The Amalfi Coast is about as picture-perfect as it comes. The coastline is an explosion of colours, with pretty pastel houses hanging off the domineering cliffs and shining blue waters providing a layer of tranquillity. It won’t come as a surprise to learn that five million people visit this part of Italy every year. But with all that the Amalfi Coast entails, knowing where to start your journey can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put this handy guide together about how you can explore the Amalfi Coast.
Discover Positano
Positano is a charming town that will likely act as your base for discovering the Amalfi Coast. It’s the most famous of all the area’s towns and villages and features those majestic pastel houses that cling tightly onto the side of the cliffs.
The best way to arrive is by sea, which you can do using the Ferryscanner website. It’s an ideal tool to find and book ferry tickets with ease. Once you’ve arrived, take a moment to capture the scenery while enjoying a refreshing drink at one of the quaint cafes before visiting the church of Santa Maria Assunta with its Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Then soak up some culture at Museo Archeologico Romano, a Roman Archaeological Museum.
Unwind at the beaches
While the Amalfi Coast beaches aren’t quite a paradise of soft sands, they still offer the chance to catch some serious rays. The grey pebble beach of Spiaggia Grande is a favorite with tourists, and you can hire a sunbed and laze away a few hours.
Another option is II Fornillo, which is less crowded than Spiaggia Grande and beloved by the locals who go there for the laid-back atmosphere. There’s a scenic pathway connecting Positano’s center to Fornillo, making for a pleasant walk on your way to the beach.
The Amalfi Coast drive
If you’re looking for a road trip during your visit then the Amalfi Coast drive should more than satisfy your driver’s instincts. It’s a legendary drive that twists and turns around two lanes for 16km and features beautiful scenery.
Weave and dip as you go in and up and up and down gorges, sticking to the side of the cliffs while taking in the Amalfi Coast. It’s a postcard-perfect drive with whitewashed villas and that beautiful blue sea.
Capri, Ischia and Procida
Capri, Ischia, and Procida make up the three island outposts of Naples and are hotspots for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast. Procida is the smallest island of the three with its narrow streets and churches. Its beautiful settings have made it a favorite spot to film for directors, and you can even go on a guided tour of the movies.
Capri was once the summer residence of choice during Roman Times and has kept its allure throughout the centuries. While Ischia is the largest of the three and divided into two parts: the historic centre and the fishing village.
Visit Montepertuso
Montepertuso overlooks the sea and is an eclectic little village that was once only reachable via a staircase. Today, it’s more accessible and has become a popular spot on the Amalfi Coast. Many visit here to get away from the crowds of Positano and enjoy a more lowkey visit.
It’s located about 400 meters above Postintao and has a few eateries where you can mix it with the locals and enjoy homemade dishes. After lunch, head to the even smaller village of Nocelle, which is the starting point for the Sentiero Degli Dei, a popular walk on the coast.
Exploring the Amalfi Coast
Stunning hilltop towns await you in the Amalfi Coast, and there’s always something to discover, whether you’re driving, hiking, or diving. It’s a majestic part of Italy well worth your visit and the options on our list are a great starting point for your Amalfi Coast adventure.