Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast – A Complete Travel Guide

Begin with the Amalfi Cathedral at dawn, then stroll to the square for a delicious pastry and coffee–the perfect start for a sunlit day by the sea.

On the south coast, a reliable transport network connects Amalfi, Positano, cetara, Ravello, and smaller ports. Reaching each town will take you along cliffside roads and ferries, and included schedules help you plan a route that keeps hotels as your home base while maximizing your time without missing the best light.

enjoying fresh seafood is a constant delight: cetara shines with anchovy dishes and delicious pasta alla pescatora. A half-day hike along the coast, followed by a boat ride, pairs dramatic views with shoreline flavors, and still leaves room for a dip before returning to town.

From your home base, early starts let you beat the crowds and savor quiet lanes. later in the day, you can walk down to marini, sample a spritz, and catch a sunset over the water. If you’re targeting high points like Ravello’s gardens or Amalfi’s cathedral bells, the route you choose will depend on the tides and the day’s light.

A practical plan includes cetara’s fish markets and a lemon dessert in a cliffside cafe. Fall brings a softer light and cooler air, making cliff paths even more enjoyable. This guide includes tips on pacing, food stops, and scenery so you can savor the coast without rushing from one place to the next. If you have enough daylight, you can weave in a sunset sail or a quick lemon gelato stop for a final memory of the coast.

Walk of the Gods: Start Early for Quiet Trails and Sunset Views

Begin at first light from Bomerano and walk the Sentiero degli Dei toward Nocelle. The 7-kilometer route stays quite peaceful before the crowds arrive, and you gain maritime views that unfold as the sun climbs.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring prepared gear: water, snacks, sun protection, a light layer, and a map or offline route. Checking weather and trail status in the morning helps you avoid surprises, because conditions can shift quickly on the cliffside path. This coast really offers a scenic tour across cliff towns and dramatic sea panoramas.

Along the way you pass perched villages with colorful houses clinging to cliffs above the sea. Pause at dellinfinito to snap a photo, then keep moving toward positano’s skyline. If you miss a turn, retrace calmly; there are side paths, but staying on the main trail keeps the level steady and the views iconic for enjoying the coast.

The descent into Nocelle leads toward the Positano valley, where you can visit a small town shop and pick up lemon treats. choosing how you continue–stay overnight in Positano or ride the bus back to your base–gives you autonomy over the trip. The trail leaves you with a dreamlike memory and the chance to savor the coast from a perspective few other routes offer. a krupp-era feel can be seen in some suspended stair sections, reminding you of durable craftsmanship that keeps the path safe for all hikers.

Practical tips for the best experience

Start early to catch cooler air and fewer people, and carry enough water (at least 1.5 liters per person) plus a light snack for the climb. A sun hat and sunglasses protect you on the exposed sections; a swimsuit helps if you plan a dip after you descend. Pack light–anything extra weighs you down–and stay flexible in case you miss a turn. The path remains still and dramatic, with the coastline color palette shifting as the sun rises.

After the hike, there are options to visit nearby villas or stay in a boutique hotel to unwind. If you’re visiting during shoulder season, you’ll find less traffic and more time for relaxing and reflection. Choosing a base near the coast lets you balance beach time with more touring, and you can keep the memories alive with a sunset drink on a terrace.

Where to stay after the hike

There are villas and boutique stays along the coast; choosing a stay with a maritime vibe helps you decompress. While visiting positano, there you can pop into a small shop and plan your next move. If you relish autonomy, staying in a villa gives you control over your schedule while exploring the town and its colorful lanes.

Positano Cliffside Walk: Best Photo Points and Practical Routes

Start the walk at sunrise from Spiaggia Grande and take the first set of steps up toward the village; this early morning moment is your best option for serene, pastel-colored views along the mare.

