My Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast, Italy
It’s no secret that Italy is one of my favourite destinations as I’ve got family connections to this country as well. I’ve been to the Amalfi Coast a couple times, and it’s a place I can see myself coming back to again and again, year after year. The Amalfi Coast is a place that I would love to eventually buy a property. The lemon groves amongst the terraced, villa lined mountainsides, to the bright and vibrant ceramics, to shimmering blues and aquas of the Mediterranean (actually the Tyrrhenian) Sea along the shorelines, it’s no wonder people flock here in droves. It's honestly one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.
The Amalfi Coast is made up of thirteen different towns, along 40 kilometres of coast and is located in the Campania region of Italy. The drive is both terrifying and unbelievably scenic, however I would recommend if you've never visited the Amalfi Coast before, I would either hire a driver or take the ferry system (ferries from Salerno, Naples and the Island of Capri make trips several times per day). The Amalfi Coast can be visited for the day from Naples quite easily, making it a popular cruise ship shore excursion paired with Pompeii and Sorrento (whilst Sorrento is not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, I did include it in this guide). Be prepared to hike, yes, hike. Some hotels and villas are reachable by car or golf cart, however some places are only reachable by staircases or narrow, steep walkways, so make sure you are choosing a location that suits your lifestyle.
For my next trip that I plan to the Amalfi Coast, I would hop around to a few different hotels personally, stay at a couple different properties to really take in the more quieter evenings out. Staying in one spot and exploring from there makes things easier for sure, but there are some stunning properties on the Amalfi Coast, so why not experience a few of them whilst you're here. Some hotels offer amazing beach clubs and have stunning restaurants.
From Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, there are also some lesser known gems along this route that provide amazing dining experiences and more reasonable hotel options, whilst still enjoying the captivating beauty of this stunning place such as Praiano, Scala, Atrani, Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare. Whilst I'm not going to go in depth to each of these villages, I will add some personal recommendations on some of them.
Positano
Positano is the quintessential postcard village for the Amalfi Coast, everyone wants to come here and the prices reflect that. Known for it's stunning and romantic views, lemons, great food, buildings clinging precariously to the cliffs and beautiful ceramics, Positano is always a highlight to visit on the Amalfi Coast. The narrow walkways through the center of town to the beach is lined with local shops (some with imported goods, others with local designers and crafts). Positano is easy to get to by car, public bus system or by ferry. The pebble beaches in the summer can be extremely busy with beach clubs taking up most of the open beach space (beach clubs are setups that you would rent specific beach chairs and umbrellas, by the hour, half day or full day, prices can range between €10 to €30. They also sometimes have drink/food service).
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Where to Stay in Positano
Le Sirenuse (luxury accommodations) - Part of the Leading Hotels of the World, Le Sirenuse opened in 1951 and has been a much loved boutique hotel by many celebrities and anyone who has the opportunity to experience a stay here.
Hotel Palazzo Murat (luxury accommodations) - Whilst there are no quintessential "Positano views" from this hotel, the location within the heart of the village is amazing. It's garden oasis-like setting is by far a true gem and a relaxing environment. This hotel was a historic summer residence of a king and the architecture is stunning.
Hotel Palazzo Murat, Positano, Italy
Eden Roc Hotel (mid range/luxury accommodations) - This family run boutique hotel has gorgeous views and is a perfect size (25 rooms) for a romantic getaway.
Hotel Poseidon (mid range accommodations) - Another beautiful family run hotel with gorgeous views overlooking towards East. Rooms are simple, yet comfortable with warm and friendly service.
Villa Rosa (mid range accommodations) - A great budget friendly boutique hotel with stunning sea views. While this property doesn't feature a pool, the rooms are clean and have a traditional Italian feel. Book a room with a terrace here for a fraction of the price then some of the other properties in Positano.
