heavy water bottles. Just take a small bottle of water.
Stay Hydrated
Heat stroke can ruin the whole fun of the vacation. Thus, try to stay hydrated, especially during hiking, as you’ll sweat a lot then. If you travel during the summer months, try to track your water consumption even when indoors.
Plan Ahead
You don’t want to get confused about where to go and what to do, right? That’s why you’ll need to plan everything ahead of time. Two things should spring to mind when planning: accommodation and attractions.
For accommodation, book a hotel beforehand as Amalfi is a very popular place for tourists. There are many hotel and Airbnb options in this town.
Secondly, plan out the attractions you want to visit. Reserve your tickets beforehand to avoid long waits. The best attractions, including guided tours, boat trips, and historical sites, will surely be booked up quickly, so secure your reservations before they sell out!
Respect Local Customs
The locals give the tourist destination its charm. Therefore, do not disrespect them in any way. Dress modestly around them, especially in the cathedral. Also, be mindful of local customs and etiquette.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Amalfi is a great tourist destination. If you’re distressed from all your workload, hop on a plane (or train) and come here as soon as possible. And if you’re confused about what to do in Amalfi, read our article one more time to see the amazing things Amalfi has to offer. Have fun!