Best Photo Points

First Point sits above the harbor, where the same patrician villas lean into the sea and the pastel-colored façades descend toward the mare. In positano, the harbor terrace holds an option for the classic frame–already popular, yet the light still shifts with the breeze. A short detour to the second lookout on a stair landing near Fornillo reveals capris sails drifting over the horizon, contrasting with white-and-rose walls. On the rufolos ledge, keep your hands held steady as the sea glints and the city unwraps in serene, still light, a scene that many photographers chase. then extend your view to a higher terrace that frames the entire arc of the town; this same angle became a postcard staple in century-old lanes. Nearby clubs along the promenade offer candid street scenes, especially in the early morning when dating couples stroll by with unhurried steps. If you crave shade, linger under the arches along the cliff path for a more intimate shot. From this vantage, the first turn leads to the next point, expanding your sequence without losing the same coastal mood. A longer option is to pair this walk with a maiori detour to extend the coastline vantage.

Practical Routes

From salerno, book a direct transfer to Positano and begin the cliff walk from Spiaggia Grande; the ride takes about 1.5-2 hours. After arrival, head to the main promenade and follow the steps up to the first terraces. The ascent toward Fornillo Beach covers roughly 350 steps and 45-60 minutes of steady climbing. For a shorter option, cut the walk after 20-30 minutes and return along the same route; for a longer day, push toward a higher lookout where capris sails drift on the horizon. The route offers a few detours to quiet arches and vantage points. If you want to complete the loop, arrange a transfer back to Salerno, or continue to maiori by bus or boat and return later to connect with trains. The morning light makes colors pop, and starting early helps you avoid the crowds. This option, favored by couples and small groups who dating the coast, combines nature and architecture, with shaded arches and coastal breezes shaping the experience, finishing with photo memories to share with friends and clubs.

Ravello Gardens and Villas: How to Plan a Time-Smart Visit

Begin with an 8:30 am visit to Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo to catch soft morning light, minimize traffic, and secure the best viewpoints.

From Ravello’s piazza, take a short walking loop that links the two estates; the path reveals Baroque facades, jasmine-scented courtyards, and several point-worthy vantage spots.

Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of the Infinite offers a unique view of the coastline and water; descend to Villa Rufolo’s gardens for color, shade, and fragrant hedges that frame the sea.

Buy tickets online through the official link to skip lines; opt for a guided tour with local guides to hear the stories behind statues and to keep a clear schedule.

Maximize time by pairing the Ravello visit with a quick drive to maiori or Minori; many drivers offer short transfers that fit a tight hour window and help you avoid coastal traffic.

After the gardens, linger in the Piazza for local flavors and espresso, often pairing lemon treats with a pastry; you may pass a santa chapel on the way, adding a tiny detour that enriches the morning.

Morning visits tend to be the most productive; plan 2–3 hours for the two villas and the short walking route, leaving time for a light lunch before departure.

If you arrive by air, book a driver from the airport to start your Ravello day with a time-smart schedule; after the two-villa circuit, consider a quick boat to the nearby islands if time allows, and youll have room to absorb the coast.

Amalfi Town Essentials: Duomo, Paper Museum, and Waterfront Lunch Spots

To get the ultimate Amalfi Town experience, plan a compact morning loop: head to the Duomo di Amalfi, named for Saint Andrew, admire the Romanesque arches and striped façade, then wander winding lanes to the Museo della Carta, and finish with a waterfront lunch that offers bright flavors. This route covers three attractions in just a few hours and, however, remains flexible enough to fit into busy days. The experience lets life unfold at a comfortable pace and invites you to linger along the quay after you’ve seen the highlights.

Duomo and Paper Museum: quick hits

Begin at the Duomo, where the grand staircase and a sheltered cloister set the tone for a cultural tour. The cathedral’s architecture blends Arab-Norman details with a soaring bell tower; inside, marble inlays and Saint Andrew’s crypt anchor the heritage here. Then stroll to Museo della Carta to see handmade sheets and the craft that shaped Amalfi’s maritime life. The courtyard opens to herbs and shade–perfect for a brief pause between rooms. Arrive before 11:00 to beat the crowds; hours commonly run late mornings and late afternoons, and tickets cover both sites. This heritage itself, seen in every corner, is highlighted by weber and lara, who note how the spaces reflect the coast’s identity.

