Experience Italy: A Traveler’s Guide to Making The Most of an Amalfi Coast Vacation

The steep cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and bright swirls of turquoise water make even a short visit to Italy’s Amalfi Coast feel cinematic.

The glorious Amalfi coast

But beyond the views, you’ll never forget what you actually do in this stunning region: leisurely seaside lunches, cliffside hikes, scenic ferry rides between towns, and even the simple pleasure of wandering through narrow lanes while savoring a gelato. There’s no vacation quite like it. Read on for a practical guide on how to plan your trip - what to see, do, and eat - so you can enjoy this iconic coast to the fullest rather than rushing through it.

Coastline highlights: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello

Each town along the Amalfi Coast has a unique personality. If you’re looking for glamor and

liveliness, head over to Positano for steep stairways, boutiques tucked away in corners, and

beach clubs all along the shoreline. In contrast, Amalfi, with its grand cathedral and bustling

piazza, is a good base if you want to be in the center of things. Ravello sits slightly higher up

the coast but offers a very different atmosphere: quieter streets, sweeping gardens, and

terraces where you can enjoy some of the best views on the coast. To see more than the main towns, take a boat to the smaller coves that offer some of the clearest water you’ll ever swim in. And don’t skip local dishes like handmade scialatielli pasta, fresh lemons, and just-caught seafood.

Timing, transport, bookings: Plan a seamless Amalfi Coast vacation

The Amalfi Coast is stunning, but it’s also busy. A little advance planning (especially in summer) will go a long way. How do you want to get around? Buses work for short hops,

taking ferries is a relaxing way to eliminate the stress of winding roads, and guided Amalfi

coast tours help you explore key villages, viewpoints, and walking routes without navigating

by yourself – essential if you have limited time. Make a short list of your ‘must sees’ (for example, the Path of the Gods hike, a regional cooking class, or simply a full afternoon on the

beach) and build your days around those priorities.

Explore the Amalfi Coast, your way

The best way to see the Amalfi Coast is to plan well, then simply let the trip unfold. From the

stunning views through to the delicious world-renowned cuisine, with a bit of advance

organization and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious stops, this incredible stretch of

coastline becomes an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left. It’s a part of Italy

you’ll want to return to again and again.