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Holidays to the Amalfi Coast are all about cliffside towns, coastal views and a relaxed Italian feel.
Hillside towns
This stretch of coastline is all about dramatic views, with colourful towns set high above the sea. Positano and Amalfi are the most well-known, with a mix of shops, bars and plenty to feast your eyes on as you wander. It’s worth knowing that the spectacular setting comes with steep streets and busy roads, especially in peak season.
La dolce vita – the sweet life
Food is a big part of any trip here, and it’s all about simple Italian dishes, fresh seafood, zesty lemon desserts and aperitifs. Meanwhile, the town of Ravello is famed for its juicy red wines, and its main square is an equally sweet spot to stop for a coffee and a pastry. La dolce vita continues down on the beach, where you’ll find a mix of small and larger stretches, with Maiori one of the better options if you’re after more space to relax.
Hidden history
Away from the busiest spots, there’s a quieter side to the Amalfi Coast that still feels rooted in tradition. Places like Minori, Conca dei Marini and Scala offer historic buildings, slower paced streets and fewer crowds. You might have less choice when it comes to dining and nightlife, but you’ll often get a more relaxed and better-value stay.
Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
he best time to visit the Amalfi Coast tends to be between May and September, when the weather is warm, and most places are open. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, with crowded towns and higher prices across accommodation, food and transport. If you’re looking for better value and a bit more space, late spring and early autumn – May, June and September – are often a smarter choice. You’ll still get good weather, but with fewer crowds and more availability.
Best places to stay in the Amalfi Coast
Positano
Positano is the most recognisable spot on the Amalfi Coast, with colourful buildings stacked down the hillside towards the sea. It’s a good choice if you want standout views and plenty of places to eat and shop, but you’ll likely pay more for the location and deal with steep steps and busy streets.
Amalfi
Amalfi sits right on the coast and works well as a practical base, with good transport links and a mix of hotels, restaurants and local life. It’s still popular, so prices can reflect that, but it can be a bit easier to get around compared to Positano.
Maiori
Maiori is more low-key and often better value, with one of the largest beaches in the area and easier, flatter streets. It doesn’t have the same postcard look as Positano, but it’s a solid option if you want space to relax and keep costs more manageable.
Top Amalfi Coast holiday deals
Villa Romana Hotel & Spa
Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy
785 reviews
29 Jul – 05 Aug 2026 - 7 nights
Half Board
Out
Wed 29 Jul 2026 17:45 - Manchester MAN
21:40 - Neapel NAP
Rtn
Wed 05 Aug 2026 22:05 - Neapel NAP
00:05 - Manchester MAN (+1 Day)
Different flights might be available on the next step
Your holiday: £859pp
£1,719 total price
Incl. mandatory fees & taxes
Villa Gabrisa
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
815 reviews
29 Jul – 05 Aug 2026 - 7 nights
Bed and Breakfast
Out
Wed 29 Jul 2026 17:45 - Manchester MAN
21:40 - Neapel NAP
Rtn
Wed 05 Aug 2026 22:05 - Neapel NAP
00:05 - Manchester MAN (+1 Day)
Different flights might be available on the next step
Your holiday: £1,419pp
£2,839 total price
Incl. mandatory fees & taxes
Hotel Luna Convento
Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy
861 reviews
03 – 10 Aug 2026 - 7 nights
Bed and Breakfast
Out
Mon 03 Aug 2026 16:20 - Liverpool LPL
20:15 - Neapel NAP
Rtn
Mon 10 Aug 2026 21:20 - Neapel NAP
23:30 - Liverpool LPL
Different flights might be available on the next step
Your holiday: £1,667pp
£3,335 total price
Incl. mandatory fees & taxes
Amalfi Coast highlights
COASTAL VIEWS
The Amalfi Coast is known for its dramatic scenery, with cliffside roads, colourful towns and wide sea views at every turn. You’ll see the best of it by taking your time – whether that’s on a bus journey, a walk or stopping off in different villages along the way.
