The Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
The Amalfi Coast is one of my favorite places on earth. I am so excited to bring you the Ultimate Amalfi Coast Travel Guide to help you plan the perfect trip. Nestled along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, you’ll find the lovely towns of the Amalfi Coast filled with colorful buildings cascading down zigzagging cliffs, blue waters making their home along pebbled shores, and Italian elegance in every corner. The Amalfi Coast was the first stop on my 3-week Italian getaway and the most enchanting place I have ever been.
I’m so incredibly excited to share the Ultimate Amalfi Coast Travel Guide with all of you!
Amalfi Coast Towns
The Amalfi Coast is made up of various little towns including Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri, Minori, Amalfi, Maiori, and several others. In this Amalfi Coast travel guide, I will break down my top three in this post – Positano, Ravello, and Capri.
Positano
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone” – John Steinbeck. Positano is simply breathtaking. If you have a bit of extra time, Positano by JS is a great read before your trip.
What to do
The main beach in Positano is Spiaggia Grande and well worth a visit. If you want a more private beach experience, beach clubs are THE thing to do in the Amalfi Coast. Beach Clubs are home to those famous striped umbrellas you see on Pinterest. Total Gray Malin vibes. To get to a beach club you’ll take a boat to a private beach, which can be arranged by your hotel or at the boat docks. #Goals.
Da Adolfo is one of the most well known Beach Clubs. You’ll need to make a reservation a couple of weeks ahead of time if Da Adolfo is where you’d like to spend your day.
Bagni D’Arienzo is another great option. Lovelies, O.M.G. from the second I arrived until the moment I left, I felt like I was in heaven. I’ve honestly never felt so relaxed in my life. Rent yourself a chair, find the perfect striped umbrella, order a pina colada, and soak it all in.
Remmese is another beach club I’ve heard lovely things about and that comes highly recommended.
If you enjoy a nice hike, Sentiero Deli Dei, Path of the Gods, is gorgeous. I recommend starting early before the sun gets too strong. While the hike is not difficult, set aside about 3 hours to complete it. Bring your camera because the scenery is spectacular. You’ll also get a killer view of Capri.
Positano is known for its sandals. You’ll find many places that will even custom make them for you. I recommend Artigianato Rallo. From picking your leather, designing the actual shoe, to watching them put it all together, this is such a fun activity.
Where to stay
Positano has the most options in terms of accommodations. This town is situated just perfectly to be a base for your Amalfi Coast trip. Hotel Marincanti was highly recommended by multiple people as it overlooks the water and is located a short walk from the beach and dock. It’s also a great price point! In full transparency, hotels in the Amalfi Coast are not cheap ranging from $250-$4,000 a night.
Okay let’s talk about the famous Le Sirenuse . This summer home turned luxury boutique hotel is one of those places you think “is this real?!”. Le Sirenuse sits in the center of Positano’s hill, 70mt above the sea creating an oasis of peace, luxury, and pure loveliness. You can’t leave Positano without paying a visit. Did I mention they have a champagne and oyster bar, Franco’s Bar?!
Where to eat
Positano has many restaurant options. One that you simply must visit is Da Adolfo Restaurant. In order to get there, you’ll have to take a boat to the beach club (make a reservation before arrival).
For breakfast and an afternoon pick-me-up, visit Collina Bakery. The pastries are to die for and the Italian coffee is sure to give you a great energy boost.
Da Vincenzo was fabulous. The staff was so kind and gave me lots of ideas on how to spend my vacation. If you’re into pottery, you’ll love Da Vincenzo’s dinnerware.
Le Sirenuse is home to the Michelin-starred, La Sponda, if you’re fortunate enough to get a table (they book months in advance), you won’t be disappointed. While I didn’t have the chance to enjoy a meal here, I did get to sneak a peek at the restaurant itself. La Sponda is nothing short of enchanting.
Hotel Poseidon Positano, Ristorante Le Tre Sorelle, Ristorante Max, Buca di Bacco are all also great eats.
Ravello
This little town left me speechless! It’s no wonder this was a Jackie O favorite. Filled with blooming gardens and the most luxurious hotels you could ever dream of, Ravello is quite possibly the most enchanting town in the world. This is the town where you will spend most of your day showing yourself around hotels, touring gardens, shopping, and eating lots! Lovelies, this is your Instagram location!
Transportation
Ravello sits on a hilltop therefore in order to get there you will need to take a taxi or the SITA bus from Positano, Salerno, or whichever town you are in. Once you’re in Ravello, the town is completely walkable so you won’t need to worry about transportation.
