Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast
Short overview
Cliffside villages stacked above a deep-blue sea, linked by one winding coastal road. Come for lemon groves, boat days and long lunches — and expect stairs, crowds and prices to match the views.
Best times to go
May – June
Warm sea, long days and everything open, before the August crowds and peak prices arrive.
September – October
The sea is at its warmest, the crowds thin out and hotel rates start to drop.
Good for
couples, food lovers and anyone happy to trade beach space for jaw-dropping views and boat days.
Skip if
you want sandy beaches, easy driving or a cheap trip — the coast is steep, busy and expensive in summer.
Things to do
Path of the Gods
A cliff-top hike from Bomerano to Nocelle with the whole coast laid out below you.
3–4 hours
Free (about €2 for the bus to the trailhead)
Path of the Gods
A cliff-top hike from Bomerano to Nocelle with the whole coast laid out below you.
3–4 hours
Free (about €2 for the bus to the trailhead)
Path of the Gods
A cliff-top hike from Bomerano to Nocelle with the whole coast laid out below you.
3–4 hours
Free (about €2 for the bus to the trailhead)
Boat trip along the coast
Hop between coves, grottoes and swimming spots you can't reach by road.
4–8 hours
€60–120 per person
4–8 hours
€60–120 per person
Villa Rufolo, Ravello
Terraced gardens 350 m above the sea, with one of the coast's most famous views.
1–2 hours
€8–10 entry
1–2 hours
€8–10 entry
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly hikes, beaches and village wandering, plus a few bus rides.
Best value
€
250
/week
One shared boat trip, the Ravello gardens and a ferry day to Capri.
Splurge
€
900
/week
A private boat day, guided tours and a cooking class.
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly hikes, beaches and village wandering, plus a few bus rides.
Best value
€
250
/week
One shared boat trip, the Ravello gardens and a ferry day to Capri.
Splurge
€
900
/week
A private boat day, guided tours and a cooking class.
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly hikes, beaches and village wandering, plus a few bus rides.
Best value
€
250
/week
One shared boat trip, the Ravello gardens and a ferry day to Capri.
Splurge
€
900
/week
A private boat day, guided tours and a cooking class.
Food and drink
Lemons, seafood and pasta rule. Eat like a local at lunch and save the sea-view terraces for one big night.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
Standing at the bar of any café, the way locals do it.
€
3
Best value
Sfogliatella
Crisp shell pastry filled with ricotta and candied citrus.
€
3
Splurge
Delizia al limone
A soft sponge dome soaked in lemon cream, the coast's signature dessert.
€
5
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
Standing at the bar of any café, the way locals do it.
€
3
Best value
Sfogliatella
Crisp shell pastry filled with ricotta and candied citrus.
€
3
Splurge
Delizia al limone
A soft sponge dome soaked in lemon cream, the coast's signature dessert.
€
5
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
Standing at the bar of any café, the way locals do it.
€
3
Best value
Sfogliatella
Crisp shell pastry filled with ricotta and candied citrus.
€
3
Splurge
Delizia al limone
A soft sponge dome soaked in lemon cream, the coast's signature dessert.
€
5
Lunch
Cheapest
Panino from a salumeria
Fresh bread, mozzarella and cured meat to take to the beach.
€
6
Best value
Pizza margherita
Wood-fired, and the cheapest way to sit down with a view.
€
10
Splurge
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Thick local pasta with clams, mussels and prawns.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Panino from a salumeria
Fresh bread, mozzarella and cured meat to take to the beach.
€
6
Best value
Pizza margherita
Wood-fired, and the cheapest way to sit down with a view.
€
10
Splurge
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Thick local pasta with clams, mussels and prawns.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Panino from a salumeria
Fresh bread, mozzarella and cured meat to take to the beach.
€
6
Best value
Pizza margherita
Wood-fired, and the cheapest way to sit down with a view.
€
10
Splurge
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Thick local pasta with clams, mussels and prawns.
€
22
Dinner
Cheapest
Pasta e patate
Hearty potato pasta from family-run trattorias.
€
12
Best value
Catch of the day
Grilled local fish, usually priced by weight.
€
30
Splurge
Tasting menu with a sea view
Several courses on a terrace in Positano or Ravello.
€
120
Dinner
Cheapest
Pasta e patate
Hearty potato pasta from family-run trattorias.
€
12
Best value
Catch of the day
Grilled local fish, usually priced by weight.
€
30
Splurge
Tasting menu with a sea view
Several courses on a terrace in Positano or Ravello.