FIRST-CLASS FOOD
Food here is simple but done well, with fresh seafood, pasta dishes and local produce the shining stars of most menus. You can keep things affordable with small trattorias, or spend more at restaurant terraces with a view.
CHARMING TOWNS
Each town has its own feel, from the steep, postcard ready streets of Positano to the more practical setting of Amalfi and the quieter pace of places like Maiori.
RELAXED PACE
Despite its popularity, the Amalfi Coast is well-suited to slower days. You can mix sightseeing with time by the beach, long lunches and simple walks. Just be prepared for more crowds in peak season.
Your guide to the Amalfi Coast
Must-visit landmarks
The Amalfi Coast is Italy’s most cinematic stretch of coastline, where sheer, lemon-terraced cliffs plunge directly into the Tyrrhenian Sea and pastel-coloured villages seemingly defy gravity.
Positano and Spiaggia Grande – The postcard image of the Amalfi Coast, featuring a cascade of peach and terracotta houses tumbling down to a glamorous pebble beach. The town is entirely vertical and built on steep stairs, so pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for a serious leg workout.
Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi) – A magnificent 9th-century cathedral dominating the main piazza, famous for its striking striped Byzantine facade and sweeping grand staircase. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered before climbing the steps to enter, as dress codes are strictly enforced.
Villa Rufolo, Ravello – A spectacular historic villa perched high above the coast, offering legendary, perfectly manicured gardens overlooking the sea. Ravello is situated high up in the mountains, making it a little cooler and less humid than the towns at sea level – all the better for sightseeing.
The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – A breathtaking, high-altitude hiking trail running from Agerola to Nocelle, just above Positano. It offers the most dramatic, sweeping views of the entire coastline. It’s best to walk the trail from east to west (Agerola to Nocelle) so that the gentle gradient is slightly downhill and the coastal views are always in front of you.
The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) – A partially submerged sea cave near Conca dei Marini, where sunlight filtering through underwater openings bathes the cavern in an eerie, brilliant green light. Combine a visit here with a boat tour, it’s much easier to access from the water than taking the elevator down from the coastal road.
History and arts
The Amalfi Coast has a long and layered past, with historic towns, churches and small museums offering an easy way to explore its heritage.
The Paper Museum (Museo della Carta), Amalfi – Housed in a 15th-century paper mill, this fascinating museum chronicles Amalfi’s historic reign as a pioneer of the European paper industry. Join the guided tour to see the original, water-powered wooden mallets in action and try making your own sheet of paper.
Roman Villa (Villa Romana), Minori – A rare, incredibly well-preserved 1st-century Roman maritime villa featuring beautiful floor mosaics and a subterranean swimming pool. It’s free to enter and rarely crowded, offering a brilliant, quiet alternative to the sprawling ruins of Pompeii.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello – Another historic estate, most famous for its Terrace of Infinity, a jaw-dropping balcony lined with marble busts that hangs precipitously over the cliff edge.
Local experiences
Local experiences along the Amalfi Coast are all about slowing down – from long lunches and quiet coastal walks to lazy days on the water.
Lemon tours – The Amalfi Coast is synonymous with the massive, sweet Sfusato Amalfitano lemons. Walk through the terraced groves with a local farmer to learn about cultivation. Most tours conclude with a limoncello tasting. Don’t plan to drive afterwards, as the measures are traditionally very generous.
Sunset boat charters – Viewing the coast from the water is arguably the only way to truly appreciate its scale. Hire a traditional wooden gozzo boat for a few hours before dusk. Bring a bottle of local prosecco and ask your skipper to anchor near Li Galli islands as the sun goes down.
Ceramic shopping in Vietri sul Mare – Vietri is the undisputed ceramics capital of the region. The streets are lined with artisans painting the vibrant yellow, green, and blue pottery the coast is famous for. Many shops offer international shipping, which is highly recommended over trying to carry heavy, fragile plates in your hand luggage.
