The Amalfi Coast, the crown jewel of Italian luxurious and romance, is likely one of the hottest and beautiful locations in Italy. Positioned simply south of Naples, which is price a go to in and of itself because it’s the birthplace of pizza, is a 100km stretch of highway that hugs the shoreline from Sorrento to Salerno.
The shoreline is as rugged as it’s stunning. Towering mountains, Azure coloured seas, and probably the most picturesque Italian villages are all on supply. I spent two weeks touring from Naples to Capri after which the whole Amalfi coast. As well as, proper off the the Amalfi coast is the well-known island of Capri, recognized for its magnificent villas, dramatic mountains, and refined Italian cuisines. I visited all these locations on my journey.
In fact not everybody has the sort of time to dedicate to this space of the nation however you additionally don’t want two weeks for my part. I took it good and gradual as a result of I simply love every part about Southern Italy. Northern Italy in fact is totally beautiful with locations like Lake Como and the Dolomites, however I feel after visiting a lot of Italy, the south is extra my model.
The place I went within the Amalfi Coast Space
I had two full weeks to discover this space of the nation. Nevertheless, it was not two weeks of freedom, I needed to work many of the days so in reality, I used to be solely in a position to see the sights possibly half of that point.
Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri should not large locations and there actually isn’t that a lot to see when it comes to sights and monuments. In actual fact, lots of people do the Amalfi coast on a day journey from both Sorrento, Salerno, and even Naples. In case you don’t have that a lot time to dedicate, don’t fear, I offers you all of the choices on this put up.
When did I go to the Amalfi?
I visited the Amalfi coast in October after the everyday summer season excessive season. I used to be instructed, in non-COVID occasions in fact, that summers are merely overwhelming with the sheer quantity of vacationers. Like the remainder of Europe’s large vacationer sights, this comes as no shock. In regular occasions, I’d advocate visiting right here within the shoulder months of Oct/Nov and April/Might. It’s nonetheless heat sufficient in these months to do enjoyable issues, and sufficient eating places will probably be open to ensure you be properly fed.
Completely keep away from visiting the Amalfi in July/Aug in any respect value. Not solely will costs be 2x increased, however the sheer quantities of vacationers will be sure that you see nothing with out large crowds. Not my model.
In whole, this itinerary is anybody that has a few week to 2 weeks of time. In fact this itinerary may be shortened or lengthened relying in your schedule. I visited the next areas on this itinerary
- Naples
- Pompeii
- Capri
- Positano
- Praiano
- Ravello
- Amalfi
- Vietri Sul Mare
- Salerno
If these locations ring a bell and sound just like the locations you need to go to, that is the right itinerary for you! Notice that I visited virtually each city on the Amalfi coast so the record of cities is definitely a lot larger than the above. It’s because there is just one essential highway and it goes by means of each city. It’s easy to only cease off at a village, stroll round for an hour or two, and depart.
get across the Amalfi Coast?
One of many essential issues I struggled with in planning this journey was whether or not to hire a automotive or not. Whereas visiting the remainder of Italy, I all the time opted for a automotive to highway journey by means of the countryside. Puglia and Sicily have been prime examples the place this was an incredible expertise.
The Amalfi coast nevertheless, isn’t so straight ahead with regards to planning this. The Amalfi coast itself is definitely fairly small. From Salerno to Sorrento is barely 100km or so which isn’t actually highway journey materials.
Do you want a automotive on the Amalfi Coast?
To place it merely, having a automotive would make your life simpler with regards to being spontaneous. Nevertheless, the caveat is that the long-lasting Amalfi coast highway with its spectacular views is a one lane, gradual, site visitors ridden affair. If there’s any accident in any respect, you might be backed up for hours. Couple that with the actual fact you’re visiting small villages alongside the best way, and truly discovering parking is a problem in itself.
Do you must have a automotive? The reply is not any. The general public transportation system is enough sufficient to get from city to city.
