Visiting Italy's Amalfi Coast
- lisa71541
- Feb 11, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 27
If you're seeking a vacation to recharge and experience complete serenity, Amalfi, Italy, is the ideal destination for you. We explored three distinct spots along the Amalfi Coast, each with its own unique atmosphere: Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi City. I'll discuss each of them to help you decide which ones you'd like to visit.
Amalfi Facts
Location:
The set of hillside towns are located in South Italy. Most of Amalfi closes down October til April for tourists.
Climate:
From mid-June to August, the weather is extremely HOT, similar to the summer heat at Disney World in Florida. You'll be outdoors most of the time. If you have to visit during the summer, wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on cobblestones for extended periods. Also, remember to bring mosquito repellent for the evenings. Kinfield Golden Hour Wipes are my preferred repellent; they come individually packaged, and I didn't get a single mosquito bite, unlike others in the wedding party.
Bring things to keep you hydrated such as water and GoHydrate packets.
Safety:
Positano and Ravello are quite secure. I felt at ease carrying my bag and wearing my jewelry around town. As with any location, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid sharing details about your hotel stay. Additionally, it's advisable not to walk alone in alleyways at night.
Getting Around the Amalfi Italy coast:
If you are prone to car sickness, it's important to take necessary precautions before traveling on the roads in Amalfi. The roads are narrow with two lanes, constantly winding, and situated on the edge of a cliff, with cars moving at high speeds. Additionally, reaching your destination can be time-consuming.
Here are some examples of travel times:
Naples train station to Positano: 45 miles, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Positano main street to La Tagliatta (upper hills of Positano): a shuttle takes around 25 minutes
Positano to Ravello: 14 miles, about an hour's drive
With that being said, the views are absolutely STUNNING!
To reach the Amalfi Coast, you can either fly into Naples airport or take a train from another Italian city to Naples. From there, you can book a driver to take you to your desired town on the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, a ferry is available from Naples to several towns along the coast.
Public transportation in Italy does go on strike from time to time so check the sites to make sure your train or ferry is running. Private transfers do not go on strike.
To arrange a private transfer, you can either have your hotel recommend and book it for you, or you can handle the booking yourself. I suggest using a third-party service like Viator for this purpose. I favor Viator or GetYourGuide because they allow you to search and book most of your tours and transfers from a single platform, and they only recommend reputable tours.
I recommend Viator Tours, as they offer several other options that you can explore on their website. This is the tour we used to come into Positano from Naples and then we had our hotel in Ravello book our car back to Naples.
walking around amalfi
The Amalfi Coast is characterized by its narrow and steep terrain. Be prepared to walk on uneven cobblestones and navigate numerous steps, many of which are steep. The streets are also quite narrow, and cars are generally not permitted on most streets in Positano. If your hotel is not located on the main street, your driver will need to contact your hotel to arrange for a luggage butler to meet you at the car and transport your luggage to the hotel. This service costs approximately $10-$15 per bag. Ensure your driver negotiates the butler's fee, as this can result in a better deal. (See the photo below, taken in Positano.) Dave was quite anxious that the butler might run off with our luggage, so he made sure to stay close. However, this was never a problem, and our luggage arrived safely both to and from our hotels.
You will enjoy a good workout, so wear comfortable shoes. I suggest wearing white canvas shoes or tennis shoes during the day. Here are a few options I recommend and personally wore while in Italy. For dinner, everyone dresses up. Women typically wear sundresses with wedges or sandals, and men often choose linen outfits with shorts or pants, paired with white canvas shoes or stylish flip-flops. I advise against wearing heels unless you want to risk twisting an ankle.
RAVELLO, ITALY
Ravello is the most tranquil of the three towns I explored. Perched 350 meters above sea level in the hills, it provides stunning views of the sea. This location is ideal for a peaceful romantic retreat, a honeymoon, or a destination wedding. You'll encounter many couples and families with older children. It stands out as one of the more serene spots for a romantic escape.
We attended a dear friend’s wedding in Ravello. The ceremony and reception took place at Villa Eva, and I have never encountered a more enchanting wedding venue. The food was exceptional as well. If you know someone planning a wedding in Italy, I suggest considering this location.
MUST DO ACTIVITIES
There are two garden areas to explore. Villa Cimbrone is located in the upper section of Ravello, while Villa Rufolo is just beyond the bridge as you enter Ravello. Given the town's small size, they are easy to find.
