15 Best Things to do on Amalfi Coast in 2026 Travel Guide

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Amalfi Coast twice — in two completely different seasons — and honestly, both trips stuck with me in very different ways. I first visited the Amalfi Coast in winter with my grandma and sister, and later returned in summer together with Juraj.

My first visit was in late February, right on the edge of winter and early spring. The skies were mostly grey, the sea felt moody and quiet, and many places were still waking up for the season. And yet, even then, the Amalfi Coast completely captured my heart. I kept saying that I had to come back when this place is alive.

And that wish came true — unexpectedly — thanks to a missed flight. A few years later, we found ourselves back on the coast in summer, and the contrast couldn’t have been bigger.

Suddenly, everything felt like an Italian movie scene: driving along the jagged cliffs, winding roads carved into the mountains, pastel villages clinging to steep hillsides, and the calm, almost unreal turquoise sea stretching out below.

That said, summer also brings crowds — and quite a lot of them. If you’re dreaming of a quiet, romantic escape, this is something to keep in mind.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do on the Amalfi Coast once you’re done lying on the beach and sipping Aperol. From iconic towns and scenic drives to boat trips, hikes, and easy day trips, this list covers the experiences that really stood out to us across both visits.

We’ll also share practical tips along the way — including how to get around, when to visit, and where to base yourself. If you’re still deciding on accommodation, you can also check out our detailed where to stay on the Amalfi Coast guide to help you choose the right town for your trip.

Top Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

Map of all the attractions

1. Drive the Amalfi Coast road just for the views

Driving along the Amalfi Coast is an experience in itself, not just a way to get from one town to another.

We wished we had our own car on this trip, which would have given us the freedom to stop whenever a viewpoint caught our eye and avoid rushing from place to place. But instead we only used public buses.

The drive constantly shifts between dramatic cliffside curves, pastel towns stacked into the hills, and sudden open views of the deep blue sea below.

It’s not the easiest drive — and we definitely felt a bit of an adrenaline rush at times. The road is narrow in places and can feel intense when buses and scooters squeeze past, but that’s also part of what makes it so memorable.

If your plan is to rent a car, we highly recommend DiscoverCars. It’s one of the easiest ways to compare prices across providers and avoid surprises with insurance or hidden fees — especially useful in places like Naples or Sorrento, where rental conditions can vary a lot. What we love most is the option of free cancellation, which is incredibly helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

2. Explore Amalfi town and visit the Duomo

Amalfi town feels busy at first glance, but once you slow down, it reveals a lot of character. We spent time wandering the narrow streets behind the main square, popping in and out of small shops, and watching daily life.

The heart of the town is the Amalfi Cathedral, and seeing it in person is genuinely impressive. The wide staircase, striped façade, and mix of architectural styles make it stand out even among Italy’s many churches.

What we liked most was simply taking our time here. Sitting in the square with a coffee and lemon sorbet, walking down toward the harbor, and enjoying some time on the local beach. It’s lively, yes, but it’s worth a visit at least for a few hours.

3. Visit Ravello for the best panoramic views on the coast

Ravello sits high above the coastline and feels noticeably different from the busier towns below. It’s quieter, more spacious, and one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is enjoy its views. Many people come here specifically to escape the crowds of Amalfi and Positano, even if just for a few hours.

The town is often described as having some of the most dramatic panoramas on the Amalfi Coast, where the cliffs drop steeply into the sea far below.

4. Spend time in Positano beyond the main beach

Positano left two very different impressions depending on the season. Visiting in February felt almost surreal — empty streets, shuttered shops, and a quietness that made it easy to see the town’s dramatic layout without distractions. Even then, it was obvious that this is a place built to shine in summer, when the colors pop, terraces fill up, and the whole town feels alive.

In summer, Positano really gets busy — very busy. Walking through the steep streets, browsing small boutiques, and stopping for lunch with a view is part of the experience, but it does require a bit of patience during peak hours.

