Italy’s Amalfi Coast crams many beautiful sights into its 50 kilometers, with pastel coloured houses nestled against steep rock faces. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Campania region is considered to be an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape. Here are the most unmissable places to see on the Amalfi Coast.
Best Places to See on the Amalfi Coast
When it comes to planning a stunning vacation, few places can compare to the Amalfi Coast. Situated along the southern Italian coast, this incredible destination offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and colorful towns decorating its cliffs.
With endless quaint villages, archaeological wonders and exquisite beaches galore – there is something for everyone on this beautiful stretch of Italy’s coastline. So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable getaway filled with plenty of sightseeing opportunities, the Amalfi Coast is just what you need! Read on to learn more about some must-see destinations while exploring the iconic Amalfi Coast!
The Amalfi Coast lends itself well to a road trip from Naples, as long as you’re not in a hurry! Driving from Naples to the Amalfi Coast should only take 1 and a half hours but can take up to 3 hours in peak season. You can also easily visit Herculaneum archaeological site from the Amalfi Coast.
1. Amalfi
The town gives its name to the whole coast and is a picturesque little town with a lively harbour. The city dates back to Roman times.
There’s a legend that Hercules loved a nymph called Amalfi, who died. To immortalize her, Hercules gave the place her name.
There are some excellent seafood restaurants directly overlooking the sea. Monastero Santa Rosa is one of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
This is the perfect base from which to explore the area. It’s a former convent that has retained all its charm yet incorporated modern touches like an infinity pool overlooking the sea.
NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi is another historic hotel that was previously a monastery. It has 13th century cloisters and a stunning infinity pool.
In Amalfi town centre, make time to visit the imposing cathedral, the Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo. It dates from the 9th century and has an unusual Arab-Norman Romanesque style, with striped marble, stone and open arches with a lace-like detailing.
Parking is difficult in the centre of Amalfi. Be prepared to walk ten minutes from the car park by the harbour or take a boat trip there instead.
2. Positano
When visiting the Amalfi Coast, you shouldn’t miss Positano. This village came to fame in the 1950s after the novelist John Steinbeck sang its praises.
He said “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Today, Positano is a thriving town with many boutique shops and art galleries.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta has a rare thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of a black Madonna and an attractive tiled dome.
The lemon sorbet at Covo dei Saraceni luxury hotel is a must try, just be prepared to queue at peak times.
There are wonderful views over the bay from Via Cristoforo Colombo, close to renowned Le Sirenuse hotel.
3. Ravello
One of our favourite Amalfi Coast destinations is Ravello. Perched high on a hillside, it’s a quaint, compact town boasting cobbled streets and an impressive bell tower with Byzantine and Moorish influences.
Ravello is a vibrant cultural centre despite its size, with regular classical music events. There’s a contemporary concert hall designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the famous Brazilian architect.
Many celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Richard Wagner, Virginia Woolf and Winston Churchill have explored its winding streets. If you’re hiking the Amalfi Coast, there are some great walks that start from here.
The major draw here though is the incredible view over the Mediterranean from Villa Cimbrone‘s Terrace of Infinity and Villa Rufolo. Both of these are gardens open to the public and well worth a look around.
Belmond Caruso is a good choice of hotel, housed in an 11th century palace. It has a lovely infinity pool, where a famous rock star was relaxing when we visited.
4. Sorrento
Further up the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento enjoys a wonderful location atop a cliff and also has fantastic views over the bay of Naples. There are lots of fun things to do in Sorrento.
Wander around the narrow alleyways in the historic centre bordering Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with peaceful cloisters. One of the best places to stay in Sorrento is Grand Hotel La Favorita, thanks to its central location and rooftop pool.
There’s also a lovely square lined with cafés, Piazza Tasso, where you can while away the time eating delicious food and people spotting.
5. Vietri sul Mare
If you fancy a break from the crowds and you’re interested in ceramics then Vietri sul Mare, or Vietri on Sea, is an interesting place to visit. On a quieter stretch of the Amalfi Coast towards Salerno, it’s the birthplace of chef Antonio Carluccio and an internationally renowned centre for ceramic handicrafts.
Dating back to the fifteenth century, these colourful ceramics adorn many of the town’s buildings and make excellent souvenirs. Stay in a historic seafront private villa or its medieval watchtower with panoramic views over the coastline.
There are many workshops selling pottery and tiles and the area is a good starting point for the scenic hiking trails nearby.
In Conclusion: Best Places to See on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful, one of a kind destination that everybody should try to visit at least once in their lives. From vibrant and breath-taking views, bustling towns and villages, shopping in charming boutiques, and enjoying tasty food and wines – there is no shortage of activities when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Plus be sure to check out our other travel articles for recommendations on other amazing places to see around the world.
What would be your favourite place to see on the Amalfi Coast? Are there any other places that you would recommend to visitors? For more ideas of things to do, check out our guide to the best Amalfi Coast towns.
You might also enjoy:
- Best Things to Do in Ravello
- The Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Suites
- Visiting Herculaneum – A Great Alternative To Pompeii
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I’m definitely book marking this, I’m desperate to visit the Amalfi coast at some point!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
I hope that you get to do so Angie, am sure you will love it
Ah this is one of our all time favourite places in the world! Great article and stunning pics.