THE SHOPS
Stroll through the numerous shops in the town square, where you'll discover art, jewelry, and plenty of Amalfi pottery and products. The square also features restaurants. Although we didn't eat at any, they offer a great opportunity for people-watching.
Wander the streets
The ideal way to navigate Ravello is to simply wander and immerse yourself in its charming streets. Getting lost is nearly impossible, as the town spans just 3 square miles. Additionally, it is very safe to explore on foot, even after dark.
FAVORITE BITES
First and foremost, make sure to order tomatoes with every meal. The volcanic ash enriching the soil where these tomatoes are grown makes them the most incredible tomatoes I've ever tasted. Words can't begin to describe how delicious they were.
Every restaurant in Amalfi offers outdoor dining, regardless of the temperature. I suggest enjoying a meal on the patio. As the sun sets, the heat dissipates, leaving you with breathtaking views.
Mimi’s Pizzeria. The pizza was tasty. This venue is a favorite for wedding rehearsals and receptions, so confirm they're open before planning your visit. If there's an event, the restaurant will be closed. It's wise to make a reservation in advance or have an alternative location ready when you arrive.
For one of my favorite dinner views make a reservation at the rooftop restaurant at Hotel Villa Maria. I could enjoy that view all day long. Ensure you book early enough to experience the view both during the day and at night. You can have the hotel make the reservation for you; just send them an email.
This is the hotel where we stayed and absolutely adored! The rooms, service, food, and location were all excellent! The breakfast was delightful, offering egg options and a full buffet of pastries, fruits, and meats.
Winery Tour
While you're in Italy, even though wine accompanies every meal, visiting a winery or enjoying lunch at one amidst the stunning hillsides is essential.
Wedding in Ravello
I strongly suggest having a wedding in Ravello. There are several locations available for a rehearsal dinner or cocktail party, as well as for the wedding itself. Our bride selected a stunning venue for both events. The wedding was held at Villa Eva From a guest's viewpoint, everything was flawless and sophisticated. The breathtaking views, ceremony site, cocktail hour, tented reception, delectable plated dinner, and dancing were all exceptional. Here are a few photos.
Positano
Positano is known for its vibrant colors, narrow streets, and an abundance of steps. When you watch videos from other bloggers or locals in Positano, they're not overstating the number of steps you'll need to climb. Steps are everywhere, and they are quite steep.
where to stay
Buca di Bacco is the top hotel with the prime location in Positano. This is where the wedding guests stayed, and both the hotel and the rooms were stunning and spacious for the area. Some rooms offer beach and sea views, and the beach is just one staircase away. They adored this hotel, but by the time we confirmed our reservations, the rooms were already booked.
The first picture in this blog post was also the view from our hotel room! Buca di Bacco offered the same view.
Our hotel, Villa La Tartana, was located one flight above Buca di Bacco. The hotel concierge was fantastic, and the views from our room were just as breathtaking as those at Buca. The only downside was the bathroom; it was so small that you couldn't turn around in the shower, and you had to step fully inside to close the door. Apart from that, the hotel was excellent, and our balcony was incredible! The concierge arranged shuttles for one of our dining reservations and even made reservations for us. Breakfast was simple and very Italian, consisting of coffee, fruit, and a few pastries.
Both hotels are situated on the hill between Positano's main street and the beach.
shopping
Shopping in Positano is primarily located along the main street. Additionally, there are some shops as you descend the steps to the beach near the clocktower. Due to Positano's rising popularity, I noticed that store prices are quite high compared to the quality of the items. If you're planning to shop in Italy, I suggest doing so in other cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan instead of Positano.
aperitivo and spritz
While in Positano, you must try Aperitivo and an Aperol Spritz. An Aperol Spritz consists of Prosecco, Aperol, club soda, and an orange slice. It's simple yet delicious. The Aperol adds a dryness that complements the sweetness of the Prosecco.
Also try the Lemon Spritz, it was very tasty as well!
Aperitivo is a drink served before a meal, accompanied by appetizers. Italians enjoy hearty meals, so you might find that Aperitivo could serve as your meal. Make sure to allocate enough time for this and any dinner plans you might have.
Bars with a view
Franco's is located on Positano's main street and offers a fantastic view. It quickly becomes crowded, and there's always a queue to enter. The venue attracts a younger crowd.
