Specific Tips and Strategies for Planning Your Trip to Italy’s Favorite Southern Coastline
Transportation
The buses are the best way to travel in between Amalfi towns, but mentally prepare for a harrowing ride along the cliffs, mere inches away from the other vehicles.
Have day trip transportation planned ahead of time. The Sita buses stop running early: 8pm on the off season and as early at 10pm during the summer months. Tickets have to be bought beforehand at tobacco stores or nearby bars. Cabs and private cars are available in the main towns but they are expensive and often charge the equivalent of a round trip fee.
Beaches
Don’t plan on a quiet and peaceful beach day in the main towns of Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento etc. They are packed to the brim with locals and tourists and if you don’t want towels overlapping, you’ll need to pay for an umbrella and lounge chair. If a sandy beach is a requirement, head instead to Maiori or Minori.
Schedule
What schedule? Italians are often late. The exception we found were that the ferries were always on time. During high season, arrive early to purchase a ticket.
Coffee etiquette
Order a “caffè” and you’ll be treated to a single shot of espresso. Sip it at the bar like the locals do. You’ll be charged more if you sit down with it! There are usually two steps to every coffee order: paying the cashier and ordering or showing your receipt to the barista. Bars are a drinking/coffee hybrid and go by “il bar” and “il caffè.”
As a rule of thumb, only order a cappuccino (or any coffee that contains milk) in the morning. The Italian breakfast is a sweet pastry.
Churches
The cathedrals are all stunning and often the best example of art in the smaller towns. You’re free to roam as long as you’re dressed conservatively, covering knees and shoulders.
Meals
Dine at an authentically coursed Italian dinner. We loved La Tagliata above Positano. Always make reservations during high season! Carbs don’t count here so have all the pasta, wine or limoncello. You’re in Italy!
Lemons
Amalfi lemons are special. There are grown to be the size of grapefruit with thick skin and an intense perfume, which result in a very sweet taste. You’ll find this flavor in dishes and drinks across the coast. Tours of the groves are available. The iconic symbol is also splashed across ceramics and incorporated into soaps, candles and candies.
Souvenirs
Bring home colorful ceramics, well-made linen products or leather goods, specifically sandals from local cobblers who customize the shoes to fit your feet.
Feeling Fancy
Even if you’re staying in a mid-range or budget accommodation, stop in to the world-renowned hotels for aperitivo or make reservations for dinner. Hotel Bellevue Syrene or Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Hotel Luna or Punta Tragara Hotel in Capri or Le Sirenuse in Positano are examples.
Fees
There’s likely going to be a tourist fee at your hotel or AirBNB. Usually a couple euros per person/night. Double check cleaning fees before booking as well since those tend to be much higher in Italy.
Exercise
The Amalfi Coast towns are on hills, so you’ll do a lot of stairs no matter what (bring comfortable shoes!) Add an afternoon of walking or hiking. We came across some beautiful trails among the lemon fields and and mingled with mountain goats and sheep in Ravello and Amalfi.
The Path of the Gods is also a popular 4 mile trail that starts in Bomerano with farmland and abandoned stone houses through forests and meadows, and then opens up to reveal dramatic coastal scenery near Positano.
Planning Your Stay
To appreciate the Amalfi Coast, visit multiple locations. It would be a mistake to stay in one town and not experience the variety of towns. In my opinion, prioritize Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Capri. You don’t need to spend more than 24 hours in Naples or Sorrento. Praiano, Minori/Maiori and Salerno could be stop-bys if you’re looking for less touristy spots.
For a 6 Day Amalfi Coast itinerary, click here!
