2025 Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play

How to get to Amalfi Coast

First, it’s important to know that the Amalfi Coast truly is a mountainous coastline, which means you won’t be able to fly into any of the cities. You’ll need to plan extra time to arrive from your previous destination by plane, train, or car. Many people ask how to get to Amalfi Coast from Rome or Naples, which are the two most common jumping off points. We’ll cover both.

Airports

The nearest airport to the Amalfi Coast is in Naples, but you may have landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport if you planned to spend a little time in the Eternal City first. Either way, you’ll need to use one of the travel methods below to get to Amalfi from Rome or Naples.

By train

From Naples and Rome, you can reach Salerno, Italy, by train. It’s one of the few Amalfi Coast towns accessible by train due to the topography. However, it’s on the easternmost side, which may not be where you wanted to go.

If you’re in Rome, you could take the train to Naples, then coordinate another mode of transportation to get to your destination. While Sorrento isn’t technically part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s the nearest you can get to if you’re short on time and makes a great day trip from Rome. You could take the regional Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento.

By boat

An Amalfi Coast travel guide wouldn’t be complete without recommending arriving by boat. It’s one of the most scenic (and stress-free) ways to get to the Amalfi Coast. You’ll have views of Mt. Vesuvius with no traffic or pickpockets to contend with at the train station.

It’s more expensive to book a private boat but worth it if you can splurge. Otherwise, from Naples’ Beverello port, you can book a ferry with a reputable company like Alilauro. They stop at Sorrento before heading to Positano, Ischia, Amalfi, and a few other towns. You’ll need to arrange transport to your hotel from the arrival port.

By bus

It’s possible to get from Rome to Amalfi by bus from June through September. A shuttle departs from Rome’s Tiburtina bus stop at the train station and stops at Positano and Praiano before heading back. It takes about 4.5 hours and is an affordable option if you’re traveling to Amalfi on a budget.

From both Rome and Naples, a company called Positano Shuttle carries passengers to Positano and Praiano. The bonus is they will drop you directly at your hotel or Airbnb!

By car/Vespa

Italians will rarely recommend first-time visitors to rent a car and drive along the Amalfi Coast unless they’ve driven in similar areas. Why? Hills, narrow streets, oblivious tourists, no/expensive parking, and honking horns. We recommend not renting a car on your first trip, but you can definitely hire a driver who knows how to get you safely from your arrival point to your final destination.

Alternatively, you can look into renting a Vespa when you arrive. Driving a Vespa along the coast of Amalfi is unforgettable, but you do need to be extremely careful, patient, and wear a helmet.

Getting around the Amalfi Coast

For less than 100 euros a day, you could hire a private, English-speaking driver to help you navigate the winding, busy streets of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Best of all, they usually offer advice about unique things to do in Amalfi Coast and know how to get around the trickiest traffic situations.

If you’d rather spend your budget on delicious food or amazing hotels, then opt to use the Sita Sud bus. It’s the local transit system that runs the length of the Amalfi Coast. If you want to get to other cities quickly, hop on a ferry from nearly any port. You can get to Capri, Salerno, Ravello, and many more spots by boat once you arrive. 

>> Find the best things to do in Capri before you go!

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a seasonal destination. That means it’s jammed with tourists in the middle of summer, so we think the best time to visit Amalfi Coast is in May or September. Here are a few reasons why:

• May and September have average temperatures around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, with minimal rainfall
• June and July are extremely hot and overcrowded with tourists
• April and October can both be a little chillier than expected, but there are fewer crowds
• November through March are not recommended due to cold weather and closures
• Many restaurants, hotels, and shops close during the off season in Amalfi and Capri since it’s not a winter tourist destination

Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Best Cities to Explore

The Amalfi Coast is always on a list of the best cities to visit in Italy, but there are many towns you could explore. Choosing which ones top your list is important, which is why we’ve written this guide to visiting the Amalfi Coast. 

We’ve included tips on things to do that you can’t miss out on, plus some tasty restaurants to delight your taste buds. And since you’ll also need a place to sleep, you’ll find our recommendations for the best hotels in Amalfi Coast from Positano to Ravello. To get the best price, book your hotel as early as possible and opt to stay in multiple cities to reduce the total cost. You can visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget, but you need to plan ahead and be flexible.

Ravello

Our first recommendation is Ravello since it’s a small town tucked away in the mountains. That means gorgeous vistas and plenty of hiking trails (and some terraced vineyards if you’re an enophile). Ravello is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers who are looking for a more intimate getaway at a cozy B&B in a quieter town.

Things to do in Ravello

From wineries to hiking, here are some fun things to do in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast.

Restaurants in Ravello

You’ll find plenty of family-run trattorie (casual restaurants) alongside a few fine dining establishments in Ravello. And the prices are typically cheaper than Positano. 

Where to stay in Ravello

The terraced mountains of Ravello have so many cozy B&Bs and luxury hotels to choose from!

Praiano

As you build your Amalfi Coast itinerary, don’t overlook Praiano. It’s just down the road from Positano and has its own amazing viewpoints from the beach to the mountain. You’ll feel a little less crowded here, but you might find even more stairs to climb—perfect for burning off the pasta calories.

Things to do in Praiano

Beaches, boats, and exploring local life are some of the best ways to spend your time in Praiano.

