November 29, 2025
The Amalfi Coast is one of those places you see in photos and wonder if it’s really that beautiful — and yes, it truly is. This stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy runs along the Tyrrhenian Sea, with dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored towns, lemon terraces everywhere, and water so blue it doesn’t look real. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and honestly, once you’re there, it feels like stepping into a postcard.
Long before it became one of Italy’s dream destinations, Amalfi was actually one of the powerful Maritime Republics, trading with the Middle East and Europe. The mix of cultures — Arabic, Byzantine, and Italian — shows in the architecture, food, and even the local crafts.
The locals have been growing lemons here for centuries, carving terraces into the steep mountains. These lemons are huge, fragrant, and famous for making limoncello and lemon desserts you’ll see in every town.
🏘️ Towns Along the Amalfi Coast
Here’s a simple overview of the towns you’ll find along the coast, each with its own charm:
Positano
Probably the most iconic town — steep, colorful, and full of life. The narrow lanes are lined with boutiques, handmade sandals, linen clothing, and stairs… lots of stairs. The view of Positano from the beach is unforgettable.
Praiano
A calmer spot between Positano and Amalfi. It’s perfect for sunset lovers and has a more local feel.
Furore
Known for the Fiordo di Furore, a small gorge with a tiny beach under a stone bridge. It feels like a secret hideout.
Conca dei Marini
Famous for the Emerald Grotto, a sea cave that glows green when the sunlight hits it just right.
Amalfi
The historical heart of the coast. The first thing you’ll see is the grand staircase leading to the Amalfi Cathedral — it’s impossible to miss. Amalfi also has old paper mills where the traditional handmade Amalfi paper comes from.
Atrani
Right beside Amalfi and often overlooked — but beautiful. A tiny town with a peaceful square and a quieter beach.
Ravello
High above the coastline. This town is all about views. If you’ve seen dreamy garden photos of the Amalfi Coast, they were probably taken at Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone. Ravello feels like a breath of fresh air after the busier coastal towns.
Minori
Relaxed and friendly, known for pastries (especially Sal De Riso). There’s also an ancient Roman villa you can explore.
Maiori
Home to one of the longest beaches on the entire coast. Great if you want more space and a less crowded feel.
Cetara
A real fishing village, famous for its anchovies and the traditional colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Seafood is the star here.
Vietri sul Mare
The “gateway” town on the eastern side, famous for its vibrant ceramics. Many people visit just to shop for pottery.
⭐ Nearby Places Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
Salerno
Not officially part of the Amalfi Coast but extremely convenient. This was the station we used, and it’s less touristy and more affordable.
Sorrento
Not technically Amalfi Coast, but everyone includes it. It’s a great base, especially if you’re heading to Capri, Pompeii, or Naples. The views from Sorrento are beautiful, especially at sunset.
Capri & Anacapri
The island feels like another world. Capri is lively, stylish, and full of boats and cafés, while Anacapri is quieter and closer to nature. Don’t miss:
Monte Solaro (via chairlift)
Blue Grotto
Gardens of Augustus
A boat tour around the island
🌟Popular Places You Really Shouldn’t Miss In Positano
Spiaggia Grande (main beach)
Fornillo Beach (peaceful alternative)
Shopping in the little hillside streets
In Amalfi
The stunning Cathedral
Cloister of Paradise
Gelato or lemon granita by the piazza
A scenic boat ride along the coast
In Ravello
Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity (views you’ll never forget)
Villa Rufolo’s gardens
Cafés overlooking the sea from above
In Capri
Blue Grotto
Chairlift to Monte Solaro
Salotto-style Piazza (Piazzetta)
Gardens of Augustus with that signature serpentine coastline view
For nature lovers
The Path of the Gods — one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy
Fiordo di Furore — tiny beach tucked between cliffs
Emerald Grotto — glowing water inside a sea cave
Long before it became one of Italy’s dream destinations, Amalfi was actually one of the powerful Maritime Republics, trading with the Middle East and Europe. The mix of cultures — Arabic, Byzantine, and Italian — shows in the architecture, food, and even the local crafts.
