Amalfi Coast holidays

Taking a holiday to this part of the world is like taking a step back in time. As such, many of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast area are centered on the region’s fascinating history and rich heritage.

• No trip to Amalfi would be complete without a journey to the town’s Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. It’s a somewhat imposing, almost otherworldly structure which showcases the Italian, Arabic, and Norman influences of the local architecture. You can spend hours strolling through the ancient corridors.
• How about taking a short boat ride from Amalfi Harbour to Grotta dello Smeraldo; the Emerald Cave. A small cave system which earns its name from the luminous green glow inside, this fascinating underground passage measures 45m x 32m, with a 24m high chamber, and really does have to be seen to be believed.
• If a day spent on dry land is more your thing, take some time to explore Villa Rufolo in Ravello; a villa built exclusively for popes and kings on beautifully sculpted and colourful cascading gardens. Ravello is the perfect place to escape the beach crowds and experience another side to this popular coastal region.
• One of the top places to visit on the Amalfi Coast is Sorrento, located at the base of the Neapolitan Riviera which stretches up towards the Bay of Naples. Planning your holiday to include this destination is a great idea, with the Neapolitan Riviera and Amalfi Coast both offering amazing beaches.

Italy is famous for its incredible, mouthwatering food and drink, and that’s exactly what you’ll find on the Amalfi Coast, where the culinary side of things really does play a major role in the local culture.

• Many of the best restaurants in Amalfi Coast focus on fresh seafood that’s been caught off the coast that very morning. However, if you’re not such a fan of fish, don’t worry. Other local specialities include healthy dishes bursting with grilled artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and baked aubergine.
• Neapolitan pizza — a classic dish from the nearby Neapolitan Riviera — can be found all over the Amalfi Coast, too. These variations feature a very thin, light, and airy crust, and are kept simple with San Marzano or Roma tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
• Don’t forget to pay a visit to one of Amalfi’s famous old ice cream parlours, and, of course, you should never leave a cafe or restaurant without enjoying a shot of limoncello. The region’s much-loved lemon liqueur is often served following a meal as a tasty (and potent) palate cleanser.

Amalfi Coast family holidays are the ideal way to spend some time together in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Long days at the beach, nature walks, and trips to gelato bars… what’s not to love?

• In Sorrento, considered to be the gateway to the Amalfi Coast region, kids will love learning all about the local cuisine. You can take a local farm tour, learn how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza, and even taste the freshly made lemonade, whipped up from the juicy citrus fruits that are grown nearby.
• Many children learn about Pompeii at school, so why not take your kids to view the real ruins of the town that was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD? Nearby Herculaneum is less famous, but just as well preserved and, as a smaller site, it may be easier to navigate with small children in tow.
• A boat trip to Capri, and a ride on the island’s chair lift, is a brilliant way to spend a day. Capri may be small, but it’s certainly got a lot to do, with upmarket shopping, plenty of opportunities to sample local limoncello, and one of Italy’s best loved natural attractions: the truly breathtaking Grotta Azzurra.

A region steeped in history and tradition, the Amalfi Coast is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals, museums, ancient ruins, and culinary practices that span centuries.

• The UNESCO heritage site of Pompeii gives visitors a unique glimpse into life in Roman times, with many of the old buildings and structures very well preserved under a layer of volcanic ash. The town was destroyed in 79 AD when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted, showering the area in ash and lava.
• However, you don’t need to visit Pompeii to learn more about local history. In Positano, a visit to the MAR archaeological museum is a great way to explore more of the region’s rich history. There’s an excellent exhibit dedicated to the volcanic eruption that gives you a good idea of the destruction.
• Food and drink plays a big role in Amalfi Coast culture, and there’s no better place to learn about local wines that in Campania. As one of Italy’s finest winemaking regions, many of the world’s best wines are produced here, such as Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino whites, and the Aglianico red.
• If you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast in August, you’re in luck! There are many local cultural events that take place at this time of year, with the festivals of San Lorenzo, Ravello, and San Alfonso de Liguori bringing live music, energetic dance, and a splash of vibrant colour to the cobbled streets of the coast.