€
120
Dinner
Pasta e patate
€
12
Hearty potato pasta from family-run trattorias.
Catch of the day
€
30
Grilled local fish, usually priced by weight.
Tasting menu with a sea view
€
120
Several courses on a terrace in Positano or Ravello.
Cheapest
€
150
/week
Bar breakfasts, picnic lunches and pizza or trattoria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
A sit-down lunch most days and a proper seafood dinner or two.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Long terrace lunches, wine with every meal and one tasting menu.
Cheapest
€
150
/week
Bar breakfasts, picnic lunches and pizza or trattoria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
A sit-down lunch most days and a proper seafood dinner or two.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Long terrace lunches, wine with every meal and one tasting menu.
Cheapest
€
150
/week
Bar breakfasts, picnic lunches and pizza or trattoria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
A sit-down lunch most days and a proper seafood dinner or two.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Long terrace lunches, wine with every meal and one tasting menu.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti tossed with fried zucchini, basil and provolone del Monaco, first made in the village of Nerano.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti tossed with fried zucchini, basil and provolone del Monaco, first made in the village of Nerano.
Where to stay
Sleep in the hills or the smaller towns to save money, or in Positano and Ravello for the views.
Cheapest
Hostel in Agerola
A mountain village above the coast with cheap beds, cool nights and buses down to Amalfi.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Cheapest
Hostel in Agerola
A mountain village above the coast with cheap beds, cool nights and buses down to Amalfi.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Best value
Guesthouse in Minori
A family-run B&B in a real fishing town, a short walk from Amalfi.
€770/week
/night
€
110
Best value
Guesthouse in Minori
A family-run B&B in a real fishing town, a short walk from Amalfi.
€770/week
/night
€
110
Splurge
Cliffside hotel in Positano
A sea-view balcony, a pool and a front-row seat to the coast's most famous view.
€3,150/week
/night
€
450
Splurge
Cliffside hotel in Positano
A sea-view balcony, a pool and a front-row seat to the coast's most famous view.
€3,150/week
/night
€
450
Unique stay
Lemon-farm agriturismo
Stay on a working lemon terrace above Maiori, with home-cooked dinners.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Unique stay
Lemon-farm agriturismo
Stay on a working lemon terrace above Maiori, with home-cooked dinners.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Unique stay
Lemon-farm agriturismo
Stay on a working lemon terrace above Maiori, with home-cooked dinners.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Getting around
Buses and ferries link every town. Driving the coast road is beautiful, but stressful.
Public transport
Coverage
SITA buses run between all the towns, and ferries connect them from spring to autumn. Buses fill up in summer, so start early.
Single ticket
€
2.40
Weekly pass
€
35
Which modes are available?
SITA buses
Ferries
Trains to Salerno and Sorrento
Public transport
Coverage
SITA buses run between all the towns, and ferries connect them from spring to autumn. Buses fill up in summer, so start early.
Single ticket
€
2.40
Weekly pass
€
35
Which modes are available?
SITA buses
Ferries
Trains to Salerno and Sorrento
Car rental
Car usefulness
The coast road is narrow and jammed in summer, and parking is scarce. Only worth it off-season or for trips inland.
Price
€
60
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
30
/day
Hard. Most towns have a few paid garages that fill up early, and Positano charges €5–8 an hour.
Car rental
Car usefulness
The coast road is narrow and jammed in summer, and parking is scarce. Only worth it off-season or for trips inland.
Price
€
60
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
30
/day
Hard. Most towns have a few paid garages that fill up early, and Positano charges €5–8 an hour.
Cheapest
€
35
/week
Buses only, with a bit of walking between towns.
Best value
€
90
/week
Buses plus a few ferry hops between Amalfi, Positano and Salerno.
Splurge
€
450
/week
Private transfers, taxis and a rented scooter for a couple of days.
Cheapest
€
35
/week
Buses only, with a bit of walking between towns.
Best value
€
90
/week
Buses plus a few ferry hops between Amalfi, Positano and Salerno.
Splurge
€
450
/week
Private transfers, taxis and a rented scooter for a couple of days.
Cheapest
€
35
/week
Buses only, with a bit of walking between towns.
Best value
€
90
/week
Buses plus a few ferry hops between Amalfi, Positano and Salerno.