Take the buses within the Amalfi Coast
The buses are the easiest way to get across the space. From Salerno or Sorrento, you possibly can take a bus to go to all of the highlights of the Amalfi coast. From Positano or Sorrento, you may also take ferries to Capri.
The buses are considerably frequent throughout the excessive seasons however count on to have longer waits throughout low seasons. Even so, if you happen to’re staying in a smaller city like Praiano, these buses don’t run as usually. Buses can get fairly packed throughout the summers and it’s not unusual to have to attend for the following bus.
Lease a scooter within the Amalfi
My favourite approach to get across the Amalfi (and actually wherever in Europe) is by way of scooter. Vespas are as Italian as Parmesan and is the lifestyle right here. Nevertheless, count on to pay insane costs for scooters within the Amalfi coats since it’s so vacationer centric. A rental for the standard scooter (not a Vespa) averages someplace between €50-60 a day which is simply madness. Absolute madness.
This can be a full rip off by any stretch of the creativeness however it is advisable put together for excessive costs within the Amalfi Coast. In case you rented a scooter for 2 weeks or extra, you might simply outright purchase the rattling factor. Having simply been within the Greek islands for 2 months previous to coming to Italy, I used to be so used to (and spoiled) by the scooter costs there that are even nonetheless outrageously costly in comparison with someplace like Indonesia. However, even by Amalfi requirements, I feel the €50-60 a day is only a pure rip off contemplating you might hire a automotive for cheaper.
However, I don’t suppose you want a scooter the whole time you’re right here. For probably the most half, if you happen to hire it for a day or two, it will likely be sufficient to see many of the space. I rented it for 2 days and it was greater than sufficient to cruise by means of many of the Amalfi Coast.
Full Itinerary
This itinerary begins in Naples, the beginning place of pizza. In fact Naples isn’t part of the Amalfi coast however it’s the nearest airport. As well as, Naples is the pizza capital of the world so why not begin off your journey gorging on the very best pizzas Italy can supply?
From Naples, I took a ferry to the attractive and opulent island of Capri. To be sincere, I hadn’t actually deliberate to go to Capri and solely modified my plans after realizing how shut it was to Naples. Capri appeared like an elitist and flashy island that I wasn’t certain I would love. Properly it’s that in case you are searching for it however it’s so rather more. I used to be pleasantly stunned after visiting!
From Capri, I took a ferry to Positano. I skipped Sorrento as individuals instructed us that I wasn’t lacking a lot particularly in comparison with the remainder of the Amalfi. From Positano, it is a good base to discover the close by cities and go on epic hikes (extra on that later). After staying just a few nights round Positano, the following space to discover was the world across the city of Amalfi and particularly Ravello.
Ravello got here extremely advisable to me and it didn’t disappoint. Lastly, From Ravello, the final keep was in Vietri Sul Mare on the jap finish of the Amalfi coast. From right here, it’s near Salerno, an even bigger city with trains again to Naples for the flight dwelling.
Day 1-4: Naples
The itinerary begins in Naples! Upon touchdown, it was straight to discover the outdated city and eat on the numerous pizzerias the town has to supply.
Naples was a really central a part of the Italian empire, dwelling to merchants from everywhere in the world. There may be a number of historical past and sights to see in Naples so I’d advocate taking one of many free strolling excursions on supply.
Whereas the town isn’t as picturesque and iconic as different Italian cities, it has that old skool appeal in its personal approach. However, you’re not right here to revel at stunning alleyways and views (that’s what the remainder of the itinerary is for). You’re right here as a result of it’s important to fly into this metropolis, and naturally to eat pizza.
Neapolitan pizza was the unique pizza. It’s additionally the very best kind of pizza for my part. The pizza is gentle, fluffy, and served with the best high quality elements. Make sure that to go to a number of the well-known pizzerias like Sorbillo, Antica Michele, and extra. As well as, no journey to Naples is full with out attempting the well-known Sfogliatelle dessert which ranks close to my high of greatest desserts on this planet.
I wrote a put up that goes in depth of all of the issues to see and eat in Naples.
