Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Amalfi Coast

Planning Your Visit

What route should I take on the Amalfi Coast?

It depends on your preferences. If you’re interested in artistic, historical, and cultural heritage, the Amalfi Coast offers many monuments that will inspire wonder and fascination. If nature is your passion, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the Lattari Mountains that overlook the Divine Coast, featuring numerous trekking trails with breathtaking panoramas, starting with the famous Path of the Gods.

How to travel around the Amalfi Coast?

Public transportation is preferable to driving since the SS163 road is winding and challenging for inexperienced drivers. Additionally, parking is scarce and expensive when available in summer. The bus service is very efficient with excellent drivers. Another stress-free option is using a car rental with driver service. You can also use ferry services that connect the coastal ports with the provincial capital, offering the evocative experience of seeing the coast exactly as ancient mariners did.

How do you reach the Amalfi Coast?

By car: The SS163 connects all Amalfi Coast towns. Consider the coast’s length and determine your destination first (from Vietri sul Mare to Amalfi, take SS163 from Salerno; from Positano to Praiano, take it from Sorrento).
By train: The best solution is reaching Salerno station and taking SITA buses or ferries.
By plane: The nearest airports are Naples-Capodichino or Salerno-Pontecagnano.

How to visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget?

The Amalfi Coast cannot be very economical due to strict landscape protection laws requiring most structures to have fewer than fifteen rooms. However, you can save money by choosing hotels with competitive prices, opting for B&Bs and vacation rentals, shopping where locals shop, and avoiding high season.

Getting Around

How to get around the Amalfi Coast without a car?

You can use SITA buses which offer good service, or in summer, ferries. Both provide efficient transportation between coastal towns.

Do I need a car to get around the coast?

It’s not essential thanks to SITA buses, but it offers more freedom. Be aware of narrow roads, heavy traffic, and limited, expensive parking (€5-15/hour). Some hotels offer free transfers to bus stops. Comfortable alternatives include seasonal ferries connecting main towns by sea (April-October) and private car services for those seeking maximum comfort without driving stress.

What to Do and See

What can you do on the Amalfi Coast?

Visit the remarkable historical and artistic heritage, discover wonderful trails between sky and sea if you enjoy trekking, take boat trips (many companies rent boats with skippers or offer organized tours), enjoy beautiful beaches and water sports, appreciate Campanian gastronomy in numerous restaurants, and shop for local artisan souvenirs.

What can you visit on the Amalfi Coast? What to see in 7 days on the Amalfi Coast?

A week allows you to see the most important attractions:

Day 1: Amalfi and nearby Atrani with beach time
Day 2: Path of the Gods trekking
Day 3: Ravello and its monumental villas (morning), Roman villa in Minori with beach stop
Day 4: Emerald Grotto visit, Furore Fjord beach, and/or boat trip
Day 5: Positano visit with beach time
Day 6: Trekking from Positano to Monte Pertuso or Monte Comune for two-gulf views
Day 7: Vietri sul Mare ceramics shopping and Salerno visit

What not to miss on the Amalfi Coast?

Every corner of the Divine Coast deserves a visit. If forced to choose, Amalfi is a must-see stop. Positano and Ravello are highly recommended. A boat trip using local specialized operators is essential. If you enjoy trekking, the Path of the Gods with its splendid panoramas is mandatory.

What to do in 4 days on the Amalfi Coast?

Day 1: Amalfi and nearby Atrani with beach time
Day 2: Path of the Gods trekking
Day 3: Ravello and its monumental villas (morning), Roman villa in Minori with beach stop
Day 4: Emerald Grotto visit and Positano with beach time

Accommodation

Where to sleep on the Amalfi Coast spending little?

Among hotels, Hotel Europa offers very affordable prices, or you can opt for B&Bs and vacation rentals.

Where is the best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

If the purpose is sightseeing, the best location is the territory’s center: Amalfi, Atrani, or Minori. Each Divine Coast location has its peculiarities:

Positano or nearby Praiano (more economical): for a worldly vacation
Amalfi or Atrani: to live in the historic and artistic center of the ancient maritime republic
Ravello: for coastal panoramas or classical music lovers
Small villages: for relaxation
Near the sea: for swimming and water sports

What are the Amalfi Coast municipalities?

There are 13 municipalities: Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Atrani, Amalfi, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Praiano, Furore, Conca dei Marini, Positano. Agerola should be added as it belongs geographically to the Amalfi Coast but administratively to the province of Naples.

Costs

How much does a house cost on the Amalfi Coast?

To buy? Very expensive! Prices are very high and variable depending on potential tourist use.

How much does it cost to rent a house in Amalfi?

It depends on the property: a small apartment differs from a villa with pool, sea view, and large garden. It also depends on the season.

How much does an Amalfi Coast vacation cost? How much do you spend for a week on the Amalfi Coast?

It depends on the period, structure, and available promotions:

Low season week: €450 (2-star hotel) to €4,000 (high-end hotel)
High season week: €1,450 (2-star hotel) to €6,150 (high-end hotel)

Beaches and Sea

What are the most beautiful beaches?

Furore: spectacular fjord but very small
Marina di Praia: less crowded, evocative
Maiori: largest and well-equipped
Castiglione (Ravello): panoramic and peaceful
Marina di Cetara: authentic, frequented by locals

Are beaches free?

Many beaches have paid beach establishments (€15-40 for umbrella and loungers). Free beach areas exist but are often small and crowded. Some coves are only accessible by sea.

Is the sea clean?

Yes, water quality is generally excellent. Water quality is certified by ARPAC analyses, the regional agency responsible for water control. Waters are crystal clear, especially in small coves and away from populated areas.

Food and Dining

What are the typical dishes to try?

Scialatielli with seafood, spaghetti with clams, limoncello, sfogliatelle, pastiera, Cetara anchovy essence, Agerola fiordilatte cheese, Vesuvius piennolo tomatoes.

How much do you spend on food?

A quick lunch costs €15-25, dinner at a mid-range restaurant €35-50 per person with wine. Luxury panoramic restaurants can cost €80-150 per person. Pizzerias are more economical (€12-20).

Is it necessary to book restaurants?

In high season and weekends it’s strongly recommended, especially for panoramic and starred restaurants. For quick lunches or evening pizzerias, you can often find space without reservation.

Excursions and Activities

What excursions can you do?

Path of the Gods (trekking), Valley of the Mills, Capri trip, boat tours along the coast, Pompeii/Vesuvius visits, limoncello tastings, cooking classes, lemon terrace excursions.

Is the Path of the Gods difficult?

It’s a medium-difficulty trek, 8 km long, requiring 3-4 hours. Suitable for those with minimal fitness. Bring trekking shoes, water, and hat. The view is spectacular but there are exposed sections.

Can you visit Capri in a day?

Yes, there are regular ferry connections from Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno. The journey takes 20-40 minutes. Capri deserves a full day: Villa San Michele, Gardens of Augustus, Blue Grotto, Anacapri.