25 Best Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

If you are wondering what are the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast, you have come to the right place! I visited the Amalfi Coast on my honeymoon in July and it was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and unforgettable places I have ever been! Check out these 25 things to do in the Amalfi Coast!

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me standing in front of a sorrento sunset

Top Attractions


1. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)


Located in the main square of the Amalfi town, this is a 9th Century Roman Catholic Church with Arab-Norman, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. It’s dedicated to Saint Andrew, the Patron Saint of Amalfi, and has some of the oldest church doors in Italy. This is a beautiful place to tour and then grab a snack or drink in the buzzing courtyard out front.

  • Cost: Around 3-4 Euro
  • Opening Hours: 9am-6pm (times are seasonal)
  • Tip: Modest attire suggested, Shoulders and Knees covered
view of the amalfi cathedral

2. Stroll along Positano’s Pastel-Colored Houses


Positano is famous for it’s cliffside location, chic shopping scene, and incredible restaurants. Although it has gotten very touristy, this is still a must-visit for your trip to the Amalfi Coast. Take a day to stroll along the winding streets, stop at the little boutiques for some handmade leather sandals, ceramics or linen clothing, and sunbathe at the Spiaggia Grande.

view of pastel colored houses in Positano


3. Take a drive along the Amalfi Drive (SS163)


This is the famous road that connects all the towns of the Amalfi Coast, hugging the cliffside, it has unbelievable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea along the entire route. If you are brave, you can choose to rent a car or scooter and drive it yourself, but beware, it’s often called “the road with 1,000 bends” for good reason! If you have the budget, hiring a private driver is a great way to go since they know all the places to stop for photos. If you are on a budget, there are SITA buses that drive along the route, but they can get packed in high season.

Here’s a list of stops for your scenic drive:

  • Positano – postcard-perfect cliffs, boutiques, and beaches
  • Praiano – quieter town with coastal views and art installations
  • Fiordo di Furore – a tiny, hidden beach under a dramatic bridge
  • Conca dei Marini – stop for lemon groves or the Emerald Grotto
  • Amalfi town – visit the cathedral, stroll the waterfront
  • Atrani – a tiny, authentic fishing village
  • Ravello (via a short detour uphill) – for garden villas and sweeping views
  • End at Vietri sul Mare, known for hand-painted ceramics.

4. Explore Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

Ravello is a peaceful hilltop town that offers a great break from the crowds and a peaceful moment to enjoy the breaktaking gardens and overlooks in two historic villas.

  • Villa Rufolo: Open from 9am to 8pm (seasonal) and 7 Euro entry fee, it boasts Moorish architecture blended with 13th-century medieval style, and is famous for inspiring Richard Wagner, who imagined the villa as the setting for Klingsor’s garden in his opera Parsifal. Wander through and explore the upper terrace views and flowering garden paths.
  • Villa Cimbrone: Open 9am to sunset, 10 Euro entry fee, famous for The Terrace of Infinity (Terrazza dell’Infinito): a world-famous viewpoint lined with marble busts, offering one of the most dramatic panoramas in Italy. Go at sunset for the most magical view!

Unique Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

5. Take a Boat Tour to Capri

The island of Capri is a must-visit for it’s dramatic sea cliffs, the famous Blue Grotto, and luxurious boutiques and glamour. There’s a couple ways you can choose to visit Capri from the Amalfi Coast:

  • Private Boat Tour: ~€600–€1,200/day, most flexibility in stopping where you’d like and fully relaxing on the boat. Often provides drinks, snacks, and music
  • Small Group Tour: ~€120–€180 per person, enjoy a smaller boat with a group with still nice flexibility for stops and swimming
  • Ferry + Boat Combo: Most budget-friendly option: take a high-speed large ferry from Amalfi, Positano, or Salerno and then join a local boat tour once you get there. No need to book the boat tour in advance, there are tons of options available when you get off the ferry.