Festivals and events
Festivals on the Amalfi Coast are mostly anchored in local tradition, giving you a simple way to experience community life if your trip lines up with one.
Ravello Festival (July – August) – Also known as the Wagner Festival, where world-class orchestras and jazz musicians perform on a stage seemingly suspended over the sea at Villa Rufolo.
Feast of St Andrew (June 27th and November 30th) – Amalfi’s most important religious festival. A heavy silver statue of the saint is paraded through the town and then carried at a run up the cathedral's steep stairs by local men.
Luminaria di San Domenico, Praiano (August) – A beautiful, deeply atmospheric summer festival where thousands of candles and torches illuminate the town's squares and terraces to the sound of traditional music.
Live like a local
Live like a local by stepping away from the busiest spots and indulging in classic Italian rituals instead.
The morning espresso – Italians rarely sit down for breakfast. The local custom involves standing at the zinc counter of a bar (cafe), throwing back a quick espresso, eating a cornetto (croissant), and exchanging local news before work.
The evening passeggiata – Around 6 pm, the intense heat breaks and locals dress up for a slow, sociable stroll through the main piazza to see and be seen, usually with a gelato in hand.
Escaping to the high villages – When the coastal towns become too crowded, locals retreat up the winding roads to cooler, quieter mountain villages like Scala or Tramonti for a relaxed Sunday lunch.
Daytrips
Daytrips on the Amalfi Coast are part of the experience, with winding coastal roads and short boat journeys taking you between towns,
Capri – The ultimate glamorous island escape. Ferries depart daily from Positano and Amalfi. Visit the Blue Grotto, but leave time to take the chairlift up Mount Solaro for spectacular views. Capri is around 30 to 50 minutes away by ferry.
Pompeii and Herculaneum – The world’s most famous archaeological sites, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It’s around an hour to 90 minutes away by car or train from Sorrento.
Naples – A chaotic, vibrant, and utterly captivating city. Go for the world-class National Archaeological Museum and the best, most authentic pizza on the planet. It takes about 90 minutes to get there by car or ferry.
Local favourites
Food is ultra fresh on the Amalfi Coast – think just-grilled seafood, simple pasta dressed with fresh lemon and long, unhurried meals by the water.
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare – The signature pasta dish of the coast. Short, thick, handmade ribbons of pasta tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce with fresh clams, mussels, prawns, and squid.
Spaghetti alla Nerano – Originating from the nearby Sorrentine peninsula, this brilliant dish consists of pasta mixed with fried courgettes and melted Provolone del Monaco cheese.
Delizia al Limone – A dome-shaped sponge cake filled and coated with a rich, sweet lemon custard, made using the zest and juice of locally grown Amalfi lemons. It’s light, fragrant, and irresistible.
Cuoppo di Mare – The ultimate street food. A paper cone filled with an assortment of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, including calamari, anchovies, and small prawns. Best eaten hot while walking along the harbour.
Pizza Napoletana – While Naples is the birthplace, the Amalfi Coast excels at authentic, wood-fired pizza featuring a blistered, chewy crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh buffalo mozzarella from the nearby Campania plains.
Local drinks
Local drinks on the Amalfi Coast are closely tied to the setting, from chilled Italian white wine to liqueurs made from lemons grown just up the hill.
Limoncello – The region’s world-famous digestif. It’s a sweet, intensely lemon-flavoured liqueur served ice-cold in small glasses at the end of a meal to aid digestion.
Costa d'Amalfi DOC wines – The steep, terraced vineyards produce fantastic, mineral-rich wines. Look for crisp whites made from the Falanghina or Biancolella grape varieties, which pair perfectly with local seafood.
Caffè (Neapolitan espresso) – Coffee in this region is a serious cultural pillar. It’s served very short, very strong, and often comes with a small glass of sparkling water on the side to cleanse the palate first.
