The Amalfi Coast... Frequently Asked Questions

The Amalfi Coast

When is the best time of the year to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The best months to visit the Amalfi Coast are spring and fall, when the coast is lush with flowers and greenery and there are less tourists than in the high summer season.
Read more at When to Visit the Amalfi Coast

I can only spend one day on the Amalfi Coast. What should I see?

Ideally, you should spend at least an overnight on the Amalfi Coast to be able to appreciate the beauty of its coastline and famous villages. That said, if you only have one day, you can visit Positano and Amalfi on your own, or take a private or shared tour by land or sea that makes more stops.
Learn more here: Experiences and Tours

Which is the best town to stay in on the Amalfi Coast?

Your choice depends upon your travel style. If you enjoy a bustling center and plenty of nightlife, you will like Positano and Amalfi. The other towns are better suited to quieter, more relaxing holiday styles. If you have children, consider staying in Maiori or Minori, which have the most family-friendly beaches. If you are interested in visiting a number of towns along the coast and day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Mount Vesuvius, we suggest staying in Sorrento.
Read our recommendations here: Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Hospitality

What should I consider when choosing a hotel to book on the Amalfi Coast?

Aside from price and travel style considerations, consider carefully the located of the hotel and how far it is from the water's edge, especially if you are planning days on the beach. On maps, many hotels may seem right on the seaside, but they may be perched atop steep cliffs! You should also consider the distance from the center of town, as the Amalfi Coast is not very easy to navigate by car. If you are driving to the coast, choose a hotel with parking included in the price, or available at a discount. A day of parking on the coast can cost as much as your hotel stay!
Take a look at our hotels on the Amalfi Coast!

How far in advance do I need to book?

During the summer, on the weekends in spring, and over the Easter holiday, you should book well ahead of time, especially if you have your heart set on a small, boutique hotel.

Are hotels on the Amalfi Coast, Italy open all year long?

Most of the hotels on the Amalfi Coast open at Easter or a few days before the Easter weekend, and stay open until the beginning of November or the Christmas holidays. You can always find accommodations all year round, especially in small B&Bs.
You can check hotel availability with our online availability calendar

When are restaurants open?

Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and dinner from 7:30 pm to 11.30 pm (or later in the summer). Keep in mind that local generally eat lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:00 pm.

Do you need to make reservations for restaurants?

It's always a good idea to make reservations at restaurants, especially those in the fine dining category. Reservations are required for Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch, and for a table with a view at restaurants overlooking the coast or Mediterranean. Usually, a day or even a few hours in advance will suffice.
Here are telephone numbers for some of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast

Are there vegetarian restaurants on the Amalfi Coast?

There are no restaurants on the Amalfi Coast exclusively dedicated to vegetarians, but all restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine uses meat sparingly and most of the world's most beloved vegetarian specialties come from Italy: pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, and eggplant parmesan.

Is there wifi on the Amalfi Coast?

Most of the hotels on the Amalfi Coast offer wifi either free or at an extra charge, or an internet point. There are no public hot spots and even cellular coverage can be spotty along the coast. The stretch between Punta Campanella and Positano is where the signal is weakest or non-existent.

When are shops open?

Shops (excluding grocery stores) usually open at 10:00 am and close at 1:30 pm for morning hours, then open again at 4:30 pm and remain open until 8:00 pm for the afternoon and evening. In the summer, many remain open until 10:00 pm.

An I bring my pet to the Amalfi Coast?

If your hotel accepts pets, you can certainly travel on the Amalfi Coast with your dog. Most restaurants have outdoor seating, and you can usually keep your dog near your table. You must clean up after your dog and use a leash.

The Amalfi Coast with Kids

Are there child-friendly beaches on the Amalfi Coast?

Most of the beaches along the coast are pebble beaches and can be reached only by steep staircases or narrow walking paths. The most suitable beaches for children are those near a road and sand-covered, which can be found at Vietri sul Mare, Maiori, and Minori. The Marina Grande beach at Positano is also suitable for families. Here you'll find additional information regarding beaches on the Amalfi Coast

Are there play areas for children?

Space is limited on the Amalfi Coast, so there are very few play areas and parks for children. The town centers along the coast are very safe and often closed to traffic, so local children are used to playing in the town squares or on the beach.

Can I bring a stroller or pram to the Amalfi Coast?

It's best to use a baby carrier or back pack for small children, as the many staircases along the coast make using strollers or prams impractical.

Transportation

Which is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast?

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples' Capodichino airport, though most international flight arrive at Rome Fiumicino.

What is the most economical way to reach the Amalfi Coast?

If you are arriving at Naples Capodichino Airport, you can take the bus to Sorrento and from there the Sita bus locally. If you are arriving in Rome, you can take the train to the central station in Naples, then the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, and from there the local bus to Positano and Amalfi.
You'll find more detailed information at "Getting Here"

What is the most convenient way to reach the Amalfi Coast?

A private transfer directly from the airport to your hotel is by far the most stress-free way to reach the Amalfi Coast, without connections for transportation changes.
Here you'll find a list of private transfer services to the Amalfi Coast

Are there any ferries that connect the Amalfi Coast to Capri and Sorrento, Italy?

Ferry routes run mostly during from the beginning of April through October. During winter there are a few connections and lots of cancellations due to the bad weather. We suggest you purchase your tickets online for travel during the months of July and August, on holiday weekends, and for routes to Capri. During the other months of the year you don't need to purchase tickets in advance and you can get them directly at the port. You'll find more detailed information at "Ferry Schedules"

Can I deposit by luggage at the port in Positano or Amalfi?

There is no true luggage storage or deposit service in Positano, though there are a number of private porters at the port who also offer luggage deposit. In Amalfi, you can leave your bags in one of the agencies facing the port and at the SITA bus stop. The average price is €5/bag.

Should I use public transportation or rent a car?

This depends upon when you are visiting the coast and your comfort in driving. During the months of July and August, we do not recommend driving due to heavy traffic. During the other months, you can rent a car if you feel up the the twisting, narrow roads along the coast.
Read more at Getting Around the Amalfi Coast