Italy's most dramatic coastline where pastel villages cling to vertiginous cliffs above azure Mediterranean waters. Wind along hairpin coastal roads past Positano's cascading houses, Ravello's gardens, and lemon groves perfuming the sea air..
Last updated : 03/02/2026
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Positano cascades down steep cliffs in a cascade of pastel-colored houses, creating one of Italy's most photographed villages. The town is built on such a steep incline that most navigation is done via staircases rather than streets. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach, reachable by descending through the town center, while the smaller Fornillo Beach offers a quieter alternative. The village became a bohemian retreat in the 1960s and remains a luxury destination. Most hotels and restaurants have dramatic terrace views overlooking the Mediterranean. Parking is extremely limited and expensive—arrive by ferry or bus from Sorrento/Amalfi for the easiest access. The walk from upper Positano to the beach involves hundreds of steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
Day trips to Capri depart from various Amalfi Coast ports including Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. The journey offers stunning coastal views of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Most tours include a stop at the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where sunlight creates an electric blue glow in the water—though entry requires calm seas and involves transferring to small rowboats. On Capri itself, you can explore the chic town center of Capri or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for panoramic views. The Faraglioni rock formations are iconic photo opportunities visible from boat tours. Book tours in advance during summer as they sell out quickly. Sea conditions can cause cancellations, especially of Blue Grotto visits.
Perched 365 meters above the coast, Ravello offers cooler temperatures and spectacular views without the beach crowds. Villa Rufolo's gardens feature the famous Terrace of Infinity, which seems to float above the Mediterranean—Wagner was inspired here to compose parts of Parsifal. The villa hosts the Ravello Festival each summer (classical music concerts in the gardens). Nearby Villa Cimbrone has even more extensive gardens and the iconic Terrace of Infinity lined with marble busts. Ravello is quieter and more refined than coastal towns, making it perfect for a peaceful afternoon. The town is accessible via a winding mountain road from Amalfi (bus or taxi). Allow 2-3 hours to explore both villas and the charming town center.
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Amalfi was once a powerful maritime republic rivaling Venice and Genoa, and its Arab-Norman Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea) dominates the town's main piazza with striped stonework and Byzantine mosaics. The cathedral's Cloister of Paradise features elegant Arabic-style arches. Amalfi is the coast's main transport hub with ferry connections and bus terminals. The town center is more commercial than Positano but offers easier access to amenities, ATMs, and parking. The Valley of the Mills (Valle dei Mulini) showcases ruins of old paper mills—Amalfi's traditional paper is still made here. Arrive early morning to avoid cruise ship crowds. The town beach is small but convenient.
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Villa Cimbrone features some of the Amalfi Coast's most breathtaking gardens, built by an English nobleman in the early 1900s. The highlight is the Terrace of Infinity, a belvedere lined with classical statues offering 360-degree views over the coast—many consider it the finest viewpoint on the entire Amalfi Coast. The gardens include grottos, temples, hidden pathways, and a diverse botanical collection. The villa is now a luxury hotel, but the gardens are open to day visitors. Located a 10-minute walk from Ravello's main piazza through narrow pedestrian lanes. Visit late afternoon for golden-hour photography. Combine with Villa Rufolo for a full Ravello gardens experience.
The Furore Fjord is a dramatic natural inlet where a tiny pebble beach sits beneath a towering stone bridge (Ponte della SS163 Amalfitana). This secluded spot feels like a hidden secret, accessible via a steep staircase from the coastal road. The fjord's vertical rock walls create a cathedral-like atmosphere. The beach hosts the annual High Diving World Championship each July, with athletes diving from the bridge 30 meters above. The area is photogenic but the beach is very small—visit early or late to avoid crowds. Swimming is possible but the beach is mostly stones, not sand. The nearby village of Furore is built into the cliffs with colorful murals decorating buildings. Parking along the main road is limited.
