If you’re looking for the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, we have the perfect list for you.
In all of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most well-known spots with stunning views at every turn. There is nothing but beauty along the length of this coast. This is one of the best places to enjoy the marvelous Tyrrhenian Sea.
Apart from being a well-known route, the Amalfi Drive (also known as SS163) features 48 miles of breathtaking coastline, making it one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is also surrounded by mountains that rise almost vertically on one side and have steep drops on the other.
The Amalfi Coast comprises 13 quaint settlements that perch precariously on the cliffs. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1977 and attracts thousands of visitors from throughout the world each year.
Now let’s jump in.
11 Best Things To Do on the Amalfi Coast
Visiting the Amalfi coast is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Cities like Positano and Amalfi, with their picture-perfect seaside villages and brightly-colored buildings, are a must-see in this area. A visit to any of these is among the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast that you wouldn’t want to miss.
There are also gorgeous beaches, coastal hikes, and hillside houses to enjoy. Aside from the towns and mountains, the Amalfi Coast is close to several beautiful islands, such as Capri, which is a must-visit even as a day trip.
With its luxurious and idyllic vibe, the Amalfi Coast has a lot to offer visitors. Let’s have a look at the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
Explore the Towns
1. Amalfi
The village of Amalfi is often overlooked, with many people making it a stopover on their way to their next destination. Amalfi, however, is well worth a visit on its own and definitely one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
Since Amalfi is a major port on the Amalfi Coast, you’re likely to make a stop there at some point as you explore the area.
Positano, Capri, and the rest of the Amalfi Coast have excellent public transportation systems that make getting to and from each town or settlement a breeze, and they all stop by this town.
Amalfi is the best place to purchase souvenirs and products made with lemon. Visit the paper store La Scuderia del Duca. If you dig hard enough, you might be able to find some antique vintage Amalfi paper postcards and classic stationery. If you fancy strolling around, check out the town’s lovely fountains that may be seen all over its cozy streets.
Visitors to Amalfi should also not skip a visit to the Amalfi Cathedral, an architectural marvel that stands proudly in the city’s center. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, and his relics can also be found somewhere within the church. Amalfi Cathedral is open to the public so stay awhile and have a look around.
2. Sorrento
Another Amalfi Coast town that’s worth exploring is Sorrento, known for its breathtaking scenery. This town is also known for its many stunning historic structures as well as relaxing seaside walks. For the most part, Sorrento’s economy is driven by tourism, although the town is also well-known for its limoncello production.
Sorrento’s Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, which dates back to the 11th century, is a stunning architectural achievement well worth a visit. In addition, there are two lovely ports in Sorrento where you can see fishing and sailing boats, as well as many public parks.
Correale Museum and Museo della Tarsia Lignea, two historical museums in the town, are must-visit attractions if you’re interested in learning more about the town’s rich history.
Lastly, a trip to Sorrento would be incomplete without shopping, so set aside a day to explore its open markets and cute shops. There are also some really outstanding restaurants in the city.
3. Positano
A visit to Positano shouldn’t be forgotten in your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast. With its pretty hilltop villas, Positano is often considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the area.
Bus service is available to transport you to this town, which is located on the southern arm of the Amalfi Coast. Relax on Positano’s beach, which is lined with excellent cafés, restaurants, and bars. The town’s narrow alleyways are also a wonderful place to unwind.
It is also recommended that you rent a boat to get a different perspective of Positano from the water if at all possible. The view of the residences and mountains from this vantage point is spectacular.
4. Praiano
While Sorrento and Positano are two of Italy’s most popular coastal locations, spending time in Praiano, despite being less well-known, is definitely one of the most amazing things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
The residences in Praiano are arranged in a grid pattern along the cliffside, and the road that passes through the village twists and turns until it arrives at the small harbor. This is a typical scene from the Amalfi Coast.
When you look out to the sea from the tiny town, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. Look over to the beach and enclosed harbor, where you can cool down in the water or indulge in one of the several wonderful snacks available from nearby stalls and sellers.
5. Ravello
A visit to Ravello is another of the most incredible things to do on the Amalfi Coast, and there’s no better place to enjoy a view of this stunning place than from this vantage point.
The gorgeous village of Ravello, located on the crest of a mountain between Amalfi and Maiori, is much more relaxed than the other tourist sites along the coast.
The Villa Rufolo, a Roman villa located in the town of Ravello, is one of the most famous tourist sites in the area. At the Villa Rufolo, guests can unwind, take in the scenery, and soak up the sun on the terrace. Restaurants with outdoor terraces may also be found in Ravello.
