Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is a stretch of steep coastline on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula in Campania, between Positano and Vietri sul Mare. Pastel villages cling to cliffs above the sea, connected by a famously winding road, and terraced lemon groves and vineyards cover the slopes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding cultural landscape.

Amalfi, once the capital of a powerful maritime republic, has a striking cathedral with a cloister of paradise. Positano tumbles down to the sea in a cascade of colourful houses, and Ravello, high above the coast, is known for the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and its summer music festival. Atrani, Praiano, Furore with its fjord, Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri, known for ceramics, complete the string of villages. Show more

The Path of the Gods, the Sentiero degli Dei, is one of the most famous hikes in Italy, following the cliffs high above Positano. Boat trips explore grottoes such as the Grotta dello Smeraldo, small beaches and the islands of Li Galli, and ferries link the villages. Amalfi lemons are used for limoncello and desserts, Cetara is known for colatura di alici, an anchovy sauce, and Ravello and Tramonti produce local wines.

The Amalfi Coast is reached by bus or road from Sorrento and Salerno and by ferry from Salerno, Naples and Capri. Several days to a week suit a stay, and driving can be slow in summer. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, summer is the busiest season, and many hotels close in winter.