That said, simply wandering without a strict plan is one of the best ways to enjoy it, especially once you move slightly away from the most crowded paths.

There’s a small stretch of public beach right in town, but it’s often packed, with people squeezed in almost shoulder to shoulder. We managed to find a spot but it took some time and we had little personal space.

If you’re after something calmer, there’s a private beach where sunbeds are mandatory and usually cost around €45 per day. It’s not cheap, but the difference in atmosphere is noticeable — fewer people, more space, and a much more relaxed way to enjoy Positano by the water.

5. Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water changes your perspective completely. From the sea, the cliffs feel even steeper and the towns look almost unreal stacked into the rock. It’s also one of the few ways to enjoy the coast without dealing with traffic or crowded roads.

Boat trips range from short hops between towns to half-day cruises along the coastline, and even the simplest ride offers incredible views. Gliding past hidden coves, small beaches tucked between rocks, and pastel villages seen from below feels far more relaxed than viewing everything from above.

If you’re visiting in summer, being out on the water can feel like a reset — a bit of breeze, space to breathe, and a slower pace compared to the busy towns.

6. Walk the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is a great option if you’re looking for a more active experience and want to see the Amalfi Coast from a completely different perspective. It’s less about constant wow-views and more about stepping away from the towns and into the landscape itself.

The hike runs between Bomerano and Nocelle and takes roughly two hours at a relaxed pace. The difficulty sits somewhere between easy and moderate — there’s nothing technical, but there are uneven sections and some exposure, so it’s not a casual stroll either.

The views come in waves rather than nonstop, but when they open up, they’re genuinely beautiful, with the coastline stretching far below.

Logistics are the trickiest part. Because the trail doesn’t loop, you’ll need to rely on buses at either end to get to and from the hike, which takes a bit of planning — especially in high season when buses can be crowded.

7. Discover Atrani, the quietest town on the Amalfi Coast

Atrani often gets overlooked, which is exactly why it’s worth visiting. Sitting right next to Amalfi, it feels worlds apart — smaller, calmer, and far less polished. There’s no grand checklist of sights here, and that’s kind of the point.

Atrani is best enjoyed slowly. The compact main square, narrow lanes, and simple seafront give it a lived-in feel that’s hard to find elsewhere on the coast. Even a short walk around makes the contrast with nearby towns very clear.

If you’re craving a break from crowds and want to see a more authentic side of the Amalfi Coast, Atrani is an easy win. It works perfectly as a short stop or a quiet pause between bigger, busier places.

8. Swim at Marina di Praia or another hidden cove

Marina di Praia is set in a small cove where the cliffs almost close in around the water. The beach itself is small and pebbly, but the setting is what makes it special. The water here is usually calm and clear, and the cove feels naturally sheltered from wind and waves.

Because of its size, it can fill up quickly in summer, so timing matters — early morning or later in the afternoon tends to feel far more relaxed.

Beyond Marina di Praia, there are plenty of smaller swimming spots scattered along the coast, often reached by boat or short walks down from the road. These hidden coves don’t always show up on maps, but they offer a quieter way to enjoy the sea.

If you’re willing to explore a little, swimming away from the main beaches is one of the best things to do on Amalfi Coast.

9. Visit Vietri sul Mare and see the ceramics tradition

Vietri sul Mare sits at the western edge of the Amalfi Coast and is best known for its long-standing ceramics tradition. Walking through town, you’ll notice colorful ceramic tiles everywhere — on building facades, shop signs, staircases, and even public benches.

Many of the small workshops and stores sell hand-painted pieces ranging from simple plates to more decorative tiles, and even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s interesting to see how distinctive the local style is.

Vietri sul Mare feels more local and less tourist-driven than many other towns on the coast, which makes it a nice change of pace.

10. Enjoy an aperitivo at sunset in Praiano

Praiano often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the best places on the Amalfi Coast to slow down and enjoy the view without fighting crowds. The town faces west, which makes it especially well positioned for sunset.