Overlooking Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Where to Eat in Positano
Food along the Amalfi Coast is some of the best you will have. Being so close to some of the freshest ingredients such as real buffalo mozzarella (made locally, fresh daily within fifty kilometres), lemons, seafood and of course pasta. You can also pickup a lemon gelato (served in a frozen lemon) and just enjoy wandering the town. I've tried a few restaurants here in the short time I visited, here are some of my favourites:
Ristorante Le Tre Sorelle - Right on the beach, you can't beat the views or the menu. Giada De Laurentiis has said this is the best spot for seafood in Positano. I sat here with a glass of local pinot grigio, enjoyed the bistro like atmosphere and had an amazing pizza capricciosa and "rigatoni al ragu napoletano" (rigatoni with pork rib sausage and meatballs in tomato sauce).
Ristorante Le Tre Sorelle, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Da Bruno - Try the eggplant parmesan (an Amalfi Coast locals favourite) here. Also has some amazing seafood dishes from what I've been told by others.
Buca di Bacco - Again, located right on the beach, you can beat the location. The arancini was amazing!
La Cambusa - Another restaurant that comes highly recommended by locals and has a great beach location. Had a caprese salad here with a glass of wine and it was refreshing and delicious.
Il Tridente - Part of the Hotel Poseidon, this terraced garden restaurant has amazing views. Menu looked incredible with many seafood dishes and also offers vegan and vegetarian options.
Casa e Bottega - This is a true hidden gem. Such a cute, trendy restaurant in a beautiful setting. The smoothies here are refreshing, along with the lighter fare menu.
Casa e Bottega, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Da Vincenzo - Had the most stunning dessert here! Family run, this place is known for it's seafood, but I stopped in for dessert (if you know me, I don't eat seafood really). The panzerotti starter was also amazing. It's no wonder this place is listed in the Michelin restaurant guide. They also have a really cute housewares store on location, pick up some beautiful tableware here.
Next2 - This is located about a 10 minute drive outside of Positano, however it's such a romantic spot to have dinner and again comes highly recommended by locals.
C'era Una Volta - A great secret in what can be an overpriced village, this restaurant serves up amazing pizzas, pastas (you need to try the gnocchi here) and salads with the freshest ingredients.
Gelato served in a lemon with Positano in the background.
Other Positano Tips and Tricks
Near Positano, you can visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo. This is similar to the "Blue Grotto" on Capri, but the secret is that there are WAY less tourists. The water here is also a lot more calmer, you your chances of entering the grotto is a lot higher.
Want a gorgeous view of Positano? The best views of this stunning village are from the water. There are plenty of companies that rent boats with a driver either hourly, half day or full day. There are many companies down by the beach that offer this service. What better way to spend sunset than with a bottle of Prosecco and Positano views.
Views of Positano, Italy from a boat
You can also book yourself at the Ristorante Da Adolfo. This restaurant and beach club near Positano offers a more secluded atmosphere away from the busy beach of Positano. The "Da Adolfo" boat, with the can't miss red fish on a mast, shuttles you to their private beach for the day. Food is really good, try the grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves.
Amalfi
The town that this stunning coastline was named after. Amalfi was also the birthplace of one of my favourite comfort-food pasta dishes, cannelloni. Amalfi is definitely one of the more busier towns, with many tour buses lining the parking lots by the harbour by noon, so the best time to visit Amalfi in my opinion is first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
Amalfi, Italy
Where to Stay in Amalfi
Hotel Santa Caterina (luxury accommodations) - Located just outside of Amalfi, this hotel is one of the most luxurious you'll find along the Amalfi Coast. The rooms are stunning, featuring beautiful hand painted tiles and amazing balconies and terraces with unobstructed views to the sea. This hotel also features a private beach club and the dining options are also stunning with a Michelin-starred restaurant "Glicine", which translates to "Wisteria" has an amazing menu. Another hotel I will gladly book a couple nights to enjoy the amenities and the views from the room.
NH Collection Convento Amalfi (luxury accommodation) - This transformed 13th century monastery is located perched above Amalfi, with specatular views. The next time I come to the Amalfi Coast, this is another strong contender for me to stay here for a couple nights. The infinity pool and beautiful gardens overlook the sea and the stunning bay.
