Amalfi Coast holidays

Popular holidays

Amalfi Coast holidays deliver the essence of Italian coast getaways, where pastel towns cling to UNESCO‑listed vertical landscapes beneath the dramatic Lattari Mountains. The shoreline is dotted with luxury cliffside hotels, tiny coves, and lemon‑scented terraces perfect for romantic Mediterranean breaks. And adventurous travellers can follow the famed Path of the Gods - AKA Sentiero degli Dei – for unforgettable sea views.

Scenery and the Sorrentine Peninsula

The Amalfi Coast stretches for 50 kilometres along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region, combining dramatic natural scenery with some of the country’s most beautiful towns. Its landscapes and sea views have attracted visitors since Roman times, when nobles first began building villas here. Today, celebrities still buy up property quickly, drawn by panoramas of the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, pastel‑painted cliffside houses, and steep terraces of vineyards and lemon groves. With its romantic scenery and timeless charm, this coastline is an ideal choice for romantic honeymoon package.

Iconic towns from Positano to Ravello

Every town along the Amalfi Coast delivers standout scenery, and holidays in Positano, Amalfi, and Monte Cerrato all come with postcard‑worthy views. Amalfi’s crowned by the striking Duomo di Amalfi, a grand Byzantine cathedral. From the harbour, boat trips glide past the area’s impressive cliffside villas. Ravello rests on a natural terrace 350 metres above the sea, home to historic showstoppers Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. In Positano, pastel‑coloured houses cascade down the terraced hillside to the beach below, creating one of Italy’s most iconic coastal scenes. Meanwhile, Maiori offers one of the region’s longest stretches of silver sand, making it a top pick for sunbathing.

The Amalfi Coast drive

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that ‘it’s not the destination, but the journey’. Nowhere is this truer than along the Amalfi Coast, thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes and the legendary SS163 highway. This famous Amalfi Coast road trip winds dramatically between the sea and the mountains, threading towns together through hairpin bends and sheer drops. Leaving the driving to locals or joining chauffeur‑led tours and excursions means you can sit back and soak up the coastline’s beauty.

Popular hotels in Amalfi Coast

Top things to see and do in Amalfi Coast

Beaches

Cliff-backed coves

The Amalfi Coast is known for its dramatic scenery rather than wide beaches, and its shoreline is dotted with small coves of sand tucked between cliffs and stylish towns. Minori and Maiori are among the most popular spots, offering some of the area’s best stretches for swimming and sunbathing. In Amalfi, the town’s main beach, Spiaggia Grande, draws big crowds, especially at weekends. Over in Positano, the beach scene comes with a celebratory twist, where you might find yourself A-lister spotting on the sand.

Vietri sul Mare

Like the Sorrento Area, the Amalfi Coast’s sunbathing scene is mainly made up of cliff-backed coves and thin volcanic pebbly patches. But the beach at Vietri sul Mare offers an alternative. Just along the shoreline from Salerno, this town has a couple of roomy stretches of sand as an alternative to the volcanic pebbly patches.

Ieranto Bay

For a secret beach that hovers below the radar, visit Ieranto Bay. This titchy sand-and-pebble cove is at the western tip of the Amalfi Coast, near the village of Nerano. A rural path snakes its way from the edge of the village to the coast, then angles downwards into a staircase that leads to the sheltered cove.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Via Pietro Capuano is the main shopping stretch in Amalfi – it’s lined with an eclectic mix of souvenir shops, local produce stalls, and traditional traders. The narrow lane winds between tall townhouses and is packed with everything from colourful keepsakes to fresh fruit stands. It’s also home to bambagina artisans, who craft the island’s famous handmade paper using age‑old techniques.

Mid-range buys

La Fabbrica Salerno – in the Salerno shopping district – is your best bet for modern mall shopping. This stylish complex flaunts more than 50 fashion, sports and jewellery stores, plus children’s play areas and a go-karting circuit.

Designer buys

Positano’s shopping scene is as smart as it gets. Boutiques here sell designer clothing, ‘Moda Positano’ linen styles, local handcrafted ceramic, and jewellery – often one of a kind. And you can still pick up that all-important local limoncello from the surrounding stores.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

The main square in Ravello – the Piazza Vescovado – is like a picture-perfect postcard brought to life. Cafés serve coffees in front of the town’s stair-fronted church. Restaurants keep sunset aperitivos flowing into the evening, and there are panoramas of stepped hillsides across the valley.

Lively evenings

In Positano, partying’s paired with perfect panoramas – lots of the al fresco cafés and sea-view wine bars often gaze out onto water. Ravello – AKA the City of Music – hosts an annual summer festival. If you pick the right time of year, you’ll be treated to open-air cliffside concerts while you’re there. Music on the Rocks nightclub is also worth a visit.

Food & drink

Scialatelli ai frutti di mare

This dish is an iconic Amalfi seafood pasta, made with the latest fresh Tyrrhenian catch. Wide, tagliatelle-style noodles are served in a thin seafood broth, with mussels, clams, prawns and langoustines piled high to finish it off.

Italian gelato

Italy’s creamy answer to ice-cream is easy to get your hands on – the only head-scratcher is which flavour to opt for. Nutty varieties like Bronte pistachio and hazelnut are popular, while Sfusato Amalfitano lemon sorbet is what the locals often go for.

Ndunderi

A UNESCO-recognised ancient pasta recipe, this variation of gnocchi has been an Amalfi Coast staple for generations. The recipe features Minori ricotta cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce is sparingly spooned on top.

Monti Lattari goat’s cheese

This sleepy village is known mainly for one thing – it’s famous local goat’s cheese. It’s popular across the country, made from Agerola dairy traditions, and is a popular mozzarella substitute for caprese salads.

Spaghetti alla Nerano

The Nerano village signature dish is popular all around the region. It’s made with spaghetti with fried courgette, Provolone del Monaco cheese, and olive oil.

Top Hotels in Amalfi Coast

Facts about Amalfi Coast

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

What travel adapter do I need for Amalfi Coast?

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, you'll need a Type C, Type F or Type L adapter with two or three round pins in the European style. Most hotels operate on 230V standard voltage, though it's worth checking with other accommodation types. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter if you have devices with different plug types.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Amalfi Coast?

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, dressing smartly is appreciated, especially in restaurants and churches. Cover shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Italians typically eat dinner later, around 8 pm or after. If you're invited to a local's home, bringing a small gift like wine or chocolates is a nice gesture. Remember to greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' when entering shops or restaurants.

What's the nightlife like in Amalfi Coast?

Nightlife on the Amalfi Coast is relaxed with waterfront bars and restaurants in Positano and Amalfi town. Head to Music on the Rocks nightclub in Positano for live DJs, or enjoy evening strolls and gelato along the harbours.

Should I tip in Amalfi Coast?

Tipping in the Amalfi Coast is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a service charge is often included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is common. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, a small tip is welcomed if you're satisfied with the service.

Where are the best places to shop in Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll find charming boutiques in Positano selling handmade sandals and beachwear. Amalfi town is known for its handmade paper and limoncello. For ceramics, head to Vietri sul Mare. Many towns also have local markets where you can discover unique souvenirs and local products.

Where can I try local food in Amalfi Coast?

For local food in Amalfi Coast, head to family-run trattorias in Positano and Amalfi town for fresh seafood pasta and lemon-infused dishes. Try scialatielli ai frutti di mare, a local pasta with seafood, and delizia al limone, a lemon dessert. Many restaurants along the coastal villages serve traditional Campanian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

What are the best beaches in Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast features Positano's Spiaggia Grande with colourful umbrellas, Marina Grande in Amalfi town, and Atrani's quieter beach. Furore's fjord offers a secluded spot, while Maiori has a longer stretch for swimming and sunbathing.

What should I pack for Amalfi Coast?

For the Amalfi Coast, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring, swimwear for beach days, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Don't forget sun protection essentials, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.