25 Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast (by an Italian)

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, so let me start by saying: well done. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular places in all of Italy, and I say this as an Italian.

Located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is a 25-mile stretch of coastline between Positano and Vietri sul Mare. It faces the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea and is dotted with colorful cliff-perched towns, pebble beaches, lemon groves, and dramatic cliffs.

I actually didn’t visit until my late 20s. I had this idea it was only for the ultra-wealthy and probably over-hyped for foreign tourists. When I finally went, I completely fell in love with it. To the point that I opened an entire website about it!

The Amalfi Coast looks straight out of a fairytale, and there’s so much to do that you could spend weeks exploring its villages, viewpoints, beaches, and hiking trails.

With so many options, planning a trip can feel a bit overwhelming, so in this guide, I’ve rounded up the very best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

You can use it as a starting point to pick the unmissable attractions, add a few hidden gems, and choose the activities that catch your eye for your itinerary.

Top 6 Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast at a Glance

• Sail along the Amalfi Coast, the best way to see the cliff-perched towns, sea caves, and hidden coves from the water.
• Visit the villas in Ravello, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, two dreamy gardens hanging above the water.
• Hike the Path of the Gods, a panoramic cliffside trail with some of the most dramatic views in southern Italy, or Path of the Lemons for an easier, more fragrant alternative.
• Take a day trip to Capri, an easy boat ride away and home to the Faraglioni rocks, chic piazzas, and incredible viewpoints.
• Visit Pompeii, one of Italy’s most impressive archaeological sites and an easy day trip from the coast.
• Stroll through Positano & Amalfi, two iconic coastal towns known for pastel houses, lively streets, beaches, and postcard views.

Before diving into what to see and do, make sure you know how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, especially if you’re arriving by plane or train.

Things To Do on the Amalfi Coast

Explore the Villas in Ravello

Ravello is one of the most visited towns along the Amalfi Coast, together with Positano and Amalfi. It’s known as the “City of Music” thanks to the Ravello Festival, held every summer, which fills the town with concerts and cultural events.

If you’re planning to spend time there, I’ve covered all the highlights in detail in my guide to the best things to do in Ravello.

Its elegant atmosphere comes from its aristocratic past. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, wealthy families built impressive villas here as their summer retreats, and today those villas are the main attractions in town.

• Villa Rufolo is a 13th-century property built for the Rufolo family and, over the centuries, it even hosted a few popes. It’s famous for its exotic terraced gardens with postcard-perfect views of the coastline, its medieval towers, and its Moorish-style architecture.

Villa Rufolo is also the cultural heart of Ravello. Its terrace becomes an open-air stage during the Ravello Festival, with concerts performed literally above the sea.

• Villa Cimbrone is even older, with origins in the 11th century. Today it hosts a luxurious 5-star hotel, but the historic gardens are open to the public. You’ll find tree-lined paths, marble busts, sculptures, and ivy-covered walls that give the whole place a very romantic, fairytale feel.

The highlight is the famous Terrace of Infinity, lined with statues and overlooking the sea. On a clear day, the views stretch across the whole coastline and all the way to the Gulf of Naples.

Because Ravello is set about 1200 feet (365 meters) above the sea, you’ll find plenty of other viewpoints and terraces with spectacular panoramas around town.

While you’re there, make sure to also visit the Duomo di Ravello. The town itself is very picturesque, so allow some time to wander its narrow alleys and small piazzas.

If you want to spend the whole day in town, my one day in Ravello itinerary shows how I’d plan the villas, viewpoints, lunch, shopping, and aperitivo without rushing.

If you’d rather turn Ravello into a fuller Amalfi Coast day, it pairs beautifully with Amalfi. I’d visit Ravello in the morning for the villas and views, then head down to Amalfi in the afternoon for the cathedral, historic center, and waterfront. You can follow my full Amalfi and Ravello day trip itinerary for the exact order.

Sail Along the Coast on a Boat Tour

If you only do one activity on the Amalfi Coast, make it a boat tour. Seeing the villages from the sea is the easiest way to understand how the houses cling to the cliffs, and you get that full postcard view of colorful towns, coves, and dramatic rock formations.

You also avoid some of the summer traffic on the coastal road. Instead of sitting on a bus, you are out on the water, stopping for swims, cruising past sea caves, and often getting some free time in Amalfi or another town.