I can see why you love it so much, I’d really like to return and to visit Capri which we didn’t get time for
My goodness this is gorgeous! While I’ve done other areas of Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice), I haven’t touched the Amalfi Coast yet, and clearly I need to!
There’s something very special about the Amalfi Coast, you just need to get used to the tiny roads!
It certainly is, there’s a real 50s style glamour to the place!
Oh thank you Catherine, we certainly enjoyed ourselves and it was all so colourful – the houses, the food, the ceramics…
truly a must see! not only are those places oh so beautiful but they sure are romantic too <3
Jessica
| notjessfashion.com
You’re right Jessica, the whole area has such a romantic atmosphere, I can see why it is popular with honeymooners!
Thank you for your suggestions Suze, Ravello and Sorrento look spectacular!
Serene | I Am Serene L
Ravello is really pretty and the gardens there are both worth a visit
These photos capture the beauty of these 5 places perfectly! The wonderful views, vibrant colors, delicious food – I love Italy’s Amalfi Coast! Thanks for this guide! Have a nice day!
Danielle
www.spring2spring.com
There’s so much to love about the Amalfi Coast isn’t there Danielle!
Wow these photos look amazing!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
Thanks very much Candice!
If you have strong legs — or a team of porters to carry you in a rickshaw — make the 1700+ step hike up the mountainside from Positano to Nocelle, a charming little mountain village. The views are breathtaking and a fresh-squeezed lemonade awaits in the little churchyard (in summer). Enjoy!
That’s a brilliant tip, we thought of walking to Maiori from Ravello and back which is also a long hike, but thought better of it 😉
Wonderful pics, my favourite place is Positano!!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
I was charmed by it too, loved the beach and did a bit of shopping there
Amalfi coast is one of the beautiful locations in the world 🙂
Great post!
xoxo
www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
So true, Elena – it felt totally unique!
Beautiful place, I’ve never been there, but now definitely is on my wish list. Thanks for sharing those beautiful places!
xx
cvetybaby.com
You’re very welcome Cvetina, hope your week is going well
What a spectacular view, unfortunately I’ve never been there. Looks like I am missing a lot!
www.elabellaworld.com
I hope that you get to visit soon Ela, there’s so much to see
The place and food look awesome!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Yes the food is as stunning as the scenery!
My dream place!!!
www.stylentonic.com
I can definitely see why, Constantinos
Looks like you found some incredible gems on your trip, Suze! The Amalfi Coast has always attracted me but as yet I’ve not been able to go. LOVE the idea of the lemon sorbet served in a lemon!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
There were so many people trying that lemon sorbet, it’s obviously the in thing to do!
This is like a fairy tale it’s all so pretty. I love how NOTHING is grey
Think we could do with more places like that in London!
Italy is on my list of places I must visit again. You made me want to go back more, gorgeous photos
I’ve been lucky to get there twice this year but there’s so many more places I want to visit, like Venice and Bologna – hope you do get to go soon
Positano is so cute (if you don’t mind walking all those steps!). It was our favorite of the Amalfi Coast towns when we visited by cruise ship several years ago. Sorrento is larger, more like a small city (but it’s level/flat, so easier to walk). It would be nice stay put for a few days in Positano, to soak up the atmosphere – we remember stopping for chocolate cake and cappuccino, chased with limoncello!
I think Positano was my favourite too – the chocolate cake with a limoncello sounds lovely!
Looks so pretty there, your photos are making me want to go there so much.
http://blushinginlife.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks Clare, looking forward to reading your Art in London post
Love the view! I’ve been there once and I wish I can go back! Love the blog and let’s connect!
www.petiteandpretty.com
Yes I’d love to return and to visit more of the coast, especially Capri and Ischia – looking forward to reading more of your blog
I’ve wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast foreverrrrrr- so gorgeous!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I hope that you get the chance to visit soon Ashley, it’s so stunning
I’ve never been here but it looks stunning! I love coastlines that are built up across hills like that!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
It’s amazing how they managed to build all those houses on the cliffs
Ah, I love the Amalfi Coast. It’s so wonderfully colourful and vibrant and super chilled out. Of course, the food is absolutely on point, too!
Honey x The Girl Next Shore
I did love the laid back atmosphere and the colourful houses too
Oooooh, all these places look absolutely beautiful! Right, that’s sorted – next holiday is an Almafi Coast road trip!
Make sure to get a small car Charley, we were really glad that we did – those roads are narrow!
I wouldn’t have thought about that – thanks for the tip!
It feels like just yesterday that I was sunning myself there but as you say it’s quite a contrast to the UK at the moment!
what a fun post! these pictures are incredible! looks gorgeous!
kelseybang.com
That’s very kind Kelsey, the Amalfi Coast is so gorgeous – have a great weekend!
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My favorite town is Positano on the Amalfi Coast. It’s such a beautiful drive, but the roads are a little curvy.
Those roads were so curvy, weren’t they! We took the boat from Amalfi to Positano as we’d been warned that it was quite hard to park there
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I love Italy and the Amalfi coast has been on the wish list for a while, this definitely makes me want to go. The scenery is breathtaking Lucy x
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Looks beautiful. Amalfi Coast is high on my Italy wish list. Soon I hope.
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