A First-Timer’s Guide to the Iconic Amalfi Coast
Italy boasts some extraordinary landscapes, with the Amalfi Coast perhaps topping the charts as one of the most exquisite towns in the world. Hidden gems along the coastline blend natural beauty with remarkable craftsmanship. Narrow winding roads offer spectacular views of pastel-colored fishing villages delicately perched atop crumbly-looking cliff sides. That’s not all; fields of multicolored roses catch the eye as the sandy beaches invite you to an intoxicating sensual feast.
Here’s what you need to know for your first visit to the inimitable Amalfi Coast.
Where to Stay During Your Amalfi Coast Adventure
The Amalfi Coast is a 30-mile (50km) stretch of coastline located just beneath Naples along the southern edge of the Sorrento Peninsula in the Campania region. Depending on your holiday plans, let’s discuss a few places to visit on the Amalfi coast.
Sorrento—A good place for visitors looking to relax in and around a hotel and explore the same beach daily without a rental car. The town is famous for its limoncello production. Be sure to try it out. Granita, a non-alcoholic lemon slushy beverage, is also a favorite drink that you can find along the roadside.
Scala—For anyone seeking a more authentic local feel on a budget, Scala is your best bet.
Positano—If you’re looking for a premium stay around thousands of tourists, then the world-renowned Positano may be acceptable.
Raito—For the more adventurous traveler who loves visiting historical sites and is keen on exploring the town by car, then Raito is a good option.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
Want to explore the stunning Amalfi coast extensively but have yet to decide on how to get around? It can be tricky to get from one town to the next. So. Let’s discuss how to get from Point A to Point B.
By Car:
The Amalfi Coast features winding roads with narrow lanes of traffic. If you’re not comfortable driving on such roads with Vespas darting past you along cliffsides, then hiring a private driver to chauffer you from your hotel and take you to your destination along the coast may be your best option.
It takes about three and a half hours to drive from Rome to Sorrento—add an hour to that if you intend to visit Positano or Praiano.
Pros: Convenient | Stops along the way
Cons: Pricey | Traffic snarl-ups during rush hour
By Bus:
There’s public transportation by the company SITA from Sorrento to Amalfi. Typically, these buses run daily from 6 am to 10 pm (at intervals of 15-30 minutes). Be sure to check the SITA site for scheduling.
Pros: Cheap | Great views | No parking space concerns
Cons: Can be hot and crowded
Pro Tip: sitting on the right-hand side of the bus allows you to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views when traveling from Sorrento.
By Ferry:
Travelling from Positano to Raito? Take advantage of the ferry to Amalfi. The pedestrian ferry links ports in Salerno, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, and Positano.
Tip: transportation schedules vary depending on the season. Be sure to look at the ferry timetable.
Pros: Quicker than the buses | Far less crowded and cheaper | Stops at every coastal village (apart from Atrani and Praiano) | Stunning views of the Amalfi Coast
Cons: It does not run from mid-November through March
Ideal Time to Visit Amalfi Coast
The high season runs from April to October. The low season is around November to March. Peak season is in July and August—with the busiest week of the year coinciding with the Italian holiday referred to as Ferragosto (15th of August). Temperatures around this time tend to be very hot (90’s F) with humidity above 60%. We’d recommend you avoid visiting in mid-August.
Italy at Its Most Luxe
Bonus list of top places to visit around Amalfi
Furore—visit Fiordo di Furore. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of this lesser-known swimming hole.
Heights of Ravello—take Instagram-worthy photos from the mountainside
Marina di Praia—check out this lovely swimming hole with a rocky beach
Salerno—for panoramic sunsets, local cuisines and shopping
Verdict: Best Way to Get Around the Amalfi Coast
For the best overall experience, a ferry offers unbeatable views, no traffic jams, and is the most inexpensive option. This mode of transport allows you to travel from town to town quickly during the summer months without breaking the bank.
