The Best Amalfi Coast Towns for Every Type of Traveler

Amalfi Coast


The Amalfi Coast, a breathtaking stretch of coastline in southern Italy, is a true Mediterranean gem. With its dramatic cliffs, vibrant villages, and azure waters, it captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. Nestled between rugged cliffs and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast enchants visitors with its picturesque towns and villages. From the pastel-hued buildings of Positano cascading down the hillside to the charming streets of Amalfi with its historic cathedral, each town exudes its own unique charm. Follow along with me during my 2 day exploration of this beautiful coastline.

Day 1 Arrival in Ravello

Ravello, Italy Villa Rufolo

Ravello, a picturesque hilltop town on the Amalfi Coast, is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking views, elegant gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Perched high above the sea, Ravello offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the region’s artistic and musical traditions.

This was our home base during our stay. Our host Claudio was so accommodating and greeted us with Amalfi’s finest fresh squeezed lemonade. If you are looking for a cozy night stay in a quiet location check out Sole e Luna.

Top 2 things I recommend to do in Ravello

  1. Explore the Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo: These historic villas are the crown jewels of Ravello, offering stunning gardens, breathtaking views, and a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Visit Villa Cimbrone, known for its picturesque Terrace of Infinity that overlooks the Amalfi Coast, and stroll through its lush gardens adorned with statues and vibrant flora. At Villa Rufolo, immerse yourself in the Arabian and European architectural fusion, and enjoy the serene atmosphere while marveling at the captivating vistas.
  2. Attend a Concert or Festival: Ravello is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, and one of the must-do activities is attending a concert or festival. The Ravello Festival, held annually from June to September, showcases a diverse range of music performances in stunning outdoor venues, including the gardens of Villa Rufolo. Experience the magic of live classical music surrounded by the beauty of Ravello’s landscape. Additionally, keep an eye out for other cultural events and concerts that take place throughout the year, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of the town.

Day 2 Bomerano to Positano

Path of the Gods: Bomerano - Arienzo

The Path of the Gods hike in the Amalfi Coast is an awe-inspiring journey that takes you along a scenic trail high above the coastline, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature.

Hike Specs

  • Length: 3.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 692ft
  • Route type: Point to Point
  • Open Year Round

Starting from the town of Bomerano, the trail winds its way through picturesque villages, terraced vineyards, and fragrant lemon groves. As you ascend, panoramic vistas unfold, showcasing the dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and the charming towns of Positano and Praiano in the distance.

Walking along the Path of the Gods, you’ll be immersed in the untouched beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. The path meanders through Mediterranean scrub, passing ancient stone farmhouses and offering glimpses of wildflowers in bloom. It’s a haven for nature lovers and hikers seeking tranquility and serenity.

As you traverse the trail, the breathtaking views will leave you in awe. From lofty heights, you’ll witness the vastness of the sea below and the majesty of the Amalfi Coastline, a visual feast that will stay etched in your memory.

The hike is not overly strenuous but does require a reasonable level of fitness and comfortable footwear. Along the way, you can stop at scenic viewpoints to rest, soak in the surroundings, and perhaps enjoy a picnic with local specialties.

The Path of the Gods hike is an extraordinary experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature, and create unforgettable memories as you follow in the footsteps of ancient travelers along this legendary trail.

Top 2 things I recommend to do in Positano

  1. Relax on Positano’s Beaches: Positano is renowned for its stunning beaches that offer a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. Spend a day lounging on Spiaggia Grande, the main beach of Positano, with its picturesque waterfront lined with colorful umbrellas. Alternatively, visit Fornillo Beach, a more secluded and peaceful spot nestled between cliffs. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, soak up the Mediterranean sun, and indulge in the laid-back atmosphere that Positano’s beaches have to offer.
  2. Explore the Charming Streets and Boutiques: Positano is a town with enchanting streets filled with boutique shops, local crafts, and elegant boutiques. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Discover local specialties, such as handmade sandals, ceramics, and fashion made by talented artisans. Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic majolica-tiled dome, and explore the surrounding quaint shops and cafés. Enjoy the unique shopping experience and immerse yourself in the charm of Positano’s streets.

Things to Keep in Mind

The Amalfi coast is a must to add to your travel list. With that said there is always hardships when planning and navigating a new destination. Here are some challenges I ran into on my trip that you can prepare for a head of time.

Getting to Amalfi: We flew into Roma and had a pre-booked train to Salerno. Unfortunately we had lost luggage at the airport which caused us delays and we arrived in Salerno later than planned. Preparing for the unknown and arriving to destinations where you will be there a short amount of time is a must.

Transit to Amalfi: There is no direct train into Amalfi and a bus or taxi is required. Because we arrived late there were no taxis available for us and we did not have transit pre-booked. We stayed at a hostel (Bruman Hotel Salerno) right next to station and left early the next day. I recommend pre-booking before hand and or arriving to Salerno as early as possible to catch a taxi or bus. Taxi can be pricy so just a heads up. On top if this we were also there during a taxi strike, so we had one day use of taxis for our stay.

Travel within towns: There is transit by water ferry, bus, and taxi between towns, but prepare to do some walking depending on the town of your destination. Because the towns are built upward into the mountain side there are lots of stairs so be prepared to walk and climb. Comfortable shoes and water is a must.

Travel back to train to leave Amalfi: At this point we scheduled to be taken from our Airbnb back to train station in Salerno. This part was easy and we headed to our next destination. Off to explore Rome!

Conclusion

Whether you’re hiking along ancient footpaths, sunbathing on pebble beaches, or simply taking in the enchanting atmosphere of the towns, the Amalfi Coast offers a magical experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. It’s a destination where natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality converge, creating an unforgettable journey along this coastal haven.