Nightlife
Nights on the Amalfi Coast tend to be low-key, with relaxed bars and evening strolls taking the place of big late-night scenes.
The vibe – Nightlife on the Amalfi Coast is predominantly about sophisticated romance. Think candlelit cliffside dinners, elegant wine bars, and long, lingering conversations over liqueurs, rather than wild clubbing.
Franco’s Bar, Positano – Arguably the most stylish spot for an aperitif. Located at the luxury Le Sirenuse hotel, it offers immaculately crafted cocktails, striking modern art, and an unbeatable sunset view.
Music on the Rocks, Positano – One of the very few traditional nightclubs on the coast, uniquely carved directly into the cliff face at the end of Spiaggia Grande. It attracts an energetic, glamorous crowd during the peak summer months.
Why couples love the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is the gold standard for romantic travel. Couples can rent a vintage Alfa Romeo to drive the coastal road, book private boat tours to secluded coves, and dine on terraces clinging to the cliffs while the moon reflects on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Why families love the Amalfi Coast
While the steep stairs of Positano can be challenging for pushchairs, towns like Maiori and Minori offer wide, flat promenades and large, sandy beaches that are perfect for children. Family-run restaurants are incredibly welcoming and accommodating to younger diners.
Why groups love the Amalfi Coast
Friends can easily arrange private chefs to cook local feasts, charter boats for group trips to Capri, and enjoy sociable wine-tasting afternoons in the terraced vineyards of Tramonti.
Why solo travellers love the Amalfi Coast
The coast is exceptionally safe and visually stunning, making it a dream for solo photographers and hikers. The Path of the Gods provides a brilliant, well-marked solo adventure, while the reliable ferry network makes hopping between the coastal towns simple and stress-free.
Places to shop
Shopping along the Amalfi Coast offers a mix of handmade pieces, local produce and a few higher-end stops in the bigger towns.
Via dei Mulini, Positano – The main pedestrian artery winding down to the beach, lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and shops selling the town's famous linen clothing.
Amalfi Town Centre – The bustling streets surrounding the cathedral are brilliant for picking up regional food products, limoncello, and handmade paper goods.
Vietri sul Mare – The undisputed capital of ceramics. The entire town acts as a colourful open-air showroom where you can buy everything from small espresso cups to massive, hand-painted dining tables.
Souvenirs and local finds
From hand painted ceramics to small bottles of local limoncello, the Amalfi Coast is full of simple souvenirs that bring home a reminder of slow days by the sea.
Handmade leather sandals – A classic Positano souvenir. Artisans will measure your feet and craft custom leather sandals for you in a matter of minutes while you wait.
Moda Positano fashion – This distinctive local style features lightweight, brightly coloured linen and cotton clothing, often embellished with lace. It’s the perfect, elegant wardrobe for a Mediterranean summer.
Handmade Amalfi paper (Bambagina) – Continuing a centuries-old tradition, this thick, luxurious paper is beautiful for journaling, sketching, or using for wedding invitations.
Markets
Markets along the Amalfi Coast are small and often tucked into town squares, where you can pick up fresh produce, local treats and a glimpse of day-to-day life between the more polished shopfronts.
Mercato settimanale (weekly markets) – Almost every town has a specific day for its local market (e.g., Tuesday in Ravello). They’re less about tourist souvenirs and more about authentic local life, selling fresh produce, cheeses, and household goods.
Artisan food shops – Instead of a traditional indoor market, look out for small, independent alimentari (delis) in Amalfi and Minori to buy vacuum-packed local cheeses, dried pasta, and truffle oils to take home.
Ferries
Ferries are ideal for hopping between the main coastal towns (Positano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori) from April to October. This is the most scenic and stress-free way to travel, bypassing the notorious coastal traffic jams and providing fantastic views along the way. Book tickets in advance during July and August.
