Italy

15 Best Things to See on the Amalfi Coast (Italy)

One of the most well-known tourist sites in all of Italy, the Amalfi Coast welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Between Naples and Salerno, this hilly coastline encircles the Sorrento Peninsula’s arm. The coastline features jaw-dropping beauty, some breathtaking beaches, and some really stunning settlements that cling to the mountains. The Amalfi Coast has a well-developed transportation system, with frequent bus and train services to most of the famous locations. If you want to base yourself here, there are also numerous top-notch hotels, top-notch restaurants, and top-notch amenities. The Amalfi coast contains picturesque villages like Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi itself that are full of multicoloured houses, so if you wish to travel there, you’re in for a treat. Coastal treks, mountainside houses, and some very wonderful beaches are also available. In addition, the Amalfi Coast features a number of intriguing islands like Capri and Sirenusas that offer plenty of opportunities for exploration, in addition to the coastal villages and mountains. Here are some of the top activities on the Amalfi Coast:

Take in the gorgeous views from Praiano

Praiano
Viaggio RoutardCC BY 2.0

Between Amalfi and Positano is the less popular town of Praiano, where you may get away from the crowds at the other popular seaside destinations. The buildings are dispersed along the cliffside, and the road leading through Praiano winds back and forth until it reaches the small harbour. This town clings to the mountainside and has a characteristic Amalfi landscape. You can see for kilometres out to sea from the charming village, which has just amazing vistas. Take a stroll down to the fenced harbour and beach and cool down in the inviting waters or indulge in mouthwatering ice cream from one of the stands.

Take a boat tour into the Grotta Dello Smeraldo Cave

Grotta Dello Smeraldo Cave
Falk2CC BY-SA 4.0

The Emerald Cave is a natural phenomenon that is one of the most beautiful caves in the whole of Italy. One of the few caves in the world that are illuminated naturally by emerald light is the Smeraldo Cave, which is situated halfway between Amalfi and Praiano. The result is breathtaking, and both the water’s colour and the cave itself are exquisite. The cave is accessed via an elevator on the SS163 route, and then you can climb on one of the boats for a guided tour of this superb natural subterranean environment.

Enjoy a boat ride from Amalfi

Amalfi
DestinationFearFanCC BY-SA 4.0

Taking a guided boat excursion is one of the most tranquil ways to see the Amalfi coast. You can see a lot of the coast while on a boat tour without having to worry about catching a bus, rail, or ascending the treacherous coastal slopes. There is nothing quite like witnessing the multi-coloured houses towering up the edge of the cliffs and admiring the lush green surroundings of this lovely region. Additionally, from a boat, you can observe the numerous cities such as Amalfi, Minori, and Positano in all their grandeur. One of the greatest ways to explore most of what the Amalfi coast has to offer is on a boat tour, which is a photographer’s paradise.

Admire the pastel-coloured houses of Positano

Admire the pastel coloured houses of Positano
Positano

Positano is frequently cited as one of the most scenic villages on the Amalfi coast, and it is easy to understand why when you consider the lovely villas in a variety of colours that are built into the mountainside. This settlement, which is reachable by bus, is situated on the southern arm of the Amalfi coast. The best way to see this town is from the water. If you can, take a boat out and attempt to see Positano as a whole from the water. The view of the houses and mountains is breathtaking. Positano’s beach is the ideal spot to unwind, and the narrow streets are lined with a wide selection of excellent cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

Visit the charming town of Furore

Furore
Alpha 350 from HungaryCC BY 2.0

Furore is a town that is often overlooked, but it has plenty of attractions and is a fantastic place to visit in the central section of the Amalfi Coast. The roads that ascend to Furore are particularly stunning, passing by towering limestone cliffs and endless terraces covered in gorgeous vines. The walls of several of the homes and businesses in this town are decorated with a variety of exquisitely painted murals. These hand-painted murals feature colourful portrayals of daily life along the Amalfi Coast. Furore also provides some stunning views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the nearby coastal villages.

Visit the town of Sorrento

 Sorrento
Kim TraynorCC BY-SA 3.0

A town on the northern arm of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is well known for its stunning scenery, variety of exquisite structures, and seaside walks. Sorrento’s economy is largely based on tourism, but it is also well-known for producing limoncello. A visit to Sorrento’s cathedral, a stunning monument that dates back to the 11th century, is unquestionably worthwhile. In addition, Sorrento features a number of public parks and two stunning ports that are teeming with fishing and sailing vessels. The town is also home to the Correale Museum and the Museo Della Tarsia Lignea, both of which provide some fascinating artefacts and exhibits if history is your thing. A vacation to the Amalfi coast would not be complete without stopping in Sorrento, which is a wonderful jewel located there.

Enjoy the beaches of Maiori

Enjoy the beaches of Maiori
Maiori

A short distance from the town of Amalfi is the neighbouring towns of Maiori and Minori. The greatest location to go to in Amalfi is Maiori, if you want to unwind on a gorgeous beach and refresh your mind and spirit! The beach is divided into left and right-hand sectors, and they both have lovely beaches that meet the crystal-clear Mediterranean waves. A variety of activities are available, and the main Corso Reginna is home to a wide selection of stores, booths, and cafes where you can stock up for your day of relaxation. Don’t forget to travel along the coastline SS163 route to the smaller Minori and see this lovely town as well.