Tips:

  • Bring motion sickness meds as especially with the smaller boats you can get queasy.
  • Always ask if your tour includes the Blue Grotto as many don’t and it’s often weather dependent.
  • Be aware there’s also an extra entry fee of 18 Euros to enter the Blue Grotto on top of the price of your boat tour.
  • If you don’t want to take a boat you can also take a bus to the blue grotto entrance. Be aware lines can be very long and crowded especially during high season.
  • If you choose to skip the small boat and Blue Grotto all together, you can still very much enjoy Capri by taking the funicular up to Piazzetta di Capri for shopping, cafés, people-watching and visiting the Augustus Gardens.

6. Watch the Sunset from Priano

Priano is often overshadowed by the famous towns it lies between; Positano and Amalfi, but it is one not to be missed, especially at sunset. Priano is one of the few Amalfi Coast towns with unobstructed west-facing views, unlike Amalfi and Ravello, which face east or are shaded by cliffs. There are fewer tourists here too making it a more peaceful experience.

Best Places to watch the Sunset in Priano:

  • La Gavitella Beach: A hidden cove reached by a long staircase, you can swim or enjoy dinner at Cala Gavitella Beach Club
  • Church of San Gennaro (Chiesa di San Gennaro): located in a local piazza with beautiful views over the coast
  • Rooftop Bars & Restaurants like Il Pirata and Kasai

7. Visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

The Emerald Grotto is a fun quick stop (20-30 minutes) that you can make while near Amalfi, it’s a beautiful natural cave with a unique green hue created by sunlight passing through an underwater fissure. You can access from the road or from a boat tour.

inside the emerald grotto
  • Opening Times: 9am to 4pm
  • Cost: EUR 10 a person
  • May close due to adverse weather conditions
  • Best to visit on a sunny day with calm seas when the emerald light is brightest

8. Hike the Path of the Gods

This hike is maybe the most beautiful hike I’ve done in my entire life! This is must-do on your list of things to do in Amalfi. I would say I like the outdoors, but I’m not an intense adventurer and this hike was perfect for my husband and I. Easy to Moderate difficulty and about 3.7 miles, it can be completed in about 2-2.5 hours. You don’t even notice the difficulty in my opinion because you are so overtaken by the beauty of the landscape and coastline as you go. There’s also many feline friends along the way to keep you company!

  • Start early! Take a taxi or bus to Bomerano (starting point of the hike).
  • From Amalfi: 1 hr via Amalfi–Agerola bus or private taxi.
  • From Positano: You can also go via Amalfi or arrange direct transport to Bomerano.


9. Taste Limoncello!

Amalfi lemons — called “sfusato amalfitano” — are larger, sweeter, and more fragrant than typical lemons. Limoncello is the region’s speciality and is a must-try while you are in the region! Most little shops and restaurants have it as a digestif or you can try it in a delicious Limoncello Spritz on a hot day! If you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience you can also visit a lemon grove farm from booking the Amalfi Lemon Tour or this Vertical Lemon Farm Tour .

Hidden Gems and Off the Beaten Path


10. Discover the Fjord of Furore

The Fjord of Furore is a narrow, steep ravine where the mountains plunge directly into the sea, forming a small cove with emerald waters, rustic fisherman’s houses, and an arched bridge towering above. It’s located in between Amalfi and Praiano and there’s a tiny pebble beach that you can go for a swim. There’s also a small eco-museum on site, sharing the fjord’s history and the village’s connection to the sea. Be prepared to walk down about 200 steps from the road to get there.

the Fjord of Furore


11. Visit the medieval town of Atrani

Located just a 5–10 minute walk east of Amalfi, Atrani is easily accessible via a scenic pedestrian path along the coast or under the cliffside. It’s the only town on the Amalfi Coast that retains its original medieval layout, with a maze of narrow alleys, staircases, and vaulted passageways. This is a great place to venture and get lost in the labyrinth of stone stairways, arches, and shaded corridors. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many seaside trattoria’s and take a dip in the sea!

view of sunset from restaurant in Atrani


12. Relax at Minori and Maiori’s beaches

Maiori’s beach stretches for nearly 1 kilometer, making it the largest and most spacious beach on the entire coastline. There’s a variety of beach clubs to book a sunbed for the day and lots of restaurants along the promenade. You can then take the scenic “Path of the Lemon’s ” walk to Minori Beach, which is a 2.4 mile, 1.5 hour long walk with gorgeous views of the coastline. It can also be reached in 10 minutes by walking the main road. This beach offers a smaller, more intimate beach experience.