Amalfi, Italy
Where to Eat in Amalfi
La Caravella - The first Michelin Star restaurant in the South of Italy and today one of the first restaurants in all of Italy to receive three. The atmosphere and cuisine here is outstanding. You need to try one of their tasting menus, this is non-negotiable. I was lucky enough to have tried their lunch, four course tasting menu and will treasure that meal for years to come. One of the best meals I've ever had hands down. I can't wait to come back to Amalfi to eat here again.
La Caravella, Amalfi, Italy
Restaurant Al Mare - This restaurant on a perched terrace near the sea is a gem. The comfortable vibe and stunning views of this restaurant at the Hotel Santa Caterina are a must visit. The food is really good as well.
Dei Cappuccini - Part of the NH Collection Convento Amalfi, this restaurant has stunning views and delicious food with some of the ingredients in the meals sourced directly from Amalfi's markets and from the hotel's private garden.
Pasticceria Savoia - Amazing gelato and other bakery items such as cakes and pastries. Try the Campania delight Sfogliatella, or one of the ricotta cheese and pear pastries, or a "lemon delight" which is a soft sponge cake soaked with limoncello.
Shopping in Amalfi
Amalfi is where I typically buy my Limoncello and where I've purchased a few ceramics in the past. There is a family run Limoncello maker in the main square of Amalfi, near the base of the church's steps. It's called Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi, they offer samples of their Limoncello and other liquors including Limoncello Creme (La Creme Di Limone), Melon and Pistachio. I've also purchased a couple ceramics from here, including an olive oil pourer which I've used in my kitchen for the past 3 years (since my first visit to Amalfi).
Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi, cute store in Amalfi to buy Limoncello and gifts
Ravello
Ravello is one of those places that if you don't visit the right spots, you'll miss the charm of this stunning village perched high on the mountain overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Again, Ravello is a great place to find deals on ceramics, and the town is so quaint and much less busier than Amalfi or Positano.
Ravello, Italy
Where to Stay in Ravello
Belmond Hotel Caruso (luxury accommodations) - Belmond Hotels are probably one of my favourite hotel brands. The locations of most of their properties are intimate and bespoke. The location of this property is no different. It has stunning sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. The infinity pool and gardens make this setting feel like an oasis from the hustle and bustle in Amalfi down the mountain below.
Belmond Villa Margherita (luxury accommodations) - For those who want an upgraded experience, this is a private villa which has access to all the amenities of the Belmond Hotel Caruso, a few blocks away.
What to See in Ravello
Something that is a bit of a secret is the Campania Artecard. This amazing pass gives you access to 80 cultural sights across Naples and the Campania Region (including the Amalfi Coast). You can use the Campania Artecard to get admission into Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. It's well worth the investment.
Colourful ceramics in Ravello, Italy
Villa Rufolo - Built in the 13th century, Villa Rufolo is easy to get to from the main centre square of Ravello. It was extensively restored in the 19th century and the gardens were being restored last year (2019). Stunning to walk around and take in the amazing views from the terraces here.
Villa Cimbrone - Worth the walk, believe me. The gardens and views from this Villa are breathtaking. The "Terrazzo dell'infinito" or Terrace of Infinity, has the most stunning views you'll find of the Amalfi Coast.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello, Italy
"Terrazzo dell'infinito" or Terrace of Infinity, Villa Cimbrone, Ravello, Italy
Minori
I stayed in Minori for five nights the last time I was here on the Amalfi Coast. It was a great quiet village to explore the coast and neighbouring villages. Up above Minori is Ravello, and can be reached by about a 45 minute walk up the mountain through the terraced lemon groves. If you're a Jamie Oliver fan, one of his good friends, who Jamie learned everything Italian from, chef Gennaro Contaldo is from Minori. I found Minori to be a perfect place to relax, enjoy the much quieter beach and have some amazing food. Prices are much more "local" and you won't find too many tourists here, which is a welcomed change.
Using the ferry systems from here is a bit less hectic and you'll be able to find a good seat on the ferries as it's before the ferries get too crowded with passengers from Amalfi and Positano, onwards to Capri or Sorrento.
Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Where to Stay in Minori
Minori Palace Hotel (mid range accommodations) - This is where I stayed for five nights during my "Enchanting Southern Italy" tour with Blue Roads this past September 2019. It was a comfortable hotel within a 5 minute walk from the beach and across the street from one of the most delicious pastry shops. Breakfast included every morning was adequate and great selection.
Hotel Santa Lucia (mid range accommodations) - Traditional hotel rooms very close to the beach, about a four minute walk. Clean and comfortable.
Where to Eat in Minori
Giardiniello - Had the most stunning meal here. If you're in Minori (or visiting the Amalfi Coast), this restaurant is a must visit. We sat out on the terrace and had a wonderful group dinner here. I had the stuffed zucchini flowers to start, followed by homemade N'dunderi alla minorese, a large pillowy soft gnocchi they make here in Minori with tomato sauce and smoked mozzarella. Mama mia!
Giardiniello Restaurant, Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Pasticceria Gambardella - The place to buy €1 calzones (fried, fresh made pizza pockets) to take to the beach or for a snack on the ferry and the most amazing desserts and pastries including rum babas and sfogliatellas.
Pasticceria Sal De Riso - Higher end desserts, really nice area to sit outside, have a coffee and watch local life in Minori.
What to Do in Minori
One of my favourite things to do in Minori (other than relax on the beach) was to take advantage of the "walk of the lemons" on Sentiero dei Limoni. It's a beautiful hike through the alleyways, staircases then through the terraced lemon groves for some amazing sunrise views over Minori with Ravello perched high above.
"Walk of the Lemons" during sunrise over Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sorrento
As I mentioned earlier, Sorrento is not part of the Amalfi Coast, however many people visit Sorrento on their way to the Amalfi Coast or on their way to Naples from the Amalfi Coast, so that's why I'm including it into this guide.
Sorrento to me is similar to the Amalfi Coast, lemons, cliffs and the sea. Known for seafood and more amazing pasta, Sorrento is a beautiful place to visit and spend a night or two.
Sorrento, Italy
Where to Stay in Sorrento
Hotel Bellevue Syrene (luxury accommodations) - Part of the Relais & Chateaux brand, this hotel offers stunning accommodation overlooking the Bay of Naples. They have some fantastic stay packages, some which include meals at their amazing restaurant.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (luxury accommodations) - Part of the Leading Hotels of the World, this landmark hotel is one you can't miss, if you've arrived to Sorrento by boat. Perched precariously on the clifftop, with views of Mount Vesuvius, this luxury property pays homage to it's traditional roots, which rooms are elegantly traditional.
Where to Eat in Sorrento
O'Parrucchiano - Whilst Cannelloni was invented in Amalfi, this is who perfected it and serves it in their Sorrento restaurant to this day. This very elegant setting of a restaurant also features a beautiful garden conservatory to also dine in and also in a stunning lemon garden. I came here for an amazing "early dinner", of course had the cannelloni and enjoyed eating out in the lemon garden.
L'Antica Trattoria - I had an amazing set menu lunch here. I was greeted on this hot, September afternoon with a welcome glass of prosecco. Followed by an amazing four course meal, which I struggled to finish. The atmosphere is beautiful, service was attentive and had a great experience here overall. I'd come back here in a heartbeat.
L'Antica Trattoria, Sorrento, Italy
I hope you found this travel guide to the Amalfi Coast helpful. As I visit the Amalfi Coast again and again over the years, I'll keep this up to date with my favourite recommendations.
If you have any questions about the Amalfi Coast, or if you're looking for help planning your next trip to Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento, I'd love to help. As I've mentioned before, I am a travel agent who specializes in luxury travel and I'm a proud travel agent member of Virtuoso. Click here to contact me on how we can work together.
Ciao and Safe Travels! xoxo
Ariane
PS - Did you enjoy reading this travel guide? Please consider joining my Wanderlust Journey Community as a Patron supporter. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee per month (my community membership tiers start at $2 per month), you can help support me create more content! Click here for more details.