Top 10 Best Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast
Dreaming about an Italian getaway? Turn that dream into a reality this year with the ultimate trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. We know you've seen the photos of this incredible region all over social media, but besides taking photos and videos, what is there actually to do? If you're a fan of coastal Italian food, spritzes by the sea, and jaw dropping scenery, you've come to the right place. We’ve explored this area for weeks and through multiple trips to this beautiful area of Italy, we’ve found our must-dos! From the colorful cliffside homes to the iconic Blue Grotto, here are the best things to do on a bucket-list trip to Positano, Amalfi, and Capri.
1. Explore Amalfi Coast's Most Popular Town of Positano
One step into Positano, and you'll feel like you've walked into a postcard. The town, perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is like a beautiful painting’s come to life. Pastel-colored houses stacked haphazardly against the hill create a stunning backdrop for the crystal-clear waters below. As you walk through its narrow streets lined with boutiques selling everything from high fashion to local crafts, and cafes serving delicious Italian coffee, you'll feel like you're in a dream. Just be sure to bring your walking shoes - the stairs in the hills are unavoidable and are no joke!
2. Enjoy a Beach Day at Spiaggia Grande Beach in Positano
Spiaggia Grande is Positano's main beach and one of the liveliest along the Amalfi Coast. Here, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella and spend the day lounging by the sea, soaking up the Italian sun. The beach is lined with restaurants and bars, so you won't have to go far when you're hungry or need a refreshing drink. And when you need a break from the sun, you can take a dip in the cool, clear waters. Kick off your shoes, lay back and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. The views of the sea and towering cliffs are truly something else.
Pro tip? Book your chairs in advance! We always use this link to get the first or second row of chairs.
While there are other beaches and beach clubs in the area, this is the easiest one to get to by far and therefore the one we recommend most to those with only a few days in the Amalfi Coast.
3. Dine on Coastal Italian Goodness
The food in this region of Italy is nothing short of amazing. Fresh seafood, caught daily, is a staple in many dishes. Try the spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). If seafood isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options. The mozzarella in this region is incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the ripe tomatoes are unbelievably sweet. And don't forget about dessert - the gelato here is creamy and decadent, with flavors ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to locally sourced lemon and ricotta.
The photo above was from a yummy dinner we had at Ristorante Bruno in Positano! The food is fresh, the environment is casual, and the views are out of this world! It’s at the top of the cliffs, so if you’re already up that way, it’s absolutely worth it.
4. Day Trip to Amalfi and Ravello
Ferry over to Amalfi and Ravello to explore grand piazzas, winding streets and enjoy stunning coastal views. Amalfi is a charming small town with a beautiful cathedral and bustling piazzas. Here, you can shop local creations, high end designs, and art, enjoy a beach day, and munch of incredibly fresh seafood. Amalfi gets a little crowded during the day, so plan for crowds in the narrow streets. Ravello, on the other hand, is a quiet town perched high on the cliffs and known for its stunning gardens and incredible views of the coastline. It's just a short bus ride up from Amalfi.
The seafood cone pictured above, known as a “cuoppo” was from Pescheria Cica con Cucina Amalfi. We’ve had this twice over the years and always crave those salty delicious little anchovies and octopus! If you would have asked us before coming to Italy if we liked anchovies, the answer would have probably been a hard no, but since branching out in our Italian seafood tastes and trying everything possible, we’ve come to love these yummy little bites! Even if you consider yourself a picky eater, we highly recommend giving them a try. And yes, you eat them whole. Just don’t think about it too hard. We swear it’s good!
5. Visit Gorgeous Villas in Ravello
In Ravello, make sure to check out Villa Cimbrone. It’s known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the coastline. A truly serene escape from the hustle and bustle. The villa, which dates back to the 11th century, is now a hotel but the gardens are open to the public. As you wander through the rose gardens, past the statues and fountains, and out onto the Terrace of Infinity (a terrace lined with marble busts that offers an incredible view of the sea), you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
The Perfect 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Take only 5 PTO days to see the most stunning sites of Italy! Click here to check out our 10 Day Itinerary through the Amalfi Coast and Rome!
6. See the Iconic Blue Grotto in Capri
Capri is just a short 45-minute ferry ride from the heart of the Amalfi Coast. And the most famous destination in Capri? The Blue Grotto! This sea cave that gets its name from the blue light that filters into the cave through an underwater opening. This light illuminates the cave and makes the water appear a brilliant blue. It's a truly magical sight to see.
7. Take the Panoramic Chair lift in Anacapri
Anacapri is the highest town on the island of Capri and offers some of the best views of the island and the sea. You can take the Chair Lift Monte Solaro - Anacapri, the highest point on the island, for a panoramic view that will take your breath away. On a clear day, you can see as far as the mountains of Calabria.
If you’re scared of heights and being suspended, this might be a tough one for you. Andrew loved the experience, but I (Kait) was pretty terrified to be honest. I’m scared of bridges and being suspended from things like chair lifts and gondola lifts, and this was no different. It was a pretty breezy day and you could feel the bumps and breezes. It’s really not scary to the average visitor, but I want to be transparent for those with similar fears! The view at the top is absolutely worth it though. How often do you get to look down through the clouds at the seaside towns below? It’s worth it.
8. Enjoy Seafood with a Sea View
The Amalfi Coast is full of restaurants that not only serve great food but also offer stunning sea views. Whether you’re looking for traditional Italian fare or something more contemporary, you’re sure to find it here. In Positano especially, you can have an amazing meal while enjoying a stunning view of the sea.
Many restaurants in the town are perched on the cliffs and offer outdoor seating with a view, but we particular loved our meal (pictured above!) at Lo Guarracino! We went without reservations for an early lunch and they were able to seat us with an oceanside view, but we would highly recommend making reservations for a regularly timed lunch and especially for dinner.
Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast
Need hotel recommendations? We’ve rounded up the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a mid-range budget here! No 5-star sticker-shock but no hostel horrors, just quality recommendations for those on a mid-range budget.
9. Experience Italy's Aperitivo Culture
End your days with an aperitivo. Similar to a happy hour with a lot more chill, this Italian tradition involves having a pre-dinner drink, usually a cocktail or a glass of wine, accompanied by small snacks. It's a great way to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. And with the Amalfi Coast’s beautiful sunsets as a backdrop, it's the perfect end to a perfect day.
10. Take a Boat Tour Around the Amalfi Coast
Whether your budget includes a private boat and captain rental for the day or looks more like a group tour, a non-ferry boat trip is an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the coast! Make the tour reservations for sunset for a romantic spin or spend the entire day on a chartered boat for the chance to make some truly incredibly memories before you leave the region.