How to explore the Amalfi Coast: tips for an unforgettable trip

Luciana Soares February, 2021

Paradisiacal landscapes, delicious food, luxurious hotels and unforgettable hospitality. Do you want to know the Amalfi Coast with the features mentioned above? Do not worry!

We have prepared some golden tips for the ones who want to know the Amalfi Coast and enjoy all the attributes that make this region of southern Italy a real treasure.

How to explore the Amalfi Coast 

Next, you will find out how to explore the Amalfi Coast considering three basic points: where to stay, where to eat and when to visit. Get ready to take notes and start planning your trip!

Cities to visit on the Amalfi Coast 

The best way to understand how to explore the Amalfi Coast starts with choosing the destinations. After all, there are many paradisiacal places to visit in this region of southern Italy.

To help you, we have listed five cities on the Amalfi Coast (and region) that must be on your itinerary.

1. Sorrento

Sorrento, a coastal city located in the south of Italy, is one of the cities we recommend for your stay. It is “halfway” between the Island of Capri (which is also a destination worth visiting!) and the Amalfi Coast.

The privileged view of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius is one of the reasons that make Sorrento a charming place

Where to stay in Sorrento? 

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

If you do not know the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria yet, our proposal is to imagine a majestic building with earthy colors, located on the top of a cliff with paradisiacal view of Mount Vesuvius and the charming bay of Naples. It may seem like a dream, but these are exactly the characteristics of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

Besides the external aspects, the Excelsior Vittoria also has a decoration that refers to the Belle Époque. It has a small SPA with garden near the pool and 91 rooms divided into 3 different buildings with different characteristics – from classic rooms to spacious suites.

Bellevue Syrene

The Bellevue Syrene was built in 1750 and it was converted into a hotel in 1820. Over the years, the hotel has been renovated and has gained a modern, sophisticated, fresh and a vibrant environment.

If you are interested in visiting the Amalfi Coast in the summer, our tip is to stay in one of the Bellevue’s 50 rooms and enjoy your meals and drinks at the hotel’s terrace facing the sea, or at the balcony of your apartment, both with amazing views.

2. Positano

Positano is for many lovers of the south of Italy, the most beautiful city in the region. So, if you ask us how to explore the Amalfi Coast, Positano will be one of our suggestions!

The most classical image of the city also describes its environment: colorful houses leaning on the hill, a small gulf of blue sea and a beautiful golden dome

Everyone who visits Positano should enjoy the narrow, steep streets that lead to unexpected viewpoints overlooking the sea. Besides, the city offers countless leisure options for those who like hustle and bustle! Beachwear stores, restaurants, bars and cafes make the city a busy and lively spot.

We must mention the charming beaches and the Furore Fjord, whose view have inspired the movie industry.

Where to stay in Positano? 

Le Sirenuse

Le Sirenuse has many high points such as the splendid views of the village ruins, the dome of Santa Maria Assunta and the Mediterranean beaches.

The resort founded in 1951 with 58 individually customized rooms, was built from the summer home of the Sersale’s family. Currently, it offers a SPA, a terrace with a swimming pool, a renowned restaurant (La Sponda – read more about it in the next topic of this article!), besides some boutiques and maritime transport services.

Il San Pietro di Positano

If you are searching for peace and tranquility during your stay in the Amalfi Coast, Il San Pietro di Positano can be your choice.

In search of discretion and idyllic days, artists and travelers go to Il San Pietro di Positano. Celebrities like George Clooney and Julia Roberts were already its guests. The hotel offers suites and terraces overlooking the village, as well as a restaurant by the sea.

3. Amalfi 

Amalfi is the city that named the Amalfi Coast. So, when you ask yourself how to discover the Amalfi Coast, remember to include this city in your itinerary!

The Byzantine and Arabic influences of Amalfi’s architecture give the city an enchanting and charming environment. Its historical past offers the visitors an atmosphere rich in history and culture.

Where to stay Amalfi? 

For the ones visiting Amalfi, our suggestion is to stay in Ravello, which offers great 5-star hotels or in Positano, the most central city on the Amalfi Coast.

4. Ravello

Ravello is an excellent stop for the ones who want to explore the Amalfi Coast. It is a peaceful and charming small town located at the end of the coast. It offers stunning views from different spots, from the gardens to the impressive hotels, which we will talk about next.

Where to stay in Ravello? 

Belmond Hotel CarusoThe Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello housed a sumptuous palace in the 11th century. It offers a charming view of Salerno Bay.

For this very reason, the highlight of the Belmond Hotel Caruso is its structure: 50 rooms with marbled and large bathrooms with sea view and external spaces (sometimes large and live colorful gardens, sometimes compact terraces with equally charming views), a swimming pool that ranks among the best hotel pools in the world, a restaurant, a spa, etc.

5. Capri

Capri island is deservedly known as the Mediterranean jewel! The luxury boutiques, seaside restaurants, uniquely colored gardens and a privileged view of the mesmerizing blue of the Mediterranean Sea, Capri also has breathtaking natural treasures such as the rocky peaks of the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto.

Where to stay Capri? 