The locals have been growing lemons here for centuries, carving terraces into the steep mountains. These lemons are huge, fragrant, and famous for making limoncello and lemon desserts you’ll see in every town.
🏘️ Towns Along the Amalfi Coast
Here’s a simple overview of the towns you’ll find along the coast, each with its own charm:
Positano
Probably the most iconic town — steep, colorful, and full of life. The narrow lanes are lined with boutiques, handmade sandals, linen clothing, and stairs… lots of stairs. The view of Positano from the beach is unforgettable.
Praiano
A calmer spot between Positano and Amalfi. It’s perfect for sunset lovers and has a more local feel.
Furore
Known for the Fiordo di Furore, a small gorge with a tiny beach under a stone bridge. It feels like a secret hideout.
Conca dei Marini
Famous for the Emerald Grotto, a sea cave that glows green when the sunlight hits it just right.
Amalfi
The historical heart of the coast. The first thing you’ll see is the grand staircase leading to the Amalfi Cathedral — it’s impossible to miss. Amalfi also has old paper mills where the traditional handmade Amalfi paper comes from.
Atrani
Right beside Amalfi and often overlooked — but beautiful. A tiny town with a peaceful square and a quieter beach.
Ravello
High above the coastline. This town is all about views. If you’ve seen dreamy garden photos of the Amalfi Coast, they were probably taken at Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone. Ravello feels like a breath of fresh air after the busier coastal towns.
Minori
Relaxed and friendly, known for pastries (especially Sal De Riso). There’s also an ancient Roman villa you can explore.
Maiori
Home to one of the longest beaches on the entire coast. Great if you want more space and a less crowded feel.
Cetara
A real fishing village, famous for its anchovies and the traditional colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Seafood is the star here.
Vietri sul Mare
The “gateway” town on the eastern side, famous for its vibrant ceramics. Many people visit just to shop for pottery.
⭐ Nearby Places Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
Salerno
Not officially part of the Amalfi Coast but extremely convenient. This was the station we used, and it’s less touristy and more affordable.
Sorrento
Not technically Amalfi Coast, but everyone includes it. It’s a great base, especially if you’re heading to Capri, Pompeii, or Naples. The views from Sorrento are beautiful, especially at sunset.
Capri & Anacapri
The island feels like another world. Capri is lively, stylish, and full of boats and cafés, while Anacapri is quieter and closer to nature. Don’t miss:
Monte Solaro (via chairlift)
Blue Grotto
Gardens of Augustus
A boat tour around the island
🌟Popular Places You Really Shouldn’t Miss In Positano
Spiaggia Grande (main beach)
Fornillo Beach (peaceful alternative)
Shopping in the little hillside streets
In Amalfi
The stunning Cathedral
Cloister of Paradise
Gelato or lemon granita by the piazza
A scenic boat ride along the coast
In Ravello
Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity (views you’ll never forget)
Villa Rufolo’s gardens
Cafés overlooking the sea from above
In Capri
Blue Grotto
Chairlift to Monte Solaro
Salotto-style Piazza (Piazzetta)
Gardens of Augustus with that signature serpentine coastline view
For nature lovers
The Path of the Gods — one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy
Fiordo di Furore — tiny beach tucked between cliffs
Emerald Grotto — glowing water inside a sea cave
We took the night train from La Spezia to Salerno, leaving at 11:30 p.m. It was a long ride—almost seven hours—but surprisingly peaceful, and we managed to get some sleep. We must have been very exhausted after a full day of exploring Cinque Terre the day before. By the time we arrived a little after 7 a.m., Salerno was still waking up. The air was cool, and the soft morning light made the town feel calm and welcoming.
Right in front of Stazione Salerno there is a small park, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with benches and trees, and in the middle stands the War Memorial from Chiomonte, a war memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the province of Salerno. It’s a quiet, open space where people often sit while waiting for their trains or buses.
This was where my husband stayed with our luggage while I attended mass and bought our bus tickets. The park was calm that early in the morning, and the war memorial stood just a few steps away.
