Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Cliffs, Villages & the Drive of Your Life

The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is a 50km stretch of coastline south of Naples where the Lattari mountains drop almost vertically into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The result is a series of cliff-top villages — Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Atrani — built in the folds and ravines, connected by a coastal road that is one of the world’s most dramatic drives and one of its most congested in summer.

The main towns

Positano — The most photographed, the most expensive, the most immediately beautiful. Pastel-coloured houses cascading down a steep cliffside. In July and August, the village is extremely crowded. Ferry from Naples (90 min) or car via the SS163.

Amalfi — The largest town on the coast; historically the most important (it was a maritime republic in the 9th–11th centuries). The Cathedral of St. Andrew, the Cloister of Paradise, and the waterfront square are the sights. More affordable than Positano.

Ravello — On a ridge 350m above sea level, away from the coastal crowds. The Villa Cimbrone garden terrace (Terrazza dell’Infinito) has the most famous view on the coast. The Ravello Festival brings classical music in summer.

Praiano and Atrani — Less touristed alternatives worth considering as bases.

Getting there

From Naples: ferry to Positano or Amalfi (April–October) takes 90 minutes. The SITA bus runs along the coastal road year-round (slow, crowded, but the only public option for the full coast). The coastal road (SS163) is extremely difficult to drive in peak season — parking is scarce and the road is narrow.

When to visit

May, early June, and September are the optimal months — warm, the sea swimmable, but before or after the July–August peak. In July and August the roads are gridlocked and accommodation is at maximum prices. The coast is beautiful but quieter in October and April.

Hiking

The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) runs from Bomerano to Nocelle above Positano — one of the finest coastal hikes in Europe. Three to four hours, magnificent views. Check trail conditions before setting out.