Here’s a look at five ways to explore and enjoy this iconic Italian coast.
The fabled Amalfi Coast. If you haven’t been, you dream of going. And if you’ve already been, you dream of returning. Located on Italy’s west coast, this 30-mile gem is a UNESCO World Heritage site that will talk your breath away.
Regardless of whether or not you’ve seen it in person, there’s no mistaking one of the world’s most distinct landscapes: Cascading pastel houses are seemingly carved into steep craggy cliffs which descend on to sand-and-pebble coastlines that give way to the deep blue sea.
Marco and Giulia recently explored the Amalfi Coast with us, starting in Sorrento and taking a special cruise to Capri. If you understand Italian, you can read about their adventure here. If not, give it a gander anyway to check out the gorgeous photos that have prompted us to compile this list for you travelers out there who either haven’t checked the Amalfi Coast off your bucket list yet or are just aching to return.
1. Explore Sorrento
Make like Marco and Giulia and start your journey in Sorrento. The Sorrento Coast lies between Naples and Amalfi, and its namesake resort town is just waiting to be explored. A hop-on, hop-off bus ticket is good for six hours and lets you admire all the city’s must-sees from Piazza Tasso, Cocumella and Largo Vescovado to terraces with incredible views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius. Spend at least a night here, and allow time to visit the paradisiacal islands of Ischia and Procida.
2. Hiking the Path of the Gods
If trekking is your thing, it would quite simply be a crime to visit the Amalfi Coast and not hike the Path of the Gods. If you’re not into hiking, the trail is suitable for all levels and it would be a shame to miss it. Once you embark, you’ll immediately see why the trail is named as such: The views are spectacular. The almost eight-kilometer path connects Agerola to Nocelle, and we suggest following this direction because, not only does it swerve downhill, but the views are better from that direction. Fun fact: For centuries, this was the only road that connected all the villages on the Amalfi Coast.
3. Admire Amalfi from the water
While the coastline is gorgeous and offers stunning sea views, the best way to see the coastal landscapes is from the sea. Depart on a boat from the town of Amalfi and watch the gorgeous coastline grow smaller and smaller the further out to sea you sail. Swim and snorkel in the deep blue water, and visit the glamorous island of Capri to see the world-famous blue grotto.
4. Venture off the beaten path
We completely agree that Ravello and Positano are must-visits, especially if you’re an Amalfi Coast first-timer. But we also believe in venturing away from the places swarmed by tourists. Towns to see include Maiori, which has Amalfi’s longest stretch of beach; Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics; Minori, home to the ancient Villa Marittima Romana; and Furore which boasts an actual fjord. Atrani is the second smallest village in Italy, Conca dei Marini is a town that was popular with A-listers of the 1950s and Praiano offers stellar trekking paths. Scala and Tramonti are adorable towns in the Monti Lattari mountains.
5. Eat and Imbibe
As Campania is in Italy, it should come as no surprise that the regional cuisine is delightful. On the gastronomic front, there’s plenty to see and do here. From olive groves, limoncello producers and mozzarella making to wineries and cooking classes, all you have to do is take your pick. You’re in Italy after all so it would be crazy not to indulge your inner gourmand.