Salerno’s main station is actually one of the best places to start your journey along the Amalfi Coast. From here, travelers can easily catch buses, ferries, or regional trains, making it a convenient transportation hub whether you’re heading to Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, or even Capri. Many visitors stay in Salerno because it’s well connected and far less crowded than the coastal towns.
While my husband stayed at the park, I headed straight to the nearby Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù — the Church of the Sacred Heart — to attend the early morning mass. Even though the entire service was in Italian and I couldn’t understand every word, I could still feel the solemnity and peacefulness of the church, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere- such a perfect way to start the day.
After the mass, I bought our bus tickets to Amalfi from one of the tobacco shops (Tabacchi) near the station. These small shops are where most locals and travelers buy SITA Sud bus tickets. The bus stop itself is only a short walk from the station, which is very convenient if you're carrying bags or arriving early like we did.
We boarded the bus around 8:00 a.m., joining a mix of tourists and locals heading toward the coast. The ride was scenic — cliffs, sea views, and hillsides full of pastel houses.
We boarded the bus around 8:00 a.m., joining a mix of tourists and locals heading toward the coast. The ride was scenic — cliffs, sea views, and hillsides full of pastel houses.
On the bus from Salerno to Amalfi, the Amalfi Coast opened up in layers. Mountains rise steeply from the sea, with towns and houses perched on the cliffs. I could see Cetara and a few other small villages. The roads zigzag up the slopes, and houses are stacked in terraces down toward the water.
In one place, I noticed houses with small ladders connecting each level. On a terrace, two blue kayaks were stored, ready for the sea below. The colorful houses cling to the rocky slope, and narrow alleys connect the different levels.
Atrani Beach sits just less than a kilometer east of Amalfi town, right below the village, and is easy to reach on foot or by car, with a nearby parking area. The sandy shore is calm and family-friendly, perfect for kids. Part of the beach has umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent, while a small section remains free. There are several places to eat, including snack bars and restaurants right on the beach, one of which is the pizzeria Le Arcate, just steps from the sand.
By 9:10 a.m., we finally reached Amalfi town. Since our accommodation check-in wasn’t until 2:00 p.m., we left our luggage at the left-luggage storage near the Amalfi bus terminal.
For breakfast, we went to the small coffee shop right in front of the famous Amalfi Cathedral. Sitting there with a warm pastry and a cup of coffee while facing the cathedral’s grand staircase felt like the perfect start to our Amalfi adventure.
At the heart of Amalfi stands its stunning cathedral, with a grand staircase that welcomes you up to a façade of arches, stripes, and golden mosaics — a timeless centerpiece of the town.
Piazza Duomo is the lively heart of Amalfi, the square that opens in front of the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral. Around the piazza, you’ll find coffee shops, pâtisseries, and small cafés, perfect for a morning espresso or a sweet pastry while watching the town slowly wake up. The square buzzes gently with locals and travelers, and its open space, historic buildings, and the cathedral’s striking façade make it a charming and welcoming starting point for exploring Amalfi.
Connected to Piazza Duomo is Via Duca Mansone 1, a narrow street that winds down toward the bus terminal and the coastal boats along the Amalfi Drive, offering a charming passage from the heart of the town to the transport links along the coast.
Nestled on Marina Grande in Amalfi, Tonino O’ Beach is the perfect blend of leisure and exploration. Just steps from Piazza Duomo, this beach club provides everything for a carefree day: umbrellas, sunbeds, hot showers, and changing rooms for comfort, plus a shop stocked with snorkeling gear and beach essentials.
The town of Amalfi — a charming coastal gem tucked between steep cliffs, where colorful hillside buildings cascade down toward the sparkling sea. Amalfi is not just the namesake of the Amalfi Coast; it’s a peaceful and scenic base for exploring the rest of the region — Positano, Ravello, Atrani, and the dramatic cliffside curves of the famous Amalfi Drive.
This travel blog will continue to our visit to Positano and Sorrento
We were in Cinque Terre, Italy the day before.
Click the link if keen to view our escapades to Cinque Terre
30 second clip of the Amalfi town on the Amalfi town. Please click the link.
Updated on November 30, 2025
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