You’ve probably heard the hype about the Amalfi Coast and let me tell you – it’s all true. This 50 km stretch of coastline in Southern Italy is a UNESCO listed landscape with towering mountains, lush green valleys and 13 colourful hillside towns. Whether you’re looking to lace up your hiking boots, tuck into freshly made pasta or kick back in a bikini, this Amalfi Coast Travel Guide has it all.
The nearest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples. From there you can travel to the coast in numerous ways – ferries, taxis and trains are the most common forms of transport used by tourists.
I do not recommend you rent a car on the Amalfi coast as parking is limited and the roads are narrow, winding and very busy. Instead, take advantage of the incredible public transport system. There’s a whole network of buses and boats you can use to hop along the coastline. Private taxis are extremely expensive, so I would stay clear of them if possible. Instead if you want to have maximum freedom when exploring the region, renting a moped would be the best and most enjoyable option.
The time of year you should come totally depends on what you want to do in the region. If you’re looking to enjoy the sea and sun, then the summer months of June to August will suit you. However if you’re wanting to escape the crowds or do some hiking, then the shoulder seasons of May and September would be ideal.
A week is the perfect amount of time to experience the beauty of the Amalfi coast, any less and you would have to rush.
In a word, yes. Especially if you’re enjoying meals out, renting sunbeds or catching taxis. The costs can rack up really fast. Of course, as always there are ways to reduce your spending, for example by choosing lower priced accommodation and opting for public transport.
It is busy, very busy in peak season so get up early to avoid the crowds (and the heat of the day!).
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Naples
Day 2: Hike Vesuvius & Visit Pompeii
Day 3: Hike to Fiordo di Furore and Praiano
Day 4: Hike The Footpath Of The Gods & Visit Positano
Day 5: Kayak From Amalfi & Explore Ravello
Day 6: Take A Day Trip To Capri
Day 7: Hike to Valle delle Ferriere
Day 8: Travel Home
If you’re travelling to the coast from Naples, definitely make a stop off en route at Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
The Amalfi Coast is known for the beautiful villages and towns dotted across its mountain landscapes, perching precariously on cliffs above the crashing sea below. You can easily spend a whole week hopping between them, here are the ones you need to push to the top of your hit list:
One of the highlights of my time on the Amalfi Coast was hiking down from Agerola to Fiordo di Furore and across to Praiano.
The most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast is definitely worth experiencing. The Path of the Gods or “Sentiero degli Dei” starts in Bomerano and follows a beautiful mountain ridge before winding down into Positano. The views are absolutely stunning, and it is an amazing way to escape the crowds and see the coastline from a new perspective. Just make sure you start early to get the trail to yourself, and stop off at Lemon Point in Nocelle for a refreshing zesty drink.
Italian food is rich, decadent and delicious. The Amalfi coast is known for a whole host of regional dishes, so make sure you try these:
The Amalfi coast is truly beautiful when viewed from the water and what better way to do this than to kayak! It provides a great opportunity to work your arms, giving your legs a rest from all the walking and exploring. I recommend booking a tour through Amalfi Kayaks, who will take you on a guided trip along the shore – showing you caves, arches and even stopping at secret beaches only accessible from the water!
By far my personal favourite village in the region is Ravello. Nestled up in the mountains, it has breathtaking views at every turn and much fewer tourists than other coastal towns. You can hike up from Amalfi or catch a local bus, depending on how energised you’re feeling. My top recommendation is to make sure you visit the two famous villas there, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and explore their gardens. They are absolutely stunning!
Capri is the most famous and notoriously expensive island in all of Italy, dotted with designer outlets and boutique hotels, but beyond the glitz and glamour there is so much more to see and do. The island is home to dramatic scenery, sapphire coloured seas and historic ruins. When you visit, add these activities to your hit list:
This was by far my favourite hike of the trip! You simply climb the stairs behind Amalfi up to the village of Pontone and then follow the paths up into the valley. There are phenomenal views along the trail. Once you enter Valle delle Ferriere you will find a unique microclimate which is much cooler than the surrounding area, leading to rare plants surviving and thriving. The route passes a series of waterfalls and ruined water mills, as well a deep pool where you can take a refreshing mid hike dip. The dream!
I have to admit, when I planned this trip to the Amalfi coast I worried that perhaps it was over-hyped and I would be a little disappointed. However, once I got there it well and truly surpassed all my expectations. The landscapes are nothing short of incredible, the cuisine is out of this world and the coastal towns are every bit as beautiful as I imagined. Yes it is busy and yes it is expensive, but it is 100% worth adding to your bucket list!
Zanna x
Let me slide into your inbox. A monthly newsletter of all the good stuff – latest posts and videos, rants and rambles, recommendations and resources.
Website Designed by Brogan Daisy Digital © Zanna Van Dijk 2025