Below you will find a quick comparison of Amalfi Coast boat tours to help you choose.

*Prices are approximate and based on small group and private tours in 2025. Always check current rates when you book.

These tours give you three different ways to experience the coastline, depending on your budget and how social or private you want the day to feel.

→ The shared day cruise is the classic option. You join a small group on a comfortable boat, cruise along the Amalfi Coast, stop for a few swims, and usually get some free time in Amalfi or Positano to explore on your own. It is a good balance of price and experience if you want to see a lot in one day. Check availability here.

→ The small group snorkel cruise is more relaxed. Boats are usually smaller, there is more focus on swimming and snorkeling in clear water, and you still get those coastal views without committing a full day. It is ideal if you do not care about a stop in town and mostly want to be in the sea. Check availability here.

→ The private boat tour is the splurge. You have your own skipper, you can choose how long to spend in each spot, and you are free to stop for photos and swims whenever you like. It is perfect for a special occasion or if you are traveling with friends or family and can split the cost. Check availability here.

Insider tip: Morning departures usually mean calmer water. If you care more about photos, late afternoon light is beautiful on the cliffs and villages.

Hike the Path of the Lemons (Sentiero dei Limoni)

The Path of the Lemons, or Sentiero dei Limoni, is an incredibly scenic trail that connects the towns of Maiori and Minori along ~2.4 miles (4 km). It follows old stone stairways and lanes between lemon terraces, with wide views of the coastline almost the whole way.

It is a short hike but still counts as moderate, because there are plenty of stairs and some steady uphill sections. The path is well marked and paved or stepped most of the way, so you do not need technical gear, just decent shoes and some water.

The scenery makes the effort worth it. You walk between terraced lemon groves and small villages, with the sea below you. It feels very local compared to the busier towns on the main coastal road.

One of my favorite parts is passing the farms where you can stop for tastings and learn more about how lemons are grown.

You should definitely stop at Agricola Ruocco’s, an organic farm that still uses traditional methods to produce limoncello, granita, cakes, lemon pasta, and even a lemon espresso.

→ It is very easy to walk the Sentiero dei Limoni on your own if you are happy to explore at your own pace. You can start the hike from either Minori or Maiori.

To get back, you can walk the trail in reverse, continue along the coastal road for a shorter walk, or hop on a ferry between the two villages, and even continue by boat to Positano or Amalfi.

→ If you prefer to have a local guide, you can join a small group walk that follows the same route from Maiori, with stops at lemon terraces and a tasting of limoncello, marmalade, and other lemon products. It is a nice option if you want more context and do not want to worry about the route. → Check availability here

Explore Amalfi

Amalfi is one of the most historic towns on the coast, and even though it gets busy, it is still worth a slow wander. Once you step away from the waterfront, the streets turn into narrow lanes, archways, and quiet corners that feel completely different from the main square.

The Amalfi Duomo is the star of the town. Its striped façade and long staircase are impossible to miss, but the inside is even more impressive. The Chiostro del Paradiso, the cathedral’s cloister, is a peaceful stop with elegant arches and a bright courtyard. It’s a quick visit and worth the extra ticket.

A few minutes uphill from the Duomo, you’ll find quieter alleyways and views over the rooftops. If you keep going, you reach the Paper Museum, set inside an old paper mill. Amalfi used to be a major paper-producing center, and the original machines and water channels give a nice glimpse into that past.

If you have a bit of extra time, you can also stop by a small family-run limoncello factory just next to the Duomo. The visit is short but really interesting, and you get to taste a few different lemon liqueurs. You can book it here.

Insider tip: Amalfi gets crowded between late morning and mid-afternoon. If you come early or after 4 PM, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

Learn to Cook Local Dishes in a Cooking Class

How about discovering the local flavors while you learn how to cook them yourself? The cuisine on the Amalfi Coast is all about simple ingredients and big flavor.

Of course you can just eat your way through the coast. And you should. But taking a cooking class is a fun way to peek into local kitchens, pick up a few tricks, and go home with more than just photos on your phone.

Below you will find a quick comparison of three nice options around the Amalfi Coast area to help you choose.

*Prices are approximate and based on small group classes in 2025. Always check current rates when you book.

On my own trips, I’ve done both home-style and farmhouse-style classes in Italy, and they always end up being some of my favorite memories. Even if I grew up in Italy with a grandma who cooks the best food, I always end up learning something new!

