Amalfi Coast

With its dramatic cliffs, pastel-coloured villages, and turquoise waters, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most stunning stretches of coastline. This UNESCO World Heritage site rewards travellers who take it slow—whether you're hiking ancient footpaths, savouring fresh seafood, or simply watching the sunset from a lemon-scented terrace. The coastal road, SS163, is an engineering marvel that snakes along the cliffs, offering unforgettable views at every hairpin bend.

Highlights & What to See

• Positano – a vertical maze of pastel houses and boutiques spilling down to a pebble beach; wander the narrow alleys and take a dip at Spiaggia Grande.
• Amalfi – the historic heart of the coast, home to the magnificent Duomo di Sant'Andrea with its Arab-Norman facade and the bustling Piazza del Duomo.
• Ravello – perched high above the coast, this serene hilltop town boasts the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, with jaw-dropping panoramic views.
• Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – a legendary hiking trail between Bomerano and Nocelle, offering sweeping vistas of the coastline and the island of Capri.
• Fiordo di Furore – a picturesque fjord carved into the rock, with a tiny beach and a dramatic bridge spanning the gorge.
• Lemon groves and limoncello – tour a lemon farm in Minori or Maiori to taste the region's signature liqueur.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three to five days to truly experience the Amalfi Coast—rushing through in a day will leave you frustrated by the traffic and crowds. Spend two days based in Positano or Amalfi town, using ferries to hop between villages and avoid the congested road. Dedicate a day to hiking the Path of the Gods and another to exploring Ravello and its gardens. If you have extra time, add a day trip to Capri or the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Capri – a glamorous island with the Blue Grotto, chic piazzas, and stunning coastal walks.
• Pompeii & Herculaneum – ancient Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, easily reached by train from Sorrento.
• Naples – a vibrant, chaotic city with world-class pizza, the National Archaeological Museum, and a historic centre that's a UNESCO site in its own right.
• Sorrento – a lively town perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, ideal as a base for exploring the coast and the island of Capri.
• Salerno – a less touristy alternative to Amalfi, with a beautiful medieval quarter, a promenade, and ferries to the coastal towns.

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