AMALFI COAST

Why the Amalfi Coast Will Steal Your Heart Every Time

The Amalfi Coast is my absolute favorite place I’ve ever been. I could go back every year for the rest of my life, and it would never get old. I love the vibe, the culture, the charming towns, the stunning views, and the way it makes me feel—I love it all. If someone asked me where to take their first trip to Europe, the Amalfi Coast would be my number one recommendation.

Top Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

Take a Day Trip to Capri: Book a small group tour to enjoy the sparkling waters of the Blue Grotto and explore the charming island of Capri. Swimming and sunshine included.

Visit Amalfi and Ravello: Hop on the Red Bus to explore Amalfi’s historic center and the breathtaking gardens of Ravello at your own pace. Both towns offer unique beauty and history worth discovering.

Explore Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone: These stunning villas in Ravello have some of the best views on the coast paired with gorgeous gardens perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

Discover Praiano: Quieter than Positano but equally charming, Praiano is great for authentic local vibes, beautiful sunsets, and excellent seafood without the crowds.

Tour Pompeii: A visit to Pompeii is a must. Taking a guided tour gives you a deep dive into the ancient Roman city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius.

Shop in Positano: Wander the boutiques for handmade leather sandals, artisan jewelry, and vibrant Italian ceramics.

Taste Limoncello: Sample the region’s famous lemon liqueur, made from fresh local lemons — a perfect way to toast your trip.

Hike the Path of the Gods: For those feeling adventurous, this clifftop hike offers jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean and unforgettable photo ops.

Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make authentic Italian dishes like pizza, tiramisu, and gnocchi—delicious and fun! La Tagliata has a cooking class that’s like a festive cooking party—you’ll tour the garden, pick seasonal veggies, then cook and dance with the family over gnocchi, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisù, and house wine.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

If I had to choose one place to stay on the Amalfi Coast, it would be Positano. I love the energy, the beauty of the colorful cliffside buildings, and the way the whole town seems to glow in the evening light. Every time I’m here, I feel a bit like I’ve stepped into a movie — it’s just that magical.

If you want a quieter stay but still with some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever see, head to Ravello. It’s like Positano’s sophisticated older sister — refined, elegant, and just a little more serene. The gardens, villas, and panoramic terraces here are unforgettable.

Amalfi is lively and historic, with its grand cathedral and busy piazza. It’s a great central base if you want easy ferry connections to other towns.

Praiano is a gem for travelers who want authentic local life without the big crowds. It has beautiful sunsets, excellent seafood restaurants, and a more laid-back pace, while still being just a short ride from Positano.

The Amalfi Coast is made up of a string of picture-perfect towns: Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare, and a few even smaller villages tucked into the cliffs. Each one has its own personality — from vibrant and glamorous to peaceful and understated.

While all of the Amalfi Coast is expensive (and you should be prepared for that), you can save a bit on accommodations by staying in smaller towns like Minori, Maiori, Praiano, Atrani, or Vietri sul Mare. These still offer beautiful views and plenty of Amalfi charm, but without the same price tag as Positano or Ravello.

POSITANO

Hotel Villa Gabrisa is a family-run boutique hotel located in the cliffs of Positano and boasting some pretty awesome views. The rooms in the hotel are lovely, but the terraces overlooking the Mediterranean are the star of the show. The hotel also has a popular restaurant that is perfect for a romantic date night.

You can read my full review of Villa Gabrisa here.

RAVELLO

Villa Piedimonte in Ravello is a laid-back yet elegant spot with jaw-dropping views over the Amalfi Coast. The rooms are bright and modern, and the pool is perfect for cooling off while soaking up those hillside panoramas. It’s a great mix of comfort and style without feeling stuffy.

AMALFI

This elegant boutique hotel sits right on Amalfi’s seafront, just steps from the main piazza and Duomo. The rooftop terrace and pool offer gorgeous coastal views, and its location makes exploring the town effortless. It’s the perfect mix of lively surroundings and peaceful retreat.

How to Get Around on the Amalfi Coast

I would not recommend renting a car for the Amalfi Coast. The roads are narrow and winding, often hugging steep cliff edges, which can be nerve-wracking if you’re not used to that kind of driving. Parking is limited and expensive, especially in popular towns like Positano and Amalfi, and in many cases, it’s located far from the main areas you’ll want to explore. The towns themselves are very walkable, and getting from one to another is easy using public transportation.

The SITA buses run regularly between all the main towns and are an affordable way to travel, though they can get crowded in high season. For a more scenic and often more relaxing option, the Travelmar ferries connect towns like Positano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, and Salerno — you’ll get incredible views from the water along the way. Taxis are available but can be very expensive, so I’d save them for short trips when you really need them.

For information on the best way to get from Naples or Rome to the Amalfi Coast, check out the ‘transportation’ section in this article.

Dining Highlights on the Amalfi Coast

POSITANO

La Scalinatella – La Scalinatella is a fine dining establishment with a “sophisticated Mediterranean” design style. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices are on the higher side, but the food is amazing, and it is apparent that the chef is very thoughtful with the menu items.

Adamo ed Eva Ristorante – Is an upscale, family-run restaurant known for its fresh seafood and refined Italian cuisine. The elegant atmosphere pairs perfectly with its creative, locally inspired dishes. Expect a pricier dining experience that’s worth it for a special night out.

La Tagliata – A family-run restaurant set high up in the hills of Positano. There is no menu, just whatever fresh find they purchase that day. It’s quite a big meal and the views are out of this world. They also provide pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation.

CAPRI

La Zagara – While I’ve never dined at La Zagara, I’m just dying to go here. I read about it a few years ago, and I can’t even imagine how good it smells to be dining in a lemon tree orchard. If you’ve been to La Zagara, tell us about it in the comments.

RAVELLO

Rossellini’s – Perfect location, sensational food in a fine dining atmosphere. This Michelan-star gem specializes in fresh seafood and menu changes regularly. 

Essential Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast

#1 – Wear comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough. YOU WILL WALK A LOT. Comfy shoes are your friend.

#2 – Purchase travel insurance. You never know when life’s going to throw you a curve ball.

#3 – Take the time to learn a few Italian greetings such as “buongiorno” (good morning), “buonasera” (good evening), and “grazi” (thank you).

#4 – Popular restaurants and tours book well in advance, so be sure to make advanced dining and tour reservations.

#5 – Visit off-peak. The Amalfi Coast, from April through October, is going to be busy. It’s unavoidable. However, I would suggest just avoiding July and August, when many Europeans are on holiday.

The Amalfi Coast is truly a slice of paradise — a place where dramatic cliffs meet sparkling turquoise waters, and every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view. Whether you’re sipping Limoncello in a sun-drenched piazza, wandering through fragrant gardens, or cruising along the coast with the sea breeze in your hair, the magic here stays with you long after you’ve left. Come once, and you’ll understand why so many people (myself included) dream of returning year after year.

Trying to decide whether to stay in Sorrento or Positano? See my detailed comparison here.

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