You meet locals, pick up recipes you will actually cook again at home, and you get to eat everything at the end (which never hurts!). If you want more options, I also put together a full guide to the best cooking classes on the Amalfi Coast.

Soak in the Charm of Positano

Positano is the postcard town of the Amalfi Coast. It is a vertical maze of pastel houses, narrow stairways, and small terraces that all seem to look out over the sea. Even if you have seen it a thousand times on Instagram, arriving in person still feels special.

If you’re planning to stay longer than a quick stop, this Positano itinerary shows how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in town without rushing.

In the center, you will find cobblestone alleys lined with boutiques, linen shops, and ceramics stores. Bougainvillea climbs over doorways and balconies, and every corner seems to hide a small piazza or a tiny terrace with a view. It is very touristy, but if you wander away from the main street and climb a few steps, it becomes much quieter.

Make sure to stop by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its tiled dome and Byzantine-style icon inside. Around it, the lanes are full of souvenir shops, local crafts, and of course, plenty of lemon-themed pieces, from homeware to prints and tote bags.

Down at Marina Grande Beach, you can rent a sunbed, swim, or just sit at one of the beach bars and watch the boat traffic. The mix of colorful umbrellas, cliffs, and the town rising behind the sand is one of the classic views of Positano.

Later in the day, I like to head up to one of the bars or restaurants with a terrace and have aperitivo while the lights come on in the houses. We will look at a few good spots in the sunset section further down.

Insider tip: Positano’s streets are steep and full of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and plan at least one uphill wander to find the quieter viewpoints.

Discover the Lesser-Known Towns of the Amalfi Coast

Did you know there are actually 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast? That’s a lot more than the three popular villages most guides recommend!

Each town along the coastline has something very unique to offer, from its customs to crafts and traditional cuisine, and when you start discovering the lesser-visited ones, you’ll realize that they’re more authentic, offering a glimpse into the original culture of the region. 

• Cetara is one of them, a small fishing village with one of the only working fishing ports that continues the centuries-old local traditions. It’s renowned for its production of anchovy sauce and its tuna, so make sure to indulge in the town’s specialties while you’re there. 

• Erchie boasts a laid-back atmosphere, featuring a lovely small beach with fishing boats on the shores that’s super family-friendly. It’s a popular holiday destination for Italians, as it’s calm, offers great cuisine, and has almost no foreigners. 

• Maiori is another off-the-beaten-path gem on the Amalfi Coast, home to a stunning sandy beach, a seafront promenade, and the remains of an ancient castle that’s fun to explore. It’s a good place for water activities, such as kayaking, exploring sea caves, and swimming. 

• Minori is a smaller village on the coast, also featuring a few sandy beaches and very cool attractions, that include a first-century archaeological site, Villa Romana e Antiquarium, a great lungomare to stroll along the sea, and the stunning Basilica of Saint Trofimena. Minori is also famous for its pastries! 

Relax on the Beach

Let’s be honest. Beaches on the Amalfi Coast are beautiful, but they are not the long sandy stretches many people expect.

Most are small and pebbly, squeezed between cliffs, and they fill up quickly in summer. Still, if you choose the right spot and arrive early, spending a couple of hours by the water is very enjoyable.

Positano’s Marina Grande is the classic beach with rows of colorful umbrellas and the famous view of the town rising behind you. It is busy and expensive, but the setting is stunning. If you want something more relaxed, Fornillo Beach is a short walk away and usually quieter.

Amalfi’s main beach is practical if you just want a quick swim after sightseeing.

Vietri sul Mare has one of the longest sandy stretches on the coast, which makes it a good choice if you prefer more space. Maiori also works well for this, with a long promenade and easier access than many other towns.

For smaller coves, towns like Praiano, Minori, and Erchie offer little beaches with clear water and a calmer atmosphere. They are simple spots, but perfect if you want a break from the crowds.

Insider tip: Bring beach shoes. Pebbles get very hot in summer, and they can be uncomfortable to walk on, especially near the shoreline.

Conquer the Infamous Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is the most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast. It connects the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle along a trail of about 4 miles, and usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to walk depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.

This trail was once one of the few routes linking the villages of the Amalfi Coast. As you walk, you pass tiny hamlets, old shepherds’ houses, stone shelters, and terraces carved into the mountainside. It feels like a glimpse into the coastline’s quieter, rural past.

