The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Italy. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 34-mile stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula is dotted with 13 picturesque towns, multicolored houses, and beautiful beaches, which make up the most amazing scenery.
Each city located along the Amalfi Coast has its unique charm and delightful array of attractions — from history-filled cathedrals to dramatic marine caves. Ravello, for instance, it’s known for its idyllic cliffside gardens, while Sorrento is praised for its amazing food scene (the city is the birthplace of Limoncello).
Is an Amalfi Coast trip on your bucket list? Then this guide will help you discover what are the top things to do and the best places to explore in this gorgeous Italian destination. We’ve included everything from indulging in boat rides with gorgeous views, scenic hikes, and jaw-dropping road trips along the coast. Have a look below to learn more!
Things To Do On The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Explore The History-Rich Amalfi Town
First stop? Amalfi — a beautiful town that gives the name to the area. Located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, along the long rocky coastline called the Amalfi Coast, this charming destination is more than just a pretty face: the city boasts a rich history, as it was one of the most powerful maritime republics in Italy.
Things to do in Amalfi include lounging on the local beaches (Spiaggia Grande and Duoglio Spiaggia) and exploring the town’s history-filled attractions. Some of the must-visit sites are the alluring Duomo di Sant’Andrea, aka the Amalfi Cathedral, which is home to a hidden cloister (Cloister of Paradise) featuring artful frescoes, and the fascinating Museo Della Carta, a paper museum that housed an authentic paper mill dating back to the 13th century.
Marvel At The Gardens of Ravello
Ravello is one of the most charming locations on the Amalfi Coast. Perched 1197 ft above the Tyrrhenian Sea, this hidden gem town spoils visitors and locals alike with the most heart-warming views of Italy’s glittering coastline.
One of the top things to do in Ravello includes visiting the city’s dreamy gardens, which are often considered the most beautiful in Italy. Be sure to check out the Villa Cimbrone Gardens, extensively renovated by a British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, in the early 20th century, and Villa Rufolo, dotted with exotic plant species.
While meandering through Ravello’s historic town, stop by the Piazza Duomo, home to an 11th-century church featuring two wonderful mosaics depicting the biblical history of Jonah and the Whale. Be sure to also visit the San Giovanni del Toro church, noted for its pulpit decorated with mosaics, Oriental pottery, and an Arabic script.
Take In The Romantic Atmosphere of Positano
Positano is often considered the most picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast. Its allure resides in jaw-dropping cliffside views, narrow streets lined with cute cafes, and pastel-hued houses that are simply a feast for sore eyes.
There are many ways to experience this achingly beautiful destination. You can go on a Positano boat tour to marvel at the town from the sea or go on a Vespa ride around the coast. Either way, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be rewarded with the most otherworldly landscapes in Italy.
Feeling adventurous? Then hit the Path of the Gods Trail (starts in Positano and ends in Bomerano), which is 4.7 miles long providing and offers the most pristine views of the Amalfi Coast.
And whether you plan to visit Positano for a day or a week, don’t pass up the opportunity to explore the church of Santa Maria Assunta, which boasts a gorgeous dome of majolica tiles and a Byzantine icon of a black Madonna.
Go On A Boat Tour of Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave)
The Emerald Grotto is a sight to behold. Located in the village of Conca dei Marini, just off the Amalfi Coast, this small karst caved was shaped by mother nature over the millennia and gradually filled with seawater. Aside from dramatic geological formations, what makes the grotto one of the top attractions in Amalfi is the magical emerald-hued color that fills in the place when the sunlight filters through.
There are several Amalfi Coast boat tours that reach the Emerald Grotto, with boats departing daily from the Pennello pier in Amalfi.
Discover Capri’s Idyllic Blue Grotto
Situated on the coast of the island of Capri, Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura) leaves visitors in absolute awe. This natural sea cave is 60 meters long and 25 meters wide, and it’s flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light, which comes from two sources: a narrow arched entranceway, and an aperture approximately directly below it.
Aboard a wooden rowboat, passengers are carried through a tiny stone portal and enter this fairy-tale sea cave, where they’ll marvel at natural rock formations lit by an azure blue light. A bucket-list experience on any Amalfi trip!
Curious fact: During Roman times, the grotto was used as the personal swimming hole of Emperor Tiberius as well as a marine temple.
Recommended Read: 6 Best Things To Do In Capri, Italy
Soak Up The Sun In The Marina Grande Beach
Capri is a short day trip from the Amalfi Coast, and home to one of the area’s most spectacular beaches: the Marina Grande beach. Located on the northern shore of the island, Marina Grande boasts turquoise waters that are shallow and perfect for a refreshing summer dip. Absolutely stunning!
Go For A Refreshing Swim In The Baths of Queen Giovanna
Set along the rocky cliffs of Capo di Sorrento, the Bagni Regina Giovanna is a place where history and natural beauty collide. Named after Giovanna d’Angiò, a 14th-century queen from Naples, the baths consist of an emerald pool of seawater enclosed by limestone cliffs and a rocky beach. After a restoring swim in this natural pool, you can lounge on the beach, or explore the ancient ruins of a Roman villa that are located nearby.
Drink Limoncello in Sorrento
No matter how many days you plan to spend visiting Amalfi Coast, make sure to enjoy a gastronomic experience in Sorrento. Known for its amazing food, the Sorrento Peninsula is also the birthplace of Limoncello, a refreshing lemon liqueur served as an after-dinner digestive.
Around this area, you’ll also find plenty of breezy restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood dishes. A must-eat is the spaghetti alle vongole of TavernAllegra.
Also, don’t pass up the chance to sample the hearty gnocchi alla sorrentina, in La Cantinaccia del Popolo, and the hand-braided fresh mozzarella (treccia mozzarella) at Il Borgo Restaurant.
No Amalfi Coast tour would be complete without food!
Go On A Scenic Amalfi Coast Road Trip
Road Tripping Along the Amalfi Coastline is one of the best ways of uncovering the show-stopping landscapes of the Italian Riviera. Considered one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal drives, the route spoils travelers with stunning views of colorful villages, rocky cliffs, majestic beaches, olive groves, and terraces of lemon trees.
Have some extra time up your sleeve? Then a good idea is to spend a day or two in each of the main Amalfi towns (Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento). That way, you’ll be able to fully take in the beauty, culture, and history of these charismatic cities.
FAQ Amalfi Coast Things To Do
Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting?
Yes. Filled with historic villages, and idyllic beaches, the scenic Amalfi Coast is definitely worth visiting.
What are the best things to do on the Amalfi coast?
The 9 best things to do on the Amalfi Coast:
- Explore The History-Rich Amalfi Town;
- Marvel At The Gardens of Ravello;
- Take In The Romantic Atmosphere of Positano;
- Go On A Boat Tour Of The Emerald Cave;
- Discover Capri’s Idyllic Blue Grotto;
- Soak Up The Sun In The Marina Grande Beach;
- Go For A Refreshing Swim In Baths of Queen Giovanna;
- Drink Limoncello in Sorrento;
- Go On A Scenic Amalfi Coast Road Trip.
How many days do you need on the Amalfi coast?
While a week is ideal to explore the beautiful towns of the Amalfi coast, plan to spend at least 3 days in the area.
Is there a lot to do on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. The Amalfi Coast area rewards visitors with an endless array of experiences and attractions, which include everything from boat tours to visiting historic sites and exploring local beaches.
What is the Amalfi Coast famous for?
Considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy, the Amalfi coast is known for its seaside towns, dramatic cliffs, and beaches.
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