The Amalfi Coast, or the Costiera Amalfitana, as it is known to locals, is a true bucket list destination. It may only be 30-miles long, but this vertiginous land of sheer drop terraces and peachy-hued towns is easily Italy’s most iconic stretch of coastline.

But don’t just take our word for it, over the centuries countless writers, artists, musicians, royals and celebrities have fallen for its laid back charm. In 1997 UNESCO even declared it a World Heritage Site, as an “outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and scenic values”.

Stretching around the Salerno Gulf its verdant landscape is peppered with pebbly coves and citrus groves, atmospheric towns crammed with grand villas, Michelin-starred restaurants, magnificent churches and an enviable climate to boot, it’s no wonder the Amalfi Coast still sits at the top of many peoples’ ultimate ‘must visit’ lists.


Why visit

Italy’s most famous coastline is often praised for its world-class restaurants and romantic sea views, but it isn’t just honeymooners that flock to its shores. Pastel coloured towns cling to the clifftops, strung together by the infamous Blue Ribbon Road whilst further inland, acres of orchards, vineyards and wildflower meadows bloom.

Keen hikers cannot resist the Path of the Gods, an ancient trail which passes through lemon groves and farmland, taking in plummeting gorges, valleys and caves along the way. Classical music fans can while away the hours in lofty Ravello. The ornate hilltop town which inspired the likes of Wagner springs into life with an impressive calendar of atmospheric outdoor concerts and performances from April onwards.

For history buffs, some of the world’s most famous Roman ruins are on your doorstep, with Pompeii, Herculaneum and lesser-known Paestum and Velia, all within reach. Plus, try and watch the kids contain their excitement as they whizz from town to town on a hydrofoil or explore the area’s mystical green and blue sea caves. Yes, the Amalfi Coast epitomises la dolce vita.


When to visit

The Amalfi Coast is a seasonal affair. It opens for business from late April to October, with many hotels, restaurants and public transport options winding down significantly from November.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, but this sees the area’s prices soar and the traffic crawl along the iconic coastal roads. If you are keen to get out and explore, spring and late summer are ideal, when the temperatures are cooler, journey times halve and the main resorts are a little less hectic. 


Practical Information

  • Currency – Euro
  • Time Zone – Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT)
  • Language Spoken – Italian. However, there is a very good level of English spoken by hospitality staff.

 

Getting around

  • Airport: 
  • Public Transport: In peak season the public transport network is regular and reliable, both on and off land. From Naples, jump onboard the ferry to Sorrento, alternatively, you can head there by train, with Trenitalia or bus with Curreri Viaggi. Once in Sorrento, it is easy to reach the other coastal resorts using the SITA bus service.
  • Car hire: There are a plethora of hire car companies operating out of the airport, but be aware that driving here is hairy to say the least, mainly due to the narrow coastal roads, heavy traffic and sheer drops, so do not attempt it if you are a nervous driver or are new to driving abroad. 

 

Good to Know

  • The emergency services can be reached by calling 112.
  • Take a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.
  • By law you should carry some form of ID with you, when out and about. If you have chosen to hire a car, do take your passport out with you.
  • Lunch (pranzo) tends to be served between 12.30pm – 3pm. Most formal restaurants close after lunch. Dinner (cena), kicks off around 7pm – 8pm. If the restaurant seems a little empty upon arrival, fear not, Italians tend to eat later.

 

Social Etiquette

Italians are a friendly bunch, so don’t be surprised if a café owner greets you like an old friend or waiters go out of their way to entertain the children. The local language is Italian, but being one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, most hospitality staff here speak good English.

Making the effort to speak the local language is always appreciated, so here are a few handy phrases to get you started:

  • Ciao – Hello / Goodbye
  • Buongiorno – Good morning
  • Buon pomeriggio – Good afternoon
  • Buona note – Good night
  • Per favour – Please
  • Grazie – Thank you
  • Sí – Yes
  • Non – No
  • And if you are really struggling, there is always, ‘Parli inglese?’ – Do you speak English?

Out and about feel free to haggle your heart out at the area’s lively markets, but expect to pay the published prices in supermarkets and restaurants. 

Whilst taxis make sense for hopping around town, we suggest avoiding them when it comes to longer journeys, with bumper-to-bumper traffic making some short journeys very pricey. 

There isn’t a big tipping culture in Italy, taxi drivers, for example, do not expect a tip. If you are feeling generous, leaving 10% is a guide for good service in a restaurant – but do check your bill before automatically tipping, as service is often already included. Small change is perfectly adequate for drinks in cafes and bars.

 

Now you’ve seen the best bits of this gorgeous region, why not check our all our villas in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento? Our friendly concierge team are always on hand to help with you search! 

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