JK Place Capri

JK Place Capri is located by the sea and it is one of the best places to stay in Capri. Just a few steps away, you leave the tranquility and serenity of the hotel to the bustling nightlife of the island in Marina Grande.

Its 22 rooms are carefully decorated with handcrafted bedding and bath linen.

The tip for passionate couples is to book the Hideaway Superior Room, accessible via a discreet path with a private patio perfect for romantic moments for two.

Caesar Augustus

Caesar Augustus hotel has on the terrace a statue of the emperor of the same name. The exalts elegance offers its guests a peaceful stay.

The hotel is located on the hillside of Monte Solaro, in Anacapri (5 minutes away from Capri) and it has been managed by the Signorini’s family since the 1930s. For this reason, it offers a unique view of the bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Where to eat in the Amalfi Coast?

The gastronomy is one of the region’s strong attractions. For this reason, it is a real pleasure for us to talk about this topic!

It is common to hear that Amalfi gastronomy carries the blue sea in its soul. That is because, when thinking about typical dishes and drinks from the region, the first word that comes to mind is freshness.

Lemon, seafood, fresh herbs and antipasti are some of the key ingredients of the Amalfi Coast. If you are looking for a good place to sit and enjoy a limoncello, we can help you!

Marina Grande (Amalfi)

Marina Grande restaurant causes an impact when you arrive: it has stunning views of the wonderful Amalfi Sea that embraces the historical center of Amalfi.

At the restaurant, according to the owner’s own words, you will find “all the flavors of the sea”, in a selection of elegant and very fresh dishes.

The most famous dishes of Marina Grande restaurant are the slice of shellfish in taggiasca olives, caponata, pesto and the grilled entrecote with red onion and sautéed potatoes.

La Caravella (Amalfi)

Frequented by stars from the artistic and cinematographic world, such as Frederico Fellini and Andy Warhol, La Caravella has an important differential: the family touch. Commanded by Dipino’s family, the restaurant’s menu is seasonal and offers dishes with predominant ingredients of each season of the year.

That is one of the reasons why La Caravella has been awarded a Michelin star since 1960.

Some of the tasting menus with local main ingredients are: potato croquettes with provolone, squid ink ravioli with breadcrumbs and lobster, pasta with seafood ragù.

Zass (Positano) 

Zass restaurant is located at the Il San Pietro Hotel. It offers dishes that mix contemporaneity and tradition. Most of the dish ingredients come from Il San Pietro’s organic garden or from local producers and suppliers.

Its view is also breathtaking: it is possible to enjoy meals gazing at the sea, surrounded by a luminous Mediterranean atmosphere.

La Sponda (Positano)

Localizado no icônico — e indicado por nós — hotel Le Sirenuse, o La Sponda é a dica perfeita para quem busca um lugar para desfrutar de um inesquecível jantar à luz de (muitas) velas. São mais de 400 candeeiros acesos ao cair da noite, tornando o momento da refeição ainda mais íntimo e único. 

No cardápio, a culinária mediterrânea leve: massas e frutos do mar coexistem em harmonia, em uma experiência gastronômica de alta qualidade, reconhecida, inclusive, pelo mundialmente conhecido Guia Michelin. 

O’ Parrucchiano (Sorrento) 

O’ Parrucchiano, a Sorrento’s historical restaurant is located at a privileged environment. It is amongst a lemon grove in downtown where you can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience.

Once at O ‘Parrucchiano, be sure to try the traditional cannelloni (originally called “strascinati”).

Il Buco (Sorrento)

Imagine having dinner in a hall that once housed the cellar of an old monastery! That is what happens at Il Buco. If you prefer, you can choose an outdoor table to enjoy the sea view as well.

In this restaurant, Mediterranean ingredients are blended with local spices and products brought directly from the countryside.

Have the options above made your mouth water?

When to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The “officially touristic” period of the region begins at Easter and continues until the end of September when the weather is pleasant and mild.

Besides, it is the period with the highest volume of travelers. That is the reason why there are more establishments and hotels open. In other months, especially in the winter, most of them are closed for accounting balance and renovations until the beginning of the next season.

Therefore, if you enjoy a more peaceful tourism far from agglomerations, our recommendation is to plan the trip in May (spring season, when the weather is mild, the colors gain a special luminosity and the flowers blossom, making the landscapes even more paradisiacal) or September (fall season is as beautiful as the spring).

Make your dream-trip come true Cieli di Toscana! 

Have you realized that preliminary information about Amalfi Coast can make your travel itinerary even more special? If it is time to make your dream-trip come true, count on Cieli di Toscana!

Our specialists in Italy know the country like the back of their hand and they are ready to help you organize a tailor-made trip, including all the services you desire.

Cieli di Toscana offers 5-star services, concierge and assistance in English throughout your trip. Your itinerary will be entirely customized and based on your preferences. You will find useful information and the best suggestions of each city: places to visit, the most beautiful roads to reach the destination, the most convenient parking lots, the best restaurants, stores, experiences and much more.

Besides, you can check our exclusive app with more than 1,500 suggestions of what to do, where to buy and where to eat at your destination!

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How about contacting us and start making your dream-trip come true?

Luciana Soares is a journalist passionate about traveling. She works at Cieli di Toscana and has lived in Florence. She knows and loves the beauties of the region.