The Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous destinations in Italy and its scenery is instantly recognisable. Made up of lots of towns and villages along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast has something for every traveller to enjoy. Here are just 7 things to do when visiting the Amalfi coast as part of your Italy tour.
Image by Andreas Precht from Pixabay
Visit Positano
When people think of the Amalfi Coast, it’s usually Positano that first springs to mind. The town’s jagged cliffs, colourful buildings and turquoise waters are iconic, making the town a must-see for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast.
In Positano, you can visit the Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful church with a domed roof or rent a sunbed on the Spiaggia Grande - Positano’s main beach. You can also explore the town’s narrow, winding streets, where you’ll find boutique stores and quirky souvenirs as well as plenty of places to grab a slice of pizza or a chilled glass of limoncello.
Explore the Fiordo di Furore
Another Amalfi icon, The Fiordo di Furore is nestled between two craggy rock faces spanned by a bridge, and is indisputably the region’s coolest looking beach. The Fiordi di Furore can’t be reached by vehicle and parking on the road above is limited, but there are alternatives, including taking the bus or visiting as part of a boat tour. With deep, clear waters, the pebbled beach is perfect for both sunbathing and swimming.
See the Emerald Grotto
Not to be mistaken with Capri’s blue grotto, The Emerald Grotto can be found in the village of Conca Dei Marini just outside Amalfi. Formed naturally over thousands of years, the cave would once have been above ground but has gradually filled with seawater over the centuries. When sunlight hits the water the cave becomes tinged with an awe-inspiring emerald colour that has to be seen to be believed.
You can access the Emerald Grotto by land or sea. There is a staircase down from the road and many of the local boat tour operators offer excursions to see this natural wonder.
Explore the Coastline on a Vintage Vespa
No Amalfi Coast trip would be complete without experiencing the drive along the SS163, also known as the Amalfi Coast Road. With hairpin turns and steep drop-offs toward the sea, this long, narrow stretch of road isn’t for the faint of heart but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’re sure to remember. You can experience the drive in true Italian style by renting a vintage Vespa or booking a guided tour with a driver, leaving you free to admire the stunning views.
Hike the Path of Gods
High above the towns of Positano and Praiano is the Path of the Gods or “Il Sentiero degli Dei.” According to legend, this is the path walked by the Greek gods in order to save Ulysses from the sirens in nearby Li Galli.
The Path of the Gods is now a world-famous hiking route popular with both Amalfi locals and tourists. The main stretch covers around 6.5 km (4 miles) between the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle, offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi coastline. Alternatively, you can join the path in Praiano (below Bomerano) or Positano (below Nocelle) but be aware that the towns are connected to the route by a steep staircase of over 1,500 steps, making it quite the climb!
Take a day trip to Pompei
There are very few people who haven’t heard of Pompeii - the entire Roman town that was buried under ash and lava by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. The excavated ruins are now a major tourist attraction and well worth a visit if you’re in the area. The good news is that Pompeii is only around an hour to two hours by car from most places on the Amalfi Coast. Best done as a full or half-day trip, the Pompeii ruins span a whopping 163 acres and most guided tours take a minimum of two hours. Be aware that the site gets incredibly busy during peak times, so you may want to visit out of season or book a private tour to skip the queue!