The views are incredible the whole way. On a clear day you can see Capri, the Li Galli islands, and the cliffs dropping toward the sea. It’s honestly one of the most scenic walks you can do in the region.

Just keep in mind that some stretches run along the edge of the cliff, so it’s not ideal if you’re afraid of heights. It also gets hot and there’s almost no shade, so start early and bring water, sunscreen, and proper shoes.

Once you reach Nocelle, you can either follow the long staircase down toward Positano or take the local SITA bus if your legs are done for the day (I recommend this).

If you don’t want to worry about logistics, you can also join a guided hike. It’s a nice option if you want someone to handle navigation and share more context about the area as you go.

→ You can join a small-group walk from Agerola that follows the classic route and includes trekking poles, photo stops, and local insights along the way. Check availability here

→ If you’re staying in Sorrento, there’s also an option with transfers included so you don’t have to think about transportation. Check availability here

Admire the Ceramics in Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is the ceramic capital of the Amalfi Coast, and you see it everywhere — on stairways, doorways, balconies, and even street corners. The town has a bright, local feel, and wandering through the center is already a small open-air museum.

One of the prettiest spots is the Villa Comunale, a small terrace decorated with colorful ceramic benches, mosaics, and sea views. It almost feels like a playful, coastal version of Gaudí’s style, and it’s a great place to stop for photos or a short break while exploring the town.

Down by the waterfront, the long beach gives Vietri a different look from the smaller coves elsewhere on the coast. Even if you’re not here to swim, the promenade is lively and the ceramic panels along the way make for a scenic walk between the seaside and the upper streets.

Vietri is also the best place on the coast to buy ceramics, and many of the workshops are small family-run studios.

→ If you want to try something hands-on, you can join a short majolica decoration workshop where an artisan shows you the basics and helps you create your own piece. It’s a fun way to understand the tradition behind Vietri’s bright tiles, and you can book the workshop here.

Tour a Lemon Farm

Lemons are part of everyday life on the Amalfi Coast. You see terraced lemon groves above the sea, bottles of limoncello in every shop, and desserts that all seem to have a citrus twist.

Visiting a lemon farm is a simple way to see where all of this starts. You walk through the terraces, learn how the fruit is grown and protected, and taste products like marmalade, limoncello and cakes made with the local lemons.

You can do this on the Sorrento side, in Amalfi itself, or in Tramonti, which is one of the most traditional farming areas in the hills above the coast. Here are a few easy tours that make it very straightforward.

*Prices are approximate and can change with season and availability. Always check the latest rate on the booking page.

Cruise the Amalfi Coast Road

The Amalfi Coast road is one of the most scenic drives in Italy. It curves along the cliffs with views of turquoise water, terraced lemon groves, and towns that seem to hang over the sea. Even if you only do a short stretch, the scenery is impressive.

Driving it yourself can be stressful, though. The road is narrow, buses take wide turns, parking is extremely limited, and traffic is common in high season. If you’re not used to tight roads, it’s not the most relaxing experience.

The easiest way to enjoy the views is to take a bus or a private transfer and let someone else handle the driving. You still get those cliffside panoramas without worrying about parking or the tight curves.

→ If you want something a bit more fun, there are guided tours that let you enjoy the road without the stress of driving. For example, you can join this private Fiat 500 photo tour, which stops at panoramic viewpoints along the way.

→ Another option is this Vespa experience from Ravello to Positano. It’s a fun way to enjoy the coastline if you prefer being a passenger while a driver takes care of the tricky road, or you can drive the vespa yourself if you ahve previous experience.

Or keep it simple. Take the bus for the views, then return by ferry for a relaxed loop with completely different scenery from the water.

Eat All the Food

The Amalfi Coast (like pretty much every corner of Italy ) is a dream for food lovers. Simple ingredients, lots of seafood, and plenty of lemon make the local dishes incredibly fresh and flavorful. You’ll find classics you know and love, plus regional specialties you can only taste here.

A few dishes you should try at least once:

• Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – potato gnocchi baked with tomato, basil, and mozzarella
• Ravioli Caprese – fresh ravioli stuffed with caciotta cheese and marjoram typical of Capri
• Spaghetti alle vongole – simple but perfect, spaghetti with clams, garlic, olive oil, and parsley
• Scialatielli all’amalfitana – thick handmade pasta with mixed seafood
• Delizia al limone & lemon gelato – the most iconic desserts of the region
• Limoncello – made with the area’s famous Sfusato Amalfitano lemons

There are many great restaurants along the coast. These are reliable places where you’ll eat very well, just to name a few:

• Positano – D’Aiello for refined but relaxed dishes made with local ingredients, and Casa Mele for creative tasting menus in an intimate setting.