Day journey to Pompeii
From Naples, a preferred day journey is a go to to Mount Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii. In case you bear in mind your historical past classes, Pompeii was the village on the base of the large volcanic eruption throughout historic occasions.
These days, the ruins of Historic Rome are preserved extremely properly. I had no concept how grand the restorations of Historic Pompeii have been. It jogged my memory of visiting the Roman ruins in Tunisia however on a a lot bigger scale.
From Naples central station, you possibly can take a neighborhood prepare to Pompeii. This prepare is roughly 1 hour and can take you to Pompeii central station the place you possibly can stroll to the ruins in 10 minutes. Positively one of many highlights!
Day 4-6: Capri Island
After an exquisite three days in Naples, it’s time to go to the following place, Capri Island! Capri island is a 1 hour ferry trip away from Naples. It might simply be visited on a day journey however when you’ve got sufficient time, then I’d extremely advocate staying just a few nights.
Notice that Capri might be one of the vital costly islands in Italy. It’s all the time been often called an higher class hangout, even from centuries in the past. However, costs right here gained’t be a lot completely different than if you happen to have been coming from London or an enormous metropolis within the US. Simply be ready to begin doling out the money after spending little or no in Naples.
Capri (pronounced kah-pri and never just like the Capri from Caprisun juices) is an island that provides a panorama of untamed magnificence sculpted by wind, jagged mountains, and large boulders. The pure panorama of this island is nothing in need of beautiful and you’ll discover it from the ferry trip.
The island is legendary for its historic villas, completely manicured gardens, quaint buildings, and the Blue Grotto.
Capri vs Anacapri
Capri Island is comparatively small. It’s solely a half hour or so from one finish to the opposite by automotive. For many vacationers, you’ll probably keep in the principle Capri city or Anacapri on the hill. Each cities are pretty with their very own charms. I stayed in Anacapri in an exquisite mattress and breakfast with beautiful views of the island. From Anacapri, it’s nearer to the Blue Grotto by bus.
I solely had two nights in Capri nevertheless, and I discovered myself spending most of my time in Capri as a number of the well-known sights are close to to that city. Whereas it’s only a 20 minute bus trip between the 2 cities, the buses should not tremendous frequent.
If in case you have a number of time, you gained’t be dissatisfied in staying in both city. Throughout the excessive seasons, the city of Capri can turn into extraordinarily busy so if you wish to have extra peace and quiet, then keep in Anacapri.
Taking the buses in Capri
Capri is an especially costly island to get round by automotive. The taxis are fairly loopy costly. I paid €25 for a trip from the ferry terminal to Anacapri. Taxis are additionally not available as you’ll must name them beforehand.
The buses are the most typical approach to get across the island. They run considerably steadily throughout the excessive season months and join the island fairly properly. The Anacapri to Capri bus is the most typical however there are additionally buses from Anacapri to the Blue Grotto and extra. The bus fare is €2 per trip and €2.50 if you are going to buy on the bus. There may be additionally an extra cost if you happen to deliver baggage.
However, be sure to get conversant in the bus routes as this will probably be your solely approach round until you need to spend tons of of euros on taxis, scooters, or automotive leases.
Go to the quite a few sights of Capri
Capri is simply beautiful. The views from Anacapri are ridiculous. There are a ton of issues to see in Capri and do I’d advocate staying at the very least 3 nights. Two nights was merely not sufficient.
For starters, simply stroll round the principle city of Capri and soak in all the attractive buildings and views. From Capri city, you possibly can stroll to the well-known Gardens of Augusto the place you possibly can soak in much more stunning views of the ocean and surrounding rocks. There are additionally quite a few bars and eating places right here with beautiful views the place you possibly can have a scrumptious aperitivo (put together to spend some huge cash although).
From Capri city, take the 30 minute stroll to Villa Lysis which is likely one of the most picturesque and iconic villas within the island. I feel the views and movie alternatives listed below are unmatched. Additionally go to the Arco Naturele close by which is a large rock arch with views of the turquoise waters beneath.
In the summertime months, I’d extremely advocate a ship tour across the island that visits the Blue Grotto and different sights.
