It’s no wonder the Amalfi Coast is one of the most visited popular destinations on the Italian peninsula! Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes, the entire coast is a registered site!) exudes charm and inspires awe by day, transforming into a place of pure fascination by night. Imagine dizzying cliffs plunging into a deep blue sea, dotted with colorful small villages that seem to magically cling to the mountainside. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, where time seems to stand still. For a first-time visitor, exploring this beautiful area should definitely be at the top of your list.
Ready to uncover the magic? Let’s dive into this travel guide for the Amalfi Coast.
Go on a cruise in the Gulf of Naples to the island of Capri
Whether you decide to rent a private boat with a driver or hop aboard a ferry, a boat tour along the coast is an absolute must for any itinerary! This boat tour will whisk you away to some of the most breathtaking spots on the Amalfi Coast. As a bonus, it’ll also stop at some of the many grottoes with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. It’s an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly be one of your trip’s highlights. This should be on everyone’s bucket list!
And if your heart desires, make a stop on the Island of Capri. This mythical island awaits you, with its famous Faraglioni – three majestic rock formations emerging from the pristine waters – its Li Galli nature reserve, and the playful dolphins that sometimes greet cruise-goers. Even a few hours’ stopover allows you to explore the Gardens of Augustus, a true balcony overlooking the Mediterranean from 300 meters up. Hop on a local minibus up to Anacapri to admire the breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Naples and the magnificent stretch of coastline as far as the eye can see.
Taste authentic mozzarella di bufala
You’re in the very heart of the Campania region, where mozzarella di bufala originates. A one-hour drive to the heart of the production area is definitely worth the trip! Head to this area early, as cheese making often starts as early as 4 AM. So, it’s important to arrive before they run out of cheese! Caseificio Torricelle, a very artisanal cheese factory, offers excellent fresh mozzarella and even better ricotta!
If you can, stop at Tenuta Vannulo or in Sorrento. It’s one of the oldest (and most popular) facilities, and one of Italy’s only fully organic buffalo farms. You can take a guided tour of the facilities, witness modern breeding and milking processes, and very likely spot a few buffalo along the way. Don’t forget to try their buffalo milk gelato – it’s divine!
What are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast in Italy? Visit the village of Ravello!
Perched on a cliff overlooking the entire Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a charming place on the Amalfi Coast to visit any time of year, boasting one of the most beautiful historic centers in the country. It’s truly a beautiful area!
But try to get there during the legendary music festival, one of Italy’s oldest. Open-air stages with stunning views of the coast are set up throughout the town for various events. Don’t miss visiting Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone (with its famous Terrace of Infinity), and the absolutely magnificent Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
Taste Limoncello made with Amalfi lemons
Limoncello, the famous Italian lemon liqueur, is made right here in the Amalfi region. You’ll find lemon trees of all shapes and sizes wherever you go—in markets, by the roadside, and deep in the countryside. Seriously, they’re everywhere!
Limoncello is made by steeping the zest of a specific local lemon in alcohol until all the oils are released. The resulting liquid is then mixed with simple syrup to create the liqueur, which is typically served as a digestif at the end of a meal.
Be sure to buy a bottle to take home, preferably from a production site to ensure its quality. You want the real deal, not just the “tourist quality” stuff!
Spend a few days in Positano at a hotel with a sea view
Positano is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There, I said it! So, it’s an almost mandatory stop on this Amalfi Coast itinerary. Built on a rocky hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, Positano is striking from both the water and land. Get wonderfully lost in this picture-perfect town on the Amalfi Coast.
Wander through the narrow alleys. Climb the winding staircases. Explore the tiny, cat-filled passages. Let them lead you wherever they please, because around every corner, you’ll be surprised by what awaits you. It’s the perfect spot for soaking up the coastal charm.
Indulge in delicious local dishes
Alas, the Amalfi Coast is very touristy and can feel like a tourist trap with mediocre restaurants catering to unsuspecting visitors. However, it’s also a fantastic place to eat incredibly well, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and lovely trattorias… if you know where to go! This is where you find the true hidden gems. Always ask the locals for their recommendations on the best things to eat, including bakeries and coffee bars for traditional dishes. You’ll stumble upon little hidden gems off the beaten path.
Here are some culinary specialties of the Amalfi Coast you simply must try:
- Colatura di Alici di Cetara: An amber, salty sauce derived from the aging of anchovies from Cetara (a nearby fishing village), often used as a condiment for pasta or bruschetta. It’s an umami bomb!
- Pesce all’Acqua Pazza: Fresh fish, often caught the same day, simply cooked with water, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. It’s a taste of the sea!
- Sfogliatelle: A pastry consisting of crispy layers of thin dough filled with a creamy custard. Pure bliss!
- Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare: A fresh pasta typical of the region, often prepared with local seafood like clams, mussels, and shrimp. A seafood lover’s dream.
- Delizia al Limone: A light and refreshing dessert, a sponge cake imbibed in lemon liqueur and filled with a lemon cream. Seriously, it’s delightful.
Relax on Italy’s beautiful beaches in places like Salerno and Atrani
While the Sorrentine Peninsula boasts spectacular cliffs plunging into an enchanting blue sea, offering a remarkable spot for diving and excursions, traditional sandy beach areas are quite rare here. Nevertheless, the invigorating sea air and postcard-perfect scenery guarantee an unforgettable rendezvous with the Italian dolce vita.
Between Salerno, Atrani, and Amalfi, charming pebble coves and equipped rock platforms await you for moments of pure relaxation. True, you might sometimes need to take adventurous paths or stairs carved into the rock to reach them, but every effort is rewarded with crystal-clear waters. For a day trip of aquatic escape, these spots on the Amalfi Coast offer a unique experience, away from crowded beaches, where the wild beauty of the coast truly comes alive. Taking a ferry between towns can be a great option to easily reach these spots if you don’t have much time.
Dare to travel along the coastal road
If you love driving, you’ll adore the Amalfi Coast, day or night! The winding roads are barely wide enough for two cars to slowly pass each other, and yet vehicles zip by at full speed. Add to the usual traffic the enormous buses that hog most of the road, taking dozens of hairpin turns like a bull in a china shop! Not to mention the hundreds of scooters zipping past everyone on the right and left. It’s a chaotic ballet… and a thoroughly Italian experience!
It’s a little bit scary at first, until you get used to it and start driving like a local. This way, you can discover superb places like Positano, Sorrento, Conca dei Marini, or even the Gulf of Naples. All these places are within easy reach if you’re up for the challenge!
Despite the apparent danger, this is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It winds between the mountainsides and the Mediterranean below, passing through lovely villages. Enjoy it… cautiously, of course!
