Ultimate Luxury Travel Guide to Amalfi Coast
Are you interested in taking a trip to the Amalfi Coast?
Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous destinations in Italy. The sheer beauty of this place is just mind-blowing. It has everything that you can think of! From breathtaking views to delicious food, there is a lot more to Amalfi Coast than meets the eye.
In this article, we will focus on the things you should do and see while touring Amalfi Coast. We’ve included recommendations for the best luxury hotels as well as restaurants that have Michelin-starred chefs.
Best 10 Things to do in Amalfi Coast
1. Visit the Duomo di Amalfi
Begin your Amalfi Coast journey with a visit to the Duomo di Amalfi in the heart of Amalfi town. This magnificent 9th-century cathedral, with its striped Byzantine facade and grand Arab-Norman bell tower, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of the town’s rich history.
Inside, explore the Cloister of Paradise, an enchanting paradise with its Moorish arches and lush gardens. Don’t miss the crypt, home to the relics of Saint Andrew. The interior of the cathedral is a marvel, adorned with gold and mosaics that leave visitors awe-struck.
Whether you are religious or not, the serene atmosphere, combined with the intricate architecture and fascinating history, makes this cathedral a must-visit spot.
2. Take a Dip in Furore Fjord
Furore Fjord is one of the most unique places on the Amalfi Coast. Nestled between high cliffs, the tiny fjord houses a hidden beach, known only to a select few. This secluded spot is not your typical beach destination – it’s a piece of heaven tucked away from the bustling crowd.
The best time to visit Furore is during summer when you can take a refreshing dip in the emerald green waters. The fjord is also home to a charming old fishing village. Walking around the village and taking in the rustic scenery is just as enjoyable as relaxing on the beach.
3. Explore the Ruins of Pompeii
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pompeii, one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and like a great open-air museum. Preserved under ash from the catastrophic 79 AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, the ruins offer a snapshot of Roman life in the 1st century.
Walk the ancient streets to see the remains of villas, temples, theaters, and baths. From the beautifully preserved frescoes in the Villa of Mysteries to the eerily poignant plaster casts of the volcano’s victims, Pompeii offers an unprecedented opportunity to understand ancient history firsthand.
Though the site is large, it’s well worth spending a day here to fully explore. Consider hiring a guide or getting an audio guide to help understand the historical significance of the different structures.
4. Stroll Through Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone
Villa Cimbrone in Ravello stands as a testament to the region’s grandeur and elegance. Known for its stunning gardens, the villa offers panoramic views of the coast from its Terrazzo dell’lnfinito (Terrace of Infinity), lined with classical busts.
The beautiful English-style gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Bursting with vibrant colors and intoxicating scents from various flowers, the gardens offer a serene retreat from the bustling coast.
The villa itself is a marvel of architecture and design, with its beautiful cloister, the elegant pavilion, and the crypt. While parts of the villa are reserved for hotel guests, the gardens are open to the public.
5. Delight in Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Naples
While not directly on the Amalfi Coast, a short trip to Naples to taste authentic Neapolitan pizza is an absolute must. After all, Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and the Neapolitans take their pizza very seriously.
You’ll find countless pizzerias in the city, serving up thin, slightly charred crusts topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and basil. Try classic styles like the Margherita or the Marinara, or venture out with other traditional toppings.
Visiting Naples will not only satiate your pizza craving but also allow you to explore another vibrant Italian city, steeped in history and culture. From the majestic Castel Nuovo to the royal Palace of Capodimonte, there’s plenty to see.
6. Wander through the Pastel Streets of Positano
No visit to the Amalfi Coast is complete without exploring the steep, narrow streets of Positano. Famous for its pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliffs, the town is picture-perfect. Stroll down the winding streets lined with quaint shops, cafes, and boutiques, all the way down to the beach.
The main beach, Spiaggia Grande, is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan of all those on the Amalfi Coast. Here, you can lounge on the pebble beachfront, take a dip in the clear blue waters, or enjoy a delicious seafood meal at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. As the day ends, grab a gelato and enjoy the breathtaking views as the sun sets over the shimmering waters.
7. Discover the Emerald Grotto
The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the gems of the Amalfi Coast. Named for the emerald-green hue of the water, this marine cave is a spectacular natural wonder.
You can access the grotto by boat from Amalfi. Inside, stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites rise from the sea floor. The light filtering through the water illuminates the cave with an eerie green glow, making for a surreal experience.
During your visit, you’ll likely hear about the underwater pottery crib that was positioned on the seabed in the 1950s. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful sights, the Emerald Grotto is well worth a visit.
