When you think of the “Amalfi Coast” you probably think of Beyonce and Jay Z and chartering a Luxe $900,000-a-Week Yacht for her Italian Birthday Vacation.

While the Amalfi Coast is known for luxe vacationers wearing expensive caftans and sipping rosé as they sit cliffside in a boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean not everyone can afford to live like Queen Bey!  My Amalfi Coast Travel Guide will help decide when to visit the Amalfi Coast and help you navigate around one of Italy’s most romantic city’s.

My husband an I are not rich by the stretch of anyone’s imagination so this gorgeous stretch of Southern Italy not only attracts its share of rich and famous, but it also attracts regular folk like myself.

In fact, if my hubby and I can go to the Amalfi Coast so can you and I will help you decide when to visit the Amalfi Coast for your ultimate vacation.

 

When To Visit The Amalfi Coast

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in the spring and fall, specifically in May and September. During these months it’s less crowded and temperatures very comfortable, with highs in the 70s and 80s. While summer may sound like the ideal option, remember both domestic and international travelers flock in droves to the tiny towns that line the Amalfi Coast, making impossible to really explore the coast. Winter travel is great if you are on a budget, but the downside is most of the cafes and restaurants close for the season.  I also recommend the fall months as a great time to visit because the weather in the Amalfi Coast is still relatively warm.

HOW TO GET TO THE AMALFI COAST

The Amalfi Coast is located to the South of Naples. The main and closest connection points are Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento.  The first city you will reach is Positano and continuing along the Highway 163 you reach Praiano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri Sul Mare.

HOW TO GET TO THE AMALFI COAST FROM ROME

Traveling from Rome to Amalfi Coast can be a very long and exhausting day so make sure you plan appropriately.  If your plane lands in the afternoon, consider the option of spending a night in Rome or Naples before you travel to the Amalfi Coast.

FROM ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT

From the airport take the Leonardo Express, train to the city’s main Roma Termini railway station. From here you can take a train to Naples or Salerno

There are different types of trains from Rome to Salerno when you are deciding when To Visit The Amalfi Coast

• Eurostar Freccia Rossa (TAV) is definitely the most comfortable option but also the most expensive. In about two hours you’ll be at the station of Salerno. Trains leave every hour for this category and they are on time so do not be late! It costs about 40€.
• Intercity: are mid-range trains and connect Rome to Salerno in about three hours. It costs about 20€.

• Interregional: trains that stop at every station and every town. It takes about 4 hours to go from Rome to Naples. The ticket costs 10,00 Euro but I would only recommend taking the Interregional if you are on a really tight budget.

Once arrived at Salerno Station from Rome, follow the directions to Tourist Port, near “Piazza della Condordia” (it is almost directly in front of the train station) and from there take the ferry to Amalfi or other towns along the coast.  You will be in Amalfi in about 40 minutes once get on the ferry.  In Amalfi, you will find the bus stop SITA headed to all destinations on the Amalfi Coast.

HOW TO GET TO THE AMALFI COAST FROM NAPLES

When To Visit The Amalfi Coast

If you land at Naples Capodichino, to reach the Amalfi Coast you’ll have to get to the town of Sorrento.

Two options:

• Curreri bus to Sorrento immediately outside Terminal 1. It costs about 10€ and you pay directly to the driver.
• Buses to the center of Naples “Alibus”, to be taken outside Terminal 1, which takes you to Naples Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi). The ticket costs about 3€ and can be purchased directly on board.

Once at the station you have two choices:

1. If you want to reach Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana, the local train that is situated on the lower level of the station. From there, take the train that in about an hour will take you to Sorrento. Once you reach the local train station to Sorrento, you have to take one of the SITA buses that connect the Sorrento Peninsula to the Amalfi Coast.
2. If you want to reach Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Ravello or Salerno, take a regional train to Salerno which will take about 40 minutes, and from there take a ferry from the tourist port or Sita bus from the main station.

Now That You know When To Visit the Amalfi Coast Now What?

The Amalfi Coast, a 43-mile stretch just around the bend from Naples, is on many traveler “to-do” lists and had been on mine for years.  Despite overcrowding in the summer, travelers come from all over the world looking for relaxation, fine dining, boutique hotels, and limoncello. Escaping the crowds and finding your piece of paradise isn’t impossible but you just have to know when to visit the Amalfi Coast.

When Not To Visit the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is not at its best in summer, when coastal towns are crowded with tourist and the heat is unbearable.  of Optimum times are May-June and September-October. Visiting in winter is an appealing option—the temperature remains comfortable, rain is relatively rare, and hotel rates are at their lowest. However, be aware that some hotels and restaurants will not be open—always call ahead or check hotel websites just to make sure.