• Amalfi – Trattoria da Gemma is known for traditional local dishes with a modern touch.

• Ravello – Rossellinis (Michelin-starred) is ideal if you want a beautiful fine dining experience with views.

→ If you want to taste a lot without thinking too hard about where to go next, a food tour is the easiest (and tastiest) option. You can book a walking food tour in Sorrento to try cheeses, cured meats, gnocchi, pastries, gelato, and limoncello with a local guide.

Marvel at the Fiordo di Furore

Fiordo di Furore is one of the most dramatic spots on the Amalfi Coast. A narrow gorge cuts between two steep cliffs and opens onto a tiny pebble beach, with deep blue water squeezed between the rocks.

An arched bridge links the two sides of the fjord and makes the scene even more iconic. From below it frames the cliffs and the beach. From above it works as a natural viewpoint over the gorge and the sea.

Furore Beach itself is very small and gets crowded quickly in summer. There are a few seasonal facilities, but they’re limited, so it’s still best to treat it as a quick scenic stop rather than a full beach day. Come to see the fjord, the tiny cove, and to take a quick dip if the sea is calm.

→ You can reach Fiordo di Furore by SITA bus and then walk from the stop down to the bridge or all the way to the beach.

→ It is also a popular stop on boat trips along the coast, which let you admire the fjord directly from the water. If you prefer to see it as part of a relaxed coastal cruise, you can book a small group boat tour that cruises past Fiordo di Furore and includes swim stops.

Visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) sits near Conca dei Marini and gets its name from the deep turquoise light that fills the cave. It’s smaller and more low-key than the Blue Grotto in Capri, but still worth a quick stop if you’re passing through this part of the coast.

There are three ways to visit the grotto, depending on how you reach it and how much time you have:

→ Visit by land: park or arrive by bus along the coastal road (SS 163), then take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From there you board a rowboat for a short guided ride inside the cave. :

→ Reach by boat: many coastal boat tours from nearby towns stop at the grotto’s entrance if conditions allow. One boat tour that includes a stop at the grotto is this Amalfi Coast & Emerald Grotto group cruise. It’s a nice way to combine the grotto visit with a full sea-day along the coast.

→ Take the shuttle boat from Amalfi: small boats leave daily from Molo Pennello and bring you directly to the grotto entrance. The round-trip ticket is about €10 and doesn’t include the cave entry, but it’s an easy and scenic way to arrive by sea.

The grotto is a very quick visit, so I wouldn’t plan a whole trip around it. But if you’re passing by or doing a coastal cruise, it’s an easy and scenic stop.

Enjoy a Wine Tasting at a Vineyard in Tramonti

Tramonti is one of the inland towns of the Amalfi Coast, tucked into the Lattari Mountains and surrounded by vineyards and chestnut woods. It feels very different from the seaside villages and gives you a glimpse of the rural side of the region.

Wine has been produced here for more than a thousand years. The volcanic soil, altitude, and cool nights create a unique microclimate, and some of the vines are incredibly old.

Tramonti is part of the Costa d’Amalfi DOC area and is known for native grapes like Tintore, Piedirosso, Ginestra, and Biancolella.

Visiting a winery here usually includes a walk through the vineyards, a look at the cellar, and a relaxed tasting of several wines paired with simple local food. It is a very calm experience. You are in the countryside, surrounded by vines and mountains instead of crowds and traffic.

Two good ways to experience Tramonti are:

→ Join a vineyard and winery tour with tastings and appetizers in Tramonti if you want a focused visit with time to learn about the grapes and production.

→ Book an Amalfi Coast wine tour that includes Tramonti if you prefer a full-day experience that combines vineyard tastings with stops in towns like Ravello or Positano.

Walk the Historic Stairway from Ravello to Atrani

One of my favorite experiences on the Amalfi Coast was walking the old stairway path between Ravello and Atrani. These steps were used long before the coastal road existed, and it still feels very local and peaceful. No traffic. Just sea views, lemon groves, and old stone lanes.

