Located on Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, just south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. With its towering cliffs and sparkling blue waters, the region has culinary and natural beauty to spare.
The Amalfi Coast is dotted with picturesque villages, many of which are connected by hiking trails. With its white villas and flowering bushes, Positano is widely recognized as one of the Amalfi Coast's most beautiful destinations. For visitors from abroad, the localized Italian cuisine is one of the biggest draws in the area; you can find everything from world-class wine to homemade artisan gelato.
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in the late spring or early fall, when the temperatures hover around 70F and the crowds are thinner. The summer is the high season, when temperatures regularly reach above 80F and the streets are crowded with people. The rainy season lasts from November to April. The region rarely experiences snow, but many of the businesses on the Amalfi Coast shut down in the winter months. If you do go during the winter, expect to find temperatures that rarely drop below 50F.
If you're visiting in late spring or summer, the Villa Cimbrone Gardens offer spectacular plants and panoramic views.
During the day, the beaches on the Amalfi Coast are crowded with tourist boats and ferries. Evenings are quieter, and you can watch fishermen at work.
If you need a day trip, check out Capri, an island just off the coast. Catch a ferry from Positano or Amalfi.
Many tourists avoid the walking tours, but they provide an intimate look at the city. Ask at your hotel for guide recommendations.
Anchovies are a specialty on the Amalfi Coast, and you can get them baked or as part of a dish.
From its start in Positano, this hiking trail climbs the cliffs and offers endless views of the town and the sea.
The highlight of Ravello's historic center, the cathedral offers colorful frescoes. It has a chapel where the weapons for the Crusades were blessed.
The Villa Rufolo is a castle in Ravello that sits high on the cliffs above town. There, you'll find gardens and spectacular architecture.
The road that runs along the Amalfi Coast makes for a spectacular drive any time of year. Hire a taxi if you'd rather look out the windows.
Situated on a rock outcropping, this Franciscan convent in Amalfi is open to visitors during most of the year.
The Spiaggia del Fornillo is the coastline in front of Positano, and is often regarded as the most beautiful in the world.
These twin rock formations off the coast of Salerno are an iconic symbol of the Amalfi Coast, popular with sightseers and kayakers.
Located in Salerno, the Castello di Arechi dates back to the Gothic and Byzantine periods.
For lovers of history and architecture, the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea in Amalfi is a must-see.
Located in Salerno, the Castellabate is a medieval city that sits atop a hill. You'll find spectacular views and picturesque ruins.