With its rugged plunging cliffs, pastel-colored houses, secluded golden bays, and blissful seafront location, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most fashionable vacation destinations in Italy. Incredibly popular among honeymooners, this 30-mile stretch of coastline is the perfect place to leave your troubles behind and enjoy life at a slower pace.
From achingly beautiful hikes and legendary road trips to stunning historic towns and exclusive beach clubs, you’ll never be stuck for what to do on the Amalfi Coast.
When you’re full of energy, you can trek to the top of mountains for unparalleled views or go on exciting boat trips that travel into the heart of mysterious caves. Then when you need to unwind, you can head for the nearest golden sandy beach or sit down in a small cafe and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the region.
With such a great choice of things to see and do, you may not know where to start. To help you out, we’ve created a list of the absolute best things to do on the Amalfi Coast. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Amalfi Coast bucket list and get ready to explore one of the most dazzling parts of Italy!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to do on the Amalfi Coast
1. Hike along the Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods is one of the best and most rewarding hikes on the Amalfi Coast. It starts at Bomberano and ends in Nocelle (or vice versa), covering a track of around four miles. It takes 2 to 2.5 hours to finish and is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for people of most fitness levels.
The hike follows a clifftop trail, which treats you to dazzling coastal views along the way. You’ll also see cliff faces covered in terraces and vineyards that have been carved into the hillside. You may even bump into a donkey – the preferred way for local farmers to carry their produce up and down the hill.
Our best tip for you is to start the hike directly in Bomberano or Nocelle. If you begin below one of these villages, you’ll have to climb up 1,500 steep steps before you even get started! The easiest way to do this is to catch a local bus into one of the villages.
2. Chill out at the Arienzo Beach Club
One of the coolest things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to head to Positano and spend the day at the trendy Arienzo Beach Club. This remote beach is hidden away in a secret cove you can only access via boat. The extra effort is always worth it for the chance to relax and enjoy being pampered in one of the most exclusive beach clubs in the area.
The tiny pebble beach is blanketed in orange sunbeds and umbrellas. Choose your spot, and the servers will bring over ice-cold limoncello and tropical cocktails throughout the day to keep you cool.
Spots are limited, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance. There are several packages to choose from, which include transfers to and from the beach, food, drinks, and use of a sunbed, towel, and umbrella. There are many different options, so you can make your experience as lavish or as simple as you like!
3. Watch a firework display on the beach at Festa dell’Assunta
If you’re planning your trip for the middle of the summer, try and time it so you can attend one of the best Amalfi Coast activities – Festa dell’Assunta. This annual festival is held each year on August 15 in Positano, and it’s like a huge party that everyone’s invited to.
A replica of the Byzantine statue of the Madonna and Child is temporarily removed from the Santa Maria Assunta church and taken to the sea as part of a religious ceremony. After the procession, there’s a giant fireworks display, followed by live music played on the beach.
Groups of locals head to the beach early and have their own private parties with plenty of food and drink. If you want to party like a local, do the same! For something a little quieter, wander around the local churches, which are usually decorated for the event.
To make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the celebration, the public transport service offers additional buses and extends their timetables on the nights of August 14 and 15.
4. Take a scenic road trip
The Amalfi Coast is one of the best places in the world to go on a road trip – if you’re brave enough! The views are incredible, but in order to see them, you need to drive along remarkably narrow lanes, go up shockingly steep hills, and deal with wild drivers.
If you’re up for the hair-raising challenge, we suggest you go all out on a classic car or an old Vespa and journey through the Amalfi Coast in style.
The road between Amalfi and Agerola is one of our favorites. This route gives you some stunning views of Praiano. There are also several places to stop along the way to take pictures. You’ll find one of the absolute best viewpoints at Conca dei Marini, shortly after the Belvedere Hotel.
Parking along the most scenic roads on the Amalfi Coast is incredibly limited. So if you’re looking for somewhere to stop and you see an empty spot, pull into it right away!
5. Wander around the historic town of Sorrento
For some of the best sights on the Amalfi Coast, take a trip to Sorrento. This small town in the north of the region is well-known for its magnificent scenery, charming buildings, and breathtaking coastal walks.
You can spend hours here simply wandering around. Find the 11th-century cathedral and step inside to witness the extraordinary artwork, admire the artifacts on display inside the Correale Museum, or take a gentle stroll around one of Sorrento’s many beautiful parks.
