When life gives you lemons: Visiting Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque and romantic places in Italy. It is a narrow strip of land stretching along the southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula, where mountains converge to the sea and flowering gardens and lemon groves adorn white-washed houses. Touring the Amalfi Coast is a great way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of this fascinating region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelling to Amalfi: How to get there

If you are planning a trip to Italy, the Amalfi Coast is the place you won't want to miss. It's a unique region where you can enjoy not only beautiful scenery but also a rich history, culture, and cuisine. But what's the best way to get to the coast? Here are a few options you may want to consider.

1. By airplane. This is the fastest and most convenient way. You can fly from different airports to Naples, which is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast. Then you should take a bus, cab, or a rented car to your chosen city. Airfares vary depending on the season, airline, and time of booking. You can compare prices and schedules on Skyscanner or Kayak.
2. By train. This is a cheaper and more eco-friendly way to travel to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, but it also takes longer and requires several transfers. You need to get to Milan, Turin, or Rome. Then take another ticket to Salerno, which is the main transportation hub on the Amalfi Coast. Head to your destination from there. The cost of train tickets depends on the type of train, class, and time of booking. You can compare prices and schedules on Trainline.
3. By bus. This is the cheapest way to get to the Amalfi Coast. The cost of bus tickets depends on the bus company and the time of booking. You can compare prices and schedules on Flixbus.

As you can see, there are many ways to get to Amalfi Coast. The choice depends on your budget, time, and preferences. Enjoy your trip to Italy and visit this amazing region.

The best coastal towns in Amalfi

If you want to visit the Amalfi Coast in Italy, you should know that it is not one city but a whole region made up of many different towns, each with its own atmosphere, history, and attractions. Some of them are known for their wonderful beaches, others for their cultural events and some for their culinary traditions.

Here you can enjoy not only spectacular sea and mountain views but also a unique atmosphere that combines romance, elegance, and tradition.

But where is the best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast to get the most out of your vacation? We prepared the best six towns and areas that suit different types of travellers, as well as the best hotels.

Amalfi

This is the largest and most central city on the Amalfi Coast and is suitable for those who want to be in the heart of the action. A trip to Amalfi will give you the opportunity to visit the main attraction of the region, the Amalfi Cathedral, which boasts of its architecture and history.

Enjoy strolling through the narrow streets with stores, cafes, and restaurants and try local specialties such as limoncello or sfogliatella. Amalfi is also a good base for travelling along the coast as buses, ferries, and excursions to other towns run from here.

However, you should be aware that Amalfi can be quite noisy and expensive, especially in high season. As an Amalfi Coast travel guide, we recommend the following hotels:

1. Hotel La Bussola. This four-star hotel is located on the Amalfi seafront, just 100 meters from the port and bus stops. It has a large terrace with beautiful sea views and a panoramic restaurant with local specialties. Rooms are stylish and cozy, with free Wi-Fi and LCD TV.
2. Hotel Residence. This three-star hotel is located right on the seafront in Amalfi, just a few steps from the main square. The hotel has spacious air-conditioned rooms with sea or city views. Breakfast is served on the impressive terrace overlooking the sea.
3. Hotel Miramalfi. This four-star hotel is perched on a cliff above Amalfi, offering panoramic views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has a heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, and showers. The hotel restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and the rooms are decorated in Mediterranean style.

Amalfi was once a maritime republic, rivaling Venice and Genoa. Here you can see traces of its glorious past in the architecture and museums.

Positano

Travelling to Italy to the Amalfi Coast, visit one of the most beautiful and photogenic towns, which is suitable for those looking for luxury and romance. Here you can admire the colorful houses hanging on the cliffs above the sea and one of the most picturesque beaches in the region, Fornillo. Be sure to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica dome and amphora with the relics of St. Andrew.

Positano is also known for its fashion and nightlife as here you will find many boutiques, bars, and clubs. However, you should bear in mind that Positano is the most expensive town on the Amalfi Coast and also the most difficult to reach due to the steep ascents and descents. If you want to stay in Positano, we recommend the following hotels.

1. Le Sirenuse. This five-star hotel is one of the most famous and luxurious hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is located in the centre of Positano in a former noble house of the 18th century. It has a swimming pool overlooking the sea, a spa, a fitness room, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture and artwork.
2. Hotel Marincanto. This four-star hotel is perched on a cliff above Positano, offering spectacular sea and city views. The hotel has an infinity-edge pool, sunbathing terrace, private beach, and restaurant with terrace. Rooms are spacious and bright, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
3. Hotel Villa Franca. This four-star hotel sits on a hill above Positano, offering panoramic sea and mountain views. The hotel has a rooftop pool, spa, fitness room, and two restaurants: one with sea views and one with city views. Rooms are decorated in a modern style, with air conditioning and LCD TV.

