Destinations / Italy / Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
Pick your base for the trip you want: Positano for the views and buzz, Ravello for quiet, Amalfi town for easy ferries. Skip the rental car, plan around the boats, and go between late May and September.
Amalfi Coast
Where I'm sending people now
Positano for views and energy, Ravello for quiet and gardens, Amalfi town for ferries, Sorrento for easy transport and families.
Late May, June and September. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. Most hotels and ferries shut down from November to March.
Top hotels (Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro, Caruso, Monastero Santa Rosa) start around €1,200 to €2,500 a night, more for sea-view rooms in summer.
As of late 2026: Naples airport is closed for all of November 2026 (flights move to Salerno or Rome), and roadwork near Castellammare causes long delays through the end of the year. Most ferries stop in early November.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Naples (NAP), which connects through European hubs and has some seasonal nonstops from the US. A private driver to Positano takes about 75-90 minutes; in season you can also take a ferry from Naples or Salerno. From Rome, take the train to Naples or Salerno (about 70-90 minutes) and then a driver.
Getting around
Skip the rental car: the coast road is narrow, parking is scarce and expensive, and on peak dates non-resident cars face odd/even license plate limits. Ferries between Positano, Amalfi and Capri run spring through fall, and a private boat day is the best splurge here.
Money and tipping
Euros; carry cash for beach clubs, small boats and porters. Many towns charge a nightly tourist tax at the hotel, and tipping is optional beyond rounding up, though I'd tip drivers and boat captains for good service.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Arrive by driver, check in, sunset aperitivo in Positano
Day 2 Private boat day along the coast with swimming stops
Day 3 Ferry to Amalfi town, bus or driver up to Ravello's gardens
Day 4 Path of the Gods hike in the morning, beach club afternoon
Day 5 Ferry to Capri for the day, or a cooking class
Hotels I'd book in Amalfi Coast
Things to do in Amalfi Coast
Where to eat in Amalfi Coast
Zass
La Sponda
Da Adolfo
Lo Scoglio
Da Gemma
Da Vincenzo
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Amalfi Coast FAQ
Do I need a car on the Amalfi Coast?
No. The coastal road is narrow, closes in heavy rain and has odd-even license plate rules in high season. Use ferries, the SITA buses or a private driver.
When do the ferries stop?
From late October to early November. In winter only the Naples and Sorrento routes to Capri and Ischia keep running.
Is the Blue Grotto worth it?
It depends on the sea, so it's never guaranteed, and it's often closed from November to March. In summer the line can be two hours for a five-minute visit. A private boat day around Capri is the better plan.
How hard is the Path of the Gods?
It's about 7.8 km and mostly downhill, 3 to 4 hours from Bomerano to Nocelle. From Nocelle it's about 1,700 steps down to Positano, or a short bus ride. It's free.
How do I get there from Naples or Rome?
A private car from Naples takes about 1.5 hours to Positano. From Rome it's 3 to 4 hours by car, or a fast train to Naples or Salerno and a car or ferry from there.
How far ahead should I book?
Sea-view rooms 6 to 12 months ahead for May to September. Positano beach club loungers for peak dates can sell out by February or March.
What's the tourist tax?
In Positano it's €5 per person per night at 5-star hotels and €4 at 4-star, charged April to October. Other towns charge similar amounts.
Can I drive in summer?
On many dates from spring to September, non-resident cars can only use the coast road on alternating days by license plate, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hotel guests are exempt only on check-in and check-out days.