Instead of packed viewpoints and busy terraces, Praiano offers quieter spots where you. Enjoying a sunset here is one of the best things to do on Amalfi Coast.

11. Take a day trip to Capri from the Amalfi Coast

Capri is one of those places that comes up again and again when planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast. Even though we didn’t manage to visit ourselves due to limited time on both of our trips, it was consistently recommended to us by locals and fellow travelers. If you have time for just one day trip, make it Capri.

Capri is one of those iconic spots that instantly makes you think of deep blue water, dramatic sea cliffs, and charming laneways lined with bougainvillea — and honestly, it lives up to it.

One of the easiest ways to experience Capri is by joining this full-day boat tour from nearby Sorrento. What makes this particular tour especially appealing is the balance it offers. You’ll cruise around Capri’s coastline, passing dramatic cliffs and sea caves, with the option to visit the Blue Grotto if sea conditions allow.

At the same time, the tour includes free time on the island itself, so you can walk around Capri town, take the funicular, or simply sit down for an espresso and soak up the atmosphere.

That mix of scenic cruising and time ashore makes the day feel complete rather than rushed. Instead of just seeing Capri in one way, you get a fuller sense of the island in a single, well-paced day.

12. Visit Pompeii (or Herculaneum) as a cultural day trip

We visited Pompeii in the off season, and it left a strong impression on us almost immediately. The scale of the place only really sank in once we were inside. We started by wandering a few streets, and before we knew it, hours have passed.

Seeing homes, shops, public spaces, and even humans so well preserved made Roman life feel surprisingly real, not like a typical ruin site.

Pompeii is vast and can feel overwhelming without context, which is why we recommend taking the guided tour with an archaeologist. Having someone explain what you’re seeing completely changes the experience. It adds a lot of context and stories behind what you’re seeing instead of just wandering around without any details.

If you’re short on time or want something more compact, Herculaneum is a great alternative and often feels easier to explore in a few hours. If you’d rather experience this as part of a fuller day, read our Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius guide.

13. Hike up to Mount Vesuvius

Hiking up Mount Vesuvius is one of our personal favorite things to do on the Amalfi Coast, especially when combined with a visit to Pompeii.

As we walked up the volcano, the landscape became harsher and more exposed — loose volcanic gravel underfoot, dark rock, and almost no vegetation. The higher we got, the more the views opened up, with the Bay of Naples and the coastline stretching out below us.

Reaching the crater was the moment that really stayed with us. Looking down into it and seeing faint steam rise from the ground made the power of this place feel very real — especially after seeing what this giant is capable of.

It’s not a long hike, but it can feel a bit intense, particularly on hot, sunny days or if you’re not used to hiking. We personally took the public bus from just outside the Pompeii ruins up to the final stop and hiked from there, which worked well for us.

That said, timing everything can take some effort, which is why joining a guided day trip from Naples makes a lot of sense. The tour we recommend includes transport, time at Pompeii, and lunch, which keeps the day flowing smoothly and lets you focus on the experience rather than logistics.

14. Explore Sorrento town

Sorrento doesn’t have as dramatic scenery as towns along the Amalfi Coast, but it makes up for it in practicality and convenience — which is exactly why so many travelers choose it as a base.

The town itself is lively and easy to explore, with a compact historic center, plenty of places to eat, and long coastal views over the Bay of Naples. There’s enough atmosphere to make wandering around enjoyable, especially in the evenings.

Where Sorrento really shines is logistics. It’s well connected by public transport, making it much easier and often cheaper to get around compared to staying directly on the coast.

15. Take a day trip to Naples for food, history, and chaos

Naples is loud, chaotic, and rather intense — and that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting. As a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, it offers a completely different energy: fast-paced streets, layers of history, and some of the best food we’ve had in Italy all packed into a city that never really slows down.

