Visiting the Amalfi Coast: Top 10 Reasons to Experience Amalfi

There is a thousands of people flock to the Amalfi Coast— to see in person one of the most spectacular coastlines in Italy. If you have the time, visiting the Amalfi Coast is a great way to spend a few days of your Italian itinerary.

Don’t believe us? Here are just ten reasons we love this region south of Naples.

We could wax poetic about the Amalfi Coast all day! Here are just a few reasons to explore the region.

10 Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast

Drive the spectacular—and scary—Amalfi Coast road

Driving the Amalfi coast, or taking the SITA bus, isn’t for everyone. We write about why not, and some other options to consider, in this post on how to get the most out of the Amalfi coast. But the Amalfi Coast road is stunning. It will surprise you with photo ops around every bend. And those hairpin curves? Well, they’re exhilarating…. to say the least.

If you rent a car, make sure to take it slow around those curves – and perhaps even stop for some fresh fruit along the way!

Attend the open-air Ravello Festival

As well as drop-dead gorgeous, the Amalfi Coast town of Ravello is a music-lover’s paradise. One of its biggest events, the Ravello Festival, runs major concerts, Q&As with artists, dances, performances, and literary readings throughout the summer. Many take place inside the stunning gardens of the Villa Rufolo, in an open air ampitheater.

Picture yourself attending a concert here, Villa Rufolo’s Belvedere, as part of the summer’s Ravello Festival! Photo credit: Nick Amoscato

Enjoy the absolute tranquillity of the towns at night

Many people experience the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome. Or, they will come for the day on a bus from Sorrento, preferring to stay in hotels in either Sorrento or Naples. This means that, at night, the towns—even popular Amalfi and Positano—are very peaceful and quiet. Especially out on a lone dock, which is easy to find in cities like Amalfi town. When you stay overnight, you’ll feel like you have the whole town to yourself!

Savor limoncello and other lemony delights

Lemons are grown huge, with thick rinds, on the Amalfi Coast. Amazingly, they are almost as big cantaloupes! And that makes them perfect for limoncello, Italy’s famous lemon liqueur. Once you’ve had a sip here in the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never want to have it anywhere else.

However, limoncello isn’t the only lemon-flavored sweet you’ll find. Don’t miss delizia al limone, a creamy dessert made with a shot (or two) of limoncello. You can find it on the menu at La Zagara, in Positano.

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, don’t forget to indulge in all things lemony!

Hike along the Amalfi Coast

You don’t have to go to the Cinque Terre to hike—you can hike to your heart’s content on paths on the Amalfi Coast, too. This one, the “Sentiero degli Dei” (or “Path of the Gods”), is the most famous. It links the towns of Agerola, Praiano and Positano, all at an average height of about 1,650 feet above sea level. Result: stunning views, like this one, featuring incredible landmarks like Mt. Vesuvius and Capri!

Hiking the Path of the Gods is an unforgettable outdoor activity when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Explore the historic Amalfi Duomo

When it was built in the 13th century, the Duomo of Amalfi (Piazza Duomo, 1), incorporated its earlier 9th-century structure, making this one of the most historic cathedrals in Campania. St. Andrew, the apostle and fisherman, is Amalfi’s patron saint—and in the 13th century, his remains were stolen from Constantinople and brought to the crypt of this duomo, where they remain today! As well as holy and historic, the cathedral is stunning, complete with a lovely, Moorish-style medieval cloister.

With origins dating to the 9th century, St. Andrew’s Cathedral – also known as the Amalfi Duomo – is a stunning building with an incredible history.

Spend time in the Ravello’s gorgeous gardens

As if the Amalfi coast weren’t paradise enough, there are flowers everywhere. Two of our favorite gardens are in Ravello: the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone, both of which pair gorgeous flowers with spectacular views of the sea.

The gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello are well worth a visit.

Enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes

Along with limoncello, the Amalfi Coast is known for its seafood. There’s nothing like eating super-fresh fish while looking over the water it was fished from. Just remember that not all of the fish sold in the Amalfi coast’s restaurants actually should be eaten, so choose your seafood wisely.

Soak up spectacular views from the towns

Italy is filled with gorgeous towns, but this area is so very special. Make sure you have another time to wander so you can soak up some of the country’s most iconic views.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its spectacular views—with reason.

Marvel at stunning sights from the ferry

Although the Amalfi Coast SITA bus gives you spine-tingling views of the coastline’s sheer drops to the sea, it’s from the ferry that you really see just how picturesque the towns are – even on cloudy days!

The ferry ride from Positano to Amalfi can be an incredible part of getting around the Amalfi Coast.

Another great ferry ride is the trip out to Capri, which is one of the best day trips on the Amalfi Coast. Experience it for yourself when you join our Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome!