About The Amalfi Coast

In the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula lies the Amalfi Coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most coveted tourist destinations, this striking coastline boasts a hot Mediterranean climate, making it all the more desired by sun seekers. With its endless restaurants, each one promising even more finery than the last, and decadent designer boutiques dotting the limestone landscape, it’s a heaven for luxury. But make no mistake; it’s a chic kind of luxury along this dramatic coastal destination, a luxury that somehow still feels untouched.

Amalfi Coast Municipalities

The Amalfi shoreline is made up of thirteen municipalities; Vietri Sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Tramonti, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrana, Amalfi, Conca Dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano. And breaking off from the mainland, we also have the indulgent island of Capris, second home to many Hollywood stars.

Town to town you will find new drama, from the vertical crags and beguiling ocean views to the plush green forests and magical blue caves. Every inch of the coast is worth exploring for those who have the time.

Getting There

Making your way to the Amalfi Coast is easy with a little bit of research, and many holiday makers find the journey to be straightforward with many transport options. The main transport hubs are Naples, Sorrento and Salerno and buses run regularly throughout the entire region, making it easy to do a little town hopping during your stay.

Coming from Rome

Naples is your gateway to this wonderful coastal destination, so you must first catch a train from Rome to Naples. Get the train from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale; catch the high-speed AV train to get there in 70 minutes or the IC/ICN and EXP trains will get you there in just over 2 hours.

For first time travellers, it’s important to be mindful of both pickpockets and tourist scams when arriving in Naples. The city is famed for its world of extremes; as dangerous and seedy as it is beautiful. So always be careful when travelling through Naples.

Coming from Naples

You can take advantage of the bus, train or ferry connections. In just over an hour, the Circumvesuviana trainline will take you from the bustling city of Naples to Sorrento station in the city centre by Piazza Angelina Lauro. Or if you want to hit Positano first, hop on the Positano Shuttle from Naples Airport or Naples Centrale. Ferries are not direct from Naples and there are also limited ferries outside of peak season but a seaward journey will give you the most amazing views – it’s worth the perseverance.
For the utmost comfort and luxury, there are many private car companies and helicopter transfers.

Weather / When to Visit

The Amalfi Coast benefits from a hot Mediterranean climate, so holiday makers can enjoy lovely, warm summers and mild winters; there’s never a bad time to visit the Amalfi Coast. But if you’re planning a driving holiday, a specialist hiking holiday, or you just prefer to avoid the busy tourist hustle and bustle, here are some things to bear in mind.

Driving Holidays

Driving holidays are great but the weather can sometimes be tricky. The hot summer months brings tourists in from all corners of the globe, impacting greatly on roads and parking. In July and August, driving and parking in any of the main coastal hotspots could be a problem. And with the summer heat, it’s recommended to hire a car with air conditioning to keep you cool-headed on the tricky roads of the mountainous Amalfi.

Hiking Holidays

The summer months are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above in July and August. Although such heat is blissful for a leisurely beach break, hikers may find the temperatures to be too intense for an activity holiday.
If hiking’s on your agenda, try the milder months at the beginning (March to May) or the end of summer (September to October). Winter is mild in the region so if you prefer cooler climes, you could always plan an out of season trip. As a result, you will also benefit from a decreased footfall of tourists and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Regional Food & Wine

Food on the Amalfi Coast, much like any region of beautiful Italy, is quite simply spectacular. Unlike the stodgy Italian cooking we come across so regularly in Britain, authentic Italian cuisine is created with so much more finesse. To the Italians, cookery is like artwork; truly elegant.
The food around the Amalfi Coast is particularly stylish, with its rich olive groves and superior oils and the proximity to the sea mustering some of the best seafood around. From the fresh flavours to the famous Limoncello, the Amalfi Coast is a foodie’s paradise.

Typical Italian Cuisine

The key to Amalfian cooking is the ingredients – ingredients which are all flavoursome and fresh. Bringing together some of the most simple components, dinner in this region will take you from a fresh seafood spaghetti with juicy clams to a hearty calzone washed down with Moretti.
Taste the best pizzas in Naples, the freshest seafood in Capris, or the sumptuously sweet pastries of Minori. Whatever your palate, always close with an enlivening Limoncello finale!

Festivals and Events

Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast host a huge number of events across the whole year. With the lucky Mediterranean weather, there really is no bad time to visit. From the food and drinks celebrations throughout the summer months to the Christmas festivities in December, this region is an effervescent area and a great depiction of Italian culture.

Amalfi Regatta (June)

The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is a traditional sporting event which takes place every June. Four crews compete in the regatta every single year and the whole town come to watch as the Amalfi team goes head to head with Pisa, Venice and Genoa.

Ravello Festival (June)

Also known as the “Wagner Festival”, this event held in June is an annual celebration of music and the arts. Launched back in 1953, this festival was designed to mark German composer Richard Wagner’s love of the Campania region, and has been held every year to promote tourism in the area.

Positano Beach Celebrations (August)

Mid-August sees the Positano beach come to life as locals host their annual beach carnival, where pirate re-enactments also unfold. Most certainly an interesting event for curious travellers who have a bit of imagination.

Byzantine New Year (August)

On the last day of August, Amalfi becomes a lively town filled with warm smiles and local spirit. Watch the incredible parades and enjoy the positive festival vibes on the main streets.

Gusta Minori (September)

In September, Minori is the place to be for foodies. Local food and drink will be served at live events across the town, and there’s something everyone.

Christmas in Atrani (December)

Both Christmas and New Years Eve are widely celebrated in this part of Italy. So if you’re travelling over the festive period, you’ll be in the right place when looking for a little piece of home. Atrani is an excellent place to see the Christmas lights and the firework displays for New Years Eve are incredibly grand and impressive.