Day 6-9: Praiano and Positano
After an exquisite few nights in Capri, it was time to lastly begin the Amalfi coast itinerary. Most itineraries I’ve seen on-line skip out on Capri focusing totally on Naples and the Amalfi coast, however I’m undecided why Capri isn’t included on this.
You possibly can see Capri from a number of the cities within the Amalfi coast.
Ferry from Capri to the Amalfi Coast
From Capri, there are common day by day ferries from the island to the completely different cities on the coast. The primary harbors on the coast are Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi City. As I selected to skip Sorrento as a result of time constraints, I took the ferry straight to Positano.
The ferry trip is nice and you’ll see the define of Capri Island in the midst of the ocean the whole approach. As you strategy Positano, it’s completely beautiful.
Positano City
Positano is maybe probably the most well-known, photographed, Instagrammed, and common place on the coast. The long-lasting photographs of the attractive little homes on the mountain overlooking the Mediterranean is all right here on show.
It’s possible that you just’ll be visiting Positano regardless of the place you keep within the Amalfi Coast.
There aren’t a complete lot of should see vacationer sights in Positano. Your complete city is one. Simply stroll by means of the streets and alleyways, reveling in how beautiful the mountain and ocean panorama is. While you’re executed, chill out on the seashore which is okay but it surely’s not going to wow you or have an Aperitivo. There are some superb locations to have drinks and likewise take that iconic picture of the city. My favourite of those are most likely the eating places on By way of Cristiforo Columbo.
The city isn’t large and can take you possibly half-hour to 1 hour to see most of it. The city is actually inbuilt a mountain facet so if you wish to see all of it by foot, be ready to climb many stairs. The costs in Positano are very costly as you’d count on so price range accordingly. If you need a less expensive meal, cease in at one of many delis the place you will get recent and scrumptious paninis made.
You should have no scarcity of picture alternatives right here!
Path of the Gods Hike
Probably the most common actions alongside the Amalfi Coast is the completely beautiful Path of the Gods hike. This additionally occurs to be one of the vital well-known mountaineering routes in the entire of Italy and it’s simple to know why, given the improbable panoramas that await.
This hike got here extremely advisable to me from quite a few people and after seeing photographs, I needed to do it myself. It’s a hike that begins within the village of Nocelle close by to Positano, ending at Bomerano.
From Positano, you possibly can take a bus to Nocelle to start your hike, or simply hike from the principle highway outdoors of Positano. The Path of the Gods hike will take you to the highest of the mountain which supplies you the very best views of the area. The entire route lasts round two hours and passes by means of a lush, inexperienced hillside with scattered vineyards alongside the best way.
In case you really feel like actually killing your self and are staying in Praiano, do what I did which is to begin my hike in Praiano, climbing over 1,000 meters to the highest of the mountain the place the Path of the Gods hike started. This hike took me three hours to complete and was some severe elevation.
If you wish to begin on the opposite facet, you will want to take Sita buses leaving from Amalfi, ask the motive force for the cease Bomerano. From there observe the highway indicators that can take you on the entrance of the trail. The Path of the Gods can be reached from Praiano however it’s important to face a protracted flight of steps to go from sea stage to 580 meters excessive to the go of Colle Serra.
The views listed below are breathtaking. I significantly liked the world that overlooks Positano. As touristy as Positano is, the views are simply too good.
Day 9-12: Ravello and Amalfi
From Positano and Praiano, I took the SITA bus with my baggage to my subsequent vacation spot in Ravello. Positioned excessive up on the mountains, Ravello was considered one of my favourite stops alongside the Amalfi coast.
The city has a really peculiar historical past: it was based barely behind the coast, on a hill, as a protected harbour towards the barbarians. After the barbarian invasions, Ravello has turn into an important city within the Republic of Amalfi.
Ravello has additionally been a well-known vacation spot for artists, writers and musicians, like M.C Escher, Richard Wagner, Greta Garbo, Gore Vidal, Truman Capote, Leonard Bernstein and Virginia Woolf.