Harbor-front lunch: flavors, pace, and tips

Choose a waterfront table along the Marina Grande and sample seafood-focused plates: grilled branzino, linguine alle vongole, and a bright lemon sorbet. A few dishes offer bright contrasts in flavor and color, making the lunch feel like a compact tour of the coast. The midday rhythm slows the town, so plan for 60–90 minutes to keep your day on track. If you want speed, request a terrace seat with shade and sea breeze, then stroll the quay after eating to watch ferries slip past colorful boats. From the terrace, you can glimpse the mount behind the town, a constant backdrop to life on the water. If you went earlier, you’d find the morning less crowded. This route is simple and allows you to savor both the view and the flavors as part of a short, life-filled stop. While you dine, you’ll sense the cultural heritage of Amalfi in the way the boats and bells punctuate the background. The harbor scene feels like a small kingdom by the water, where the flavors of the coast offer a quick, satisfying tour during your day.

Local Food Finds and Panoramic Lookouts: Top Eateries with a View

Start with a coffee and pastry at a cafe called caterina in Ravello for a sunrise view. This quick move is always admired by visitors and locals, and this easy idea reflects a tradition dating back to centuries on the coast. july offers bright skies and lively terraces, so a early start helps you enjoy both food and panorama.

Here is a concise list of eateries with terraces that boast coast panoramas. Each entry includes the starting hour, typical price range, and a detail to help you plan a perfect outing with a water view just outside the plate.

• Positano – La Sponda (Le Sirenuse) boasts a terrace over Spiaggia Grande with cliff-hugged houses; recommended dishes include risotto al limone and grilled sea bass; hours 19:00–23:00; starting hour is 19:00; price range 150–260 euros; booking two to four weeks in advance is wise; water is included and a fixed tasting option may be offered as a commission-style menu; arrive early to catch the sunset and really savor the atmosphere.

• Ravello – Rossellinis (Hotel Palazzo Avino) offers a hillside terrace with sweeping views toward the coast; try the sea bass with fennel and a citrus dessert; hours 12:30–14:30 and 19:30–22:30; price range 180–280 euros; highly admired by visitors for the scale of the panorama; reservations are strongly recommended; caterina-like service shows in detail and the scene feels ideal for a romantic dinner.

• Amalfi – La Caravella sits near the harbor with a sheltered terrace; signatures include spaghetti alle vongole and grilled cuttlefish; hours 12:30–14:30 and 19:30–22:30; price range 60–120 euros; this tradition has fed locals for generations and offers easy access from the town center; arriving a bit early helps you secure a good view and a comfortable table.

• Praiano – Il Pirata (cliff-edge terrace) has one of the coast’s most dramatic water views; try the spaghetti frutti di mare; hours 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–23:00; price range 50–90 euros; ideal for a relaxed, water-forward meal after a hillside walk; this option is highly regarded for its casual vibe and the direct line to the sea.

• Positano – Il Capitano (Spiaggia Grande) pairs a generous portion of seafood with a panoramic terrace; must-try: grilled calamari with lemon and cherry tomatoes; hours 12:30–15:30 and 19:30–23:00; price range 70–130 euros; it’s perfect for travelers looking for value and a memorable hill-to-harbor view; visitors often return for the scene and solid flavors.

Panoramic Lookouts to Pair with Meals

• Terrazza dell’Infinito, Villa Cimbrone, Ravello – iconic coast panorama; hours 9:00–18:30; garden pass included around 7 EUR; best at golden hour; combine with a Ravello lunch to maximize value and photo opportunities.

• Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) – a 7–8 km trail between Bomerano and Nocelle; start early to beat the heat and finish in time for dinner; plan 3–4 hours; easy to moderate; bring water and sturdy shoes; the views along this trail are truly memorable and invite great storytelling for your day.

• Atrani Belvedere – public overlook above Atrani and the Amalfi coast; sunset views; free access; near the road from Amalfi to Ravello; ideal for a quiet close to a meal and a relaxed stroll.

Thanks to the warm service and dramatic light, this pairing of food and view feels really special for visitors looking for an ideal day on hills and water. This approach offers easy decisions, a clear idea of what to expect, and a smooth flow from a casual cafe to a hillside terrace with a perfect vantage point.