Instead, I would visit the hidden gem Eden Sky Bar at Eden Roc Hotel instead. The views from higher up on the hill are equally stunning. If you arrive when they open, you likely won't have to wait. However, making a reservation is advised. We managed to walk in with a group of four, but we were only able to have cocktails, not a meal or Aperitivo.
favorite bites
In Italy, dinner is eaten late, with many establishments not opening until 8 PM. Most Italians dine around 9 PM. For making dining reservations in other countries, the simplest methods are to either email the restaurant or request assistance from your hotel.
When you book a table at a restaurant in Italy and inform the hostess upon your arrival, you'll be seated at one of their prime tables. Additionally, the restaurant staff excels in suggesting a wine to accompany your meal, tailored to your tastes. They always get it right!
I always recommend avoiding places that seem extremely crowded or are located directly on the main path. There are plenty of restaurants right on the beach offering incredible views. They're perfect for enjoying a light appetizer and a cocktail while soaking in the scenery. This is exactly what we did when we arrived hungry and just wanted something light. Some wedding guests mentioned they ate at a few places and didn't feel well afterward. We chose Chez Black for our appetizer and drink, and the appetizer was just okay, nothing extraordinary.
La Tagliata
La Tagliata is a restaurant you may have seen on TikTok and our social media sites.
This location, which is both a restaurant and hosts a vibrant cooking class with singing, is situated high in the hills of Positano and cannot be reached on foot. Your hotel can arrange a shuttle service for you, or you can take a shuttle that runs regularly from the clocktower. However, it fills up quickly around dinner time. The ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Each table is provided with its own bottle of wine, with a choice between red or white. You will enjoy a 5-course meal, including dessert. By the end of our meal, we were quite full. The food was excellent, but the views are truly breathtaking. Make sure to book your reservation before sunset to take in both the daytime and evening scenery. As you near the end of your meal, inform your server that you need the shuttle; they will tell you when to expect it. The location is very popular, so shuttles run frequently. We waited about 15 minutes after our meal for our shuttle to arrive.
Pizza on the Street
If you're seeking a place where the locals eat, away from the hustle and bustle, and you're craving pizza, my top choice was Saraceno d'Oro. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from our hotel. We enjoyed dining on the street and the food was incredible! It was the best meal we had in Positano. They don't have a website, so I asked the hotel to make the reservation for us.
Day trip to Capri
If you have an extra day during your stay in Positano, I strongly suggest taking a boat trip to Capri. You can book a private boat in advance, and there are usually several chances to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, explore the caves and grottos, and enjoy the sun and scenery while discovering more about the islands.
We were in town for a wedding, and our bride arranged private boats for her guests. We experienced one of the most incredible and relaxing days, making it feel like a scene from a movie! There are plenty of options on Viator site.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry that operates daily from Positano to Capri. The fare is around 23 Euros, and the journey lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. In the summer, it can become quite crowded and fill up fast. It is advisable to arrive at least an hour before your ferry departure due to the crowds. I suggest checking the website regularly to ensure the service is still running and not affected by strikes.
Once you get to capri, you can have lunch or take the chairlift up to the top of the island. That is where you will find all the shops and hotels.
beach clubs
If you're planning to spend some time at the beach during your visit, it's better to reserve a spot at a beach club rather than just settling on the public beach. It's important to book this in advance, ideally as early as possible, and you'll also need transportation to get to the beach club. Your hotel can help arrange this transportation for you. Although Dave and I couldn't visit the beach club due to a delay in our trip, other wedding guests told us it was fantastic, and the food was excellent.
Book your club reservation as soon as you can, as prices tend to rise as the date approaches. My pick for the is Arienzo Beach Club. The lunch was delicious!
The Town of Amalfi
We spent just a few hours here, but it's only a convenient 15-minute taxi ride from Ravello. This charming town features additional shops and a stunning church. Here are some photos.
Here's what I think about Amalfi: it's a good option if you need to fill some time. However, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy along the coast.
Consider visiting a lemon grove or doing an olive oil tasting. If you have to make a choice, I would pick one of these activities over Amalfi.
If you are traveling to some of the larger cities in Italy, I have other blog posts. Please check out my Florence First Timers Guide.
Which city would you like to visit along the coast of Italy? Tell me below.
Cheers,
Lisa
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