Restaurants in Praiano

Some of the highest-rated restaurants can be found in Praiano. In fact, we might argue that we had more than one favorite meal in this little Amalfi Coast town.

Where to stay in Praiano

You’ll be hard pressed to find a hotel without a great view in the steep town of Praiano. It’s easily one of the best places to choose as you plan where to stay in Amalfi Coast.

Atrani

The little town of Atrani is one of the smallest but best cities in Amalfi Coast. You might never have heard of it, but it’s likely you’ve seen a picture of their iconic beach. And while the beach may be crowded in the peak of summer, the rest of the uncrowded city is also worth visiting. If you’re short on time for your first trip to Amalfi, then Atrani is ideal for a return visit for those who really want to see Amalfi but hate crowded areas.

Things to do in Atrani

We love how many quaint churches there are to explore here, plus one is home to many archaeological gems. There’s also a stunning, hidden grotto to hike to and plenty of areas to explore that aren’t overrun by tourists.

Restaurants in Atrani

There are few places to eat, but here’s where we recommend enjoying lunch or dinner in Atrani.

• Ristorante Savo: hearty Italian food at a great price; run by a family of chefs
• A’Paranza: fine dining seafood restaurant; extensive wine list
• Le Arcate: beachside restaurant; incredible views of the beach and town

Where to stay in Atrani

The overnight options in Atrani are more limited than most towns, but we have a few great recommendations for where to stay in Amalfi Coast in this tiny city.

Positano

No Amalfi Coast travel guide would be complete without recommending Positano. At the same time, seasoned travelers might advise only staying here on your first trip, then exploring elsewhere on return trips. Why? It’s too iconic to skip, the views really are that great, but it’s also incredibly crowded. Still, adding Positano to your itinerary is a must, so here’s what we recommend.

Things to do in Positano

As the largest city in Amalfi Coast, Positano has the majority of things to do. It’s also well connected by boat or bus to any other city (or island) along the coast. We never miss stopping in Positano to snap yet another picture of the homes on the cliff and to see the mesmerizing tiles on the Santa Maria Assunta church.

• Take a picture of the colorful tiled dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta before exploring the crypts beneath it
• Get a suntan on the famous spiagga (beach) called Marina Grande or head to the quieter Il Duoglio Spiaggia
• Dine on the rooftop of Hotel California at Don Giovanni to take the most iconic videos for TikTok 
• Wander Via Cristoforo Colombo to take the best photos of Positano and find local shops
• Sip an aperitivo on the tiled bench at San Pietro before your passeggiata
• Hike the Path of the Gods for the most panoramic view of the entire Amalfi Coast (Nocelle to Bomerano)

Restaurants in Positano

Some of the best restaurants in Positano also have incredible views!

• Ristorante Don Giovanni: likely the best view of Positano paired with amazing food
• La Sponda (in La Sirenuse): an iconic spot; indoor dining overlooking the church
• Simone’s Sandwiches: unmatched prices and quality for a quick panino (sandwich)
• Luna: intimate terrace with views; creative dishes to try

Where to stay in Positano

It’s nearly impossible to include enough amazing places to stay in Positano, but we have a few standout options on our list. This area has the most expensive hotels in Amalfi, but we’ve included a couple budget hotel options if you’re set on staying in Positano.

Vietri Sul Mare

Here’s another little city to add to your itinerary for the Amalfi Coast: Vietri Sul Mare. It’s not far from Salerno, which means you’re definitely farther away from most tourists who don’t venture all the way down the coast. We love how local this town feels!

Things to do in Vietri Sul Mare

Shopping, visiting with locals, snapping pictures of the colorful town—there are a lot of unique things to do in Vietri Sul Mare!

• Keep your video running as you walk through the tiny town to capture the colors and decorative tiles that accent buildings, streets, and parks
• Buy authentic handmade ceramics from local artisans
• Visit the ceramic factory to marvel at the museum-like displays
• Reserve a wine tasting with brunch at Le Vigne di Raito

Restaurants in Vietri Sul Mare

With cheaper prices than Positano but great quality food, you can’t go wrong with nearly any restaurant in this little town, but here are a few of our favorites.

• Mangiamo: unpretentious hole-in-the-wall with great portions; tasty seafood platter
• Lamè Trattoria: family-run restaurant that’s a little hidden; recipes from nonna
• Il Cantastorie: many gluten-free options; group dining available; seafood specialties

Where to stay in Vietri Sul Mare

You’ll find a lot of great B&Bs and hotels for cheap and expensive prices here. Many are located in the heart of Vietri Sul Mare, but we also like staying up higher in the hills.

Amalfi

Remember that there’s an actual town called Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast. And we think it’s worth exploring! You can eat at some historic restaurants and explore some truly unique gems in this fabulous town.

Things to do in downtown Amalfi

Restaurants in Amalfi

Fortunately, you can find plenty of delightful restaurants in Amalfi town at a variety of price points.

• Da Gemma: an institution since 1872; reservations recommended; delicious tuna carpaccio
• Ristorante il Chiostro: quiet location; colorful yet homey vibe; amazing pappardelle
• La Bussola sul Mare: off the main drag; classy establishment; really fresh food

Where to stay in Amalfi

When in Amalfi, stay in Amalfi! We have several favorite hotels that are worth booking if you prefer to stay further down the coast.