Amalfi Coast, Italy

Buses: The SITA bus service is the primary mode of land transportation along the Amalfi Coast, connecting major towns like Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. While buses can get crowded during peak seasons, they offer scenic routes along the coastline.

Ferries: During the warmer months, ferries operate between towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. It’s not only a faster way to travel compared to buses, but you also get magnificent sea views.

Walking: Given the narrow roads and heavy traffic during peak seasons, walking can sometimes be the best way to explore the towns. Plus, there are numerous hiking trails like the Path of the Gods that offer stunning vistas.

Note: Driving along the Amalfi Coast can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads and limited parking. If you’re not familiar with the conditions, it might be best to rely on public transportation.

Amalfi Coast stretches from few miles before Positano to few miles past Minori. However, the scenic highway connecting the towns in the Amalfi coast starts soon after Pompeii in the Sorrento Coast and winds down by the sea all the way to Salerno near the gulf of Sicily. This allows a variety of staying options in nearby towns all of which are well connected via the road and sea. Below list contains towns and villages with the most favorable locations along the coast.

Capri and Anacapri: A beautiful and isolated island full of views, luxury, and great food. You can only access this island by boat.
Positano: The most happening place on the Amalfi Coast with a great beach.
Praiano: One of the most local areas on the coast with beautiful views and great sunsets.
Maiori and Minori: Two small towns with a local feel, great food, and inexpensive accommodation. They are just couple of miles down from Amalfi city center.
Sorrento: The largest town on the coast with an Amalfi Coast feel but still accessible by train.
Ravello: Luxurious landscape on the coast that feels secluded from the crowds.
Amalfi: Beautiful little town, full of shops, restaurants, and things to do

Positano:

• Spiaggia Grande (Main Beach):
  • The main beach area of Positano is surrounded by colorful buildings and offers various seafront dining options. You can savor fresh seafood dishes with the Tyrrhenian Sea as your backdrop. Notable spots include “Chez Black” and “La Cambusa”.
• Via dei Mulini & Via Cristoforo Colombo:
  • These winding streets leading up from the beach are lined with cafes, gelaterias, and restaurants. Places like “Casa e Bottega” offer organic and fresh meals, while “Il Capitano” boasts panoramic sea views.

Amalfi Town:

• Piazza del Duomo:
  • The heart of Amalfi, this square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the impressive Cathedral. Around it, you’ll find various cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the world go by. “Pasticceria Andrea Pansa” is a must-visit for its pastries and coffee.
• Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi & Side Alleys:
  • Venturing a bit from the main square, these streets and narrow alleys house several local trattorias and eateries. Places like “Gemma” offer a taste of traditional Amalfitan cuisine in a cozy setting.

Ravello:

• Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone Vicinities:
• These historic sites not only offer breathtaking views but are also surrounded by several high-quality restaurants. “Villa Maria Restaurant” is renowned for its homegrown ingredients and terraced dining. “Belmond Hotel Caruso’s” restaurant offers gourmet dining with a panoramic vista.

Praiano:

• Vettica Maggiore:
  • This part of Praiano is dotted with eateries boasting views of Positano and the sea. “Trattoria San Gennaro” offers traditional dishes with a spacious terrace overlooking the coast.
• Marina di Praia:
  • A small beach area with some delightful seafood restaurants, like “Il Pirata”, where you can dine right by the water’s edge.

Atrani:

• Piazza Umberto I:
• The main square of Atrani is a lively spot with a handful of cafes and restaurants. “A’ Paranza” is a local favorite for seafood dishes.

Cetara:

• Harbor Area:
• Many eateries near the harbor celebrate Cetara’s fishing traditions. “Acquapazza” is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, especially those featuring the town’s famous anchovies.

Maiori:

• Lungomare Amendola:
• The promenade area of Maiori offers several beachfront restaurants and cafes. “Matteo’s” is popular for its traditional pasta dishes and sea views.

Minori:

• Via Roma & Surrounds:
• As the main street of Minori, it’s lined with various eateries, from pizzerias to gelaterias. “Giardiniello” is a long-standing restaurant offering classic Amalfi Coast dishes.

Each town on the Amalfi Coast, while sharing some culinary commonalities, offers its own unique flavors and dining experiences. I hope this provides a savory guide for your time on this iconic coastline.

Positano: This cliffside village is arguably the most famous spot on the Amalfi Coast, known for its colorful buildings, excellent restaurants, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. You can reach Positano by SITA bus from Sorrento or Salerno.

Amalfi: The namesake town of the coast, Amalfi boasts a rich maritime history. Visit the stunning Amalfi Cathedral and stroll through the town’s narrow streets filled with shops and cafes. Regular buses and ferries connect Amalfi with other towns along the coast.

Ravello: Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ravello offers breathtaking views. The town is famous for its gardens, especially Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Ravello can be accessed by SITA bus from Amalfi.

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei): This hiking trail offers some of the best panoramic views of the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The trail typically starts in Bomerano and ends in Positano.

Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo): Located near Conca dei Marini, this sea cave is known for its greenish hue due to the sunlight reflecting off the underwater flora. Boats to the grotto depart from Amalfi.