While traveling Italy for two weeks, I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast. It’s one of the greatest treasures of Italy —and that’s saying a lot in a country packed with some of the most impressive architecture, food, and cultural wonders on the planet!
When it comes to things to do on the Amalfi Coast, the options are endless. From the rich culture and history of the Amalfi Coast cities to the tucked-away wonders of the countryside, this place truly has it all.
Whether you’re planning a girlfriend getaway or an Amalfi Coast honeymoon, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast!
Stay at a Fancy Hotel
Find a home of your own amongst the postcard-perfect pastel palaces dotting the coastline. When it comes to the best hotels in Amalfi, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
As you are planning, however, be aware that summer is an ultra-busy time. Prices are sky high and the whole world seems to be descending on Europe’s hottest summer destination.
If you’re dreaming about spending the night at one of the hotspots in the most beloved Amalfi Coast towns, it’s no exaggeration to say you might want to book a year out. Plan as early as you can for the best of the best.
I wouldn’t really recommend the Amalfi Coast as an affordable honeymoon destination as things quickly add up, but if you’re looking for a luxurious experience — that can definitely be had here!
Luxury Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
Take a Trip to Capri
As you’re exploring, you’ll see trips from Amalfi Coast, Italy to the island of Capri advertised everywhere…and for good reason!
The island is famous for its rugged landscape, gorgeous hotels, designer shopping, limoncello, and handmade leather sandals. What more could you want?
In the summer months, nearly every one of the Amalfi Coast towns offers a ferry service. During the rest of the year, you’ll find departures from Porto de Napoli and Molo Immacolatella Vecchia.
If you want to go big with a truly memorable (but pricier) option, you can also rent a private boat or tell a helicopter over and arrive like a rock star.
You won’t want to miss the iconic natural site, the Blue Grotto, a cavern where the sea glows a gorgeous electric blue hue (caused by the sun shining in at just the right angle).
Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum
Wondering what to do on the Amalfi Coast to dig deeper into the culture?
Get to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Exploring the ruins of these ancient villages will transport you back in time and give you a glimpse into another world.
Pompeii offers a look at a perfectly preserved Roman city in all its glory while Herculaneum brings you through the highlights of an old resort town.
Helpful Tip:
And, on your Pompeii day, be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. It can get sultry during the summer and there’s very little shade.
Read More:
Explore Positano
Have you dreamt of the iconic cliffsides and dipping your toes in the water, then dressing up for a feast at one of the many incredible restaurants? Positano is where it’s at!
Positano, Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, if not one of the greatest stunners of the Mediterranean. Grab a beach chair and admire the coastline or hike up one of the endless staircases for a good workout and then an unparalleled view of the Mediterranean.
It’s well-known as being a sophisticated resort town and luxury honeymoon destination, due to its seaside location and all the charming boutiques, homes, and cafés built into the cliffside.
This is the kind of place you can arrive without a plan, and simply admire the incredible natural beauty of the quaint town.
Read More:
Go Hiking
When it comes to things to do in Amalfi Coast, put the Path of the Gods (or Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian) at the very top of your list.
The views are truly unforgettable so bring your camera, along with a good pair of walking shoes. The path is 7.8 km (4.8 miles) long and you can get started from either Agerola or Praiano.
It’s a relatively easy hike that will take you along to the gorgeous village of Nocelle, and offer you sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri along the way.
All in all, it will take you about three hours; you may want to consider bringing a picnic and making an afternoon of it.
Take a Cooking Class
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: there is no better souvenir than an authentic recipe! Bringing age-old traditions home with you will give you a deeper connection to the culture and will keep the memories.
Italy has some of the best food in Europe, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. And, like much of Italy, cooking classes abound here—from antipasto to tiramisu, fill up your recipe box here.
The region is known for its seafood and limoncello, but you truly can’t go wrong with any of the Italian classics!
Find recommended food tours and cooking classes here!
Grotta dello Smeraldo
Also known as the Emerald Cave or Emerald Grotto, this tucked-away spot in Conca dei Marini has an otherworldly beauty.
The Emerald Grotto is a natural highlight along the Amalfi Coast, just a few miles outside the actual town of Amalfi. When sunlight filters through the waters of the small cave, the light appears to be emerald in hue and it sends sparkling reflections all along the cave walls.
Talk about magical!
Here’s a fun story for you — for centuries, locals in the area spoke of a mysterious and magical cave along the coastline, but no one was ever able to prove it existed. That is until 1932 when a fisherman accidentally stumbled upon the cave and it’s been a treasured spot ever since.
When you go, it’s a relatively quick visit (you’ll only need to plan for about 30 minutes), so bring your camera and plan for a mini photoshoot as you pass through.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
Take in the Views from Ravello
Plan an afternoon for a day trip over to Ravello. This scenic village is perched atop a mountain a few miles from the town of Amalfi. It’s referred to as the City of Music and even though it’s nestled away in the mountains, it has a vibrant cultural scene.
Here you can explore the 13th-century Moorish-style Villa Rufolo with its gorgeous gardens and terraces towering over the sea. Another must-see villa with a sweeping view and lush garden is Villa Cimbrone.
Plan plenty of time for selfies with the local flora here.
Buy Pretty Pottery as Souvenirs
The Amalfi is famous for its ceramic factory and you’ll find artisanal pottery dotting the landscape through the Amalfi Coast towns.
The ceramic shops in the area are a riot of gorgeous colors—bright blues, vivid turquoise, and striking lemon yellow hues are frequently used.
Many pieces from this area are decorated with an iconic lemon motif — which makes sense; I mentioned that the area is known for its lemons and limoncello!
Each shop you enter may feel like a little museum, and your jaw will drop at all the handcrafted beauty. Browse the endless varieties of coffee mugs, pitchers, plates, and bowls then snag the perfect one to bring home.
