Best Things to See On The Amalfi Coast

Best Things to See On The Amalfi Coast

Wondering what are the best spots on the Amalfi Coast? This guide tells you the best things to see on the Amalfi Coast including some less touristy places.

The Amalfi Coast had always been on my bucket list ever since I saw pictures of it years ago. I finally decided to pull the trigger to make my way there this past summer and oh my, it was just simply breathtaking.

Pictures simply cannot do justice on how beautiful the Amalfi Coast in Italy is and it is no wonder that people choose the Amalfi Coast as their honeymoon destination. Situated on the southern end of Italy, the Amalfi Coast enjoys a nice Mediterranean climate. The name Amalfi Coast derives from a town called Amalfi while the rest of the towns you’d be interested in visiting may not necessary be actually on the Amalfi coast as shown on the map below.

Amalfi Coast Map
Image Source: Pinterest

We spent about a week on the Amalfi Coast and visited a number of towns and islands. It allowed us to see almost everything with plenty of time to explore different towns. However if you only have a few days to spend there during your Italy trip, be sure to check out this Italy 10 Day Itinerary to see how you can still visit the Amalfi Coast.

Most Frequent Questions on Traveling to the Amalfi Coast

How many days should I spend on the Amalfi Coast? It really depends on how much you want to see. You can literally spend a month exploring every town in depth or spend 3 days seeing the most popular towns such as Positano, Amalfi and the island of Capri.

What’s the best time to go to the Amalfi Coast? Amalfi Coast has a mild climate but the best time is the shoulder seasons such as late May and mid September. It’s when the temperature is less humid and there are fewer people. It’s beautiful in the summer but it tends to get very crowded and really hot and humid.

How do you get around the Amalfi Coast? If you want to rent a car and drive, that’s an option but the locals drive quite fast on the narrow cliff side roads. But public transportation works just as well. There are numerous trains running from Naples to Pompeii, Caserta and Sorrento. From Sorrento there are daily air conditioned buses going to Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, etc.

Is the Amalfi Coast Safe (Especially Female Solo Travel)? YES! The Amalfi Coast felt extremely safe (although some areas of Naples felt a bit sketchy but it was fine). I wouldn’t hesitate traveling to the Amalfi Coast alone as a girl.

What Camera Lens Should I Bring to the Amalfi Coast? I brought a standard zoom lens (24-70) and a 50mm 1.2 fixed lens. If you have space, I would also recommend a wide angle lens for photos of the Cathedrals.

Best Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

Naples

We started our trip in Naples, the northern most point to start your Amalfi Coast Trip. Naples is known for its pizza and breathtaking view of Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. We used Naples as a base to explore the surrounding areas and islands before moving South to Sorrento. Naples is well connected to other areas of the Amalfi Coast by Train and ferry, so you can use that as a base for your travels.

Caserta

Caserta Palace Italy
Caserta Palace

Royal Palace of Caserta

Caserta is not a place that’s often talked about when people visit the Amalfi Coast, but it is definitely worth a visit. Caserta is located about an hour south of Naples by train and is known for the Royal Palace of Caserta, one of the largest palace built in Europe. It definitely reminded me of Versailles in France, minus all the tourists. It’s about an hour train ride from Naples and you can easily buy tickets at the Naples train station, no advance booking needed.

Pompeii

Pompeii is famous for its ruins caused by the volcano eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. By 2018, Pompeii was attracting almost 2.6 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited sites in Italy. To get to Pompeii from Naples is pretty simple, it’s also about an hour train ride from Naples. Bring shades, a hat, water, and sunscreen on a summer day because you probably won’t find any cover among the ruins!

Ischia

Most people think about Capri when they hear Amalfi Coast island trip. But Ischia is actually the largest island in the Naples area. Ischia is known for the majestic Aragonese Castle, built on a rock near the island. There are also beautiful gardens such as Gardens of La Mortella, Gardens of Villa Ravino, and beautiful hikes and nature. It’s about an hour ferry ride from Naples.

Is Ischia worth visiting? If you have enough time then definitely pay a visit. Ischia is different from Capri and is less touristy but the view from the castle is beautiful and it’s pretty empty.
Aragonese Castle Ischia

Procida

Procida is a much smaller island near Ischia. It’s the smallest island in the Bay of Naples and a hidden gem. You can visit the waterfront, the fortress, the beach, and some small villages on the island. It’s a lot quieter than the bigger islands but nevertheless a fun visit.

