In this article we’ll outline a simple step by step guide on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast for first time visitors, keep reading if you don’t want to miss anything. Before we start, let’s talk about the Amalfi Coast history.

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Amalfi Coast Guide & Rooftop Bar Guide

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline located in southern Italy, It is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with colorful houses and buildings that are built into the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

There are several towns along the Amalfi Coast, each with its own unique character and attractions. The region is popular with tourists who come to experience its natural beauty, relax on its beaches, and enjoy the local cuisine and culture.

The Amalfi Coast is located in the region of Campania, in southern Italy. It stretches for about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Positano to the town of Vietri sul Mare. The coastline is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and small, picturesque towns that are built into the hills. The region is known for its Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Amalfi Coast is also known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The region has a long history, dating back to ancient Roman times, and it has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries, including Greek, Norman, and Arab. There are many interesting historical sites and landmarks to visit on the Amalfi Coast, including the Duomo di Sant’Andrea in Amalfi, the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello to name a few, you’ll have lots of things to do in Amalfi Coast.

Finally, the Amalfi Coast is also known for its delicious cuisine and local products. The region is famous for its lemons, which are used to make limoncello, a popular liqueur, as well as a variety of other dishes and products. The region is also known for its seafood, which is typically prepared in simple, traditional ways that highlight the freshness and flavor of the ingredients.

Now let’s dive in on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast if you have a short time frame:

1. Visit the town of Amalfi: The town of Amalfi is the largest town on the coast and is a great place to start your visit. The town is home to the famous Amalfi Cathedral and has a beautiful, bustling main square.
2. Take a boat tour: A boat tour is a great way to see the coast from a different perspective and visit some of the smaller towns and beaches dotted along the coastline.
3. Hike the Path of the Gods: The Path of the Gods is a beautiful and popular hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the coast. It’s a moderate hike, so make sure you’re in good physical shape before you attempt it.
4. Relax on the beach: The Amalfi Coast has several beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax. The most popular beaches are in Praiano, La Praia and La Gavitella, Positano, Arienzo, Fornillo and Laurito or Conca dei Marini beach, in Amalfi Duoglio beach or the main beach just off the main road. Other beaches you may want to consider are the beach in Atrani and the main beach in Maiori.
5. Visit the island of Capri: The island of Capri is just a short boat ride from the coast and is a popular day trip destination. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and luxury shopping. Don’t miss the Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro and the Faraglioni Rocks.
6. Explore the towns of Positano and Ravello: The towns of Positano and Ravello are two of the most charming towns on the Amalfi Coast. They are both known for their narrow, winding streets, pastel-colored houses, and stunning views.
7. Visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto) is a beautiful sea cave located in Conca dei Marini. The cave gets its name from the stunning emerald green color of the water, which is caused by sunlight passing through the water and reflecting off the white limestone walls. Inside the cave, you can take a boat tour and see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over the years. You can also visit the small chapel located inside the cave, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was used by fishermen as a place of worship.The Grotta dello Smeraldo is a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible from the towns of Amalfi and Conca dei Marini. You can take a boat tour of the cave from either of these villages.

If you have more time in your hands, keep reading for an indeep guide on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast:

What To Do in Amalfi

The town of Amalfi is a popular destination on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, known for its stunning natural beauty, charming streets, and rich history. Here are some of the top things to see in Amalfi:

1. Amalfi Cathedral: The Amalfi Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Andrew, is a stunning example of Arab-Norman architecture. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is a must-see for anyone visiting Amalfi.
2. Paper Museum: Amalfi was once an important center for paper production and the Paper Museum, located in a 13th-century paper mill, showcases this history. The museum offers guided tours and demonstrations of traditional paper-making techniques.
3. Piazza del Duomo: The Piazza del Duomo is the main square in Amalfi and is a great place to sit and people-watch. The square is home to the Amalfi Cathedral and several charming cafes and restaurants.
4. The Cloister of Paradise: The Cloister of Paradise is a beautiful 13th-century cloister that is home to a museum featuring artifacts from the town’s history.
5. The Beach: Amalfi has a small but charming beach that is a great place to relax and cool off on a hot day. The beach is located just a short walk from the town center.
6. Limoncello tastings: Limoncello is a popular lemon liqueur that is made on the Amalfi Coast. Many local shops and restaurants offer limoncello tastings, which is a great way to try this delicious local specialty.

What To Do in Ravello

Ravello is known for its stunning views over the coastline, beautiful gardens, and rich history. Here are some of the top things to do in Ravello:

1. Villa Rufolo: Villa Rufolo is a beautiful 13th-century villa located just off the main piazza. The villa has stunning gardens and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
2. Villa Cimbrone: Villa Cimbrone is another beautiful villa located about 10-15 minutes walk from the center. The villa has extensive gardens with breathtaking views of the coast, as well as a small museum featuring art and artifacts from the town’s history.
3. Ravello Cathedral: The Ravello Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Pantaleone, is a beautiful 12th-century cathedral located in the town center. The cathedral is known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and beautiful frescoes.
4. Piazza Vescovado: Piazza Vescovado is the main square in Ravello and is a great place to sit and people-watch while you are sipping an aperitivo. The square is home to several charming cafes and restaurants.
5. Shopping: Ravello has several charming boutiques and artisan shops where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs. The town is known for its ceramics, leather goods, and limoncello.