13. Explore the town of Cetara

Everyone’s got Amalfi and Positano on their bucket list, but if you’re looking for that real, unfiltered slice of the Amalfi Coast, you must visit Cetara. It’s a low-key fishing village tucked between cliffs and sea, and makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.

No crowds. No overpriced spritzes. Just fresh-off-the-boat seafood, charming locals, and that slow, dreamy vibe that makes you fall in love with Italy in the first place. Don’t forget to try the Spaghetti con colatura di alici – the village’s signature dish and Colatura di Alici, an amber-colored anchovy sauce, aged in chestnut barrels,

It’s located between Vietri sul Mare and Maiori, just east of Amalfi and is accessible from the main road or by ferry.

Cetara

14. Take a Cooking Class

One of the best ways to really get to know a place is through its food — and on the Amalfi Coast, there’s some incredible cooking classes that will have you go home feeling like a true Italian chef. From pasta-making with locals to cooking under lemon trees with a glass of wine in hand, here’s some of the best cooking classes in Amalfi:

  • Amalfi Heaven Gardens – After harvesting ingredients directly from the local garden, you will learn to make dishes like bruschetta, pasta, and stuffed zucchini flowers.
  • Ferdinando Cooking Class – learn to make authentic recipes like gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, and tiramisu.
  • Amalfi Historical Garden – offers lemon grove tours, wine and limoncello tastings, and cooking classes in their historical garden.
  • La Tagliata Cooking Class – Located above Positano, this is a warm and inviting class that has you cook local dishes while relaxing with music and wine
  • Nonna Rosa Cooking School – learn to cook authentic Neapolitan and Amalfi Coast dishes side by side with a Michelin star Chef in Sorrento
cooking chef aprons


Foodie Things to do in Amalfi Coast


15. Try fresh seafood pasta in Nerano

Nerano is a quiet cove tucked between Positano and Sorrento known for it’s incredible seafood. It’s located right on the water and is a fishing village so the seafood is as fresh as you can get! The restaurants here are unpretentious family-run trattorias where you can really eat like a local. Their signature dish is Spaghetti alla Nerano, a creamy, cheesy zucchini pasta. It’s a 30 minute drive from Sorrento or you can book a boat tour to take you there.

Beach at Nerano

Best places to eat in Nerano:

  • Lo Scoglio da Tommaso – Legendary and family-run, right on the beach. They helped put Spaghetti alla Nerano on the map.
  • La Taverna del Capitano – Michelin-starred but still grounded in local tradition.
  • Maria Grazia – Cozy and casual, credited with creating the first plate of Spaghetti alla Nerano in the 1950s.


16. Eat lemon sorbet served in a lemon

This delicious and refreshing Amalfi speciality is a must-eat for a hot day on the coast. Most gelateria’s will have them or even just local street vendors, just make sure they serve it inside a real scooped out lemon for the true experience and for the fun photo-op!

eating lemon sorbet served in a lemon


17. Visit a local pastry shop in Amalfi for sfogliatella

The sfogliatella (say it like sfoh-lee-ah-TELL-ah) is a golden, seashell-shaped pastry that crackles in your hands before it ever reaches your mouth. Its outer layers are razor-thin and crisped to perfection. Inside is a soft, creamy center — a blend of ricotta, orange and lemon zest, semolina, and cinnamon. Every bite is warm, sweet, and fragrant — a little crunchy, a little creamy, and completely unforgettable.

sfogliatella and espresso

There are two types:

  • Sfogliatella riccia – the flaky, lobster-tail-shaped original from Naples
  • Sfogliatella frolla – a softer, more cake-like version with a smoother crust

Find a local Pasticceria and ask for this speciality with a little shot of espresso for the true Amalfi experience!

