I’d seen the photos for years those candy-colored villages stacked on cliffs, that shimmering coastline twisting like a ribbon along the Tyrrhenian Sea. But nothing prepared me for how the Amalfi Coast feels in real life. The scent of lemons in the air, the sparkle of sunlight on tiled church domes, the lazy rhythm of boat horns echoing through the hills. It’s pure magic.
Whether you’re here for a honeymoon, a girls’ getaway, or just a sun-drenched escape from the ordinary, these were the experiences that made my Amalfi trip unforgettable. And if you’re planning your own, I hope this list helps you build your perfect itinerary plus a few local surprises you won’t find in every guidebook.
Drive the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163)
Driving the cliff-hugging Strada Statale 163 is part thrill ride, part postcard come to life. Every twist and turn reveals another staggering view a pastel village perched on a cliff, a turquoise bay shimmering below, a citrus grove clinging to the hills. I won’t lie, I white-knuckled the wheel more than once, but the experience was unforgettable.
If you’re not up for driving, the SITA public buses are a budget-friendly option (though be ready for winding turns and packed seats). Hiring a private driver is pricier but stress-free and lets you soak in the views without navigating.
Zee Tips:
- Drive from Sorrento to Salerno (north to south) for the best coastal views on the passenger side.
- Start early (before 9 AM) to beat the bus convoys.
- Pull over at scenic stops like Fiordo di Furore and Belvedere di Positano.
- Grab a cappuccino in Praiano or a sfogliatella in Atrani to break up the drive.
Spend a Day at Positano’s Spiaggia Grande
Spiaggia Grande is the iconic beach you’ve seen in every Positano postcard colorful umbrellas, bobbing boats, and that impossibly vertical village behind you. It gets busy, yes, but if you can embrace the buzz, it becomes part of the fun.
I booked a lounger at L’Incanto Beach Club, which came with towel service and waiter-delivered spritz. Nearby boutiques and beach cafes make it easy to wander barefoot for lunch or gelato. For a quieter alternative, you can walk a short trail to Fornillo Beach, a more relaxed and slightly less expensive option.
What I loved: The people-watching is elite from honeymooners and influencers to locals taking their lunch breaks in linen and leather sandals.
Visit the Gardens of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello
Ravello felt like stepping into a dream cooler, quieter, and more refined. High above the coast, Villa Cimbrone blends English-style gardens with dramatic Italian views. I wandered past rose bushes, marble statues, and pergolas until I reached the Terrace of Infinity.
The name isn’t an exaggeration. Standing at the edge of the terrace, with a sheer drop below and endless blue stretching toward the horizon, I felt like I was floating.
Zee Tip: Skip midday heat and visit close to sunset when the gardens are golden and uncrowded. You can also grab aperitivo at Villa Cimbrone’s bar after your stroll pricey, but the ambiance is unmatched.
Tour a Lemon Grove in Amalfi
I didn’t realize lemons could smell so good until I stood in a shaded terrace grove just above Amalfi. These sfusato amalfitano lemons are unlike any I’ve seen massive, fragrant, and deeply tied to the region’s history.
The tour I joined included a short hike through the terraces, a peek into traditional limoncello production, and tastings of everything from lemon cake to citrus jam. The family running the farm told stories of generations harvesting here by hand, and it gave me a real appreciation for the effort behind every bottle of limoncello sold in the town shops.
What stood out: The peace up there. Just the buzz of bees, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional church bell drifting up from below.
Admire the Duomo di Amalfi
Right in the center of town, the Duomo di Amalfi towers over the piazza like a guardian. The striped Arabic-Norman facade is striking, but the real treasures lie inside: gilded ceilings, mosaics, and relics of Saint Andrew. Climbing the 62 wide steps feels like a small pilgrimage, but it’s worth every one.
Next door, the Cloister of Paradise offers a peaceful escape. With its Moorish columns, palm trees, and whitewashed arches, it’s a surprising pocket of serenity in an otherwise lively town.
Zee Tip: Wander the back alleys near the cathedral afterward they’re filled with lemon-themed ceramics, tiny pastry shops, and quiet piazzas where you can hear the life of Amalfi humming softly.
