The Amalfi Coast is Italy at its most dramatic — a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline where pastel villages cling to vertiginous cliffs above the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. Here’s how to make the most of this Mediterranean paradise.
When to Go
May through June and September through October offer the best experience — warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. July and August are peak season with higher prices and packed beaches. Avoid November through March when many hotels and restaurants close.
The Must-Visit Towns
Positano is the postcard-perfect village with cascading bougainvillea. Ravello sits high above the coast with stunning villa gardens. Amalfi itself offers a magnificent cathedral and lively piazza. Tiny Atrani is the locals’ favorite — authentic and crowd-free.
Insider Tips
Skip the expensive beach clubs and find free beach access points in every town. Take the local SITA bus for dramatic cliff-edge rides at a fraction of taxi prices. Book a lemon grove tour in Amalfi for limoncello tasting straight from the source.