18. Dine cliffside at a restaurant for sunset

I’ve never seen so many spectacular views than in my week on the Amalfi Coast. There’s no shortage of restaurants with incredible views, but here’s some of the very best along the Amalfi Coast:

dining at a restaurant overlooking the sea with a glass of white wine

Ristorante Il Refettorio – Monastero Santa Rosa (Conca dei Marini)

This Michelin-starred restaurant sits on the grounds of a former 17th-century monastery, now a luxury hotel.

Ristorante Da Adolfo – Laurito Beach (Positano)

Accessible only by boat (look for the red fish boat from Positano), Da Adolfo is a casual beachside gem known for grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves, fresh catch of the day, and chilled white wine with peaches.

Zass – Il San Pietro di Positano

Located inside the legendary luxury hotel Il San Pietro, Zass is a Michelin-starred cliffside restaurant with refined cuisine, elegant service, and serious wow factor.

La Sponda – Le Sirenuse Hotel (Positano)

Candlelit, romantic, and as iconic as it gets.

Ristorante Marina Grande (Amalfi)

The restaurant attached to a beach club in Amalfi, enjoy an amazing beachfront meal or grab a lounge chair for the day!

At Marina Grande restaurant


Seasonal & Local Events 


19. The Ravello Music Festival (summer)

Set in the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello, this music and art festival happens for about 2 months every summer to honor the German composer Richard Wagner who had visited Ravello and was inspired by the immense beauty. It features a wide range of musical, dance and art acts overlooking the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. Be sure to attend one of the early morning concerts in Ravello, where you can enjoy the sunrise accompanied by enchanting melodies.

incredible view of Villa Rufolo gardens


20. Festa di Sant’Andrea in Amalfi (June)

On June 27th, Amalfi comes alive with celebrations in honor of the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, who is the Patron Saint of Amalfi. There is a large procession through the streets carrying a silver and gold statue of the Saint and a famous tradition of running of the steps to the Cathedral. There’s also a wonderful fireworks show that night that is beautiful to observe over the Sea.


21. Lemon Festival in Vietri sul Mare’s Dragonea village (July)

Do you love lemons, limoncello, limoncello’s spritz, and lemon infused dishes of every kind you can imagine? Then you’ve got to schedule your next trip to Amalfi Coast around the Lemon Festival in Vietri sul Mare! Held over two days in mid-July, the Lemon Festival in Dragonea offers daytime indulgence in a variety of lemon-infused foods and drinks, transitioning into evenings filled with lively music and entertainment.”

lemons on a tree

22. Watch the MarMeeting, the High-Diving Competition off the Fjord of Furore  (July)

Every year on the 1st Sunday of July, spectators gather at the famous Fjord of Furore bridge or watch from boats on the water to see trained divers compete in a 30 meter high dive from the bridge. A very thrilling and fun event to attend if you are in Amalfi during the competition!

view of the bridge of the Marmeeting

The Most Relaxing Things to Do in Amalfi Coast

23. Enjoy a Beach Day at these best beaches on the Amalfi Coast:

  • Marina Grande, Positano: famous, popular, and quintessential Positano experience
  • Spiaggia Grande, Amalfi: lively beach in a popular town
  • Fiordo di Furore: A small unique beach nestled between cliffs with a famous bridge overhead
  • Maiori Beach: The longest beach with lots of space to stretch out
  • Vietri sul Mare Beach: Popular beach for families
  • Marina di Praia, Praiano: A beach in a small cove, not as touristy
  • Gavitella Beach, Praiano: great beach to watch the sunset
  • Santa Croce, Amalfi: Only accessible by boat, great to get away from crowds

24. Enjoy a Spa Day

Book some treatments and totally relax at one of these best spas in the Amalfi Coast:

woman getting a massage

25. Enjoy a coffee or drink at a charming Café

The Amalfi Coast is teeming with charming streets and cafe’s. Here’s some of the best to stop and rest your feet!

view from a cafe in the Amalfi square

Hope you have fun exploring these 25 best things to do on the Amalfi Coast!! If you are in Italy for longer check out my 10 day Italy Itinerary below!

 

 

 

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