Take a Boat Tour Along the Coast
Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is a must-do. The jagged cliffs, sun-bleached towns, and hidden coves take on a whole new dimension when viewed from sea level. I joined a small-group boat tour that left from Amalfi and cruised past Positano, Praiano, and several tucked-away beaches only reachable by water. We swam off the side of the boat, stopped for limoncello on board, and even spotted a few dolphins.
Many tours also include stops at sea caves like the Grotta dello Smeraldo or snorkeling at secluded bays. Some even pull up to restaurants where you can dock and dine.
Optional splurge: Renting a private gozzo boat (a traditional wooden Amalfi vessel) with a local skipper gives you full flexibility and a cinematic experience. It’s perfect for couples, proposals, or just treating yourself.
Helpful Zee Tips:
- Bring a waterproof bag for your camera and dry clothes.
- Book tours in the morning for calmer seas.
- Ask if snacks and towels are included before booking.
Explore the Paper Museum in Amalfi
Hidden in the lush Valle dei Mulini, just a short walk from Amalfi’s main piazza, the Museo della Carta is a quiet retreat into the town’s artisanal past. Amalfi once supplied paper to courts and monasteries across Europe, and this museum brings that legacy to life.
You can see centuries-old wooden presses, water-powered hammers, and learn how rags were turned into parchment-like sheets. The staff gave a live demonstration, and I got to make my own sheet of paper (which they let me keep!).
Great for: Rainy days, families, and anyone who loves craftsmanship or lesser-known history.
Zee Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve, which starts nearby and features waterfalls and rare plants.
Take a Cooking Class in a Hilltop Village
There’s something special about cooking where the ingredients come from. In Scala, I joined a family-run cooking class where we picked herbs from the garden, kneaded dough on a sunny terrace, and rolled gnocchi while sipping local Aglianico wine.
We made classic Amalfi dishes like eggplant parmigiana, hand-shaped pasta, and the fluffiest tiramisu I’ve ever had. The hosts made it feel like a dinner party, not a class we laughed, shared travel stories, and sat down for a sunset meal together.
Bonus: Most classes share printed or digital recipes, so you can recreate the magic at home. Look for classes that include garden tours or a visit to the local market beforehand.
Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
If there’s one hike that will make you fall in love with the Amalfi Coast’s wild beauty, it’s this one. The Path of the Gods starts in Bomerano and winds 7 kilometers above the cliffs to Nocelle, just above Positano.
The trail is mostly flat with a few rocky climbs, but the reward is unbeatable: panoramic views over the coast, Capri in the distance, and tiny villages perched on ledges far below. I stopped every ten minutes just to stare and breathe it all in.
Trail details:
- Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours one way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon (bring sunscreen!)
Zee Tip: Wear proper trail shoes the limestone rocks can be slippery and bring lots of water. You can grab lunch at a trattoria in Nocelle afterward or continue the descent down 1,500 steps to Positano.
Visit Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto)
Tucked between Amalfi and Conca dei Marini, this glowing sea cave is one of the coast’s hidden treasures. Sunlight filters through an underwater opening, illuminating the entire grotto in shimmering shades of emerald.
You descend by elevator or stairs from the roadside parking lot, then hop into a rowboat piloted by a local guide. As they steer through the green glow, they point out underwater nativity scenes and eerie limestone formations.
Details: Entry costs €5 (cash only), and it’s open year-round, weather permitting. If you’re on a boat tour, your captain might be able to anchor outside and let you enter directly by sea.
Zee Tip: Go early or late to avoid long lines, especially in summer. And bring cash cards aren’t accepted.
Relax in the Smaller Towns: Atrani, Praiano, Minori, Maiori & Cetara
Each of these lesser-known towns brought something different to my Amalfi Coast experience, and honestly, they’re where I found the most peace.
Atrani felt like a secret hideaway wedged between cliffs. Its main piazza is tiny and relaxed, perfect for sipping espresso as local kids ride their bikes and church bells ring in the background. I wandered narrow alleys that opened to the sea, and it felt like Amalfi before Instagram.
Praiano became my go-to for sunset. Fewer crowds than Positano, but views just as breathtaking. The path to Marina di Praia, a small beach flanked by cliffs, is lined with art murals and lemon trees, and I loved the intimate vibe of cafes built into rock.
Minori was refreshingly untouristy. I grabbed pastries from Sal De Riso, the most famous pasticceria on the coast, and strolled the flat promenade that locals use as their daily walking route.