Naples isn’t polished, and it doesn’t try to be. You’re either gonna love it or hate it. I personally still haven’t decided how to feel about this city, but the pizza is worth it for sure!

If you’re curious to dig deeper, we’ve put together a full guide on the best things to do in Naples, covering where to go, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where to eat and drink

• Posides in Positano – A small, relaxed spot in Positano with solid Italian food without the overly polished, touristy vibe.
• Ristorante Don Giovanni in Positano – A classic Positano restaurant with beautiful views over the town and coastline. Seafood pastas and fish dishes are a safe bet here.
• Ristorante Dei Cappuccini in Amalfi – Set in a former monastery overlooking the sea, this is more of a special-occasion place. The atmosphere alone makes it worth considering, especially at sunset.
• Luisa Gastronomia Artigianale in Amalfi – A casual spot, perfect for a quick but quality meal. Great for takeaway or a light lunch, with excellent sandwiches and simple pasta dishes.
• Ibisco Garden Restaurant in Sorrento – A calm, garden-style restaurant in Sorrento that feels like a break from the busy streets. The menu focuses on Mediterranean classics, and it’s a nice option for lunch or an easy dinner. Pasta dishes and seasonal specials are usually a good choice.

How to get around

We explored the Amalfi Coast using public transport on both visits, and overall it worked fine — but it does come with limitations. Most places mentioned in this guide are reachable by bus, train, or ferry, though how smooth the experience feels depends a lot on the season.

• Public transport (buses & trains) – The most budget-friendly. Buses connect most towns along the coast, and trains from Naples run frequently. In low season, buses are less frequent, while in high season they’re often packed and hot.
• Ferries – The most enjoyable way to travel. Both public ferries and private boats connect major towns and ports, and the journey itself is scenic. The downside is that ferries are seasonal and weather-dependent.
• Renting a car – Gives the most freedom. However, driving can be stressful in high season due to narrow roads, heavy traffic, and aggressive driving styles. Parking is another challenge.
• Renting a scooter – It’s a flexible option and easier to park than a car, but it’s not for everyone. Roads can be narrow and busy, and you’ll need to be comfortable riding in traffic.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast feels very different depending on the season. Early summer (May–June) and autumn (September to mid-October) are generally the best times to visit, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and boat trips.

Summer (July–August) is when the Amalfi Coast truly comes to life — long sunny days, warm water, and a buzzing atmosphere. But it also brings heavy crowds, busy roads, and higher prices. We went in August and it was hectic.

Winter (November–March) is the quietest period. Many hotels, restaurants, and ferry routes close, and the towns are empty. If you don’t mind cooler weather and limited services, I found it perfect for admiring the architecture.

If you want a deeper breakdown by month — including weather, crowd levels, and what to expect — we’ve covered everything in our full best time to visit the Amalfi Coast guide.

Quick Tips & Local Insights

• Distances on the map can be misleading. Even short hops between towns often take longer than expected due to winding roads, traffic, or ferry schedules.
• Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, especially outside peak season. Planning meals a bit ahead helps avoid wandering around hungry.
• Cash is still useful. Smaller cafés, beach bars, and buses don’t always accept cards, particularly in quieter towns.
• Comfortable shoes matter more than you think. Even towns that look flat from afar often involve steep streets, stairs, or uneven paving.
• On Sundays, some shops and services operate on reduced hours, especially outside summer, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Would we go back? Without a doubt. What makes the Amalfi Coast so memorable isn’t just the scenery, but the contrast between towns and their moods — quiet off-season days, buzzing summer streets, dramatic landscapes paired with slow days by the sea.

If we had to pick just two of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, they’d be Positano and Sorrento.

Positano might feel busy and hectic at times, but it’s unlike any town we’ve seen elsewhere — the stacked houses, colors, and views are genuinely striking and worth experiencing at least once.

Sorrento may not be as dramatic, but it’s easy, lively, and a surprisingly great base that makes exploring the area far more relaxed.