Top Things to Do and See in the Amalfi Coast

Updated On: November 20, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy and the world; it is located in the Gulf of Salerno in Southern Italy between Naples and Salerno. It is a well-known spot for many people, attracting many tourists worldwide, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Amalfi was a naval power that ruled many parts of the Mediterranean, and Amalfi’s ports had a vast trade network with North Africa. When you visit the cities on the Amalfi Coast, you will see that the Arab-Sicilian architecture has been kept in shape until now.

On the Amalfi Coast, you can see many beautiful towns with colourful houses in towns like Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi. Besides the beautiful homes, there are magnificent beaches, coastal walks, mountainside villas, and islands, such as Capri and Sirenusas. The towns on the Amalfi Coast are full of attractions to visit and unique locations to explore.

Things to Do in Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, comprising steep cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It features picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each known for their unique charm, historic sites, and vibrant architecture. The region is famous for its exquisite cuisine, including fresh seafood and Limoncello. Ideal for beach lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and foodies, the Amalfi Coast offers a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.

Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit on Amalfi Coast:

The Town of Amalfi and its Cathedral

Amalfi is the main town on this coast of Italy, it has its own cathedral, unlike other towns, which makes it more significant than other places on the beach and that’s why tourists visit it a lot. You can visit the cathedral and see the front façade covered in an opulent striped stonework pattern. It is the main attraction in the town, dates back to the 9th century, and is located in the town’s main square.

The cathedral was reconstructed many times and added Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque details. A legend about the cathedral said that pirate ships were heading to the town. The people of the town ran into the cathedral and started to pray, asking for protection. Then, suddenly, the sea became rough, and the pirate ships were forced to leave.

The Town of Sorrento

Sorrento is one of the most popular and crowded towns, especially in summer, located in the northern region of the Amalfi Coast. It is famous for its beautiful buildings and coastal walks. While you are in town, you can visit the cathedral built in the 11th century, besides that, you will see the colourful water and fishing boats and many public parks where you can relax and enjoy your time. T

You can explore several museums in the town, like the Correale Museum and the Museo Della Tarsia Lignea, where you can see many artefacts. Finally, make sure to try the Limoncello while you’re there; it’s a Sorrento speciality!

The Town of Ravello

It is another beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast, on the top of the mountain between Amalfi and Maiori. The town has magnificent views from the Terrace of Infinity, the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, and the Villa Rufolo, a Roman Villa where you can see one of the best views and enjoy the beautiful sun. Villa Ravello is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in the summer, you can attend the annual Ravello Music Festival.

Another attraction in town that you can visit is the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pantaleone, built in 1806 and reconstructed in Baroque style. At the end of the tour in the town, you can head to one of the beautiful restaurants in town and have an evening meal.

Villa Cimbrone Garden

A beautiful place to visit is the town of Ravello, where a street runs through its lovely park with a magnificent view of the Amalfi coast. You will be impressed by the flower gardens and fountains, columns, temples, and architectural elements brought into this place from ruins in the area. These collections were brought here by the English lord who bought the villa in 1904.

The Town of Positano

Positano is a well-known town located on the southern part of the Amalfi coast, which is famous for its colourful houses on the mountainside. The church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 13th century. With its dome of majolica tiles and Byzantine icon of a Madonna, it is a great place to visit. The exciting thing you can do here is rent a boat and see Positano from the water, paddleboats, sailboats, Zodiacs, and motorboats and cruise to visit Capri.

The Town of Praiano

It is located between Amalfi and Positano, where you can escape from the other crowded towns. Visitors will love the views and can see out to sea for miles ahead. The city is famous for its silk production, being a summer residence of the Amalfi dukes and a centre for the arts. You can go to the rocky beach of La Gavitella and take some beautiful pictures there.

The Historic Town of Maiori

Maiori is a historic town where you will find ancient towers, old castles, and churches; it is located near Amalfi. The famous Italian director Rossellini chose this town for four films’ filming locations. You can go to the beach for relaxation, as Maiori has the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Also, the town’s main street has shops, stalls, and cafes.

The Town of Salerno

The town is the largest one on the Amalfi Coast and is in the eastern region. You can walk through the town’s streets and see some beautiful architecture. During World War ll, the town was bombed, and the Allied invasion left only the ruined Castello di Arechi on the hill northwest of town.

There is also the Cathedral of San Matteo, which is the remains of the house of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum, and one of Italy’s most important holy relics. When you enter, you will see St. Matthew’s portrait in a mosaic above the doorway and the bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Walk through the steps and admire the magnificent courtyard with 28 columns from Paestum and 14 sarcophagi; on the plate, you can find the 12th-century pulpits with detailed mosaic decoration.

