Visiting the Breathtaking Amalfi Coast 🌻
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Without visiting Italy's Amalfi Coast, summer holidays in Europe would scarcely be considered complete. The Amalfi Coast is without a doubt one of the world's most stunning, appealing, and endearing coastal areas. It has drawn the jet-set since Roman times. And another of my top choices.
Where to go in the Amalfi Coast?
Positano is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places on earth. The little village is built into the cliffside, with bright orange and blue umbrellas covering the beach and meandering cobblestone lanes full with family-run pasta restaurants & enotecas (Italian for wine bars). The ideal spot to pass the day—or the summer—is in this Mediterranean paradise. This is the perfect place for travelers seeking a quintessential Italian coastal experience.
Amalfi is a charming and picturesque town located on the stunning Amalfi Coast of Italy. Situated in the Campania region, south of Naples, Amalfi is renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, rich history, and distinct architecture. This is the perfect place for travelers seeking a romantic, cultural, and visually appealing getaway.
You should spend a few days on Capri if you're seeking for Italy's most picturesque island. Even if day trips are wonderful, you'll always wish you had more time in Capri. You'll hike and walk throughout the day, stopping only for gelato and taking in the breathtaking vistas. My favorite beach club on Capri is the famous La Fontelina, and my favorite hiking trail is the Via Krupp, which descends all the way to the beach from the top of the island (so pack a swimsuit) and was first constructed in 1902! This is the perfect place for travelers looking for a refined and unforgettable luxury experience.
Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast?
Luxury:
Boutique:
Budget-Friendly:
What is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
The winters in Amalfi are lengthy, cold, rainy, windy, and partially overcast, while the summers are brief, hot, humid, dry, and largely clear. The average annual temperature ranges from 45 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, seldom falling below 38 or rising above 93. May or September are the ideal months to explore the Amalfi Coast. Expect excellent weather and a ton of activities throughout these months, sans the summertime crowds, when it's at its most fun. The usual range of temperatures is 68°F to 77°F. From November to March, the Amalfi Coast is less crowded.
What are some good tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast?
(1) Do not rent a car!
The reason being the Amalfi Coast holds narrow roads and popularity leads to a ton of congestion, so while it could be convenient to have it can also be a bit dangerous. The best wisdom I can give is you need to get the highest level of insurance if you want the flexibility, which obviously increases the cost of a simple car rental. For the car rental, insurance, gas, and parking for just 3-4 days could run you over 400€!
✈️Plane: If you are arriving by plane to Naples (NAP) or Salerno Costa (QSR), you can proceed by train, taxi, or bus to your desired Amalfi Coast.
🚈Train: If you are arriving by train, you'll want to make your way into the Naples Centrale which serves as a major transportation hub. From here, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento and then proceed by bus or ferry to your Amalfi Coast destination.
🚍Bus: Buses connect major cities like Naples and Salerno to various towns along the coast. The SITA bus company operates routes with stops in towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
⛴️Ferry: Ferries operate between Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and other coastal towns. This can be a scenic and enjoyable way to reach your destination.
🚗Private transfer: Car services can provide you a comfortable and convenient option especially if you're traveling with a group or carrying a lot of luggage.
🚁Helicopter: For a luxurious and quick arrival, some companies offer helicopter transfers from Naples or other nearby cities directly to the Amalfi Coast.
(2) Book in advance!
Speaking of booking accommodations, the towns are tiny and when you book late a lot of the affordable options are already full. So, book in advance and you can either choose from the plethora of options or opt for an Airbnb. Once you are ready to look, I'd suggest staying in one of the less tourist spots so that you can stay for a much smaller price. I stayed in Ravello and I'd do it again (1 hour from Positano).
Speaking of activities, there are a bunch of different websites you can reserve interesting tours around the Amalfi Coast online and in advance. Here are my favorites:
This is one of the easiest places to book tours and honestly my new favorite spot.
Viator has a lot of options in and around the Amalfi Coast and is a close second to GetYourGuide in terms of booking tours. This link below is actually a boat tour I have had recommended to me a couple times, which is by no means cheap but it is in comparison to other options rather "affordable". Make sure to book a boat in advance because I have seen many people get rejected when trying to book the day or week of their trip.
(3) Visit during shoulder season!
From June through August, when the Amalfi Coast is most popular with tourists as stated before, the streets of many of the Amalfi Coast villages are packed with them. This is particularly evident in Positano and Amalfi, the two most well-known villages on the Amalfi Coast. Even if it could be a fantastic opportunity to visit the beach and get a nice tan, it's not enjoyable to compete with other beachgoers for a space in the sun. The best time is May or September during the shoulder months, but do keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants actually close down from October to the beginning of May due to off season.
(4) Get an early start!
If you have to travel during the busy season, getting an early start will help you avoid packed buses and boats. Even though you need to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a seat (otherwise you must stand in the aisle), I am always able to board the 8:30 bus from Sorrento to Positano.
(5) Save money and picnic on the beach!
Take a trip to the small grocery stores nearby your hotel or accommodation of choice or go to a nearby panini shop. This will allow you to grab everything you need for a perfect beach picnic and allow you to save some money.
(6) Drink and eat the region favorites!
The citrus grown in the area is well-known. In every city, you'll notice a ton of lemon trees and enormous citrus fruits. Although limoncello is their most well-known beverage, the area also produces amazing lemon sweets and lemon chocolate. Secondly, make sure to eat seafood while you are here. It is super fresh and amazing!
(7) Have fun and relax!
Looking for additional Italy recommendations?
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