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Praiano sits between Positano and Amalfi, offering spectacular sunset views facing west across the coast. This quieter village attracts visitors seeking a more authentic, less touristy experience. Marina di Praia is a tiny fishing harbor with a small beach and excellent seafood restaurants, accessed via 400 steps from the main road. For more secluded swimming, hike to Cala della Gavitella beach. Praiano is ideal for romantic sunset dinners with dramatic backdrops. The town spreads across cliffs without a defined center, connected by the main coastal road. Accommodation here is often better value than Positano while maintaining coastal views.
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Atrani is the Amalfi Coast's smallest municipality and arguably its most authentic, tucked into a tight ravine just minutes from Amalfi. The village retains a local, lived-in character with fishermen's houses, tiny piazzas, and residents going about daily life. Atrani's beach is quieter than Amalfi's and the waterfront has reasonably priced trattorias. The Church of San Salvatore de' Birecto has a beautiful Baroque facade facing the sea. Atrani served as a filming location for "Ripley" (Netflix series). The village is connected to Amalfi by a scenic coastal walkway or quick drive. Atrani feels like stepping back in time—it's the Amalfi Coast before mass tourism.
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The Emerald Grotto is a sea cave famous for its glowing green water, created by sunlight filtering through an underwater cavity. Discovered in 1932, the cave features stalactites, stalagmites, and columns formed over millennia. Guides row visitors through the cavern on small boats, pointing out formations and an underwater ceramic nativity scene. The grotto is accessible by elevator from the coastal road or by boat from nearby towns (Amalfi, Praiano). While not as famous as Capri's Blue Grotto, it's easier to visit with fewer crowds and weather restrictions. The effect is most dramatic when sunlight is strong. The short visit (20-30 minutes) includes interesting geological explanations. Entry involves transferring to small boats inside the cave.
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The Amalfi Coast is the birthplace of limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur made from massive local lemons (sfusato amalfitano) grown on terraced hillside groves. These lemons are protected by IGP designation and are unusually large, fragrant, and thick-skinned. Many family-run shops offer free tastings along with tours of their lemon groves and production facilities. Traditional limoncello is made by steeping lemon peels in pure alcohol, then mixing with simple syrup—recipes are closely guarded family secrets. The bright yellow bottles make popular souvenirs and gifts. Serious producers avoid artificial additives—look for cloudy, vibrant yellow color indicating authentic quality. Best enjoyed ice-cold as a digestivo after meals. Some producers also make cream of limoncello, limoncello chocolate, and lemon-infused olive oils.
Arienzo Beach (also called "300 Steps Beach") is one of Positano's most exclusive beach clubs, accessible via—you guessed it—300 steps down from the coastal road. The beach offers a more tranquil alternative to crowded Spiaggia Grande, with clearer water and a relaxed vibe. Beach club amenities include sunbed/umbrella rentals, restaurant service, and changing facilities. Fornillo Beach is Positano's second main beach, a 10-minute walk west of Spiaggia Grande via a scenic coastal path. Fornillo is quieter, more local, and has several beach clubs and restaurants along the shore. Both beaches have pebbles rather than sand, so beach shoes are recommended. Arrive early (before 10 AM) to secure good spots during peak season. Water taxis connect these beaches to Positano's main port if you want to skip the stairs.
Ferry services connect all major Amalfi Coast towns (Positano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Salerno) and extend to Sorrento, Capri, and even Naples. Traveling by ferry is not only practical but offers the best views of the dramatic coastline, colorful villages, and cliff-side architecture from the water. Ferries run frequently April-October but reduce significantly in winter. Routes operate by multiple companies including Alicost, Travelmar, and NLG. The journey between Positano and Amalfi takes about 30 minutes and provides relief from the winding, traffic-clogged coastal road (SS163). Sea conditions can cause cancellations—always check schedules the morning of travel. Book return tickets when purchasing to avoid being stranded if boats fill up. The ferry experience itself is part of the Amalfi Coast adventure, with open-air decks perfect for photos.
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