Positano is one of the most popular and photogenic towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento

When planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, pay attention to this place. It is one of the most convenient and accessible towns on the Amalfi Coast, which is suitable for those who want more options for transportation and entertainment. Here you can visit the old town with its cathedral, museums, and parks.

Sorrento is also a great base for travelling along the coast as Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri and other places are easily accessible from here. However, you need to keep in mind that Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast itself, but on the neighbouring Sorrentine Peninsula, so it doesn't have the same charm and atmosphere as the other towns.

If you want to stay in Sorrento, we recommend the following hotels:

1. Hotel Antiche Mura. This four-star hotel is located in the centre of Sorrento, just 100 metres from the main square of Piazza Tasso. The hotel has a large terrace with beautiful sea views, as well as a panoramic restaurant. Rooms are stylish and cozy, with free Wi-Fi.
2. Hotel Michelangelo. This three-star hotel is located in the centre of Sorrento, just 200 meters from the train station. It has an outdoor pool and garden, as well as a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are spacious and bright, with air conditioning and a minibar.
3. Grand Hotel La Favorita. This five-star hotel is located in the centre of Sorrento, just a few steps from Piazza Tasso. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a pool and views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, as well as a spa and fitness room. Rooms are luxurious and elegant, with balconies and marble bathrooms.

Enjoy views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius from Villa Comunale's terrace.

Ravello

When going to the Amalfi Coast, you can choose Ravello as one of the best cities to stay in. It is one of the most elegant and cultured towns on the coast, suitable for those who want to enjoy tranquility and beautiful scenery.

The city is also a good place for hiking in the surrounding area. You will admire the lemon groves, waterfalls, and ancient churches. However, you should keep in mind that Ravello is on a hill above Amalfi, so it doesn't have direct access to the sea and requires more time and transportation to get around the coast.

If you want to stay in Ravello, we recommend the following hotels:

1. Hotel Villa Cimbrone. This five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious and exclusive on the Amalfi Coast and is located in the famous Villa Cimbrone, which was built in the 12th century and belonged to aristocracy and celebrities. The hotel has its own garden with rare plants and a terrace overlooking the sea called the "Infinity Terrace". The rooms are decorated in 19th and 20th-century style, with antique furniture and artwork.
2. Hotel Parsifal. This three-star hotel is one of the most historic and atmospheric hotels on the Amalfi Coast located in a former 13th-century convention, which was turned into a hotel in 1948. The panoramic view of the sea and the mountains is mesmerizing and the restaurant on the terrace will not leave indifferent with either the view or the food. The rooms are decorated in a classic style, with wooden beams and stone walls.
3. Hotel Bonadies. This four-star hotel is one of the coziest family-run hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is located in the centre of Ravello, just a short walk from Villa Rufolo and Cimbrone. There is a swimming pool with sea views, as well as a bar and a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are decorated in light colors, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Here you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the sea and mountains or visit the Ravello Music Festival, which has been held every summer since 1953.

Praiano

The best places on the Amalfi Coast include this one. Here you can admire the colorful houses built into the cliffs and one of the most beautiful beaches of the region, Marina di Praia. You can also visit the church of San Gennaro with its majolica dome and bell tower.

Praiano is also a good base for travelling along the coast as it is easy to reach Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello from here.

If you want to stay in Praiano, we recommend the following hotels:

1. Hotel Onda Verde. This four-star hotel is perched on a cliff above the sea, offering stunning views of the coast and islands. The hotel has a private beach, swimming pool, solarium, and a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are decorated in a nautical style, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
2. Hotel Tramonto d'Oro. This four-star hotel is located in the centre of Praiano, just a 10-minute walk from Marina di Praia Beach. It has a rooftop pool with sea views, a spa centre, a fitness room, and a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are spacious and bright, with air conditioning and LCD TV.
3. Grand Hotel Tritone. This five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is perched on a cliff above the sea, offering spectacular views of the Capri and Amalfi Coast. The hotel has a private beach with a swimming pool, bar, café, and a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are decorated in an elegant style, with antique furniture and artwork.

Praiano is one of the most picturesque and cozy towns on the Amalfi Coast, suitable for those who want to enjoy the beaches, views, and atmosphere.

Maiori

This is one of the best beach resorts on the Amalfi Coast, boasting a kilometre-long stretch of sand with a lively promenade. This is an unusual sight for the Amalfi Coast, and these differences make it a very popular choice for families and sun worshippers.

The Amalfi coast trip guide points out that places to stay in Maiori are as varied as other Amalfi coast centres, with converted palazzos, traditional hotels, and guesthouses, but it also has some great, new, purpose-built resorts.