Waterfalls of the Valle Delle Ferriere

This is a perfect place for hiking and a lovely area to explore, where the Ferriere Valley is a preserved region in Salerno. There, you will see the beautiful nature and the many hiking and cycling trails that go through the forest, allowing you to see some of the towns on the way. The trail starts from Pontone and ends six kilometres in Amalfi, passing through forests of chestnuts and past stands of rare ferns beside a stream that drops in several waterfalls. The Ferriere Valley is quiet, so few people go there, unlike the crowded cities on the Amalfi Coast.

The Town of Minori

Minori is the right place for pasta lovers, as it is full of pasta-making factories and is nicknamed ‘the city of flavour’. The town has many attractions along its narrow alleys, such as the Convent of San Nicola, built in the 1st century. Don’t forget to try the pasta, which contains the N’dunderi, dumplings made of ricotta and Scialatielli, and fresh pasta ribbons, as it is one of the famous pasta dishes in town.

Cala di Furore Town

It is a small town with a rocky cliff, a view of the sea, and crystal clear water that makes visitors love this town more and makes it one of the best towns along the Amalfi Coast. There is a local beach that is located in a bay that resembles a fjord.

The Grotta Dello Smeraldo Cave

One of Italy’s most beautiful caves it is between Amalfi and Praiano. The cave is bathed in a natural emerald light, which makes it one of the few caves in the world that is like that. When you are in the car, you will admire the water’s effects and colour, where it is so clear that you can see through to the bottom. You can go on one of the boats there with a guide giving you all the information you need about this fantastic cave, and you can take this boat from Amalfi. It will only take you 15 minutes to reach the location.

The Sirenuse Islands

It is a small island chain between Capri and Positano on the southern Amalfi coast. It includes islands such as Isca, Vetara, Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and La Rotonda. The island of Lungo is the largest, and there, while you can’t walk on it, you can go snorkelling or swimming due to its excellent surrounding water. You can also see the beauty of nature there by taking a boat tour around the islands.

The Town of Furore

The town has many attractions and is located in the centre of the Amalfi Coast. On your way to this town, you will see limestone cliffs and a row of terraces packed with gorgeous vines. Walk through the town and see the lovely painted murals decorating the walls of some of the houses and shops, describing how life is on the Amalfi Coast.

The Island of Capri

Capri is one of the most popular destinations near the Amalfi Coast. You can complete your visit to the Amalfi Coast without visiting Capri. The island is located on the western part of the Amalfi Coast, and you can reach it by regular ferries from several coastal towns. Capri is a unique place with landscapes, beautiful beaches, and mountain views.

You can take a boat trip around the island, and while on this tour, you will see the Azure Grotto, one of the most beautiful seaside caves. Small boats can only reach the cave through a narrow rock crack. There is also the famous Blue Cave Grotto, which is a stunning place. You can visit the main square at night, which has bustling bars and a superb atmosphere.

Vietri Sul Mare

Vietri Sul Mare is a lovely town on the eastern coast near Salerno. Walk through this town and see colourful houses, a stunning seashore, and the church of St. John the Baptist, which was built in 1732 and is a symbol of the town; you will surely love visiting it. There is also an excellent museum of ceramics located in a beautiful villa surrounded by a park.

The Village of Cetara

A small village that is one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages on the Amalfi Coast. The village has the only fishing fleet that still operates in this area, and you can watch the fishermen rush into the sea in their small, brightly coloured boats. You can have a delicious seafood meal at one of the village’s restaurants.

The Train Journey to Amalfi Coast

In the northern part of the Amalfi Coast, a train line is called La Circumvesuviana Line. It starts from Naples to Sorrento, passing through the monolithic Mount Vesuvius. While you are on the train, you will get to admire the beautiful nature around you, so sit beside the window and enjoy the view. It is the best way to travel to Sorrento, and the tickets are very budget-friendly.

The Town of Atrani

One of the best towns located on the Amalfi Coast, it is a charming place that reflects the perfect style of the Amalfi Coast. Walk into the town and see the white houses, arches, and narrow streets with stairs that lead to different levels of the town dating back to the Middle Ages.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most fascinating locations in Italy. It is visited by numerous tourists every year for its enchanting views, lovely accommodations, and multiple attractions that draw in many people from around the world. The Amalfi Coast is a must-visit for anyone going to Italy; you definitely will not regret it.

Italy is undoubtedly one of the best countries to visit in the world and its coasts? Out of this world! The Amalfi Coast and its various towns and attractions will leave you awe-struck and dying to come back. Whether you go alone, with family, or with friends, we guarantee you’ll spend the time of your life at Amalfi Coast. So pack your bags and head there as soo as you can!