A Quick Guide to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

There’s no doubt about it, Italy has had a tough time over the last few months. But that’s not to say that it should no longer be on your travel bucket list – the opposite is true. Small businesses in Italy will need support more than ever, and with tourism making up a large part of the country’s economy, now is the perfect time to start planning your future trip. Read on for a quick guide to the Amalfi Coast, one of my favourite parts of this beautiful country.

How do I get there?

The Amalfi coast is a 50 kilometer stretch of coastline in the South West of Italy. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Naples and then get the train along the coast. I’d always recommend public transport in Italy rather than driving as the motorways can be very busy. Once you get to Sorrento, my favourite way to explore the rest of the coast is by Vespa!

Which towns should I visit?

As you make your way along this stunning stretch of Italian coastline, prepare to be bowled away by the beauty of the towering cliffs plunging down to the deep blue sea, topped by layers of pretty coloured houses and surrounded by olive groves. The main places worth seeing along the Amalfi coast are Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Other places nearby include Naples itself, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum and the island of Capri.

Sorrento

Sorrento is the first town you will arrive as when visiting the Amalfi Coast. Slightly larger than the other towns, it is a good place to base yourself, as there are more accommodation options on offer. (If you’re feeling like splashing out then stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria). When you get to Sorrento, head to Piazza Tasso, as this is the main square, where you’ll find plenty in the way of nightlife and restaurants – not to mention numerous places to get Italian gelato!

Amalfi

Home of a magnificent 10th century cathedral, Amalfi is a pretty town where you can sit in the main square drinking espresso as the Italians do. While it may not be as postcard-worthy as its neighbour Positano, Amalfi feels more authentic. Make sure to visit the Cloister of Paradise, a 13th century cloister next to the cathedral, containing ancient mosaics, paintings and 120 columns built in the Arabic style.

Ravello

A true hidden gem, you’ll need to head slightly inland and uphill to reach Ravello, but the panoramic views of the coast are worth it! Ravello itself is incredibly pretty, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Must-sees include the Duomo di Ravello (in the centre opposite the main square), Villa Rufolo (which boasts a beautiful garden and stunning views), and Villa Cimbrone (famous for being one of the most prestigious hotels in this part of Italy).

Positano

This picture perfect town is the jewel of the Amalfi coast. Set foot in Positano, and you’ll feel transported back to the Italy of 1950s films. Steep cobbled streets lead down through a maze of bright colours onto the beautiful beach below, where you can while away the days on striped sunloungers under the hot Italian sun. If you want to really treat yourself, book a stay at Le Sirenuse, Positano’s leading luxury hotel. With intricately tiled interiors, sweeping views over the bay and the charm of a beautiful private home, you’ll feel completely at ease as you sip your drink watching the sun set over the rooftops of Positano.

What else is there to see?

Stunning clifftops, sparkling blue water, pretty colourful houses – the Amalfi Coast is a true feast for the eyes. Make sure you also visit some of the orange and lemon groves, where the locals make homemade limoncello and marmalades.

What to eat

You will not go hungry in Italy, as the Italians take pride in offering some of the best food in the entire world. Restaurants abound with delicious seafood, steaming plates of fresh pasta and pizzas straight out of the oven. Make sure to try aubergine parmigiana, a traditional (and delicious) dish from the Campania region. During the day you can grab fresh focaccia from one of the numerous bakeries dotting the streets of the towns. In need of a sweet treat? There are so many flavours of gelato to choose from you’ll be able to have a new one every day – my favourite is the pistachio.

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What else is there nearby?

Although it would be easy to spend your entire holiday in this short stretch of the Amalfi coast, there are plenty of other things within striking distance worth seeing. Read on for a few of my favourites:

Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum

For a unique insight into life in the Roman Empire head over to Pompeii and Herculaneum, both a short train ride from Naples (between Naples and Sorrento). This area of Italy was once known as an imperial playground, as rich and famous Romans used to have holiday villas here, and would flock to the coast to escape the summer heat of Rome. In ad.79 tragedy struck when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered these seaside towns in volcanic ash, killing everyone instantly. Paradoxically however, this has lead to these Roman villas and towns being incredibly well-preserved, from the mosaics on the floors to the everyday items such as household utensils and jewellery. There is no other archeological site in the world quite like it, so it would be a crime not to visit!

The island of Capri

It’s easy to see why Capri was once famed as being the playground of the rich and famous. The hot Italian sun beats down on sparkling blue see and the white buildings glimmer amongst the steep cliffs. Book a boat trip to see the impressive sea stacks, or faraglioni in Italian, and the blue grotto caves – a natural cave that you can only enter by rowing boat. Believe me it’s worth it just for the comedy value as the men rowing the boat belt out Italian classics at the top of their voices! Hotels in Capri are expensive but you can book the ferry to Capri as a day trip from either Naples or Sorrento. If you’re visiting during the summer months make sure to book in advance as it gets booked up quickly.

Naples

Naples may be a bit rough around the edges. but that doesn’t mean that you should skip it. Not only is Naples the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, it’s also the birthplace of pizza – more than enough reason for me to visit! For a real authentic pizza dining experience (surrounded by young hip Italians rather than tourists) head over to 50 Kalò – you’ll need to queue but hey – it’s worth it! Another awesome things about Naples is that they have desert cafes (yes – cafes specialising only in deserts!) open until late at night. Tiramisu after a night out? Yes please! Once a highlight of the eighteenth-century Grand Tour, there’s plenty in Naples for all you culture vultures too. There’s the famous Teatro San Carlo and the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, a museum housing exquisite examples of Baroque and Renaissance Italian painting. Be careful though, there’s a reason that Naples has a reputation for being rough and ready. Common sense should prevail – make sure not to flash the cash and you should be fine.

When to visit

The Amalfi coast springs to life during the summer months of June to September, and is the perfect time for a holiday in the sun. It can however get incredibly crowded during this time, so for a quieter getaway I’d suggest visiting in April or May. It will be a bit cooler but still incredibly beautiful.

If you’re thinking about visiting Italy then why not get a copy of the Italy Lonely Planet here. (Please note that I receive a small kick-back if you purchase a book through this affiliate link (the price of the book remains the same). This allows me to continue providing travel advice for free!

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