In a nutshell
- The top highlights of the Amalfi Coast are its stunning villages — Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are the absolute must-sees, and this article covers all of them.
- One standout attraction is the Path of the Gods, one of Italy’s most beautiful hiking trails — you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it.
- The easiest way to get around is by ferry. Nearly all the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast sit right on the water, so skip the car stress and hop between towns by boat.
What you need to know about the highlights on the Amalfi Coast
- The absolute must-see attractions on the Amalfi Coast are Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. If you have enough time, though, you should also visit all the other places mentioned in this article.
- To see all the best places on the Amalfi Coast at a relaxed pace, you’ll need about one week.
- Except for Ravello and the Path of the Gods, all the towns are on the water. You can reach them more easily by ferry than by car.
- Price-wise, expect higher spending, especially for hotels on the Amalfi Coast and restaurants.
Amalfi Coast highlights: map of the most beautiful places
Even though the things to do on the Amalfi Coast are geographically close to one another, don’t underestimate the travel times between each place.
From Positano to Amalfi it’s only 17 kilometers, but the road is so winding that it takes about 40 minutes by car.
The easiest way to get around is by ferry — just hop between towns by boat.
By car or bus it can get stressful due to driving restrictions during peak season or a serious lack of parking. Ravello and the Path of the Gods, however, can only be reached by car or bus.
Our tip: If you’re traveling to the Amalfi Coast by car, book accommodation with parking and only use the car for places you can’t reach by ferry.
Day trip from Naples: Amalfi Coast highlights you can do in a day
You’re in Naples and only have one day to explore the Amalfi Coast?
If you set off early in the morning, you can fit in two of the most important towns in one day: Positano and Amalfi. Two hours of sightseeing per village is plenty.
Here’s what your day trip to the Amalfi Coast could look like:
Take the morning ferry from Napoli Beverello to Positano (approx. two-hour ride)
Spend the morning in Positano, have lunch
From Positano, take the ferry to Amalfi (approx. 30-minute ride)
Spend the afternoon in Amalfi
Take the last ferry from Amalfi back to Naples at 5 PM (approx. 2.5-hour ride)
Our tip: Book all your ferry tickets in advance so you’re guaranteed a spot. We always booked our tickets through Direct Ferries.
Book your ferry ticket from Naples to Positano online
Book your ferry ticket from Amalfi to Naples online
Positano
What you need to know: Positano is the most famous and most visited town on the Amalfi Coast. You’ll stroll through narrow alleyways and up steep staircases, past luxury shops and chic restaurants with lemon gardens. The higher you climb up the hillside, the more breathtaking the view of the sea and the coastline.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Even if Ralph Lauren shirts and boat shoes aren’t your style, Positano is something everyone needs to see at least once.
Our tip: Get there by boat if at all possible, and book your round-trip ticket the day before. Buses to Positano are always packed, and sometimes you simply can’t get on.
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Amalfi
What you need to know: Despite its small size, Amalfi was once one of the maritime republics of Italy, alongside Venice, Genoa, and Pisa. It sits between the steep mountains of the Amalfi Coast, south of Positano. The Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, with its imposing staircase, is the main attraction in town.
Is it worth it? Definitely. Historically speaking, Amalfi is the most significant town on the coast and is simply not to be missed.
Our tip: Go either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the tourist buses have cleared out — that’s when you can explore the alleyways in peace. And make sure to try a limoncello or a lemon gelato!
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Ravello
What you need to know: Ravello is a small village that doesn’t sit directly on the water — it perches 350 meters above the Amalfi Coast. From up here you get the best panoramas on the entire coast. The standouts of Ravello are Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with their stunning gardens.
Is it worth it? Absolutely, if only for the view. Ravello feels completely different from the overcrowded coastal towns — up here it’s more relaxed, even in summer. No wonder Wagner and Greta Garbo used to stay here.
Our tip: Plan a full day for Ravello. From Amalfi you can easily take the bus — it departs from the harbor every half hour.
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Path of the Gods
What you need to know: The Sentiero degli Dei — the Path of the Gods — is a seriously spectacular hiking trail that winds 8 kilometers along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. The name isn’t an exaggeration: you hike practically above the clouds, with a jaw-dropping view of Positano and the sea below.
Is it worth it? If you’re reasonably fit and don’t have a fear of heights, this is one of the very best things to do on the Amalfi Coast. The vistas here are absolutely unbeatable — and you completely escape the tourist crowds down on the coast.