Splurge
€
450
/week
Private transfers, taxis and a rented scooter for a couple of days.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€25–35
Accommodation
€35–50
Getting around
€8–12
Activities
€5–10
Miscellaneous
€5–10
PER DAY
€78–117
PER WEEK
€550–820
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Cheapest
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€25–35
Accommodation
€35–50
Getting around
€8–12
Activities
€5–10
Miscellaneous
€5–10
PER DAY
€78–117
PER WEEK
€550–820
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Cheapest
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€25–35
Accommodation
€35–50
Getting around
€8–12
Activities
€5–10
Miscellaneous
€5–10
PER DAY
€78–117
PER WEEK
€550–820
Best value
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€50–70
Accommodation
€100–140
Getting around
€15–25
Activities
€20–40
Miscellaneous
€10–15
PER DAY
€195–290
PER WEEK
€1,365–2,030
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Best value
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€50–70
Accommodation
€100–140
Getting around
€15–25
Activities
€20–40
Miscellaneous
€10–15
PER DAY
€195–290
PER WEEK
€1,365–2,030
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Best value
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€50–70
Accommodation
€100–140
Getting around
€15–25
Activities
€20–40
Miscellaneous
€10–15
PER DAY
€195–290
PER WEEK
€1,365–2,030
Splurge
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€120–180
Accommodation
€350–550
Getting around
€40–80
Activities
€80–150
Miscellaneous
€25–40
PER DAY
€615–1,000
PER WEEK
€4,300–7,000
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Splurge
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€120–180
Accommodation
€350–550
Getting around
€40–80
Activities
€80–150
Miscellaneous
€25–40
PER DAY
€615–1,000
PER WEEK
€4,300–7,000
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Positano.
Splurge
Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
Food costs
€120–180
Accommodation
€350–550
Getting around
€40–80
Activities
€80–150
Miscellaneous
€25–40
PER DAY
€615–1,000
PER WEEK
€4,300–7,000
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Scenery, romance, seafood and boat days.
Catches visitors off guard
Summer crowds, traffic, Positano prices, endless stairs and pebble beaches.
Common misconception
It isn't a simple beach holiday — it's steep, busy and takes planning to get around.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Scenery, romance, seafood and boat days.
Catches visitors off guard
Summer crowds, traffic, Positano prices, endless stairs and pebble beaches.
Common misconception
It isn't a simple beach holiday — it's steep, busy and takes planning to get around.
Watch out for
Paid beach clubs
Most good beach space is rented loungers at €20–40 a day; free sections are small and fill early.
Full buses
Summer buses often pass by full. Travel early, or take the ferry between the main towns.
ZTL traffic zones
Driving into restricted town centres triggers automatic fines, often months later.
Watch out for
Paid beach clubs
Most good beach space is rented loungers at €20–40 a day; free sections are small and fill early.
Full buses
Summer buses often pass by full. Travel early, or take the ferry between the main towns.
ZTL traffic zones
Driving into restricted town centres triggers automatic fines, often months later.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Four to five days covers Positano, Amalfi and Ravello without rushing, plus a boat day.
Where is the best base?
Amalfi or Minori for transport links, Positano for the views, Salerno or Sorrento to save money.
How do I get there from Naples?
Take a train to Salerno or Sorrento, then a ferry or SITA bus along the coast. Private transfers cost around €120–150.
Can I swim everywhere?
Mostly, but beaches are small and pebbly. Bring water shoes, and book a beach club in July and August.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Four to five days covers Positano, Amalfi and Ravello without rushing, plus a boat day.
Where is the best base?
Amalfi or Minori for transport links, Positano for the views, Salerno or Sorrento to save money.
How do I get there from Naples?
Take a train to Salerno or Sorrento, then a ferry or SITA bus along the coast. Private transfers cost around €120–150.
Can I swim everywhere?
Mostly, but beaches are small and pebbly. Bring water shoes, and book a beach club in July and August.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs (Bancomat) and decline the machine's currency conversion offer.
Cards vs cash
Cards work almost everywhere, but carry cash for bus tickets, small cafés, beach clubs and boat tips.
Tipping
Not expected. Most restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) of €2–4 per person; rounding up is plenty.
Tourist tax
Hotels add roughly €1.50–5 per person per night, often paid in cash at check-out.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs (Bancomat) and decline the machine's currency conversion offer.
Cards vs cash
Cards work almost everywhere, but carry cash for bus tickets, small cafés, beach clubs and boat tips.
Tipping
Not expected. Most restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) of €2–4 per person; rounding up is plenty.
Tourist tax
Hotels add roughly €1.50–5 per person per night, often paid in cash at check-out.
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Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.