SITA public buses
Public buses are good for budget travel and reaching the higher inland towns like Ravello or Bomerano. They’re cheap but can get incredibly crowded in summer, meaning you may have to queue or stand for the journey. You must buy your ticket from a tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or newsstand before boarding.
Taxis and private transfers
Taxis are available for airport runs from Naples and late-night travel when the buses and ferries stop running, but they’re famously expensive. Always agree on a fixed price before setting off, and consider splitting the cost if you are travelling in a group.
Renting a scooter
For confident riders looking to experience the coastal road with complete freedom, scooters are a fun alternative way to explore. Just be warned, The Amalfi Drive coastal road (SS163) is incredibly narrow, features blind corners, and involves navigating massive coach buses. Only rent a Vespa if you are a highly experienced motorbike rider.
Why we love the Amalfi Coast
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“For a quieter, cheaper alternative to the main beach in Positano, take a 10-minute stroll along the path to Fornillo Beach. Book a sunbed or have lunch at Da Ferdinandos, and you can make use of the complimentary water taxi back to Positano at the end of the day. A fantastic way to see the dreamy town from the water, without splashing out on a boat tour.” – Amabel Buck
Non-touristy activities
The Path of the Lemons is less famous than the Path of the Gods, but arguably a more charming hike. It connects Minori and Maiori through lemon terraces and old pathways, and was once the main link between the two towns before the modern coast road. Afterwards, head inland to Tramonti for a wine tasting. It’s much more rural than the famous coastal towns, peppered with vineyards and farms that show a different side of the Amalfi Coast.
Free things to do
You can enjoy the Amalfi Coast without spending much by keeping things simple. Wandering through towns, hiking the coast, and visiting public beaches won’t cost anything if you skip extras like sunbeds. Alternatively, Cetara is one of the most low-key villages on the coast. You can wander the harbour, see the fishing boats, swim from the public beach and stay for golden hour without spending anything. If Positano feels too polished, this is the place for you.
Popular holiday types
Family holidays to the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast can work well for families, especially if you base yourself in places like Maiori where the beaches are larger and getting around is easier. It’s less about big resorts and kids’ clubs, and more about slower days, so it suits families who are happy to explore, eat out and take things at a relaxed pace.
All Inclusive holidays to the Amalfi Coast
All Inclusive options are limited here, as most stays are smaller hotels or apartments. You’ll usually get better value by going bed and breakfast or half board and eating out locally, but this does mean budgeting a bit more carefully day to day.
Luxury holidays to the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is known for its higher end feel, with boutique hotels, sea-view rooms and polished service across much of the region. You’re often paying for the views and location, so it’s worth comparing carefully to decide where the extra spend will make a difference.
Last-minute holidays to the Amalfi Coast
Last-minute trips can offer decent value if you’re flexible, but availability tightens quickly in peak summer. You’ll usually find better options just outside the busiest months or in less well-known towns, where prices can be a bit more manageable.
Amalfi Coast FAQs
The shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October are the absolute best times to visit. The weather is warm enough for swimming, but the intense heat and crowds of July and August are avoided. Keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants close entirely from November to Easter.
The reality is that much of the coast is very challenging for those with limited mobility. Towns like Positano are built vertically with hundreds of steep stairs. If mobility is a concern, book accommodation in Maiori or Minori, which are situated at sea level and have flat, accessible promenades.
You will often see a coperto (cover charge) added to your restaurant bill. This is a fixed, per-person charge for the table setting and bread, and it’s not a tip. While not strictly mandatory, leaving an extra 10% in cash for good service is highly appreciated by the waiting staff.
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink, and there are many public drinking fountains (fontanelle) flowing with cold, fresh mountain water where you can fill up your reusable bottle for free. However, at restaurants, Italians almost exclusively order bottled mineral water (sparkling or still).
The easiest route is to fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). From there, you can arrange a private transfer, or take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (or a fast train to Salerno) and catch a connecting ferry or bus to your final coastal destination.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.