Where to stay
I stayed in an Airbnb for a great price, however, after seeing the hotels in Ravello I wish I would have at least stay a couple of nights in one or two. The hotels in Ravello are some of the most luxurious I have ever seen in my life. Because of how high the town sits on the hill, the views are out of this world. If you’re wishing to stay in Ravello, I recommend Palazzo Avino. I have absolutely no words to describe Palazzo Avino! It’s something you just have to see in person. I spent an entire day just exploring the grounds. Pick a drink from their 10 pages (yes TEN pages) martini list, sit on the terrace, and relax.
Belmont Hotel Caruso is definitely a splurge. Whether you decide to stay a night or not, you must at least pay a visit! This hotel is absolutely stunning. Grab a drink and take a dip in their infinity pool as you overlook the hills of the Amalfi Coast.
Where to eat
Call me crazy but my first day in Ravello I was so captivated by the gardens at Palazzo Avino that I totally forgot to eat lunch. Midday I got a bit hungry and had some appetizers by the pool which included the most delicious olives. While you’re close to Palazzo Avino, check out the hidden gem, Luigi’s Bar.
A favorite restaurant of mine was Cumpa Cosimo (another Jackie O spot). Their Caprese salad was so refreshing.
Lastly, if you have a chance I recommend checking out Babel Wine Bar for tapas and a wine tasting.
Capri
There’s no place like Capri. Capri is the definition of Italian glamour. Upon arriving at Capri you’ll see rocky cliffs rising out of the bluest water you have ever laid eyes on. Lovelies, this place was so magical I actually cried, yes cried, when I arrived. Because Capri is its own island, you’ll arrive by boat from Sorrento or Positano. Once you arrive, you’ll have the option of taking a funicular or a taxi to reach the city. Honestly…skip the taxi and take the funicular. I’m not normally one for choosing the most popular method (to me popular typically indicates touristy) but this is SO worth it, plus its only 2 euros.
Where to eat
Let me start with the most important of all meals when in Italy, the gelato. Buonocore Gelateria was by far one of the best gelato I’ve had in my life. I may or may not have stopped twice in one day. #noshame.
Da Paolino Lemon Tree is one to add to your bucket list ASAP. Picture yourself enjoying a delicious authentic Italian pasta under a grove of lemon trees. Lovelies, I’m not talking just one or two lemon trees, you’re literally surrounded by lush lemon trees as you dine.
Le Camerelle’s menu looked fantastic! I didn’t eat here but I did stop in for a glass of rosé. If you love wine, this is a must! Ask for their wine list and they’ll hand you a BOOK of wines.
La Scalinatella was home to a beautiful poolside bar and restaurant that offered a well-priced meal. Totally worth popping in for a look around. If you’re looking to spend a night in Capri, I’ve heard the views from the rooms here are breathtaking.
What to do
Capri is so beautiful you’ll honestly be so content just grabbing a seat in the town square, people watching, and soaking up every minute. Next trip, I’ll definitely be staying at least one or two nights on the island to just relax.
Take a ride on the Monte Solaro chairlift, it will take you to the highest point in Capri and you’ll be able to get a view of the entire island. Whether its a sunny or cloudy day, the views are spectacular.
Capri is the most luxurious town in the Amalfi Coast. Spend an hour or two window shopping, you’ll find Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and many local designers.
Do not leave without a visit to Giardini di Augusto. This botanical garden is simply stunning.
If you’re looking for a beach day, spend some time at La Fontelina Beach Club. This is another beach club that you’ll need to make a reservation for at least a couple of weeks in advance.
A reader suggested I tag my favorite spots on a Google Map! What an awesome idea! I typically create a Google Map before each trip for my own use but have never thought of posting them. Let me know if this is something you guys would like me to continue adding to the travel guides. FYI you can also pull this map up on your phone GPS 🙂
Where to Base Your Trip
Getting to the Amalfi Coast
Figuring out how to get to the Amalfi Coast was not the easiest task I’ve ever completed. As someone who typically just figures things out when I get arrive, I’m really glad I did some extra preparation prior to this trip.
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is in Naples, however, depending on where you’re flying from, you may land in Rome. If you land in Rome, no worries, all you have to do is take the Leonardo Express train to the Roma Termini train station. From the train station, you will then take the TrenItalia Frecciarossa to Napoli Centrale.
In Naples, you have several options to choose from to reach your Amalfi Coast town. The most convenient and hassle-free way is to organize a transfer via private car. This can be organized through a hotel concierge or searching for a reputable service. I’ve heard great reviews about Amalfi Car Service Co. The drive from Naples will take about 90 minutes and is quite the adventure. While this is the most convenient option, it is also the most expensive. If you’re arriving after a long travel day, it may be worth organizing a car.
Another way to get to the towns is to take the SITA buses, the local public transportation. This is the method I choose and did not run into any issues. If this is your method of choice, in Naples you will need to take the Circumvesivana train to Sorrento. When you arrive in Sorrento take the SITA direct to Positano. You can find the bus schedule here. If you run into any issues or have questions about the schedule ask an employee at the station.