Sorrento’s coastline is a great place to go swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You’ll find a number of watersport kiosks dotted along the seafront if you don’t have your own equipment.
If you need a little boost, pop into a local bar and order a glass of limoncello. While Sorrento relies almost entirely on tourism, it’s also one of Italy’s finest limoncello producers. The sweet citrusy drink is just what you need after a long day on the road and exploring.
6. Discover the best mozzarella in the world
The mozzarella di bufala that you get on the Amalfi Coast is unlike any other mozzarella in the world. It’s made from the milk of a water buffalo and has a uniquely smooth, rich, and slightly zesty taste with an incredibly juicy, creamy texture you won’t be able to get enough of.
This type of cheese has had a protected trademark since 1993, meaning Naples is the only place in the world that can produce the official stuff. Naples is just a short drive away from the Amalfi Coast and ships huge quantities of freshly-produced mozzarella di bufala to the region every single day.
The best way to enjoy mozzarella di bufala is to have it as an appetizer along with some prosciutto. You can determine the quality of the cheese by how much milk comes out when you cut it. If milk gushes out, the cheese is fresh and is of excellent quality.
This dish is so popular that you’ll find it on practically every single restaurant menu on the Amalfi Coast.
7. Spend the day at Furore Beach
When all the Amalfi Coast sightseeing gets to be too much for you, spend a lazy day at Furore Beach. One of Italy’s many hidden gems, this beach is tucked away in the town of Furore, a place that is often referred to as “the town that doesn’t exist.”
Furore is so minute that it doesn’t have a town center or main square. Instead, it has a collection of tiny cottages clinging to the rock face and a small bay where you can relax and unwind.
The beach is pretty tricky to get to. First, you’ve got to navigate through the winding Amalfi Coast roads to reach Furore. Then when you arrive, you’ve got to climb down 200 steep steps to the coast.
Because of the surrounding cliffs, Furore Beach is bathed in shade in the afternoon. So if you want to soak up some rays, we recommend getting there in the morning.
After you’ve enjoyed your beach morning, take the time to explore the rest of the town. There are some gorgeous hand-painted murals on the side of houses and stores, as well as cute cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch.
8. Explore the adorable Amalfi Town
One of the must-do things on the Amalfi Coast is to wander around the town of Amalfi itself. Many visitors overlook this part of the region and just pass through it, but Amalfi is a gorgeous coastal town full of things to see and do.
Here you can discover the Amalfi Cathedral and its detailed tiled façade, the bustling Piazza del Duomo where all the action takes place, and the magical La Scuderia del Duca store, which sells vintage postcards and classic stationery printed on locally-produced paper.
If you don’t want to follow an itinerary, you can just take a walk around and see what you come across. There are souvenir stores selling lemon-themed gifts, cafes with sun-kissed seating, and restaurants serving local cuisine all over the place.
The colorful houses, bubbling fountains, and incredible coastal views will have you snapping pictures non-stop. When you need a break, stop by a bar and order a lemon spritz. It’s a wonderfully refreshing cocktail made of limoncello and prosecco.
9. Take a trip to Capri
One of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to catch a boat and visit the nearby island of Capri. There are ferries connecting almost every town along the coast with the beautiful island, giving you plenty of opportunities to do so.
Capri is well known for being an indulgent playground for the rich and famous, but there’s a lot more to it than that. This irresistible island dazzles visitors with its turquoise sea, tree-clad mountains, and cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings.
Visit during the daytime, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with hiking routes that boast dramatic panoramas, stunning beaches where you can practice watersports, and natural landmarks, unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
Stay for the evening, and you’ll see Capri transform into a trendy nightlife spot. The main square is the place to be, where you’ll find a handful of lively bars full of people drinking, dancing, and having a great time!
10. Sail through the Grotta dello Smeraldo
Also known as the Emerald Cave, a boat trip through the Grotta dello Smeraldo is one of the most unique things to do on the Amalfi Coast. This sensational cave is a natural phenomenon and will make you feel like you’re in a different world.
One of the most stunning caves in Italy, the Grotta dello Smeraldo is best known for the incredible effect created when natural light shines down through the rocks. The sunlight turns the water into brilliant shades of emerald and lights up the cave’s inner walls so you can admire their extraordinary shapes and textures.
