Amalfi Coast Free Guidebook

Amalfi Coast Free Guidebook

Discover the ultimate Amalfi Coast vacation guide, covering everything in this southern Italy location, from picturesque Positano to enchanting Ravello. Uncover hidden gems, top restaurants, boat tours, and hiking trails. Download our free PDF Amalfi Coast guide for the perfect Italian escape!

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A comprehensive guide to the Amalfi Coast

Welcome to our all-inclusive Amalfi Coast travel guide, your ultimate resource of travel tips for exploring this breathtaking Mediterranean paradise. Download our free PDF ebook and unlock the secrets of the Amalfi Coast, penned by local experts who know every nook and cranny of this stunning region. Check off the special items on your bucket list, whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a sunset Spritz aperitif while taking in stunning views of the cliffside villages and sea.

The Amalfi Coast, a 55-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary beauty and charming coastal towns. This article provides an extensive exploration of this stunning region, from its colorful cliffside villages to its enchanting hiking trails.

Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from getting to and around the Amalfi Coast, to crafting the perfect day trip or even three-day itinerary. Discover the best walking and hiking trails, including the famous Path of the Gods, the Valley of the Mills, and the Tower of Ziro. Indulge your taste buds at top restaurants, sample the area’s famous limoncello, shop the most charming boutiques, stay at the best hotels, and visit exceptional wineries that showcase the region's finest offerings.

With detailed insights into each picturesque town and village, from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, you'll uncover the captivating allure of the Amalfi Coast's diverse landscapes and stunning views. Explore the enchanting Sant'Agata and Nerano, embark on unforgettable boat tours that showcase the Sorrentine peninsula’s most alluring sights, and view historic former residences such as Villa Rufolo and the 11th-century Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

No visit to the Amalfi Coast in Italy would be complete without a day at the beach. Our guide highlights the best beaches in each town, ensuring you'll find the perfect spot to soak up the sun and take in the mesmerizing beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Find the beach club that’s right for you and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of this Italian paradise.

Download our free Amalfi Coast guidebook now and embark on the vacation of a lifetime!

Index

  1. Getting to the Amalfi Coast

  2. Getting around the Amalfi Coast

  3. One day on the Amalfi Coast

  4. Three days on the Amalfi Coast

  5. Walking and hiking

  6. The Path of the Gods

  7. The Valley of the Mills

  8. The Tower of Ziro

  9. Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast

  10. Shopping on the Amalfi Coast

  11. Wineries on the Amalfi coast

  12. Positano

  13. Around Positano

  14. Praiano

  15. Furore Fjord

  16. Conca dei Marini

  17. Ravello

  18. Amalfi

  19. Atrani

  20. Minori, Maiori, and Tramonti

  21. Cetara, Erchie, and Vietri sul Mare

  22. Sant’Agata and Nerano

  23. Boat rentals and tours by sea

  24. Beaches on the Amalfi Coast

  25. Beaches in Positano

  26. Beaches in Nerano

  27. Beaches in Amalfi

  28. Beaches in Atrani

  29. Beaches in Cetara

  30. Beaches in Maiori and Minori

  31. Beaches in Vietri sul Mare

The authors

Authored by local experts, our Amalfi Coast travel guide offers insider knowledge on the best places, service providers, and experiences, ensuring an unforgettable Italian getaway tailored to your interests.

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Amalfi Coast free guidebook in Italian

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Overview of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast comprises 13 municipalities, all precariously perched over the sea. The region's main travel artery, the SS 163 highway, begins in the Colli di San Pietro area on the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula and ends in Vietri sul Mare.

The towns of Positano and Amalfi are the most famous and arguably the most beautiful destinations on the coast. They are bustling hubs with restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, and offer excellent connections to other locations along the coast and the islands. Amalfi is relatively flat, while Positano is a vertical city characterized by numerous stairways. If you're a young couple, Positano could be your ideal choice, while families or those unsure about tackling many stairs might prefer Amalfi. Atrani, just a stone's throw from Amalfi, is also a great choice if you want to be at the heart of the Amalfi Coast.

Praiano, Conca dei Marini, and Furore are smaller, more tranquil villages. They are excellent options for travelers seeking a less touristy experience. These vertical villages are nestled into the rock, and you can reach other towns along the coast by bus or private boat rental.

Maiori and Minori are more modern, flatter towns with a pleasant seafront promenade. These two towns are particularly suited for families, thanks to their comfortable sandy beaches. They're a great option if you're looking to save on hotel expenses.

Ravello, while a charming town, is located inland. It's perfect for a romantic weekend in one of its luxurious hotels overlooking the sea, but less so if you plan to explore the various towns and villages along the coastline.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

Reaching the Amalfi Coast isn't always straightforward, given the lack of direct connections from the Naples airport and railway station. Most travelers opt for a private transfer or a high-speed train to Salerno, followed by a ferry to Amalfi or Positano. A private car from Naples to Positano costs approximately €150 and is a worthwhile investment considering the alternative of taking two potentially overcrowded buses.

