The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful coastline stretching along dozens of kilometers of coastline in southwest Italy. Lined with picturesque villages on the mountainside, idyllic landscapes, fascinating remains, and other ancient wonders, it is above all a great artists’ hideout classified as a UNESCO heritage site. Here are the must-see places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.
Salerno: the landmark for history lovers
Directly connected to Naples by a network of railroads, the city of Salerno is the ideal starting point for visiting the Amalfi Coast. The historic capital of the Kingdom of Southern Italy and a stronghold of the Normans during the late Middle Ages, it is a place rich in cultural treasures that is sure to please medieval history buffs.
During your visit, you will discover many monuments testifying to this great period of prosperity for Italy. We can notably mention :
- The Arechi Castle of Salerno, a sumptuous bastion erected in the 8th century by Prince Arechi II dominates the city and offers a breathtaking panorama to its visitors, at an altitude of more than 300 meters!
- Saint Matthew’s cathedral, is a superb building of art-roman style built in the 11th century. This monument houses sublime mosaics, a statue of the Virgin, and numerous paintings by the artist Francesco Solimena, one of the greatest baroque painters in Italy.
- The medieval aqueduct of Salerno was built in the ninth century to supply water to the monastery San Benedetto. Today it is covered with plants and gives the street that singular look that can only be found in medieval cities.
Before continuing your visit, we suggest you go to the botanical garden of Minerva. This medieval park located in the heart of the historic center of Salerno is a relaxing place to rest or to have a picnic in the shade. Between noon and 2 pm, when the sun is at its most harmful, a break is a must!
You can then follow the visit with many museums such as:
- The Museum of the Landing and Salerno Capital, dedicated to the 39-45 War and the Allied landing in Salerno: you can discover various period equipment and archive photographs.
- The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Salerno exhibits many ancient jewels discovered by archaeologists in the area.
As you can see, it’s a very busy day ahead!
Ravello: the sublime city of artists
After you visit Salerno, you will have the opportunity to easily reach Ravello, after a short one-hour drive. Be prepared to be amazed, as this is probably one of the most beautiful places on the coast.
A haven for artists from all walks of life, including the famous German composer Richard Wagner, from whom he drew inspiration for his latest opera, Parsifal, this small Amalfi town is a true haven of peace, a gentle invitation to let go. You will find inner peace as you stroll through the bougainvillea gardens, the charming medieval alleys, and the walks lined with refined sculptures.
The city known as “the balcony of the sea” has not stolen this claim: perched more than 300 meters above the sea, it offers an exceptional view of the bay and the mountains. You will be able to witness this if you pass by Villa Rufolo, whose exotic garden is a true work of art in the open air. Every year, from the end of June to the end of September, this estate hosts symphonic concerts as part of the Ravello Festival. It is a sensational show facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, which should be experienced at least once in a lifetime: the orchestra is suspended above the void, accompanied by an enchanting sunset.
The other great place to visit in Ravello is the Villa Cimbrone. It must be said that this town is far from being the last in terms of architectural know-how! Step onto its famous Terrace of the Infinite, where busts of mythological figures are displayed, and let yourself be carried away by this idyllic setting where ancient tradition and extraordinary landscapes meet. Afterward, stroll through the immense gardens of the residence, which cover more than 5 hectares, and discover exceptional flora and fauna. Villa Cimbrone is now a prestigious hotel residence, which also serves as a film location. The visit starts at 7 €.
Finally, you will find some beaches in Ravello like the one of Castiglione di Ravello, one of the most beautiful in the area. The descent of the stairs is quite steep but as they say: after the effort comes comfort! It is a perfect spot for families.
Amalfi: the beautiful icon of the coast
How can we not mention Amalfi, which gives its name to the famous Italian coast?
This small city of character is similar to Positano (which we will mention later) on many points, especially in terms of its typical architecture on the mountainside. But it also has a very special personality, because of its rich history. Indeed, it was one of the largest commercial ports in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is therefore quite logical to find many medieval monuments, but also Renaissance-style buildings such as the Paper Museum, an old paper mill that today retraces the production of this famous white sheet of paper through its exhibitions of period tools.
The place not to be missed when coming here is the famous Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). This central square is both friendly and authentic: you can have a drink on the terrace, take pictures of cultural gems such as the fountain of St. Andrew or marvel at the majestic St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a sublime medieval building with exotic gardens and golden frescoes. Dominating the square from the top of its 62 steps, it is probably the most beautiful monument in Amalfi.
After these enriching visits, you will be able to go to the beach and practice many water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling…). You will enjoy warm and turquoise water, surrounded by heavenly scenery. According to Homer’s legend, it is here that the mermaids tried to seduce Ulysses with their bewitching song. It is a mythical bay in many ways!
Finally, sit down on the terrace and take your time with the dilemma that awaits you: pizza or pasta? In any case, you are sure to enjoy yourself!
Praiano: the paradise of the solitary vacationers
Are you wondering where the best spot to watch the sunsets on the Amalfi Coast is? Well, now you have the answer: it is the village of Praiano.
Located about 6 kilometers from Amalfi, this romantic town is the perfect example of a place preserved from mass tourism. It may seem difficult to imagine given its proximity to Positano, one of the most popular destinations in Italy, but it is indeed a town where you can be almost alone in some places. It is therefore ideal to recharge your batteries, or for a romantic getaway.