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast

Planes, trains, and automobiles, ferries, buses and even your feet. On the Amalfi Coast, the options are endless for exploring the towns along the coast.

Let the Top Down and Rent A Car:

Have you ever imagined traveling up the Amalfi Coast with the top down, scarf blowing in the wind, and oversized shades keeping the sun out your face?  Traveling by car is still the most romantic way to get around the Amalfi Coast.

You can rent a car at Naples International Airport or opt for something more lavish from the Positano Car Service.  They offer luxury vehicles will ensure you’re driving up the coast looking like a million dollars.

Make sure to check with your hotel before renting a car because most will have their own private car or boat services to shuttle you between towns.

Where To Stay When you Visit the Amalfi Coast

First-time visitors to the Amalfi Coast are often confused and unsure where to stay.  When to visit the Amalfi Coast and where to stay depends solely on your budget.

Positano is popular for its central location, its restaurants, and beauty. Despite having 5-star restaurants and charm many find the peak season crowds, prices, and stairs to be a bit overwhelming.

If you are on your honeymoon and money is not an option I suggest grabbing a top-floor suite at Le Sirenuse.

Ravello is an enchanting village perched on a ridge high above Amalfi.   Most people find Ravello out of the way and only stay for the day.

Sorrento is convenient for visitors that want to check out of the small town along the coast and Sorrento is a quick trip to Pompeii for those that want to see the city frozen in time.   It also marks the start of the 43-mile infamously winding coastal road that runs to Salerno.

Amalfi is the Amalfi Coast’s largest city, but it still feels quaint and intimate. It is convenient for excursions to Capri and the Grottos.    Amalfi is romantically situated at the mouth of a deep gorge and its Duomo is impressive.

How To Pay For Your Once in a Lifetime Luxury Vacation?

Did you know Delta Airlines offer layaways for vacations? Delta Vacations gives you the flexibility to pay for vacation over time.  Flying to Italy can be very expensive and hotels aren’t much better so imagine having everything already paid for before you even get on the plane.

Delta Vacations allow you to put down a 10% deposit on the total cost of your trip which will include airfare hotel and rental car.  After you make your initial downpayment you can pay as little or as much per month as you like as long as the entire trip is paid off 30 days prior to your departure date.

Sit Back and Relax

All you have to do now is imagine yourself with sipping on limoncello while overlooking the Mediterranean.  I believe people save for things that are important to them so instead of spending money on the latest gadget book your getaway today,  head over to Delta Vacations select SHOP NOW, fill in your information and select the Luxury icon, located under the Hotel Amenities to view all of the Luxury vacations Delta has to choose from.

Ultimate Amalfi Coast Travel Guide!

My Amalfi Coast Travel Guide will help you navigate the region like an expert.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most magical places you will ever visit if you are a lover of art, history and delicious food.

Did I say delicious food!!

Italy is one of the most seductive, picturesque and diverse landscapes I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.  It is one of those destinations you can just never get enough of no matter how many times you visit.  I’m a romantic at heart, and that’s probably why I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast in the first place.  Every nook and cranny of this beautiful coastline could easily be called romantic and the perfect place to reconnect with your spouse and remember why you fell in love.

Related Post: What to do in Florence

 

Positano

What to Do

Check out the many boutiques selling locally crafted goods from limoncello, sandals, linens and silks scarfs.

A great way to see Positano is by taking a boat tour. I surprised my husband and rented a private boat to tour Capri and Positano. We were able to view the Faraglioni rock formations off Capri and sailed within feet of the shore so we could take breathtaking photos of the famous Amalfi Coast.

Blue Grotto

Total tourist trap but whatever! If you are visiting Amalfi you should spend the $15 or whatever it is to go in this cave! It was SPECTACULAR!

The luxury boat picked us up from our hotel and it took us about 30 minutes to arrive at the Grotto.  Once we arrived there were only about 4 other boats ahead of us but be warned in the busy season there can be as many as 20 boats waiting to enter the Grottos and the wait can be well over 3 hours.

Inside Of The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a cave inside the side of a mountain and can only be reached by squeezing through a narrow opening.  Once we began to enter the Grotto we had lay down but after we entered a calm came over us and the water is illuminated by the sunlight outside of the Grotto. We spent about 5 min inside of the Grotto.  Again, Is it a tourist trap? Yes! Should you go anyway? Yes, why not?