Sorrento

Heading down from Naples towards the Amalfi Coast area, most people will stop in the town called Sorrento. It’s about 1.5 hour train ride from Naples and is normally used as the base to explore the surrounding areas of Amalfi Coast. Sorrento itself is not actually on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s a charming place with plenty to do and eat. We took daily buses from Sorrento to different places on the coast and to Capri. If you have time, it’s also nice to walk around and explore Sorrento. I loved exploring the town at night as it’s very lively and cute with all the stores and restaurants.
Sorrento Amalfi Coast

Sorrento Italy

Ravello

Ravello is a really small town north (or up hill) from Amalfi (the town). It’s situated on the Amalfi Coast. A lot of people tend to skip this town to opt for the more famous Amalfi or Positano. But in my opinion, this town is one of the most beautiful on the Amalfi Coast and offers impeccable view of the water.

The town is pretty small so we only spent about 4 hours here. But some of the most iconic images of the Amalfi Coast is actually taken from Ravello. My favorite place is the Villa Cimbrone; the villa is a private five star hotel but the garden is open to the public. It’s a short walk from the town square of Ravello but it’s a must do in Ravello. The villa’s belvedere, Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) is the image below and the most iconic thing to see in the Amalfi Coast.

Another beautiful garden to visit is Villa Fufolo, which is open all year round that offers amazing views.

Villa Cimbrone Ravello Italy
Villa Cimbrone
Villa Fufolo Ravello Italy Amalfi Coast
Villa Fufolo

Capri

Capri is a charming island that’s off the coast of Sorrento, famous for its gardens and rock formation in the water, and of course the Blue Grotto. It’s one of my favorite islands in Italy, I mean who doesn’t want to be on a chair lift overseeing the whole coast or sipping coffee at a cafe watching the boats come and go?

Capri is the type of place where you can either spend one day or a few days. I only had one day to see the highlights but I do have friends that stayed 1-2 nights and explore the entire island.

If you only have one day on Capri (or a day trip to Capri from Sorrento), then you should do the following:

  • Blue Grotto: As soon as you get off the boat, find a boat tour to the Blue Grotto. The water tends to get choppier in the afternoon so visit this in the morning. However, the opening of the Blue Grotto is very small and you can only visit when the water is calm (otherwise boats can’t get in). There is a high chance that the Blue Grotto may be closed when you visit.
  • Mount Solaro Chairlift: After you finish the Blue Grotto tour, get on a bus from the dock area and ride to Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri. The view during the chairlift is amazing and relaxing.
  • Explore Piazza Vittoria and visit Villa San Michele, which is beautiful!
  • Walk down to Marina Grande from Villa San Michele (~30 min walking)
  • Get a boat tour around Capri and see the famous Natural Arches and other more!
Capri Boat Tour Amalfi Coast
Capri Boat Tour

Capri Italy Amalfi Coast

Capri View ITaly Amalfi Coast

Amalfi

The main town on the Amalfi Coast, surrounded by cliffs and beautiful ocean scenery. It is known for its architecture from the medieval times and more importantly, it’s known for the limoncello. There is nothing better than walking around exploring the different parts of town while eating a delicious gelato in the summer.

One of the most famous sights in the Amalfi town is the Amalfi Cathedral, otherwise known as Duomo di Sant’Andrea. If you want great photos on the stairs outside, then go really early in the morning. Otherwise the Cathedral as well as the area around it gets really crowded.

Amalfi Cathedral Amalfi Coast Italy
Amalfi Cathedral

Positano

No visits to the Amalfi Coast is complete without stopping by Positano, the most famous and picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast. Stroll along the beach, get lost among the small streets, explore boutiques and souvenir shops, grab a bite by the sea, hike into the hills, take a boat tour, or pretty much anything you imagine an Italian island summer would be like. Spend a night here if you have time and truly appreciate the beauty this place has to offer.

Some of the most popular things to do in Positano include a hike along the “Path of God”, otherwise known as Sentiero degli Dei. It’s a 3 hour hike between Agerola and Positano. Other things including just walking around Positano or stop by the beach. Be aware that walking up hill from the beach in the summer can be hot and difficult due to the humidity. If you decide to spend the night in Positano, try to get onto a boat around sunset and take the golden hour photo of Positano from the sea.

Positano Italy Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast is so beautiful that you have to see it in person. No photos can do it justice and it’s a trip of a lifetime. [no_toc]

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Everything you should see on the Amalfi Coast

Everything you must see on the amalfi coast italy