Attending to Ravello from Positano
From Positano or Praiano, you will want to catch the SITA bus to the city of Amalfi. Right here you’ll switch to a different bus that goes to Ravello. This bus will take roughly 40 minutes or so traverse the winding landscapes up the mountain.
Simply do not forget that with a view to buy the SITA bus tickets, you’ll must buy them on the Tobacco outlets (so Italian). In fact, you additionally must time it accurately as a result of these locations all the time shut down for nap time within the afternoon. You can not purchase tickets on the bus.
Amalfi City
The city of Amalfi which is true in the midst of the Amalfi coast is the a preferred center vacation spot for individuals. There isn’t a lot to see on this city that I discovered. The city sq. is the place all of the vacationer sights are and it’s stuffed with principally overpriced and mediocre vacationer entice eating places.
I did discover a very good view level on the outskirts of city that allowed for some superb photographs to be taken nevertheless!
What to do in Ravello
Ravello doesn’t get as a lot love as the opposite cities on the Amalfi coast however there may be lots to see right here.
The primary attraction on the town is firstly simply to stroll round admire the outdated buildings and improbable views. The most well-liked attraction in Ravello is surely Villa Rufolo.
one of the vital stunning and well-known architectural complexes in Ravello. It was constructed by the Rufolo household, one of the vital highly effective households within the Medieval interval, consists in numerous buildings: the constructing (XIII century), the tree-lined entrance, two towers, gardens, chapel and the Moorish courtyard.
Down the road is the equally as picturesque and well-known Villa Cimbrone. Clinging to the rocky ridge with the identical identify, was purchased within the first years of the twentieth century by Lord Grimthorpe who began intensive restoration works, entrusting them to Mr Nicola Mansi. From the Belvedere of Villa Cimbrone you possibly can take pleasure in one of many beautiful view of the Amalfi coast. The terrace with the seven marble statues overlooking the ocean is totally spectacular.
Staying in an incredible Airbnb in Ravello
I stayed in an incredible property in Ravello simply outdoors the principle city gates. It had an extremely breathtaking view of the ocean and an enormous deck that was good to take pleasure in that view with. It was additionally fairly inexpensive and really properly positioned.
There are additionally many extraordinarily luxurious villa model lodging in Ravello for people who need to splurge. The Caruso lodge is legendary
Day 12-15: Vietri Sul Mare
From Ravello, it was time to push east and the final cease on the journey could be the city of Vietri Sul Mare. Positioned close to to Salerno, that is the the jap boundary of the Amalfi Coast.
The city of Vietri sul Mare, thought of because the Medieval occasions the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, is located simply 3 km removed from Salerno and is considered one of the 13 Amalfi Coast villages. Vietri is taken into account to be the capital of inventive and conventional ceramics, that’s the reason, for generations, the inhabitants of this pretty seaside city have been producing treasured porcelain.
Between Amalfi and Vietri Sul Mare are just a few cities price exploring. Minori, Maori, Cetara, and Erchie are all a lot much less touristy however equally as charming cities. One of the best ways to do that is to hire a scooter in Vietri Sul Mare which is cheaper than the extra common cities like Positano, Praiano, or Amalfi.
Day by Day breakdown of my Amalfi Itinerary
Here’s a day-to-day breakdown of the Sicily itinerary. It’s fairly concerned every day so completely be at liberty to unfold it out over extra days when you’ve got the time!
Day 1: Land in Naples, discover Naples
Day 2: Full day in Naples
Day 3: Full day in Naples
Day 4: Naples to Capri within the morning
Day 5: Full day Capri
Day 6: Capri to Positano within the afternoon
Day 7: Positano/Praiano space
Day 8: Positano/Praiano space
Day 9: Positano/Praiano space to Ravello
Day 10: Ravello
Day 11: Ravello
Day 12: Ravello to Vietri Sul Mare
Day 13: Discover surrounding cities
Day 14: Discover surrounding cities
Day 15: Vietri Sul Mare to Salerno to Naples
Proceed Studying:
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