The Amalfi Coast, in the Campania region of southern Italy, extends geographically from Punta Campanella on the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula to the town of Vietri sul Mare. The coast is located just over 30 miles south of Naples and north of the Cilento peninsula, with Salerno sitting to the far east. The landscape is made up of limestone cliffs, Mediterranean brush, coves cut into the coastline, and small towns and villages perched on the cliffs.
What are the 13 towns of the Amalfi Coast?
There are 13 towns and villages on the Amalfi Coast: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca de' Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri sul Mare.
The coastal towns
Almost all the coastal towns are located along the SS163 (Amalfitana) highway, which begins in the hills of Piano di Sorrento and ends in Vietri sul Mare, an old fishing village. The town of Amalfi is about halfway along the highway, which was built between 1832 and 1850. Before that time, there were only rough mule tracks running between the villages, which today are used as breathtaking hiking trails (including the famed Path of the Gods). It takes about 90 minutes to drive from one end of the Amalfi Coast to the other, if you don't stop to visit any of the small towns or snap photos of the breathtaking vistas along the way!
The hill towns
To visit Ravello, Tramonti, Furore, and Agerola, you need to take the one of the roads that climbs the slopes of the Lattari Mountains. The most striking characteristic of the Amalfi Coast is its steep landscape with tiny fishing villages perched over the water's edge, towering cliffs, and hidden grottos along the shore. Many of these small towns have more flights of stairs than the number of streets in their historic centers.
UNESCO World Heritage site
The entire Amalfi Coast was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its exceptional cultural landscape. The designation highlights the area's unique topography, which has allowed for the cultivation of crops such as the famous Amalfi lemons and vineyards, while also preserving the natural beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. The historical significance of the Amalfi Coast is rooted in its past as a powerful maritime republic from the 9th to the 13th centuries, which played a crucial role in Mediterranean trade and cultural exchange. The architectural influences from various civilizations, including Roman, Greek, and Arab cultures, are evident in the region's buildings and urban planning, particularly in towns like Amalfi and Positano. This blend of natural beauty and rich history makes the Amalfi Coast not only a stunning tourist destination but also a site of great cultural importance.
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Iconic and romantic panoramas, perfect for couples
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Picturesque and less touristy village, ideal for intimate moments
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Strategic base for exploring the coast, full of history and culture
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Famous for its breathtaking views and cultural events
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Picturesque and authentic, with attractions such as the Emerald Grotto
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Untamed natural beauty, far from the crowds
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Super close to Amalfi, with delicious restaurants and a small beach
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Calm and cozy, with renowned restaurants and an authentic atmosphere
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Flat and level with a large sandy beach, ideal for families and couples
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Famous for ceramics and well connected, popular with locals
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Excellent local cuisine and pristine sea coves, perfect for sea lovers
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Michelin-starred restaurants and spectacular views in a reserved atmosphere
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Far from the tourist crowds, famous for seafood restaurants
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Reserved and calm, with farm stays and traditional local foods
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Pristine private islands with reserved access
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Always lively with lots of services, an excellent base for exploring the coast
What town is a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast?
Recommended towns to use as your home base when you stay on the Amalfi Coast include:
Amalfi: Central location with good transport links.
Positano: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and beaches.
Ravello: Offers a quieter experience with beautiful gardens but no beaches.
What are some key things to see and do on the Amalfi Coast?
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo) in Amalfi.
Take in the scenic views from Ravello's villas, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Wander through the picturesque streets of Positano, famous for its pastel-colored houses that cascade down steep cliffs to the Mediterranean Sea.
Discover the local handcrafted ceramics culture in Vietri sul Mare, which has a long-standing tradition of ceramic production that dates back over a thousand years.
Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), a renowned walking path located between the villages of Bomerano in Agerola and Nocelle, which is situated above Positano.
What unique local specialties should I try on the Amalfi Coast?
Sample local flavors such as lemon-infused dishes and pastries like Delizia al Limone as well as the famous lemon liqueur known as limoncello. In Cetara, make sure to sample the traditional anchovies. In the fishing village of Nerano, be sure to try Spaghetti alla Nerano, a pasta dish made with fried zucchini and cheese.
Main distances chart
Route | Average Travel Times – Private Transfer | Average Travel Times – Public Transport |
|---|---|---|
Napoli - Capri | 40-50 minutes (private hydrofoil) | 2 hours (metro + public ferry) |
Napoli - Ischia | 50-60 minutes (private hydrofoil) | 2 hours (metro + public ferry) |
Napoli - Procida | 30-40 minutes (private hydrofoil) | 2 hours (metro + public ferry) |
Napoli - Sorrento | 1 hour 15 minutes (private car) | 1 hour (Circumvesuviana or bus) |
Napoli - Positano | 1 hour 30 minutes (private car) | 2 hours 15 minutes (Circumvesuviana + bus) |
Napoli - Amalfi | 1 hour 40 minutes (private car) | 2 hours 40 minutes (Circumvesuviana + bus) |
Napoli - Roma | 2 hours 30 minutes (private car) | 1 hour 10 minutes (high-speed train) |
Roma - Sorrento | 3 hours 30 minutes (private car) | 3 hours (high-speed train + Circumvesuviana) |
Sorrento - Capri | 20-25 minutes (private hydrofoil) | 30-45 minutes (public ferry) |
Sorrento - Positano | 30-40 minutes (private car) | 1 hour 15 minutes (bus) |
Sorrento - Amalfi | 1 hour (private car) | 1 hour 30 minutes (bus) |
Sorrento - Ischia | 50-60 minutes (private hydrofoil) | 1 hour 45 minutes (public ferry) |
Positano - Amalfi | 30 minutes (private car) | 1 hour (bus or ferry) |
Positano - Capri | 40-45 minutes (private speedboat) | 1 hour 30 minutes (public ferry) |
Positano - Ischia | 1 hour (private speedboat) | 2 hours 15 minutes (public ferry) |
Amalfi - Capri | 45-50 minutes (private speedboat) | 1 hour 40 minutes (public ferry) |
Amalfi - Ischia | 1 hour (private speedboat) | 2 hours (public ferry) |
Salerno - Positano | 1 hour (private car) | 1 hour 40 minutes (bus or ferry) |
Salerno - Amalfi | 45 minutes (private car) | 1 hour 30 minutes (bus or ferry) |
Salerno - Capri | 1 hour (private speedboat) | 2 hours (public ferry) |
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