The Amalfi Coast beaches are some of the most stunning in all of Italy. They're mosly pebble, with a few sandy options tucked away.

• One of the best beaches in the Amalfi Coast region is at Marina Grande in Positano. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the town and cliffs behind you, and of the calm blue Mediterranean waters in front. Positano is also home to some of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast, but there’s strong competition from Sorrento!
• Vietri sul Mare is home to one of the region’s few sandy beaches, hidden away in a bay and often overlooked by visitors. As such, it’s a much quieter beachfront, and it’s perfect for experiencing the more peaceful side of an Amalfi Coast holiday. It’s widely considered to be one of the area’s best hidden gems.
• For an opportunity to witness a truly wonderful Italian sunset, Gavitella Beach at Praiano faces out towards the island of Capri in the west and offers picture-perfect views at the end of each day. Even if you visit in the morning, you’ll find this to be one of the finest Amalfi Coast beaches.

Nightlife on the Amalfi Coast is rich and varied, so no matter whether you’re looking to dance the night away, or relax with a bottle of wine in a cosy beachfront bar, you’ll find exactly what you’re after.

• Much of the Amalfi Coast’s nightlife is centered around the buzzing town of Positano. One of the hotspots is the legendary Music on the Rocks venue, which overlooks the beautiful Spiaggia Grande Beach. The club hosts all sorts of events, so it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s on.
• Fornillo Beach is also a lively spot for nightlife, and Next2 is a great option here. This late night restaurant features a stunning Mediterranean terrace where you can drink, dine, and listen to the live jazz that plays well into the night. The innovative cocktail menu uses Mediterranean herbs.
• If you’ve never visited the Africana Famous Club, you should! This nightclub, nestled inside a natural cave, has been a favourite hangout of the likes of Jackie Kennedy and the Queen of Holland, and its unique charm means it’s well worth a visit. There’s a club, restaurant, lounge, and shisha bar on site.

If you’ve been asking yourself ‘where should I stay in Amalfi Coast on honeymoon?' the answer is… anywhere! This entire region is truly spectacular, and each of the towns boasts its own unique charm.

• Nothing says ‘romantic getaway’ quite as much as a bottle of Chianti, slowly being sipped on an olive-tree covered patio, overlooking the multicoloured villages set deep into the imposing cliff faces. You’ll find this sort of experience all over the Amalfi Coast, with great views no matter where you are.
• The Amalfi Coast was made for lazy days spent together, relaxing on sun loungers, or taking a dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea. And at night, it’s all about the candlelit dinner, enjoyed at a table in one of the region’s picturesque town squares with delicious food, refreshing drink, and a magical ambience.
• While the Amalfi Coast can get quite busy in the summer months, the beauty of this region is that it’s so easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find more peaceful, secluded, and intimate spots. Consider hiring a car, taking a sunset drive along the sweeping coast for a road trip you’ll never forget.

What is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

April to October are the warmest months of the year on the Amalfi Coast, and temperatures can reach as much as 30 degrees in the peak of summer. However, even winter temperatures can be very pleasant.

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

While some towns on the Amalfi Coast are famous for their luxurious environments and A-list visitors, an Amalfi Coast holiday doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many reasonably priced hotels in the area.

Where do you fly into for the Amalfi Coast?

The nearest airport to Amalfi Coast destinations is Naples Airport, which is just over an hour’s drive from Positano. While Rome Airport is further away, it can also be used as a gateway airport to the coast.

Can you drive the Amalfi Coast?

Absolutely! The Amalfi Coast stretches for 25 miles, and there are many scenic coastal roads that you can explore. Always allow yourself more time than you think, as there are many great places to stop en route.