10 Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is famed for its gorgeous beaches, where clear turquoise waters lap limestone cliffs and sugary white sands. Centuries-old landmarks straddle the shore in the namesake town, with pastel-coloured paintwork evoking a vibrant coastal scene. However, such immense beauty lures thick throngs of sun-loving holidaymakers, so don’t expect much elbow room in the warmer months.

Beautiful beaches reside in popular towns like Positano, Maiori, Sorrento, Atrani, and Amalfi. For a more natural setting, try Arienzo Beach Club or the dramatic Fiordo di Furore cove. Smaller, lesser-known beaches like Marina di Praia and Il Duoglio offer thinner crowds.

Grotta dello Smeraldo, or the Emerald Cave, is a spectacular sea cave between Amalfi and Praiano. The site gets its name from the natural light reflecting on its crystal clear waters, creating a mesmerising emerald-green hue. Deeper inside the cave, artificial lights illuminate its limestone stalactites and stalagmites.

Travellers can access the cave via an elevator off Via Smeraldo for a modest fee. Once down below, a local boatman offers a short guided tour of the stunning subterranean site. Aim for a sunny day to see the attraction in all its emerald-hued glory.

The so-called Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a picturesque mountain trail in Pianillo that affords amazing coastal views. Stretching from Bomberano to Nocelle, the scenic 6.5-km route takes about 2.5 hours to hike. Get ready to meander between historic towns and age-old ruins while soaking up awe-inspiring views.

Early risers should head out before dawn to enjoy a scenic sunrise breakfast on sea-facing picnic tables. To get to the trailhead, jump on a bus from Amalfi to Bomberano, then take a return service from Nocelle on the way back. Pre-dawn trekkers need to organise a taxi as public transport doesn’t run that early.

Valle delle Ferriere is a lush valley high up in the hills above the famous Amalfi coastline. Full of stunning woodland trails, it’s a tranquil spot for hikers and mountain bikers after a quick nature escape. The valley receives very few visitors, ideal for those seeking to escape the Amalfi crowds.

Bubbling brooks and trickling waterfalls punctuate the lush forested terrain while crumbling ruins and age-old paper mills add interest to your adventure. Keep an eye out for the Italian stream frog, a tiny coin-sized species that hibernate during winter. Get there by following path 325, which starts from Piazza Flavio Gioia in Amalfi (access also via Pontone).

Visit Villa Rufolo to admire spectacular gardens and savour a slice of Amalfi aristocratic life. Perched on a hilltop in Ravello, the elegant site affords breathtaking sea views. Colourful flower beds and verdant umbrella pines frame the stunning Moorish-style landmark, while a picture-postcard terrace overlooks the ocean below.

A wealthy merchant family built the villa in the 13th century. Since then, it’s hosted several prestigious guests, from King Robert II to Sir Francis Neville Reid and the famous German composer Richard Wagner. Check out the nearby Villa Cimbrone, also in Ravello, for more incredible Amalfi-style landscaped gardens.

Amalfi Drive, formerly Strada Statale 163, is one of the most scenic coastal road trips in Europe. The spectacular 56-km stretch runs between Salerno and Sorrento, straddling the sparkling Amalfi coastline most of the way. Originally built by the Romans, the narrow road has been carved from coastal cliffs and affords breath-taking Tyrrhenian Sea views.

Although public transport runs the route, a hire car offers a more flexible way to explore. However, many Amalfi town streets are precariously narrow, so it’s best to book a small, nimble vehicle. Rather than tackling the whole 2-hour stretch in one day, stop overnight (or several nights) at the beautiful coastal towns en route.

Capri is an enchanting island to the west of the Amalfi Coast. The island is a magnet for well-heeled jet-setting types, with its pretty sandy beaches and swanky seaside resorts. Thriving nightlife, chic boutiques, and world-class restaurants enhance the la dolce vita (‘sweet life’) vibe.

For the best views, take the cable car (or walk) from Ana Capri to the summit of Mount Solaro. Wander around Ana Capri town, checking out sites like the captivating Villa San Michele. Don’t leave without seeing the famous Blue Grotto, a picturesque sea cave with row boat tours. Ferries depart for Capri daily from most towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Duomo di Salerno is a landmark Amalfi Coast cathedral. Located in Salerno, the 11^th-century site features a 56-metre Arabic-Norman-style bell tower with mullioned windows. Although the building looks somewhat ordinary from the outside, the interior houses one of Italy’s most ornate crypts.

Elaborate gold mosaics, sparkling marble floors, and intricate frescos set a lavish scene. Religious history buffs will adore the relics of Saint Matthew. The apostle’s remains are believed to reside inside the groined vault crypt hall. Keen to see more churches? Duomo di Amalfi, Duomo of Vietri sul Mare, and Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta are also worth a look.

La Circumvesuviana Line is a scenic railroad connecting Naples and Sorrento. Although it’s primarily intended as public transport, the route offers visitors a spectacular view of the northern part of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Comfortable seats and an affordable fare make it the obvious choice for visitors venturing between both towns.

Grab a west-facing window seat (left if travelling north, right if going south) to guarantee the best coastal views. Tickets are available online. Keep an eye out for Mount Vesuvius, an ominous active volcano that became infamous upon obliterating Pompeii in 79 CE.

The Sirenuse Islands is an archipelago of 3 small uninhabited islands – Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and La Rotonda – to the west of Positano. The island chain gets its name from mythological sirens. Legend has it that the mermaid-like creatures once lived there and lured sailors to a watery grave.

Though it’s not permitted to explore the private islands on foot, the archipelago makes for a great day trip. Watercraft cruise around the islands, stopping off at picturesque coves for offshore swimming and snorkelling. You can still see a crumbling Aragonese-era monastery, prison, and guard tower on the largest island, the dolphin-shaped Gallo Lungo.