I really recommend doing it from Ravello down to Atrani (and then you can easily keep going to Amalfi). Going downhill makes it easier on the legs, and as you descend, the views open up over the coastline, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages.

Along the way you pass old stone walls, small chapels, and traces of medieval buildings. It feels like time has stopped in some corners, especially when you walk through narrow alleys with lemon trees and quiet courtyards.

The best part is that you finish in Atrani, one of the smallest and prettiest towns on the coast. Arriving there on foot, straight into its little piazza and beach, makes the walk feel even more special.

The path is well marked, but be ready for plenty of steps, and just take it slowly and enjoy the views.

Watch a Sunset from a Bar in Positano

Sunset in Positano is something you shouldn’t miss. The whole town turns gold, the sea gets darker, and the lights start switching on one by one. It’s the perfect moment to stop for a drink somewhere with a view.

• Franco’s Bar is the classic choice. It’s chic, colorful, and has one of the best sunset viewpoints in Positano. Drinks are pricey and there can be a wait (they don’t take reservations), but the setting is beautiful and the atmosphere is always lively.

• Il Tridente, the bar at Hotel Poseidon, is another great option. It’s less chaotic than Franco’s, the terrace is lovely, and you still get an amazing view over the town and the sea. Reservations are required.

• Fly Rooftop Bar sits right above Marina Grande beach and has a more modern vibe. It’s a fun spot if you prefer something more stylish and want to be closer to the beach level.

• Aldo’s Bar (part of Le Sirenuse) is elegant and quiet, perfect if you want to spoil yourself with a more refined aperitivo in one of Positano’s most iconic hotels. The menu features great signature cocktails, and there’s a raw bar to pair your drinks. Reservations are recommended, as it’s one of the most popular places to go for aperitivo. 

Wherever you go, try to arrive a bit before sunset. The best seats fill up quickly, and you’ll want time to relax before the show begins.

Explore the Hidden Coves and Sea Caves by Kayak

Kayaking along the Amalfi Coast is such a fun way to see the coastline from a different angle. You glide right under the cliffs, slip into tiny coves, and paddle inside small sea caves that bigger boats can’t reach.

Most tours leave from Amalfi or nearby towns and include a guide and all the gear, so you don’t need any prior experience. As long as you’re comfortable in the water and don’t mind a bit of paddling, it’s a very doable and relaxing activity, with plenty of time to swim and snorkel.

→ You can join a guided kayak and snorkel tour that takes you along the coast with stops at caves and quiet swimming spots.

→ Another option is this small-group kayak experience that focuses on sea arches, hidden beaches, and coastal rock formations.

Day Trips from the Amalfi Coast

Escape to Capri for the Day

Capri is one of the most famous islands in Italy. It sits just off the Sorrentine Peninsula and it’s an easy hop from the Amalfi Coast. The island mixes natural beauty with a very polished, stylish vibe.

Think designer boutiques, scenic cafés, sea-view gardens, and dramatic cliffs. Capri has drawn celebrities and travelers for decades, and once you see the Faraglioni rocks in person, it’s easy to understand why.

The island has two main towns: Capri and Anacapri. Each has viewpoints, quiet lanes, and pretty terraces that look straight over the sea. The Piazzetta is the heart of it all; it’s the spot where everyone stops for a coffee to people-watch and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you want a bit of adventure, take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for one of the best views in the region. You can also visit the famous Blue Grotto or cruise around the entire island to see its cliffs and hidden coves from the water.

→ Reaching Capri is simple. Ferries run often in high season. You can book your tickets online (departing from Sorrento, from Positano, or from Amalfi) and the trip takes only 30-40 minutes.  depending on where you’re leaving from.

Once you arrive, you can explore on your own or join a boat tour around the island (highly recommended, it’s my favorite way to explore and understand the island).

→ If you prefer everything arranged for you, joining a small group or private tour from the Amalfi Coast is the easiest way. They usually include swimming stops, sightseeing around Capri, and free time on the island.

Here are three solid Capri boat options depending on where you’re staying:

*Prices are approximate for 2025. Always check updated rates when you book.

Step Back in Time at the Pompeii Ruins

Pompeii is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Italy. The city was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and today you can walk through its streets, houses, and public spaces almost as they were two thousand years ago.

