What to do on the Amalfi Coast

It seems like everyone is heading to the Amalfi Coast, and after seeing dozens of photos of the colorful seaside towns, I couldn’t resist adding a few days on the Amalfi Coast to my around the world trip.

What to do on the Amalfi Coast:

Table of Contents

Take a day trip to Capri

This is a must. You can pick between just doing a boat tour to see the rock formations and grottos or you can do a tour that combines a tour of the cities on the island with a boat tour. I did this tour that I booked through Airbnb Experiences.

Or you can opt to just take the ferry to Capri and then wander around on your own.

Hit the Beach

I love the beaches in Italy. Not only are the beaches beautiful, but the entire experience is also more sophisticated. The beaches have little cafes that serve food and drinks, but they also rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and they even have bathrooms and changing rooms. Expect to pay about 10 euros per person for a beach set up, but it is worth it.

I spent 4 hours lounging at a beach located inside a small cove in Positano and it was so gorgeous and relaxing. For 11 euros I got a panini and an Aperol Spritz.

There are some things to know about the beaches. Most of them are more rocky than sandy. The rocks get very hot in the sun, so wear your sandals right to the water’s edge. The rocks continue once you get into the water, and are a little awkward to walk on. The most important thing to be aware of is the jellyfish. They do sting, but you can see them since the water is crystal clear. So keep your eyes peeled and avoid them.

Hike the Path of the Gods

This 4.8 mile (7.8 km) hiking trail goes from the small town of Bomerano to Positano and gives you amazing views.

Ravello

This small town is known for its beautiful views and gardens. My Airbnb host highly recommended this but I just didn't have time.

Pompei

The ancient city of Pompei which was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius is just a 30-minute train ride from Naples, making it an easy day trip.

Where to Stay:

Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi

These are the most scenic and popular towns on the Amalfi Coast. They also tend to be pricy.

Naples

It is very tempting to stay in Naples. You can take the train there from Rome and then take the ferries to different towns on the coast. But, Naples is a city, it doesn’t have the small town charm you probably want.

Salerno

I stayed in Salerno which is the southernmost town on the Amalfi Coast. Like Naples, you can take the train from Rome to Salerno. Salerno is small and not very touristy, which means that it is quiet and affordable. From Salerno, you can take ferries to Amalfi, Positano, Capri, and other towns on the coast in 30-70 minutes.

I stayed at this bed and breakfast which was well located (20 minutes walk to the train station and each of the ferry stations) and very affordable. The one thing to know is that the bathrooms are across the hall and not en-suite, but that didn’t bother me.

What to Know Before You Go:

It’s touristy, it can be crowded, and it can be expensive. I was lucky and there weren't many cruise ships in the area when I visited.

The area isn’t very stroller friendly. The towns on the Amalfi Coast are built on hills and up the sides of cliffs, which means that lots of stairs are involved.

You can find information on the ferries here.