A lot of local shops offer international shipping so check in on the options if you’re nervous to pack up your new treasure.
The actual earth in the area is rich in clay, volcanic substances, and limestone, which certainly didn’t hurt ceramic production. Artisans have been designing hand-painted pieces here since the 15th century.
Fiordo di Furore
This hidden beach may just have the most spectacular scenery…ever!
Plus the bridge with magnificent ocean views? You won’t want to miss this spot. This cozy little fjord along the Mediterranean Sea is a renowned geological feature of the region.
From the Amalfi Highway bridge, you’ll get a prime view of the little lagoon.
The beach below is stunning but plan ahead before you go. Due to the risk of falling rocks, the beach does sometimes close. Bring good shoes to explore the rocky area and see how close you can get (it’s worth visiting even if you don’t do a beach day).
Valle delle Ferriere
The Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere will show you the other side of the region. A world away from the vibrant Amalfi Coast cities and sun-soaked beaches, you’ll feel lost in a rainforest here.
Wander through the dense forest and soak in natural waterfalls dotting the landscape. Valle delle Ferriere is a tranquil oasis in the center of one of Europe’s hottest destinations.
If you can plan to go when the weather is overcast, this may save you. Otherwise, if it’s a hot day — plan to go early!
You’ll definitely work up a sweat. This lovely route through the back of the town of Amalfi has you passing through lemon groves, along with ruins (historic watermills that once powered the area’s paper industry, in case you’re curious!).
The nature reserve costs 5 euros for entry, but it’s worth it with all the dazzling ferns, waterfalls, and pools to cool off in.
Check out the Churches
For countless generations, the church has been at the heart of Italian culture — and it shows in stunning buildings! Plan a self-guided tour of the most beautiful churches in the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
My favorites are the Duomo di Salerno and Duomo di Sant’Andrea. The two are about an hour’s drive from each other but worth the trip. While Duomo di Salerno is located in Salerno, Duomo di Sant’Andrea is in the small village of Amalfi.
Helpful Tip:
When it comes to things to do in the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find options all over the map. Mark them down on your map to help you organize your days and minimize travel time.
Sample Some of the Best Restaurants
Of the countless reasons I adore the Amalfi Coast and Italy in general, food is near the top of my list—so much so, that I create a whole guide to eating in Italy and local customs!
There is something simply magical about the timeless recipes of this remarkable area.
While I’d highly recommend a cooking class, you’ve also got to try the five-star foodie delights from the region’s best chefs. Here are three places I never miss when I’m on the Amalfi Coast.
Da Adolfo: This place is about both the journey and the destination. Get started in Positano, Amalfi Coast then hop on a little boat leaving the main port. The boat transports people over from 10 am until 1 pm, and brings them back around 4 pm.
Planning Tip: When you arrive at the port, keep your eyes peeled for a boat with a flag with a big red fish on it.
Once you arrive at Da Adolfo in Positano, sample the ultra-fresh catch of the day while you take in the beauty of the seaside locale. It’s such an incredible destination, you can make a day of it.
Pack your towel and plan a chill lunch and drinks on the beach. When you book your table, you can also reserve a beach lounger so plan ahead to create a perfect afternoon out.
Positano
Beach Club
Meditteranean
Seafood
La Tagliata, Montepertuso: There is no menu here and that’s part of the joy. Dora, the owner, makes fresh pasta every morning then they top it with fresh seasonal ingredients. And save room for dessert! The pistachio profiteroles here are on another level.
Book ahead of time, as this ultra-popular place, tends to fill up. Not only is the food world-class, but it’s affordable so it’s a real win-win here.
Montepertuso
Upscale Mom & Pop
Family-Style Italian
Gnocchi
Zass at Il San Pietro: While breathtaking views are a dime a dozen along the Amalfi Coast, this chic Michelin-star restaurant is on another level.
Lost in a sea of vibrant bougainvillea, this swanky spot is serving up seasonal local ingredients in a way you’ve never seen them before.
Positano
Michelin-Starred
Upscale Italian
Seafood
Arienzo Beach Club
Scenic. Beach service. A boat shuttle to get there. Need I say more?
Another gem of Positano, this gorgeous beach shouldn’t be missed. You’ll feel like you’re stepping straight into an Aperol ad as soon as you set foot into this Mediterranean paradise.
Plan a full day here living la dolce vita seaside.
Enjoy the Positano Beach Club lifestyle with traditional Positanese cuisine, crystal clear waters, waiters, signature cocktails, music, and cliff jumping action.
As for the boat shuttle — a complimentary boat service is available to and from the main pier “La Banchina” in Positano every day. Details on Arienzo Beach Club’s website.
Cathedral of St. Andrea
Explore Amalfi Town
Amalfi is definitely a looker with its cluster of white buildings that gleam in the sun. The buildings curve up the hillside from the water, and the town itself is not as steep as Positano.
Home to just over 5,000 people, the namesake of this region is one of the most culturally and historically rich Amalfi Coast towns.
Due to its maritime history (where it joined the ranks of Venice, Pisa, and Genoa), Amalfi is one of the most historic towns in the region. Along the water’s edge, there’s a pretty promenade and then a marina docked full of colorful boats.
I’d absolutely recommend planning a morning stroll around the town!
Plan a morning stroll around the town, see the cathedral, then have brunch in the picturesque square overlooking the church.
You can’t miss the Piazza del Duomo, with the cathedral looming overhead. The picturesque square is dotted with sidewalk cafes and boutiques, making it a fantastic place to soak in the sun or have a leisurely meal (or both).
Feeling inspired to explore this Italian wonderland? Here are the top tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast you need to know before you go.