8. Walk the Path of the Gods
For stunning panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, lace up your hiking boots and traverse the Path of the Gods. This hiking trail, high above the coastal towns, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.
The route is relatively easy to follow and is accessible to most fitness levels. As you walk, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline, terraced vineyards, and lush forests. On a clear day, you can even see the island of Capri on the horizon.
Remember to pack plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring a camera – you’ll want to capture the beautiful vistas. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just love great views, the Path of the Gods is a must-do on the Amalfi Coast.
9. Enjoy Local Limoncello
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its limoncello, a sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur. You’ll see the region’s famous Sfusato lemons growing all around – their perfume is intoxicating. Visit a local producer to learn about the limoncello-making process and, of course, enjoy a tasting.
Most shops and restaurants in the area offer limoncello tastings. However, for a more immersive experience, consider taking a limoncello making class. This way, you can make your own bottle to take home, savoring the taste of Amalfi long after your trip has ended.
10. Sunset Cruise to Capri
Finally, cap off your Amalfi Coast experience with a sunset cruise to Capri. As the sun starts to set, the colors of the coast come alive in a mesmerizing display of nature.
On your way to Capri, you’ll pass by the beautiful Li Galli islands, said to be the home of the mythical sirens in Homer’s Odyssey. Once you reach Capri, marvel at the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto.
As you sail back, sip a glass of prosecco and watch as the setting sun paints the sky in shades of pink and orange. There’s no better way to say goodbye to this incredible coastline.
Best Five-Star Hotels on Amalfi Coast
Villa San Michele
One of the most famous hotels in Amalfi, Villa San Michele is a must-stay for luxury travelers. This small resort has only 12 rooms, each with its own private terrace and stunning views of the sea.
All rooms are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi, as well as bathrobes and slippers for guests to wear during their stay. There’s also a swimming pool on site that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea from above as well as an Italian restaurant called Osteria del Saraceno (which offers excellent seafood dishes).
Le Sirenuse
If you’re looking for something that offers more than just a hotel room or two but less than 100 rooms, then Le Sirenuse fits this bill perfectly. The hotel has 38 guestrooms spread across five buildings overlooking the Amalfi Coastline—it’s perfect if you want privacy but still want access to some amenities like pools and restaurants within walking distance from your room.
The price point is fairly affordable too: single rooms start at $1250 per night while doubles go up to about $1600 depending on what season it is when you visit Amalfi Coast during summertime months like July or August when prices tend to go up due increased demand during those times which makes finding availability harder so reserve early!
If you want to explore more luxury hotels on Amalfi Coast, then you should definitely check out our detailed review in this post. We cover everything from the best hotels to the most popular ones, so you can make an informed decision about where to stay on your next trip.
Where to Eat Amalfi Coast? – Include Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reason. The stunning coastline, beautiful villages, and delicious food make it a perfect place to visit. If you’re looking for the best places to eat on the Amalfi Coast, here are some of our favorites.
No matter where you eat on the Amalfi Coast, you’re sure to have a delicious and memorable experience.
Casa e Bottega
A little gem of a restaurant in Positano. The atmosphere is incredible, the staff is so welcoming and warm—and they serve some spectacular food: fresh vegetable juices put life back into us after days on end filled pasta. And the seared tuna was some of the best I’ve ever had!
Collina Positano Bakery
I found this place by accident when I was looking for a place to grab lunch on my last day in Positano and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. The bakery is located off of one of the main streets in Positano and has a few tables outside where you can enjoy your food.
They serve sandwiches, salads, pastries, and gelato—all homemade! I had their focaccia bread with pesto & mozzarella cheese which was so delicious; especially after days filled with pasta!
La Taverna del Leone
This is a cute little restaurant located on the main street in Positano. I went here for dinner one night and it was the perfect place to sit outside and watch all of the tourists walk by while enjoying some delicious Italian food!
They have a small menu but everything looked so good that I ended up ordering two different dishes: seafood risotto & seared tuna.
Sensi Restaurant Amalfi
This place was one of the most expensive restaurants that I visited during my trip to Italy and it was totally worth it! When I arrived at Sensi, there was a line outside and it took about 20 minutes for me to get seated.
Once inside, however, I knew why everyone wanted to eat here so badly! It’s located right on the water and has an incredible view of Amalfi. They have an extensive menu with lots of seafood options and delicious Italian dishes such as lasagna & risotto.
Want more? Check out the best luxury restaurants to eat on Amalfi Coast
Conclusion
This is an exciting time to visit Amalfi Coast. With a new generation of travelers looking for adventure and authenticity, the region has become one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of Italy, don’t miss out on any of these amazing experiences!