If you're traveling from Rome, the journey can be quite long, taking a minimum of 4 hours from the time of your flight's arrival, if you're lucky with all the connections. From Rome's Fiumicino Airport, you can take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini railway station. From there, you can take a high-speed train to Naples. From Naples, the best option is to book a private transfer to your hotel or continue to Salerno on the same train and take a ferry to Amalfi or Positano.

If you're arriving at Naples' Capodichino Airport, it's advisable to book a private transfer to your hotel. The public transport alternative involves taking the Curreri bus to Sorrento, followed by the Sita bus to Positano or Amalfi.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast

There are various ways for getting around the Amalfi Coast. Traffic, narrow roads, crowds, and a lack of parking are issues that make driving along the Amalfi Coast challenging. The best way to explore the region is by using ferries and boats as much as possible.

By car

Although driving along the Amalfi Coast's SS 163 highway offers the best exploration opportunities with frequent stops at panoramic spots, it's not for the faint-hearted. The narrow, winding road often encounters large tourist buses, which can cause difficulties. If you're not used to driving on narrow roads, opt for public buses or, better still, a private transfer with a driver. Moreover, traffic can be nerve-wracking between Positano and Amalfi, and parking is limited and expensive (a minimum of €4 per hour).

By bus

The Sita buses connect the various towns along the Amalfi Coast. While the service is reasonably frequent, traffic often causes delays. Tickets cannot be purchased on board. You have to buy your ticket from any bar or tobacconist along the coast before boarding and validate it on the bus.

By sea

Boats and ferries are undoubtedly the most convenient way to explore the coast, with services connecting Amalfi and Positano to Sorrento and Capri from April to October. In July and August, there are also services to the Cilento region. Boats also depart from Positano and Amalfi to beaches accessible only by sea. You can check updated timetables at www.positano.com.

Things to see and do on the Amalfi Coast

While it takes at least 4-5 days to explore the entire Amalfi Coast, in just one day you can cover the SS 163 highway, stopping at Positano and Amalfi. This option allows you to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of these locations.

First Day on the Amalfi Coast

Start your one-day itinerary in Positano and Amalfi by leisurely strolling through the streets and stairways of Positano, perhaps purchasing some of the town's typical pezze di Positano beachwear. Stop for brunch at Casa e Bottega and continue your walk down to the Spiaggia Grande, the heart of Positano. From the Spiaggia Grande, take the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei) to Fornillo beach, home to several beach resorts. In the evening, reserve a table at a beachfront restaurant and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars.

Second Day on the Amalfi Coast

On the second day, you can either hit the beach or head to the mountains. If you're a hiking enthusiast, devote the day to the Path of the Gods, which connects Agerola, a village in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, to Nocelle, a hamlet nestled on the slopes of Monte Pertuso in Positano. After the hike, you can dine at one of the restaurants in Montepertuso, such as Il Ritrovo or La Tagliata. Alternatively, especially in summer, spend the day at a beach club. You can reach Arienzo beach or La Gavitella in Praiano. Another great idea is to spend the entire day on a boat, visiting the most beautiful coves on the coast, the Emerald Grotto, the Furore Fjord, and having lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

Third Day on the Amalfi Coast

A three-day itinerary on the Amalfi Coast allows you to visit Amalfi and its cathedral and paper mills, and Ravello with its cliffside villas. From Positano, you can reach Amalfi by ferry or bus. To get to Ravello, you'll need to take another bus or a taxi. Also, take time to stroll through the delightful village of Atrani, Italy's smallest municipality, practically adjacent to Amalfi.

Dining on the Amalfi Coast

Restaurants in the Amalfi Coast serve typical local cuisine, often with a modern twist. Notable restaurants in Positano include Da Adolfo and La Tagliata. In Amalfi, don't miss the chance to sample sweets at Pansa, right next to the cathedral, a historic establishment dating back to 1830. Try the candied citrus peel and lemon delights.

Walks and Hiking on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is crisscrossed by a dense network of mountain trails. Nowadays these routes are mainly used by hiking enthusiasts, but in the past they were the only connection between the various towns and the "rest of the world." The paths should be approached with the utmost caution, wearing proper hiking boots, studying the route in advance, and carrying lots of water. In the summer, avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day. The best and safest way to explore here is to rely on an experienced guide to accompany you.

The Amalfi Coast offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and delightful local cuisine. Whether you're a culture vulture, a nature lover, or a foodie, you'll find something to enchant you on this stunning stretch of the Italian coastline. Remember to plan and book in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to make the most of your visit to this breathtaking destination.