Coastal bliss, sailing and glamour: 11 places to visit on the Amalfi Coast

There’s a reason that Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast is often called the Divina Costiera, or Divine Coast. After all, it’s a place where jagged limestone cliffs plunge vertically into a sea so blue that it looks like a painting, and where gravity-defying villages cling to the rocks like colourful barnacles. From the scent of heavy lemon blossoms in the air to the salt spray hitting your face as you sail past the glamorous island of Capri, it’s a destination really built for the senses.

Whether you’re looking to hike ancient mountain paths and soak up the panoramic views, dive into the region’s cinematic history, or simply find the perfect bowl of sumptuous scialatielli pasta, this stretch of Italian coastline more than delivers. But with so many hidden coves, clifftop towns, and enchanting islands to explore, knowing where to start can be a little bit daunting. So, without further ado, we’ve rounded up the very best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast to help you plan your next escape.

Sail into the heart of Positano

If there’s one image that defines the Amalfi Coast, it is the vertical pastel stack of Positano. Arriving by land is impressive, but approaching by sailboat is a game-changer. As you sail toward the harbour, the town reveals itself in layers of peach, terracotta, and pink — likened to a postcard gleaming under the Mediterranean sun.

Once you hop off at the Spiaggia Grande, the real fun begins: Positano is meant for wandering. Ditch the map and climb the narrow, winding staircases that lead to hidden boutiques selling handmade linen and leather sandals. Then, after you’ve worked up an appetite, find a terrace for an Aperol Spritz or two and soak up the golden hour. Romance eat-your-heart-out.

Discover it for yourself on: Sailing the Amalfi Coast: Capri, Positano & Coastal Bliss

Discover the cinematic charm of Ischia

While many travellers flock straight to the more popular Capri, the island of Ischia offers a more rugged and authentic slice of Italian island life. Movie buffs might recognise the volcanic landscapes, traditional towns, and thermal springs from 1999’s seminal The Talented Mr. Ripley, which was filmed extensively here on the island.

Ischia itself is a paradise for those who love the water. You can spend your morning exploring the medieval Castello Aragonese, connected to the island by a stone bridge, before heading to take a dip in the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, away from the heavy crowds of the mainland.

Hike the legendary Path of the Gods

For the best views on the entire coast, you need to lace up your hiking boots. The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is an ancient trail that winds through the towering Lattari Mountains, connecting the high-altitude village of Agerola to Nocelle, just above Positano.

As you walk, the coastline unfolds beneath you in a dizzying panorama of turquoise water and terraced vineyards. It’s a relatively-easy hike that feels like walking on the edge of the world. As you go, you’ll amble through oak forests, past abandoned stone huts, and likely encounter a few local goats along the way. Ending the hike with a cold lemon granita in Nocelle is a rite of passage for every Amalfi adventurer.

Explore the historic maritime republic of Amalfi

Amalfi was once a powerful maritime superpower, and that grand history is still visible in every sun-drenched piazza. The centrepiece of the town is the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, an architectural marvel with a striking striped facade and a massive staircase that dominates the main square.

Beyond the cathedral, Amalfi is a labyrinth of covered alleys and secret tunnels designed to confuse invaders centuries ago. Today, they’ll lead you to quiet artisanal shops and the Paper Museum, where you can learn about the town’s long-standing tradition of handmade bambagina paper. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak up the local culture between boat trips out at sea.

Find serenity in the gardens of Ravello

Perched high on a bluff far above the sea, Ravello is the Amalfi Coast’s sophisticated, quiet cousin. Known as the ‘City of Music’, it has been rumoured to inspire everyone from Richard Wagner to Virginia Woolf. The main draws here are the sprawling gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.

Walking through the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone is a surreal experience. Lined with marble busts and overlooking the picturesque Gulf of Salerno, it offers a view so vast it feels like you are floating. Ravello is less about the beach and more about the atmosphere — think cobblestone squares, world-class classical concerts, and a peacefulness that is hard to find in the busier towns down below.

Taste the ‘Gold of Amalfi’ in Minori

The Amalfi Coast is synonymous with lemons, but in Minori, they take citrus to a whole new level. This small town is home to the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path), an easy walk through fragrant groves that once served as the main connection between Minori and neighbouring Maiori.

Minori is also a pilgrimage site for foodies, thanks to the legendary pastry chef Sal De Riso. You cannot visit without trying a delizia al limone — a light sponge cake soaked in limoncello and topped with delectable lemon cream. After your sugar fix, wander down to the Roman Villa ruins to see how the ancient elite spent their summer holidays two thousand years ago.

Pompeii: Step Into a City Frozen in Time

Speaking of Roman villas, it would be criminal not to mention Pompeii on this Amalfi Coast must-do list. While it sits just beyond the coastline near Naples, it’s one of the most powerful and memorable stops you can add to your journey.

This isn’t your typical historic site, as Pompeii pulls you straight into daily life from nearly 2,000 years ago. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it buried the city in ash, preserving homes, streets, and even frescoes in incredible detail. Walking through the ruins, you’re not just observing history, you’re moving through it. You’ll also see plaster casts of victims throughout — a sobering reminder of just how destructive the eruption’s impact was.

Pay a visit to Pompeii on: Exploring the Amalfi Coast

Go under the radar in Atrani

Just a ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Amalfi lies Atrani, the smallest municipality in Italy. It feels like a well-kept secret. Sheltered by two steep cliffs, the traditional fishing village is centred around a charming piazza where local life moves at a much slower pace.

The beach here is often quieter than its neighbours, and the maze of whitewashed houses and narrow arches (known as scalinatella) is a photographer’s dream. It’s the ideal place to grab a simple seafood lunch and feel like you have stepped back in time to Italy before the era of mass tourism.

Experience local living in the hills

If you want to truly understand the Amalfi Coast, you have to look beyond the shoreline. Staying in a local farmhouse or agriturismo in the hills above the sea offers a different perspective. This is the land of terraced gardens, where families have farmed lemons, olives, and grapes for generations.

Joining a local living experience allows you to get your hands dirty — think pasta-making classes using eggs from the farm and lemons picked minutes earlier. It’s an active way to travel that supports the local community and gives you a genuine connection to the land. Plus, there is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of roosters and the smell of fresh espresso with a view of the dark blue Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

See how the locals live on: Local Living Italy — Amalfi Coast or Local Living Italy — Sorrento

Plunge into the Fiordo di Furore

The Fiordo di Furore is one of the most Instagrammed spots on the coast, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. It isn’t technically a fjord (it’s a vallone carved by a stream), but the narrow gorge and the arched bridge that spans it are spectacular.

A steep set of stairs leads down to a tiny, pebbly beach tucked between the cliffs. It is a favourite spot for cliff divers and those looking for a dramatic place to swim. The water here is deep and cool, providing a refreshing escape during the heat of the midday sun. If you’re sailing the coast, having your captain drop anchor nearby is the best way to appreciate the scale of these towering rock walls and go for a cooling dip.

Indulge in the marine magic of Capri

No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a day (or three) on the island of Capri. While the designer shops in the centre are world famous, the real magic is found on the water. A private boat tour around the island allows you to explore hidden sea caves and sail right through the middle of the iconic Faraglioni rock formations.

Jump into the crystalline water at the Green Grotto, or watch the light dance in the Blue Grotto. For the adventurous, a hike up to Villa Jovis — the crumbled ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s palace — offers a rugged trek with views that stretch all the way back to the mainland.