What To Do in Positano

Positano is known for its stunning natural beauty, pastel-colored houses, and winding streets. Here are some of the top things to see in Positano:

1. The Beach: Positano is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast. The beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, and there are several restaurants and cafes located nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
2. Church of Santa Maria Assunta: The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a beautiful 16th-century church located in the town center. The church is known for its stunning majolica tile dome and beautiful frescoes.
3. Positano Fashion: Positano is known for its chic, bohemian fashion scene, and the town has several boutiques and artisan shops where you can find unique clothing and accessories.
4. Walk the streets: Positano has narrow, winding streets, full of shops, that are a pleasure to explore on foot. The town is known for its colorful houses and charming architecture, and there are several art galleries and artisan studios to visit.
5. Dining: Positano has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and trattorias serving delicious local specialties, including seafood dishes and homemade pasta.
6. Sunset: Positano is known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are several spots around town where you can watch the sunset and take in the stunning views of the coast, some of the best places on where to see the sunset are, Li Galli Bistro’, Francos Bar (by Le Sirenuse hotel).

What To See in Cetara

Cetara is a small fishing village located after Maiori. Here are some of the top things to do in Cetara:

1. Visit the beach: Cetara has a beautiful, sandy beach that is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is located just a short walk from the town center.
2. Try the local seafood: Cetara is known for its delicious seafood and the production of “colatura di alici,” a traditional condiment made from fermented anchovies, and it’s delicious seafood dishes, such as “pesce all’acqua pazza,” a fish stew.
3. Visit the Salinola Tower: The Salinola Tower is a small, medieval tower located in the town center. The tower offers panoramic views of the town and the coastline.
4. Go fishing: Cetara is a traditional fishing village, and there are several local fishing boats that offer fishing trips and excursions experience.
5. Visit the Church of San Pietro: The Church of San Pietro is a beautiful 12th-century church located in the town center. The church is known for its stunning Norman architecture and beautiful frescoes.

What To See in Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is the last village of the Amalfi Coast going south. Here are some of the top things to do in Vietri sul Mare:

1. Visit the beach: Vietri sul Mare has a beautiful, sandy beach that is a great place soak up the sun and relax if you are looking for a chilling day. The beach is located just a short walk from the town center.
2. Explore the town: Vietri sul Mare is a charming town as are the rest of the villages along the coast with winding, narrow streets and colorful houses. There are several small shops and boutiques to visit, as well as several artisan little shops where you can see ceramic pottery being made.
3. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista: The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a beautiful 16th-century church located in the town center. The church is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful frescoes.
4. Visit the Ceramics Museum: Vietri sul Mare is known for its ceramics, and the Ceramics Museum, located in the town center, showcases the town’s rich history of pottery-making.

What To See in Minori

Minori is not far from Amalfi and can be reached by bus easley. Here are some of the top things to see in Minori:

1. Visit the Church of Santa Trofimena: The Church of Santa Trofimena is a beautiful 11th-century church located in the town center. The church is known for its stunning Norman architecture and beautiful frescoes.
2. Don’t miss a visit to De Riso, a well-known Italian pastry shop. The shop is known for its delicious pastries, cakes, and ice cream, which are made using traditional Italian recipes and local ingredients. Try the “Ricotta and Pear” cake, devine.
3. Visit the Roman Villa: The Roman Villa is a beautiful, well-preserved Roman villa located just a short walk from the town center. The villa has stunning mosaics and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.

What To See in Maiori

Maiori is the next village after Minori along the coast going south. Here are some of the top things to see in Maiori:

1. The Beach: Maiori has a beautiful, dark sandy beach and is the longest beach of the Amalfi Coast compared to the rest of the beaches in the area, so if you are looking for space this is for you. The beach is located just off the road passing through the town.
2. Visit the Church of Santa Maria a Mare: The Church of Santa Maria a Mare is a beautiful 11th-century church located in the town center. The church is known for its stunning Norman architecture and beautiful frescoes.
3. Take a walk along the Lungomare di Maiori: This scenic promenade runs along the coast and offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains and coastline.
4. Explore the Castle of Maiori: This castle was built in the 9th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. It offers panoramic views of the town and coastline.

Go Hiking

The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a popular hiking trail on the Amalfi Coast that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside. The trail runs from the town of Bomerano, in Agerola, to the town of Nocelle, above Positano. It is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level.

The trail follows an ancient footpath that was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to travel between the towns on the Amalfi Coast. It is called the “Path of the Gods” because of its stunning views of the coast and the surrounding mountains, which are said to be reminiscent of the abode of the gods.

The trail is relatively easy to moderate in difficulty, with some steep sections and steps. It is well marked and has several rest points along the way. The trail passes through beautiful countryside, with terraced fields, olive groves, and lemon orchards. There are also several small villages and churches along the way, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

The Path of the Gods is a popular destination for hikers and tourists, and it is recommended to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. It is also a good idea to bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen, as there is little shade along the trail. The hike is worth it for the stunning views of the coast all the way to Capri, which are some of the most beautiful on the Amalfi Coast.

Other Hikes

• The Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the mountains above the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse vegetation, which includes dense forests, waterfalls, and streams.  The reserve is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including many species that are unique to the region. The Valle delle Ferriere is a great destination for hikers, as it has a network of trails that lead through the reserve and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.  The reserve is also home to a number of historic sites, including the remains of an ancient ironworks, which gives the reserve its name (Valle delle Ferriere means “Valley of the Ironworks” in Italian).

• The Ravello-Minori Walk: This moderate hike follows a coastal path between the towns of Ravello and Minori, passing through lemon orchards, this is a fantasti little trail.

• The Punta Campanella Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located at the southern end of the Amalfi Coast and features a network of trails that lead through Mediterranean scrubland and past stunning views of the sea.

We hope that our simple step by step guide on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast will help you during your stay to explore this wonderful coastline.

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