Amalfi Coast Guide: Must-See Spots Tips & How to Get There

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque and romantic destinations in Italy, yet for a long time, it wasn’t on my must-visit list. I hadn’t heard much about it from fellow travelers, and I always assumed it was an expensive trip. However, after visiting Rome, something about the southwest of Italy kept calling me, and soon enough, the Amalfi Coast became my next adventure.

I spent hours planning my itinerary, researching transportation, and choosing the best places to stay. Now, after experiencing it firsthand, I’m here to share everything you need to know to plan your own Amalfi Coast trip, along with the insider tips I wish I had known earlier.

Best Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento: The Perfect Base for Your Trip

Known as the City of Lemons, Sorrento is famous for its delicious limoncello, rich history, and stunning coastal views. While technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is an essential stop and the best place to stay if you're traveling on a budget.

💰 Why stay in Sorrento?

• Affordable accommodation compared to Positano or Amalfi. You can find places for €100 per night, whereas Positano starts at €300–€400 per night.
• Great transportation connections—ferries, buses, and rental cars/scooters can easily take you to the rest of the coast.
• Easy access to Capri—just a 20-minute ferry ride away, making it a great option for a day trip.

🚢 Getting to Capri from Sorrento: Ferries operate frequently, and you can visit one of the world’s most luxurious and breathtaking islands.

Positano: The Amalfi Coast’s Postcard-Perfect Town

Positano is a dream destination, famous for its colorful cliffside houses, deep blue sea, and narrow winding streets.

🌊 Top things to do in Positano:

• Relax on Spiaggia Grande: The most famous beach, with a stunning backdrop of pastel-colored houses. The sand is black due to a nearby volcano, and the beach is divided into:
  • Private section (€25 per person for an umbrella & sunbed).
  • Public section (free, but less maintained).
• Stroll Via Cristoforo Colombo: Lined with boutique shops, cafés, and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Explore Grotta la Porta: A cave with prehistoric remains.
• Visit Santa Maria Assunta Church: Known for its beautiful majolica-tiled dome.

Amalfi: The Heart of the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi is the cultural and historical center of the coast, known for its stunning architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status.

🏰 What to see in Amalfi:

• Duomo di Amalfi: The iconic cathedral located in Piazza del Duomo, featuring relics of St. Andrew. Entry costs just €3.
• Coastal Watchtowers: Once used to protect against pirate invasions.

🚗 Must-visit nearby: Ravello
The drive from Amalfi to Ravello is one of the most scenic routes in Italy. In Ravello, don’t miss:

• Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone—offering breathtaking panoramic views.

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast

Since there are no direct flights from many locations to the Amalfi Coast, your best option is to fly into Naples (Napoli) and continue from there.

✈️ Best ways to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples:
Direct flight to Naples (NAP) from major European cities - London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels, Munich, Belgrade, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Stockholm, Prague, Athens.

💡 Tip: Many low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer budget-friendly options from major European hubs.

• From Naples, you can reach Sorrento via:
  • 🚆 Train (€4, departs every 30 minutes, takes ~1.5 hours).
  • ⛴️ Ferry (€15, takes ~40 minutes).
  • 🚌 Bus (€5–€15, takes ~1.5 hours).
  • 🚕 Taxi (€160, not recommended due to high prices).

Budget-friendly option: Fly to Rome & travel from there

• Rome has excellent train connections to Naples, making it a great starting point for an extended Italian adventure.

All Roads Lead To Rome - Tips For Visiting Eternal City

Expert Travel Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast

💡 1. Avoid Taxis—They Are Extremely Expensive

• A 4 km taxi ride can cost €40. Instead, use ferries, buses, or rent a scooter.

💡 2. Be Smart About Accommodation Locations

• Sorrento is a great base, but choose a location within walking distance of transport hubs. Unlike Positano and Amalfi, Sorrento has no pedestrian shortcuts (like staircases).

💡 3. Expect a Sweet Italian Breakfast

• Traditional Italian breakfasts are pastry-based. Finding omelets and sandwiches is rare.

💡 4. Use Ferries for Easy Transportation

• The ferry system makes hopping between towns stress-free and offers stunning views from the water.

💡 5. Rent a Vespa for the Full Amalfi Experience

• Scooters are cheapest in Sorrento (~€40/day).
• In Positano, rentals start at €70–€100/day.

💡 6. Be Cautious When Driving

• The roads are narrow and winding, making driving challenging for inexperienced drivers.

💡 7. Add These Side Trips to Your Itinerary
📍 Pompeii – Walk through an ancient Roman city frozen in time by Mt. Vesuvius' eruption.
📍 Mt. Vesuvius – Hike the only active volcano in mainland Europe.
📍 Naples – Visit Quartieri Spagnoli and the Umberto I Gallery.
📍 Capri Island – Just a short ferry ride from Sorrento, known for its luxury and natural beauty.

Is the Amalfi Coast Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! The Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning destinations in Italy, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and charming coastal towns. In this region, there is something for everyone, if you want to explore Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi, take a boat to Capri, or wanderi through ancient Pompeii.

Now that you know how to travel smart and save money, you're ready to plan an unforgettable Amalfi Coast adventure! 🌊🇮🇹