Highlights include the amphitheater, the Forum, several well-preserved villas, and the plaster casts of the victims. The site is large and easy to get lost in, so having a guide really helps bring everything to life.

→ Reaching Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast by public transport takes some time. You’ll first travel to Sorrento by SITA bus or ferry, then continue by Circumvesuviana train to the Pompeii Scavi station. Expect around 1.5 to 2 hours each way.

→ If you prefer a simpler option, several tours include transport from the Amalfi Coast and a guided visit inside the ruins. Here are two reliable choices.

*Prices vary by season. Check the booking page for the most accurate rate.

Explore Sorrento

Sorrento sits right above the Bay of Naples and is one of the easiest places to reach from the Amalfi Coast by bus or ferry. It has a lively center, sea views from almost every corner, and a very relaxed atmosphere. It’s an easy half-day or full-day trip.

One experience I really enjoyed is a short visit to a traditional lemon garden in town. It’s a quick tour where you walk through the grove and taste homemade products like marmalade. It’s simple but informative, and it gives you a small look into Sorrento’s citrus culture without taking much time.

In the city center, make a quick stop at the Chiostro di San Francesco. It’s a quiet medieval cloister tucked right next to the public gardens, and it’s one of the prettiest spots in town.

Sorrento doesn’t really have big sandy beaches, but you can spend an hour or two by the water at the small bathing platforms around Marina Piccola.

For a more local feel, walk down to Marina Grande. It’s a small fishing village within Sorrento, think colourful boats, narrow lanes, and waterfront restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a quick lunch before heading back.

Take a Dip at Bagni Regina Giovanna

Bagni Regina Giovanna sits just outside Sorrento. It’s a small natural lagoon with bright, clear water and a dramatic limestone arch. It’s one of the most photographed spots near Sorrento and a fun stop if you’re spending the day in the area.

The cove lies below the remains of an ancient Roman villa from the first century BC. Today you’ll only see a few low stone walls scattered along the headland, but the setting is beautiful and very scenic.

The name comes from Queen Giovanna d’Angió, who, according to legend, used this hidden pool for private swims in the 1300s.

The lagoon opens to the sea through a narrow passage, and kayakers often paddle in from the outside, which makes the entrance feel even more dramatic.

If you’re visiting in the high season (July and August), consider that it’s a small landmark but incredibly popular, so it can get very crowded. Consider visiting early in the morning, and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit (and possibly water shoes).

→ To get here from Sorrento, take bus 5070 and get off at Capo Sorrento. From there it’s about a 10 minute walk down to the cove. If you’re coming from other towns along the Amalfi Coast, take a SITA bus to Sorrento first.

→ There is also a small-group kayak tour from Sorrento that includes a stop at Bagni della Regina Giovanna. You enter the lagoon from the sea and have time for a swim. It’s a great way to combine a day trip to Sorrento with a 2-hour kayak tour to the Bagni Regina Giovanna.

Climb Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. The view from the crater rim is incredible on a clear day, but getting there on your own from the Amalfi Coast takes time and several connections.

If you start from towns like Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello, you first need to reach Sorrento by bus or ferry, then take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, and finally catch a bus or shuttle up to the Vesuvius parking area. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the crater. It’s doable, but it makes for a looong travel day.

For most visitors, the easiest option is to join a tour that combines Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. You save several hours of logistics, and you have guaranteed transport all the way to the top.

*Prices are approximate and can change depending on season and availability. Always check the latest rate before booking.

Visit Salerno

Salerno isn’t usually the first place I’d send someone with very limited time on the Amalfi Coast, but it can still be an easy and pleasant stop if you’re already nearby or if you’re looking for something less crowded and more affordable.

The old town is compact and simple to explore. You can walk along the Lungomare promenade, step inside the Duomo with its beautiful crypt, or wander the narrow streets lined with cafés and small shops. It’s a very different atmosphere compared to Positano or Amalfi, more local and everyday.

It could be considered the counterpart of Sorrento, acting as the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Salerno is also a popular base for travelers who want lower hotel prices and great transport connections.

Trains run frequently, and ferries to Amalfi, Positano, and Capri are easy to catch from here, which makes moving around straightforward.

If you do decide to stop in Salerno, it pairs really well with Vietri sul Mare. The two towns are only a few minutes apart, and Vietri is known for its ceramics workshops, colourful tiles, and pretty viewpoints. Visiting both on the same day feels natural and doesn’t require much planning.