Our tip: Start early in the morning in Bomerano and hike toward Positano — that way you’ll have the sun at your back and the best photo spots in front of you. Pack plenty of water, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
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Bay of Furore
What you need to know: The Fiordo di Furore is a hidden little fjord — really more of a narrow cove tucked between cliff walls several meters high. A small bridge spans the bay, and it’s from here that Red Bull Cliff Diving pros make their jumps.
Is it worth it? Definitely, for a truly unique swimming experience. That said, you’ll need to tackle some steep stairs to get down to the cove, so travel light.
Our tip: Go in the morning, when the sun shines into the gorge — by afternoon the beach is in the shade. You’ll need a car to reach the cove, as buses don’t stop here.
Atrani
What you need to know: Atrani is a real local favorite on the Amalfi Coast. It’s the smallest village in Italy and sits right next to Amalfi, yet it’s almost completely off most travelers’ radar. The town is full of tightly packed houses and also served as a filming location for the Netflix series Ripley.
Is it worth it? In Atrani you get that authentic Italy feeling that’s nearly been lost in Positano and Amalfi — no souvenir shops, just genuinely good local restaurants and a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
Our tip: You can walk to Atrani directly from Amalfi. Restaurants here are also much cheaper and far less touristy.
Capri
What you need to know: Capri is the stunningly beautiful luxury island off Naples that so captivated the Roman emperors they built their summer residences here. Beyond the famous Blue Grotto, you’ll find elegant lanes lined with designer boutiques, fantastic viewpoints, a chairlift up the mountain, and the iconic Faraglioni rock formations.
Is it worth it? Capri is a must-see, even if Prada & Co. aren’t really your thing. In summer the towns and beaches are completely overrun, while it’s much quieter up in the mountains.
Our tip: Stay overnight if you can — in the evening and early morning the island is transformed once the day-trippers are gone. The Hotel Weber Ambassador with shuttle service offers good value for money.
Boat tour to Capri (from Sorrento)
Boat tour to Capri (from Amalfi)
Extra tip: Sorrento
What you need to know: Sorrento is the historic coastal city along the Sorrentine Peninsula. It’s not officially part of the Amalfi Coast, since it sits on the other side of the peninsula — but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Sorrento is known for its lemon groves, the narrow lanes of its historic center, and its dramatic position atop steep rocky cliffs.
Is it worth it? If you have enough time, a side trip to Sorrento is totally worth it. The dramatic clifftop setting is seriously impressive.
Our tip: At the harbor in Sorrento, there’s a signposted elevator built right into the rock that takes you up into town. The ride costs a few euros, but it saves you a 15-minute walk up a winding road — well worth it.
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Day trips from the Amalfi Coast: more great places to see nearby
The best of Italy in this corner of the country isn’t limited to the Amalfi Coast alone.
These three places are all close by and should definitely be part of your itinerary:
A stroll through the old town of Naples
What you need to know: Naples is chaotic and loud, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Walk along the Spaccanapoli, try Neapolitan pizza, and book a tour through the underground of Naples.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. The historic center of Naples is an explosion of culture and history. And don’t worry — the tourist areas of Naples are safe.
Our tip: From Positano or Amalfi, the ferry is the most convenient way to reach Naples. From the port you can start sightseeing on foot right away, since the old quarter is right next to the harbor.
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Stepping back 2,000 years in time in Pompeii
What you need to know: Pompeii is the vast excavation site of the ancient Roman city buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. You can see stone casts of people, a museum filled with excavated everyday objects, Roman taverns, villas, and bathhouses.
Is it worth it? If you’re into archaeology and history, you really should visit Pompeii — it’s incredibly impressive. If history isn’t your thing, you’d be better off heading up Vesuvius or spending more time in Naples.
Our tip: Definitely grab an audio guide or join a guided tour. Pompeii is very large and you’ll quickly lose your bearings without one — there are hardly any information signs on site.
Day tour to Pompeii from Sorrento
Peering into the steaming crater of Vesuvius
What you need to know: Vesuvius is an active volcano that is closely monitored. Climbing to the crater is one of the most exciting things to do in the Bay of Naples — and you can only reach the top by shuttle bus.
Is it worth it? The view from the top — over Naples, the sea, and down into the steaming crater — is truly impressive. The hike from the ticket booth to the crater isn’t especially difficult, but you need to be fit enough for a steep 20-minute climb.
Our tip: Tours to the crater of Vesuvius depart daily from Sorrento. You’ll be driven to the ticket station and can then hike up to the crater on your own.
