A beginner's guide for visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Original work published on www.adventuresbymatt.com
Stunning, spectacular, glamorous, and magical. A guide for when to visit, how to get around, and the best things to see and do in the sun-warmed jewel of the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is without a doubt of the most beautiful and talked about destinations worldwide. The 25-mile stretch along the Tyrrhenian coastline has stolen the hearts of residents and travelers for centuries. From its picturesque cliffside villas and terraces, building colored seaside villages, delicious Italian cuisine, and drop-dead gorgeous beaches, it's no surprise this Italian paradise is so alluring.
While the most famous location is the famous town of Positano, with its cliffside village being one of the most photographed places in all of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is so much more than just 1 tiny town. The region is loaded with important sights, history, and a lot of artistic inspiration and value; a place you must see with your own eyes at least once in a lifetime.
No matter your reason for visiting, the Amalfi Coast is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you falling in love with the region just like so many visitors before you. To make the most out of your experience, keep the following tips in mind and discover how to have the best overall experience on the Amalfi Coast.
What makes the Amalfi Coast Special?
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular vacation spots in Italy, and, all of Europe. The coastline gives off a glamorous and luxurious vibe, with charming towns with brightly colored buildings and stunning beaches lining the coastline. Known for its fresh abundance of lemon trees, award winning-chefs and Italian cuisine, beautiful cliff terraces overlooking the sea, and being the playground for the Romans, it's one of those destinations you just have to see it to believe it.
Tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast
Do some planning and research before going on your trip. While the Amalfi Coast is one of the most visited destinations in the country, it's best to know ahead of time what to expect, how to get around, and tips for staying safe and making the most of your visit. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when planning your trip to the Amalfi Coast:
When to visit: The overall best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during the months of April-June. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm, flowers are blooming in every direction, and the coast is not flooded with tourists like during the late summer months.
How long to stay: The Amalfi Coast is a great location for a weekend getaway or a week-long stay. The optimal number of days to spend in the region is around 5-7 to truly experience everything the coastal region has to offer.
How to get around: The easiest way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by rental car, allowing you the time and freedom to adventure at your own pace. However, if you opt to visit without renting a car, there is a simple and convenient bus route that stops along each of the towns and villages on the coastline, in addition to multiple ferry services.
Safety tips: The Amalfi Coast is an overall safe and relaxed region in Italy. If anything, pickpocketing is the most common petty theft in the region. While Naples does have a lot of bad press for being rather dangerous, the major points of interest and tourist areas are safer than other areas.
Destinations Highlights & Things to do
Bouncing around the towns and villages lining the Amalfi coast is an incredible experience in itself. No matter where you decide to base yourself and visit, the Amalfi Coast is sure to impress. While there is so much to see and do in the region, here are some of the destination highlights and best things to do when traveling to the Amalfi Coast:
Hike the Path of the Gods: The best and most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast is the iconic path of the Gods. The path is 4 miles and takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete. It ventures through ancient towns, and ruins, paired with jaw-dropping views of the coastline from Belvedere's viewpoint. It’s definitely at the top of the list of ‘things to do’ during any trip to the Amalfi Coast,
Romatizize in Ravello: Ravellos is the ultimate playground for the rich and famous. It boasts fantastic seaside views, fascinating luscious gardens at the Villa Cimbrone, and a vibrant upscale atmosphere full of class. Visit in the summer for the best experience and attend the Ravello Music Festival at the UNESCO heritage site.
Relax at Furore Beach: Furora Beach is nothing short of amazing. It's the most well-known beach on the coastline, in addition to being an extreme diving site. There is no parking nearby, so it does require a small walk, and be sure to arrive early as the beach is small in size and fills up quickly in the high seasons.
Visit Atrani: Atrani is one of the best places on the Amalfi Coast to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. It's one of the more laidback neighborhoods in the area, boasting a lot of delicious restaurants and cafes to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. People watch from the Piazza Umberto, then watch the sunset on the nearby black-sand beach.
Drive the Coast: Some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast come from driving up the coastline. While not for the faint of heart, as it comes with steep cliffs and narrow lanes, it’s one of the top experiences in the area. Rent a Vespa or old classic car, and take in the fresh air and views from Conca Dei Marini, and Sofia Loren, while bouncing through the villages of the elegant Italian coastline.
Each experience along the Amalfi Coast is unique, memorable, and awe-inspiring. It's no surprise it has risen to be one of the most well-known vacation spots in Italy. We hope you have enjoyed this guide and that you refer back here before your next trip to the Amalfi Coast.