For centuries, local people on the Amalfi Coast talked about a mysterious cave, but no one was able to prove it existed. In 1932, a fisherman called Luigi Buonocore stumbled upon the cave accidentally, and the legend was confirmed to be true.
In December, the cave turns into an even more magical place. In the run-up to Christmas, a nativity scene is submerged underwater. If you’re any good at diving, you can head below the water’s surface with scuba gear and take a look.
11. Grab a fork and dig into spaghetti alle vongole
Seafood along the Amalfi Coast is fantastic, and one of the dishes you’ve definitely got to try during your visit is spaghetti alle vongole.
This dish is made up of spaghetti topped with fresh clams, smothered in a rich, brothy sauce made with white wine, a little garlic, and parsley. Sometimes some lightly-cooked cherry tomatoes are added for a pop of color and burst of sweetness.
The iconic pasta dish is so popular that you’ll find it on practically every restaurant menu in the region. But for the best spaghetti alle vongole on the Amalfi Coast, we recommend stopping by Los Smeraldino. This restaurant has wonderful coastal views and serves up excellent fish and seafood, including delicious spaghetti alle vongole.
Chez Black is another great place to try the dish. This restaurant is located directly on the beach and serves magnificent spaghetti alle vongole, along with superb local wines that really complement the pasta.
12. Enjoy the best views from Ravello
If you want to capture stunning photos, one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to travel to Ravello. This town is perched on top of a mountain between Amalfi Town and Maiori. It’s much more laid-back than the surrounding areas and is known for its gorgeous views that stretch on for miles.
We recommend heading to Villa Rufolo to take the best shots. The terraced gardens of this Roman villa overlook the aquamarine sea and some small coastal villages down below. The view is sublime and you won’t be able to stop staring!
If you manage to tear your eyes away from the panorama, we recommend exploring Villa Rufolo, too. Built by a wealthy family in the 13th century, the complex features an enchanting Moorish-style cloister, imposing towers, and a small museum that covers the history of the building and its grounds.
13. Bid summer farewell at Positano Premia La Danza Léonide Massine
One of the most fun things to do on the Amalfi Coast in September is to attend some of the cultural events organized for the Positano Premia La Danza Léonide Massine. This huge festival is held each year during the first week of September and boasts a rich program packed with activities and shows dedicated to the arts.
From live music concerts and dance performances to art exhibitions and discussion panels, there’s absolutely loads going on. At the end of the festival, a glamorous awards ceremony is held to reward the most popular artists, lecturers, and performers.
The Positano Premia La Danza Léonide Massine has been attracting some of the most impressive performers from all around the world since it first began in the 1920s. It’s been held in various locations throughout the years, but today all events are held on Spiaggia Grande in the center of Positano.
14. Cool off in the Valle delle Ferriere
If you need a break from the heat, head to Valle delle Ferriere and immerse yourself in nature. This lush region looks more like a tropical jungle than a valley on the Amalfi Coast!
The peaceful haven is a protected area in Salerno. Because few people know about it, it’s always quiet and tranquil, making it a great option when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Amalfi’s tourist destinations.
Here you’ll find several hiking, walking, and cycling trails to follow, as well as remarkable waterfalls, rapidly flowing rivers, and ancient watermills. Tall, thick trees provide ample shade, making Valle delle Ferriere reliably cool and refreshing, even in the middle of summer.
Head for the center of the valley, and you’ll discover a majestic fossilized moss wall. Almost like a giant sponge, the moss on the wall is constantly dripping. Over the centuries, this action has created a series of living stalactites that look otherworldly.
15. Sip sweet limoncello
Relaxing on a sun-kissed terrace with a glass of chilled limoncello is one of the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast. This sweet, zesty alcoholic drink is made from steeping lemon zest in a grain alcohol similar to vodka.
The alcohol extracts the citrus oils and infuses the delicious lemon flavor into the liquor. A little sugar is added toward the end to make it extra sweet. The result is an eye-catching yellow drink that’s perfect for sipping in spring or summer.
Limoncello is popular throughout all of Italy, but it’s particularly prominent on the Amalfi Coast because this is where it’s made. Most Italian limoncello is created using lemons from Sorrento.
You’ll find limoncello on practically every bar, cafe, and restaurant menu throughout the Amalfi Coast. You’ll also find reasonably-priced bottles in grocery and souvenir stores you can pick up for friends and family back home!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do on the Amalfi Coast. What’s your favorite thing to do on the Amalfi Coast?
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