Amalfi Coast Free Guidebook

Overview of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast comprises 13 municipalities, all precariously perched over the sea. The region's main travel artery, the SS 163 highway, begins in the Colli di San Pietro area on the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula and ends in Vietri sul Mare.

The towns of Positano and Amalfi are the most famous and arguably the most beautiful destinations on the coast. They are bustling hubs with restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, and offer excellent connections to other locations along the coast and the islands. Amalfi is relatively flat, while Positano is a vertical city characterized by numerous stairways. If you're a young couple, Positano could be your ideal choice, while families or those unsure about tackling many stairs might prefer Amalfi. Atrani, just a stone's throw from Amalfi, is also a great choice if you want to be at the heart of the Amalfi Coast.

Praiano, Conca dei Marini, and Furore are smaller, more tranquil villages. They are excellent options for travelers seeking a less touristy experience. These vertical villages are nestled into the rock, and you can reach other towns along the coast by bus or private boat rental.

Maiori and Minori are more modern, flatter towns with a pleasant seafront promenade. These two towns are particularly suited for families, thanks to their comfortable sandy beaches. They're a great option if you're looking to save on hotel expenses.

Ravello, while a charming town, is located inland. It's perfect for a romantic weekend in one of its luxurious hotels overlooking the sea, but less so if you plan to explore the various towns and villages along the coastline.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

Reaching the Amalfi Coast isn't always straightforward, given the lack of direct connections from the Naples airport and railway station. Most travelers opt for a private transfer or a high-speed train to Salerno, followed by a ferry to Amalfi or Positano. A private car from Naples to Positano costs approximately €150 and is a worthwhile investment considering the alternative of taking two potentially overcrowded buses.

If you're traveling from Rome, the journey can be quite long, taking a minimum of 4 hours from the time of your flight's arrival, if you're lucky with all the connections. From Rome's Fiumicino Airport, you can take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini railway station. From there, you can take a high-speed train to Naples. From Naples, the best option is to book a private transfer to your hotel or continue to Salerno on the same train and take a ferry to Amalfi or Positano.

If you're arriving at Naples' Capodichino Airport, it's advisable to book a private transfer to your hotel. The public transport alternative involves taking the Curreri bus to Sorrento, followed by the Sita bus to Positano or Amalfi.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast

There are various ways for getting around the Amalfi Coast. Traffic, narrow roads, crowds, and a lack of parking are issues that make driving along the Amalfi Coast challenging. The best way to explore the region is by using ferries and boats as much as possible.

By car

Although driving along the Amalfi Coast's SS 163 highway offers the best exploration opportunities with frequent stops at panoramic spots, it's not for the faint-hearted. The narrow, winding road often encounters large tourist buses, which can cause difficulties. If you're not used to driving on narrow roads, opt for public buses or, better still, a private transfer with a driver. Moreover, traffic can be nerve-wracking between Positano and Amalfi, and parking is limited and expensive (a minimum of €4 per hour).

By bus

The Sita buses connect the various towns along the Amalfi Coast. While the service is reasonably frequent, traffic often causes delays. Tickets cannot be purchased on board. You have to buy your ticket from any bar or tobacconist along the coast before boarding and validate it on the bus.

By sea

Boats and ferries are undoubtedly the most convenient way to explore the coast, with services connecting Amalfi and Positano to Sorrento and Capri from April to October. In July and August, there are also services to the Cilento region. Boats also depart from Positano and Amalfi to beaches accessible only by sea. You can check updated timetables at www.positano.com.

Things to see and do on the Amalfi Coast

While it takes at least 4-5 days to explore the entire Amalfi Coast, in just one day you can cover the SS 163 highway, stopping at Positano and Amalfi. This option allows you to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of these locations.

First Day on the Amalfi Coast

Start your one-day itinerary in Positano and Amalfi by leisurely strolling through the streets and stairways of Positano, perhaps purchasing some of the town's typical pezze di Positano beachwear. Stop for brunch at Casa e Bottega and continue your walk down to the Spiaggia Grande, the heart of Positano. From the Spiaggia Grande, take the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei) to Fornillo beach, home to several beach resorts. In the evening, reserve a table at a beachfront restaurant and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars.

Second Day on the Amalfi Coast

On the second day, you can either hit the beach or head to the mountains. If you're a hiking enthusiast, devote the day to the Path of the Gods, which connects Agerola, a village in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, to Nocelle, a hamlet nestled on the slopes of Monte Pertuso in Positano. After the hike, you can dine at one of the restaurants in Montepertuso, such as Il Ritrovo or La Tagliata. Alternatively, especially in summer, spend the day at a beach club. You can reach Arienzo beach or La Gavitella in Praiano. Another great idea is to spend the entire day on a boat, visiting the most beautiful coves on the coast, the Emerald Grotto, the Furore Fjord, and having lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

Third Day on the Amalfi Coast

A three-day itinerary on the Amalfi Coast allows you to visit Amalfi and its cathedral and paper mills, and Ravello with its cliffside villas. From Positano, you can reach Amalfi by ferry or bus. To get to Ravello, you'll need to take another bus or a taxi. Also, take time to stroll through the delightful village of Atrani, Italy's smallest municipality, practically adjacent to Amalfi.

Dining on the Amalfi Coast

Restaurants in the Amalfi Coast serve typical local cuisine, often with a modern twist. Notable restaurants in Positano include Da Adolfo and La Tagliata. In Amalfi, don't miss the chance to sample sweets at Pansa, right next to the cathedral, a historic establishment dating back to 1830. Try the candied citrus peel and lemon delights.

Walks and Hiking on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is crisscrossed by a dense network of mountain trails. Nowadays these routes are mainly used by hiking enthusiasts, but in the past they were the only connection between the various towns and the "rest of the world." The paths should be approached with the utmost caution, wearing proper hiking boots, studying the route in advance, and carrying lots of water. In the summer, avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day. The best and safest way to explore here is to rely on an experienced guide to accompany you.