Maiori surprised me with its modern feel and long sandy beach a rarity here. It’s one of the best spots for travelers who want beach days without dealing with steep cliffside stairs.
Cetara stole my heart. It’s still a working fishing village known for its anchovy sauce (colatura di alici), and I had an unforgettable lunch at a harbor-side trattoria where the fish had been caught that morning.
Why go? These towns offer a slower pace, authentic charm, and space to breathe. They’re ideal if you want a break from the tour bus circuit and a glimpse of real coastal life.
Have Sunset Drinks With a View
There’s something magical about sipping a cocktail while the sun melts into the sea. One evening, I managed to snag a front-row table at Franco’s Bar in Positano. The scene was almost surreal: the terracotta rooftops glowing pink, boats gently bobbing in the harbor, and a soft breeze carrying laughter from the terrace next door.
Other favorite spots:
- Villa Maria in Ravello – Their garden terrace overlooks vineyards and sea, and the wine list is unmatched.
- La Gavitella Beach Club in Praiano – You’ll get direct sunset views over Capri (something rare on this coast!).
- Aperitivo at Marina Grande in Amalfi – Less of a secret, but right on the beach with a lively atmosphere.
Zee Tip: Sunset tables often book up around 6:30 PM 7 PM depending on the season. Try to arrive an hour early or make a reservation if possible. And bring a light scarf or jacket it can get breezy when the sun dips.
Shop Ceramics in Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is a town that wears its art on its walls literally. Everywhere you look, there are colorful ceramic tiles: lining staircases, decorating fountains, even built into sidewalks. It’s the birthplace of majolica pottery, a tradition that goes back centuries.
I spent the afternoon popping in and out of family-owned shops, watching artisans paint lemon motifs by hand. Some let you peek into their studios in the back, where the real magic happens. Prices range from affordable souvenirs to collector-worthy vases and wall panels.
Where I shopped:
- Solimene Ceramica – A large, multi-level studio that looks like a Gaudi building.
- La Bottega di Giovanni – Tucked away and full of whimsical designs you won’t find elsewhere.
Zee Tip: If you fall in love with a piece but don’t want to risk it in your luggage, most stores offer international shipping.
I left with a lemon-and-lavender patterned pasta bowl that now sits on my kitchen shelf, reminding me of warm Italian evenings.
Must-Try Local Foods
Food on the Amalfi Coast is deeply regional, seasonal, and full of citrusy flair. Here are a few things I tried (and still dream about):
- Delizia al limone – A sponge cake dome soaked in limoncello and filled with lemon cream. It’s tart, sweet, and cloud-light. I had my favorite at Sal De Riso in Minori.
- Anchovies in Cetara – Don’t underestimate these little fish. Fresh, marinated, or turned into colatura di alici, anchovies are a local delicacy. Order them grilled or over pasta.
- Espresso rituals – Italians stand at the bar for a quick, strong shot. It’s fast, social, and part of daily life. Order “un caffè” and savor it like a local.
- Lemon sorbet in a hollowed-out lemon – Refreshing, tart, and picture-perfect. I had mine after a cliffside hike and it hit the spot.
- Seafood pasta with handmade scialatielli – A thicker noodle that clings beautifully to garlicky clam sauce or tomatoey shrimp ragù.
Zee Tip: Ask for “fatto in casa” (house-made) or “prodotto locale” (local product) when dining out restaurants will usually beam with pride when they serve something truly theirs.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Spring (May and early June) and September are ideal. The weather is sunny but not scorching, and the crowds are much more manageable than in peak July-August.
Winter: Quiet and atmospheric but many shops and restaurants close.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Coming soon: I’ll be writing a full Amalfi Coast hotel guide, but here are a few favorites I spotted:
- Le Sirenuse (Positano) – Ultra-luxe, classic, romantic
- Casa Angelina (Praiano) – Modern, minimal, amazing views
- Hotel Santa Caterina (Amalfi) – Elegant cliffside property with beach access
There’s no single “right” way to do the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re hopping town to town or settling into one scenic base, the beauty sneaks up on you from the shimmer of a tiled dome to the salty breeze on your ferry ride. I left with lemon-scented memories and a vow to return (preferably with more room in my suitcase next time).