Head up to the heights of Ravello

Ravello
Matt c j486 at the English-language WikipediaCC BY-SA 3.0

The greatest views of the Amalfi Coast can only be found in Ravello. This village is considerably quieter and more restrained than the other crowded tourist destinations and is situated on top of the mountains between Amalfi and Maiori. The Villa Rufolo is one of Ravello’s key draws; this Roman villa gives arguably one of the best views in the area and is a great location to unwind, take in the scenery, and soak up the sun. Additionally, the Piazza Centrale in Ravello is worth visiting to see the cathedral and the Ravello Art Gallery. Ravello also boasts a variety of restaurants with outdoor terraces that provide a beautiful setting for an evening dinner.

Walk through the Centro Storico of Salerno

Centro Storico of Salerno
LamacchiacostaCC BY-SA 4.0

Salerno is easily the largest town on the Amalfi Coast and sits right at the eastern edge of this region—some people consider it to be part of the Amalfi Coast, others do not; regardless of its status, Salerno is undoubtedly a great place to visit. This town offers a great blend of the old and the contemporary; you can stroll through the Centro Storico and see some stunning architecture, but you can also head into the downtown area and spend the evening at one of the many pubs, clubs, or bars. Salerno also offers lovely beaches, a stunning harbour, and a lovely port. Finally, Salerno is easily accessible from other regions of Italy due to its excellent transport connections to Rome and Naples.

Take in the gorgeous waterfalls of the Valle Delle Ferriere

waterfalls of the Valle Delle Ferriere
LuciaPuzzielloCC BY-SA 4.0

For those who love trekking and the outdoors, the Ferriere Valley in the province of Salerno is a beautiful spot to explore. Numerous hiking and biking trails weave through the lush forests in this area, which is home to some incredibly breathtaking natural landscapes. There aren’t as many tourists in this protected area as there are in the Amalfi Coast’s bustling beach cities. Additionally, the paths offer some fascinating vantage points and let you observe some of the towns from out-of-the-ordinary perspectives.

Visit the town of Amalfi

Amalfi
Berthold WernerCC BY-SA 3.0

The principal town in this stunning region, Amalfi, is frequently crowded with tourists. Amalfi, like the other seaside towns in this area, is incredibly beautiful, and its abundance of multi-coloured homes and businesses is a sight to behold. Amalfi has its own cathedral because it is bigger than the majority of these towns. The Piazza del Duomo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Amalfi, and this church is a key draw. The beautiful cathedral’s front façade is decorated with a lavish pattern of striped brickwork. You can go down to the promenade, look around the shops, and take a stroll along the beach if sightseeing is not your thing.

Visit the Island of Capri

Capri
YamenCC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most visited places along the Amalfi Coast is Capri, which is incredibly lovely. Regular ferries go from a number of the coastal towns to this island, which is located just off the western end of the Amalfi Coast. Capri is renowned for its stunning scenery, a variety of lovely beaches, and breathtaking mountain vistas. To fully experience this magnificent location, think about departing from Positano on a boat excursion. Capri has a lively nightlife at night, and the main square contains a few busy bars and a great vibe. A boat tour through this underground wonderland will certainly impress. You should also think about joining an organised tour to view the renowned Blue Cave Grotto.

Take the scenic train journey

Train
Falk2CC BY 3.0

La Circumvesuviana Line is the name of the train service that runs along the northern portion of the Amalfi Coast. This train connects Naples and Sorrento, and it’s a wonderful way to take in the breathtaking coastline views. The Circumvesuviana is also among the most effective ways to get from Naples to Sorrento, and the ticket costs are fair. Starting in Naples, this train line passes through some beautiful countryside, including the imposing Mount Vesuvius. To ensure you can see the Mediterranean Sea, try to find a window seat on the left-hand side.

Travel to the Sirenuse Islands

Sirenuse Islands
IlSistemoneCC BY-SA 3.0

Between Capri and Positano, off the southern Amalfi coast, sits this tiny island group. The Sirens of Greek mythology, who are thought to have dwelt there in antiquity, gave them their names. They are a part of the Campanian Archipelago. Isca, Vetara, Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and La Rotonda are among the islands in the chain. The Aragonese Guard Tower may be found on Lungo, the largest of the islands, which originally housed a monastery and a prison. The surrounding waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, despite the fact that you cannot set foot on the island. You may view some incredible landscapes and aquatic life by taking a boat ride around this adorable island chain, which is a great activity.

Watch the fishing fleets at Cetara

Watch the fishing fleets at Cetara
Frankpappalardo, CC BY 3.0

One of the Amalfi Coast’s most genuine and undeveloped settlements is Cetara. This little town has largely maintained its original charm and has not been impacted by tourists. This is the place to go if you want to see how the towns of Amalfi seemed before the region was overrun with tourist attractions. Furthermore, you may observe the fishermen at work in their little, vividly coloured boats because Cetara has the sole fishing fleet that is still in operation in this area. Along with fishing, Cetara is home to a number of excellent eateries that provide mouthwatering fresh seafood.