The Piazza Centrale, meanwhile, is a must-see for those who want to see the cathedral and the Ravello Art Gallery, which are both located in the city.
See and Experience the Attractions
6. Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Villa Cimbrone is located just past the Romanesque cloister of the Church of San Francesco and the Church of Santa Chiara. The Belvedere Cimbrone, with its unmatched views of the Amalfi Coast, may be reached by a tree-lined path that winds through the park.
Hidden behind walls, you’ll find floral gardens and a trove of artifacts from ruins all over the region that has been brought to this spot by collectors and curators alike.
In 1904, an English lord purchased the estate and began collecting artifacts, which were later incorporated into the grounds in a variety of ways amid the lush vegetation and blooming flowers.
7. Valle delle Ferriere
Photo by Marco Ebreo via Wikimedia Commons
Getting to the Valle delle Ferriere (Ferriere Valley) should be high on your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast. This protected area is perfect for those who appreciate trekking and the outdoors. Taking the scenic route from Amalfi up to Pontone and back is like taking a time machine back to the region’s lemon and paper-making roots.
In the Riserva Integrale, where a rare microclimate supports plant species not found anywhere else on earth, there is a short detour that leads you across a creek and through the Valle delle Ferriere. Amalfi’s natural splendor can be seen from every vantage point along the road, so make sure to bring your camera.
As you hike around this area, you’ll see unusual flora and fauna as well as moss-covered masonry walls, thundering waterfalls, and the ruins of mills, ironworks, and paper mills. This trek isn’t too difficult, especially if you take the shorter way from Atrani, which offers stunning views of the shore. Check out this three-hour tour of the area to make the most of your visit.
8. Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave)
You can find Grotta dello Smerallo a Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It is a cave partially submerged by the sea. Steps and an elevator lead down to a marine cave in the settlement of Conca dei Marini.
You may wonder how stalactites formed in a sea cave, but this one wasn’t always below the surface of the ocean. As a result of the region’s volcanic activity (you are not far from Vesuvius here), the sea and ground levels shifted, allowing the cave to be washed by the sea.
This stunning Grotto is illuminated with an emerald green glow by sunlight filtering through the sea and reflecting off the water. Since the water is so clear, you can see down to the bottom.
To get here, you can take a 15-minute boat ride from the beach in Amalfi and arrive at the cave’s entrance. You may also join a cruise like this one, which stops at the Emerald Grotto.
9. Sentiero degli Dei
The Sentiero degli Dei, or Footpath of the Gods, near the western end of Positano is one of the most scenic tracks on the Amalfi Coast. Several tours can arrange housing and luggage transportation for walkers on their own, or you may join a week-long walking excursion with other people.
This is the best way to view the coast if you are fit and have the time to walk. You may also take a combination of walking and public transportation.
As you hike the cliffs, you’ll come across a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, lemon gardens, wildflowers, and tiny settlements. You can take pictures, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery at any time.
Tours
10. Take a day trip to the Island of Capri
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Capri is the best place on the Amalfi Coast if you’re looking for a romantic getaway. The main towns in the area (Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno) are easily accessible by ferry or hydrofoil and boast an authentic character.
Seeing this island’s vivid blue sea contrasted with its green, rough landscapes are breathtaking. Despite its reputation as a haven for the wealthy, the island has much to offer visitors, whether on a budget or looking to splurge.
A must-see here is the Grotta Azzurra, or the Blue Grotto, an incredible sea grotto that can only be visited by wooden rowing boats from Anacapri. The cave’s colors are at their most vibrant between midday and two o’clock in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re looking for the most romantic things to do on the Amalfi Coast, head to Capri and create experiences you will cherish for a lifetime. Foodies will also love dining at the best restaurants you can find on the island.
11. Drive the winding roads on the Amalfi Coast
A visit to the Amalfi Coast would not be complete without tackling this scenic route. There are incredible drop-offs into the sea along this route in the Italian Riviera. Those that take on the task, however, are rewarded with one of the world’s most beautiful drives.
Even though the Amalfi Coast in Italy is technically 75 kilometers long, the views get better as you get closer to Positano. Visit the Conca Dei Marini Viewpoint to catch a glimpse of Sophia Loren‘s old house and the Saraceno Hotel, a historic stronghold that now offers luxury lodging.
This part of your Amalfi vacation is bound to be unforgettable, even if you don’t enjoy driving. Additionally, it is one of the most efficient ways of seeing as much of this world-famous coast as possible in a short time. Going on a road trip is definitely one of best things to do on the Amalfi Coast that you shouldn’t miss.