Explore the Amalfi Coast: Best Towns, Beaches & Travel Itinerary

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most glamorous and enchanting travel destinations. Stretching along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, this 50-kilometer coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, turquoise waters, and lemon-scented breeze. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast is a true Mediterranean treasure offering everything from relaxing beaches to mountain hikes and historic sites.
 

Whether you’re sipping limoncello in Positano, exploring medieval cathedrals in Amalfi, or soaking up the view from Ravello’s cliffside gardens, the Amalfi Coast delivers postcard-worthy experiences at every turn.

📍 Where Is the Amalfi Coast?

Region: Campania, Southern Italy

Nearest Major City: Naples (around 1.5 hours by car)

Key Towns: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, Minori, Atrani

Length: Around 50 km (31 miles) from Vietri sul Mare to Positano

🗺️ Top Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

1. Positano

The jewel of the coast, known for:

Steep, flower-draped streets

High-end shopping boutiques

Spiaggia Grande beach with striking cliffside views

Great for romance, luxury stays, and iconic Instagram shots

2. Amalfi

Once a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi offers:

The stunning Cathedral of Sant’Andrea

Paper Museum showcasing medieval paper-making

Boat trips and coastal excursions

A more central, historical vibe

3. Ravello

Perched high above the sea:

Famous for Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens

Host to the Ravello Festival (classical music and art)

Breathtaking panoramic terraces

4. Praiano

Quieter and less touristy:

Ideal for relaxation and sunsets

Home to Marina di Praia beach and the Path of the Gods trail

Budget-friendly lodging options

5. Minori & Maiori

Perfect for families:

Sandy beaches and laid-back vibes

Minori is famous for pastries like delizia al limone

Explore Roman villa ruins in Minori

6. Atrani

Italy’s smallest town:

Peaceful escape just a 5-minute walk from Amalfi

Picturesque piazza and local charm

🏞️ Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

🌅 1. Drive or Ride the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163)

The iconic Strada Statale 163 is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Expect:

Cliff-hugging roads

Breathtaking sea views

Frequent photo stops and hairpin turns

📝 Tip: Rent a scooter for flexibility or take a bus if you’re not confident driving.

🛶 2. Boat Tour Along the Coast

Explore hidden caves, coves, and beach clubs only accessible by water.

Sunset cruises, private charters, and ferry rides available

Visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) near Conca dei Marini

🏛️ 3. Visit Amalfi Cathedral

A grand 9th-century church with Arabic-Norman architecture

Stunning bronze doors and 62-step staircase

Inside: relics of St. Andrew, Amalfi’s patron saint

🌿 4. Explore Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone (Ravello)

Terraced gardens overlooking the sea

Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone is a top photo spot

Often hosts weddings and classical concerts

🥾 5. Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

One of Italy’s best hiking trails

Connects Bomerano to Nocelle above Positano

2–3 hours, moderate difficulty, jaw-dropping views

🍋 6. Taste Limoncello and Local Cuisine

Try freshly made limoncello in Amalfi or Minori

Savor local specialties like:

Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (seafood pasta)

Delizia al limone (lemon dessert)

Sfogliatella pastries

🏖️ 7. Relax on the Beaches

Spiaggia Grande (Positano): popular, iconic, and pebbled

Marina di Praia (Praiano): intimate and dramatic

Maiori Beach: long sandy stretch, great for kids

🏨 Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

🧭 How to Get to the Amalfi Coast

🚆 From Naples or Rome:

Train to Salerno or Sorrento

Then connect via bus, ferry, or private transfer

🚗 By Car:

Scenic but narrow roads and limited parking

Best for experienced drivers
📝 Note: Parking is expensive and difficult in high season

⛴️ By Ferry (April–October):

From Naples, Salerno, Capri, Sorrento

Ferries run to Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, and more

🕐 Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast

📷 Most Instagrammable Spots

Positano from the beach or ferry

Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity

Coastal Road SS163 overlooks

Lemon groves in Amalfi and Ravello

Colorful umbrellas on Maiori Beach

🧾 Practical Travel Tips

Cash is king in smaller shops and cafes

Dress smart-casual: locals are stylish

No need for a car—use buses, ferries, or taxis

Bring swimwear, walking shoes, and layers

Pack light: lots of stairs and narrow lanes

🧠 Fun Facts About the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi was one of Italy’s four Maritime Republics in the Middle Ages

The Amalfi lemon (sfusato amalfitano) is protected under EU law

The coast inspired scenes in movies like Under the Tuscan Sun and The Talented Mr. Ripley

Ravello inspired Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal

🧳 Sample 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

📅 Day 1: Positano

Ferry or drive in

Explore narrow streets and boutiques

Relax on Spiaggia Grande

Sunset dinner at Chez Black

📅 Day 2: Amalfi & Ravello

Morning in Amalfi: visit the cathedral

Afternoon in Ravello: gardens and terrace views

Optional concert or dinner overlooking the sea

📅 Day 3: Hike & Boat

Morning: Hike Path of the Gods

Afternoon: Boat tour to caves and coves

Evening aperitivo in Praiano

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Amalfi Coast is more than just a destination—it’s a dreamscape of sun-drenched towns, cliffside villas, and endless blue seas. Whether you're seeking history, nature, food, or luxury, this iconic slice of Italy has something for every traveler. Plan well, move slowly, and savor every bite and view.