A stunning 50-kilometer stretch of coastline featuring dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and azure Mediterranean waters. Drive the winding coastal road or take ferries between charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello for unforgettable views.
The Amalfi Coast — Costiera Amalfitana — is a 50-kilometre stretch of Campania coastline running between Positano in the west and Vietri sul Mare in the east, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its exceptional natural beauty and historic settlement patterns. The SS163 coastal road, carved into the cliffs in the 1850s, connects a series of vertical villages where houses tumble from cliff-top lemon groves to the rocky waterline below. Positano is the most photographed and expensive of the towns; Amalfi itself, a medieval maritime republic that rivalled Venice and Genoa in the 9th and 10th centuries, preserves its cathedral and Arab-Norman cloister; Ravello sits 350 metres above the sea with Villa Rufolo's terraced gardens overhanging the cliff and hosting a summer classical music festival. Driving the coastal road requires nerves — it is extremely narrow with passing buses, and parking is nearly impossible in summer. The SITA bus service runs between Sorrento and Salerno with stops at every town, making it the most practical land option. Ferries operate seasonally between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri, offering the best views of the cliff architecture. Hiking the Sentiero degli Dei — the Path of the Gods — from Agerola to Nocelle provides a high-altitude traverse above the coast with views stretching to Capri. The coast is quietest in April, May, and October, when accommodation prices drop and the road is passable without gridlock.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Best for
- scenic drives, photography, couples, luxury
Location
Amalfi Coast, Salerno
40.6333, 14.6026 View on map
Highlights
- Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) — high clifftop hike above the coast with Capri in the distance
- Ravello's Villa Rufolo terrace gardens suspended above the Tyrrhenian Sea
- Amalfi Cathedral and Arab-Norman cloister — the medieval maritime republic's spiritual centre
- Ferry journey between Positano and Amalfi for the definitive cliff-face sea-level view
- Lemon grove terraces above Maiori and Minori producing the coast's iconic sfusato lemons
Tips for visiting
- Travel between April-October when ferries operate regularly
- Consider staying overnight in Positano or Ravello
- Take SITA bus along coast road for budget option (can be crowded)
- Book restaurants with sea views in advance
When to visit
April to June offers the best combination of warm weather, blooming citrus, and manageable visitor numbers. September is ideal for swimming with lower prices. Avoid driving the coastal road on summer weekends when gridlock is common; use ferries and buses instead.
Accessibility
The Amalfi Coast's steep terrain makes it challenging for visitors with mobility limitations. Most town centres involve stairs and cobbled lanes. The SITA bus is accessible at some stops, and ferry boarding involves steps and is weather-dependent. Amalfi town's seafront is the flattest and most accessible of the main towns.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around the Amalfi Coast without a car?
The SITA bus runs along the SS163 coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno, stopping at all major towns. Ferries operate seasonally between Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. Water taxis are faster but expensive. Driving is possible but the road is extremely narrow and summer traffic can cause hours of delays.
Which town on the Amalfi Coast should I stay in?
Positano suits those wanting luxury hotels and beach access. Amalfi is more central with easier ferry connections. Ravello offers quiet hilltop charm and the summer music festival. Praiano, between Positano and Amalfi, offers better value with fewer crowds.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
April to June and September to October offer warm weather, open ferries, and manageable crowds. July and August are peak season with extreme traffic, high prices, and crowded beaches. The road is quieter in spring and autumn but some ferry services are reduced.