1. Hotel Residence San Pietro. This four-star hotel is located on the seafront in Maiori, just 50 meters from the beach. The resort has a large outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and a garden with a children's playground. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TV with satellite channels.
2. Hotel Panorama. This four-star hotel is located on the seafront of Maiori, offering stunning sea and mountain views. It has a private beach with sun loungers and a restaurant with a terrace serving local and international cuisine. Rooms are elegant and cozy, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar.
3. Pietra di Luna Hotel. This four-star hotel is located on the promenade of Maiori, opposite the beach. It has an indoor pool with hydromassage, as well as a bar and restaurant with sea views. Rooms are bright and spacious, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and LCD TV.

Maiori is a wonderful choice for visiting while travelling to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Atrani

This is one of the smallest and most charming towns on the Amalfi Coast, suitable for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere and beauty of the region.

Here you can admire the white houses decorated with flowers and the medieval architecture, such as the church of Santa Maria del Bando or Piazza Umberto I. You can also enjoy the beach of Atrani, which is one of the cleanest and calmest on the coast. Atrani is also a good base for travelling along the coast as it is easy to reach Amalfi, Ravello, or Positano from here.

If you want to stay in Atrani, we recommend the following hotels:

1. Palazzo Ferraioli - Hotel & Wellness. This four-star hotel is located in an early 20th-century building in Atrani, just 100 meters from the beach. It has a spa centre with a sauna, Turkish bath, and jacuzzi, as well as a terrace with sea views. Rooms are decorated in the style of famous movie actresses, with air conditioning and a minibar.
2. Hotel L'Argine Fiorito. This three-star hotel is located in the centre of Atrani, just 250 meters from the beach. It has a garden with lemon trees and hammocks, and a restaurant with a terrace. Rooms are simple and cozy, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
3. FRENNESIA Amalfi Coast. Located in Atrani, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, this guest house offers rooms with sea or city views, as well as a shared kitchen and living room. Rooms are bright and modern, with air conditioning and LCD TV.

These are just some of the best coastal towns to visit on your trip to Italy. No matter which city you choose, you will be delighted by the beauty and diversity of the Amalfi Coast.

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast

Travelling to the Amalfi coast is a wonderful experience. But when is the best time to visit this region to enjoy its beauty and charms? It all depends on your preferences and goals.

If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists and enjoy pleasant weather, the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is late spring and early autumn, namely May and September. During these months, the air temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and the sea temperature allows you to swim. In addition, you can see the blooming of plants and fruits such as lemons, oranges, and almonds. May is considered the best month to visit the Amalfi Coast as you can enjoy all the attractions without queues.

If you love local festivals and nightlife, then you should go there in July or August. These are the months when most of the cultural and entertainment events take place, such as the classical music festival in Ravello, the regatta of the ancient maritime republics in Amalfi, or fireworks in honor of the patron saints of the different towns. These months also bring a large number of celebrities who stay in luxury hotels or yachts. However, you need to keep in mind that accommodation and flight prices are the highest during these months and temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius or higher.

If you want to save money and feel the atmosphere of tranquility and coziness, the winter period from December to February will suit you. The air temperature drops to 10-15 degrees Celsius and the sea temperature to 15-18 degrees Celsius. Many cafes and restaurants close for the winter break, but you can find the lowest prices on hotels and airfares. In addition, you can enjoy the Christmas and New Year atmosphere, decorations, and fairs.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing when to travel to the Amalfi Coast.

What to try on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is known for its huge and flavorful lemons, which are used in many dishes and drinks. The most famous of these is limoncello, a sweet liqueur made from lemon zest, which is served after meals or as an aperitif. Be sure to try the delicious lemon cake delizia al limone, the refreshing lemon sorbet granita al limone or the flavourful lemon sauce salsa al limone, which goes with fish or meat.

As a seaside region, the Amalfi Coast offers a large selection of fresh and delicious seafood:

• calamari;
• octopus;

• shrimps;
• mussels;
• oysters.

They can be prepared in different ways: fried, baked, stewed, grilled, or served in a salad. One of the most popular dishes is seafood spaghetti allo scoglio, which consists of pasta with different types of seafood in a tomato or white sauce.

The Amalfi coast, as it is known beyond Italian travel guides, is famous for its cheeses, which are made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows grazing on the mountainsides. The most famous cheese is mozzarella di bufala, a soft and delicate buffalo milk cheese served with tomatoes and basil in a caprese salad. Provolone, a hard and sharp cheese made from cow's milk, which can be eaten on its own or added to dishes, is also worth trying. Lastly, ricotta, which is a sweet and creamy cheese made from whey and used in desserts or pastas.

Finally, the Amalfi Coast is also an area of quality wine production, which is characterized by its fruity and floral flavour. The most common grape varieties:

• for white wines.
• fiano;
• biancolella;
• falanghina [falanghina]
• for red wines:
• aglianico;
• piedirosso;
• sciascetra.

One of the most famous wines is lacryma christi, which is produced on the slopes of Vesuvius and has legendary origins.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque and romantic places in Italy, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. It is a unique region where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and cuisine. Travelling to the Amalfi Coast in Italy is a vacation that will be remembered for years to come.