First, you will have the opportunity to have lunch in front of the church of San Gennaro, a beautiful building similar to the famous church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, but much less frequented. If you wish to continue the cultural visits, follow the Praiano NaturArte itinerary: this route allows you to discover ceramic sculptures by local artists, exhibited in the open air.
Then, don’t miss the natural jewels of the Praiano area. At the end of a short excursion, you will discover the Furore fjord, an incredible cove surrounded by monumental cliffs connected by a bridge. A unique place where you can swim with your family.
Finally, you may prefer to spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. We recommend you the Cala della Gavitella, which has the particularity to be exposed to the sun at any time of the day! The descent is a bit steep (400 steps), but the efforts will be quickly rewarded with the sublime view of the island of Capri, and the transparent water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. To top it all off, there are many restaurants and bars just a few hundred meters from the beach, so you can spend the evening without having to move too much and enjoy the sunset.
If you are in a more festive mood, you will also find the Africana, a nightclub built in a natural cave. Certainly one of the most unusual and trendy places on the coast!
Positano: the residence of the jet set
Let’s continue our journey to the one that is so often talked about and nicknamed “the Neapolitan Saint Tropez”, the famous town of Positano. This place, much sought-after by celebrities from all over the world, is a true symbol of Italian glamour, with its enchanting setting, its green gardens, its fashion boutiques, and its fashion shows on the beach.
The vertical construction of the city, typical of the Amalfi region, is quite astonishing. Perched between land and sea, on the side of a mountain, it seems to balance itself to allow everyone to see the panorama of the sea, no matter where they are. The downside is that you’ll have to walk up and down stairs all day long!
First, rest on the beach of Spiaggia Grande. Easily “instagrammable”, this coastline is a privileged landmark for amateur photographers and lovers of idleness. No doubt you will not be able to resist the call of swimming, seeing the turquoise and crystal clear water that caresses the sand!
Going back to the city center, you will also have the chance to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta. This sumptuous and richly decorated building, with its yellow walls and its dome covered with multicolored tiles, is a true icon in Positano and has been the pride of its inhabitants since its construction in the 17th century.
Finally, take a detour to the Grotta Dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto in Italian) and marvel at this underground cavern where the water reflects amazing colors. It is easy to reach this cave by car: it is only 10 kilometers from the town of Positano and only 5 kilometers from Amalfi. An unusual visit to live with your family.
Sorrento: the discreet nostalgic city
Located about fifteen kilometers from Positano, the town of Sorrento is an atypical place, full of history. Overlooking the Gulf of Naples and the mythical volcano of Vesuvius, this place exudes a charm that can’t be found anywhere else, even provoking a feeling of nostalgia in some people at the moment of departure. It must be said that the sensory experience is particularly intense here: in the typical alleys, you can smell the scent of lemon and olive oil, buildings with colored windows, and the singing accents that are so endearing in Italy. Here we like to take our time, without taking our time. This is the famous “dolce vita”!
As you wander through the city, you will discover its treasures of history and architecture. You will pass by several baroque mansions, sublime churches such as the one of Saint Francis, built during the 8th century, and sumptuous gardens such as the Villa Comunale.
Back in downtown Sorrento, it is impossible to miss Piazza Tasso. This iconic square, built-in 1866 in honor of the writer Torquato Tasso, is a perfect place to sit on a terrace and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city. You can also discover other treasures that will make your mouth water! One of them is the famous panini, the ciabatta bread cooked on the grill and filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, and ham. At the same time, special mention should be made of the sfogliatella, an almond pastry flavored with vanilla and orange, and of the delicious ice creams that only the Italians know how to make!
Finally, you can go for a refreshing swim in the Marina Grande harbor. It’s the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing!
Bonus: our practical tips for a dream stay on the Amalfi Coast
How to get to the Amalfi Coast?
To easily reach the Amalfi Coast, fly to Naples. You can then choose between bus, car rental, and high-speed train to Salerno, the starting point of your excursion to the southern Amalfi Coast.
How to get around the Amalfi Coast?
To get from one town to another, you will have several possibilities. First of all, the bus is certainly the easiest and cheapest way to get around (count on average 3 € per ticket). On top of that, you will have the chance to admire the landscapes without having to concentrate on the road. The only drawback is that the buses are often crowded with tourists during the summer season.
Renting a car, on the other hand, will allow you to establish your rhythm of visit, but this solution is much less economic than the bus.
At the same time, you will have to be very careful not to damage the vehicle: Italians often have the reputation of having a very peculiar interpretation of the highway code!
The last option available to you is the cab. It combines the respective advantages of the bus and the car without the disadvantages, but the bill may be high in a week… We recommend it only as a last resort.
When is the best time to go on vacation on the Amalfi Coast?
To make the most of the quietness of the Amalfi Coast and its exceptional micro-climate, typical of Mediterranean destinations, we recommend that you go on vacation during the spring period (from April to June). The weather is pleasant, with decent heat (the mercury rarely exceeds 30°C), and the number of tourists remains moderate. Moreover, the prices are much more interesting during this period than in summer, and the water warms up quickly from May on (about 20°C). This is a piece of information that will not go unnoticed by swimming enthusiasts!
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