Exploring Pompeii

Don’t miss Pompeii if you are in Italy. I’ve never seen anything like it. The town/city of Pompeii dates back to 500BC. From the arenas to the people frozen in time, it’s just amazing!

Take a guided tour or you won’t learn all the secrets of Pompeii. We walked the ancient Roman streets to see the structures that have been preserved under ashes from Mt. Vesuvius.  Our tour guide, Benedetto, was amazingly knowledgeable.  A Ph.D. archaeologist who actually works in Pompeii during the week, he brought a practitioner’s perspective to his narrative and was able to point out numerous things that are not normally covered in a standard tour.

Related Post: Sorrento to Pompeii – Unveiling The Buried City

nb

We were able to stay one step ahead of the large tour groups and never had to wait to see what he wanted to show us.  We spent 10 days in Europe but this was one of the highlights of our vacation.

When in Italy, you might as well learn how to cook as the Italians do. Hotel Onda Verde offers cooking classes to visitors wanting to learn simple, southern Italian dishes. They typically operate daily between 3:30-5pm and clients are invited to help chefs prepare regional appetizers, first and second courses, and a dessert.

Related Post: How to Explore Florence Like a Local

View my video below of my Amalfi Coast Travel Guide.

Dinner at Hotel Onda Verde

Imagine dining at sunset or under the moonlight and stars while listening to the Mediterranean’s wave sing in concert with the quiet background music that flows from the restaurant at Hotel Onda Verde.   This is the Amalfi Coast I’ve always dreamt of!!

The restaurant was easily accessible from our room by either elevator or by stairs and those stairs were at a 45-degree angle and you need to be a track star to walk the stairs without dying.

The restaurant is owned and operated by the Milano family for nearly 40 years, Hotel Onda Verde has remained consistently dedicated to bringing home-style Central and Southern Italian Cuisine to the Amalfi Coast.

Il Pirata

Just below the restaurant at Hotel Onda Verde, there is a winding pathway leads right to Il Pirata restaurant, which has one of the most incredible dining areas overlooking the sea that I’ve ever seen.

It’s especially magical at night!

As you are being escorted to your table make sure you take a peek inside the restaurant because the bar is built into the cave and there are candles everywhere so there is a lovely ambiance.  Il Pirata Restaurant was our “go to” restaurant during our stay on the Amalfi Coast.

My husband and I spent the majority of our days & nights at Il Pirata.

It Doesn’t Get Any Fresher Than This!

We were greeted with champagne and I had the best citrus shrimp risotto of my life.  The highlight of Franchino il Restaurante was when I ordered Octopus and they sent a little old man out to the sea in a rowboat and he came back with live octopus!

My Favorite Photo From the Amalfi Coast

If I could stay in just one place, it would be this spot on a boat we rented for the day.

When I am feeling down my mind travels back to this spot again and again.

Where to Eat in Amalfi

We had been in Praiano for a few days and tried a few different places and they were all very good but then we stumbled upon Che Bonta Gastronomia. The food there was full of flavor, you got a mound of mussels, and a huge salad for a great price.

If sitting close to neighbors and chatting with other travelers is your thing you will have a great time but if you want quiet and romantic dinner this is not the place for you but the food is delicious!!

I Fell in Love with Lemoncello and Meyer Lemons!

I was in absolute awe of the lemons in Amalfi!! Lemons everywhere.

Last Night on the Amalfi Coast

After five days of exploring all of the small beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, we decided to spend our last night hanging out on the balcony of our room drinking Vodka tonics, Limoncello and me whooping my hubby’s behind in Uno!! I can’t think of a better way to end our trip.

Not the regular Limoncello but Crema Limoncello! It is so creamy and delicious!

The Amalfi Coast inspires dreams like few other travel destinations in the world. The natural landscape is captivating, the colors are enchanting and the warmth of the locals unforgettable.

It is easy to leave a piece of your heart behind after visiting this remarkable stretch of coastline in southern Italy. If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Amalfi Coast its time to stop dreaming and figure out when To Visit The Amalfi Coast.

Things Not to Miss on the Amalfi Coast

 Highlights of Passports and Grub Amalfi Coast travel guide include:

• Touring the Villa Cimbrone
• Museo Correale (Neapolitan arts housed in an 18th-century villa)
• The Sant’Antonino Festival
• Sagra del Tonno
• Africana Club (fish swim beneath its glass dance floor)
• Shopping at Antonello della Mura

I hope my Amalfi Coast Travel Guide will help you decide When To Visit The Amalfi Coast, where to stay and what to do while exploring Italy.

What is your favorite city in Italy?

I would love to hear your feedback so drop a comment below or head on over to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!