Amalfi, the sparkling gem of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. It's gonna wow you with breathtaking views, beaut blue waters, and of course, delectable food – mamma mia!
Destination Highlights
Beaches, beaches and more beaches
A history buffs dream and a sun lovers haven
The land of limoncello - be rude not to.
Delish dishes - from seafood to pizza and back again.
What are the best beaches in Amalfi?
Now, if you're a beach lover like us - who isn't? - you're in for a treat! A holiday to Amalfi Coast is a surefire way to snag some prime beach time from perfect fam friendly spots with calm waters to tourist havens with lush sand, gorge water and plenty of space to chuck your towels down. We aren't saying these are the only beaches to try, but we reckon they should be tip top of your list, check em out:
Marina Grande – Amalfi's main beach, smackdab in the middle of town - it's as lively as a Saturday night!
Spiaggia di Atrani – Cosy and quaint, nestled between two huuuuge cliffs - the perfect place for a peaceful sunbathe.
Duoglio Beach – we don't say crystal clear for just any beach, so grab your snorkel for this one.
Spiaggia Grande - In the pantheon of grandes, this beach comes second only to Ariana. Well and truly deserving of its name, with golden sands and gorge, colourful houses swooping down the cliffside, this place is the drama in the best way.
Fornillo Beach – Spiaggia Grande's quieter cousin - a slice of serenity to soak up the scenery and enjoy the sun without the usual hustle and bustle.
How About Some Swanky Hotels?
We've gotta make sure that the carpet matches the drapes - when the beaches are as stun as this, it'd rude of us not to fire some equally stun hotels your way. We rate these hotels for a top-notch last-minute jaunt or a well thought out holiday to the Amalfi Coast:
Aurora- a four-star feast for the eyes with stunning Meddy views, a beach on the doorstep and self-catering apartments for an Amalfi Coast holiday of ultimate R&R.
Nh Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi - a clifftop hotel that boasts the best of the region from traditional Italian cuisine, a lush pool and rooms plucked straight from a villa - this place has more than earned its five stars.
Miramalfi - a sun deck on the rocks, views over the sea right from the restaurant and even a shuttle service straight to Amalfi, yeah we're adding this one to the bucket-list.
Marina Riviera - perched on a high cliff (are you sensing a theme?), this is the perfect place for a relaxing Amalfi holiday - we're talking gorge rooms, stun views, and steps away from the beach. We're sold.
Popular Amalfi hotels
Weather in Amalfi
JAN
12°C
FEB
14°C
MAR
18°C
APR
20°C
MAY
21°C
JUN
24°C
JUL
26°C
AUG
27°C
SEP
25°C
OCT
20°C
NOV
15°C
DEC
10°C
You wanna get straight into Summer we're sure, so lets break it down. June-August sees the toastiest climes along the Amalfi Coast with temps ranging from 18°C - 31°C depending on the month - find your spot on the nearest beach, soak up the sun and take a dip in Mediterranean, don't expect complete seclusion though, school holidays will do that to a beach.
If you're looking for something quieter but still packing a toasty punch then Spring and Autumn are your new fave seasons.
Spring keeps the celsius in check with temps ranging from 10°C - 23°C depending on what month you're making your trip - still warm enough to get sand literally EVERYWHERE, but cool enough that if you can strap your walking boots on and go for an adventure without all the pesky crowds.
Autumn is Springs tempermental best friend, the celsius still packs a punch with temps in September ranging from 19°C - 27°C and even better the Summer holiday crowds start to thin out here too. But, when things creep into October and November you're looking at something more like 11°C - 22°C. Still warm enough for a wander, but the rainfall does start to throw some curveballs your way.
When it comes to Winter you can expect temps to range from a more brisk 8°C - 14°C, now would be the perfect time to make the most of all the delish restaurants and plenty of hikes, just make sure you're prepared for a cooler nip in the air and you're still good to go.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Amalfi?
It takes around two and a half hours to fly from the UK/Ireland to Amalfi - just enough time to blitz through some chapters of your first jolly read.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Amalfi?
The local time in Amalfi is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland - not enough to get away with the jet lag excuse.
What currency do they use in Amalfi?
The official currency used in Amalfi is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Amalfi?
The official language spoken in Amalfi is Italian.
Cruise Along The Road of a Thousand Bends
We reckon driving might not be top of your agenda when you'e going on your jollies - why would it be? - but we gotta make an exception for this and you should too. We're talking 60km down the iconic SS163 Amalfi Coast Drive where you can catch a glimpse of lemon and olive groves, gorge villages nestled along the clliffs and of course, that eye-watering Mediterranean backdrop. If you really don't fancy driving you can hop on a bus to enjoy the ride in style.
A Blast from Positano's Past
A true relic of its time, the Positano Roman Villa has been unearthed after centuries buried beneath Amalfi after the explosion of Mount Vesuvius - low-key bragging rights. You can now sneak a peek at the perfectly preserved villa dining room accessed via transparent walkways suspended over the room. This is deffo one for the history buffs and those of you who love getting immersed in some local culture.
Calling all Ceramaniacs
If you're up for a lil day trip to Vietri-sul-Mare you can feast your eyes on world famous pottery - a mainstay of this gorge lil town since Roman times. We're talking tiled dome roofs in the San Giovanni Batista, tranquil lanes weaving through the old town bursting with shops - souvenir shopping done right - and if you're less about the strolling and more about the beaches, this town has you covered too!
Wine Tasting in Style
It wouldn't be a holiday to Amalfi without a visit to one of wineries - we recommend heading to the hills of Tramonti where you can enjoy stun views and get up close and personal with the local grape varieties. If you're looking for some unique flavours to spruce up your classic wine tasting then this is deffo not one to be missed.
Coastal Cruising
With all this lush beachfront at your disposal, it seems silly not to get yourself booked onto a boat trip down the coast. You can catch glimpses of Amalfi from a different perspective with the gorge cliffs littered with villas and watchtowers, the tiniest, secluded beaches and all the underwater cave goodness any pirates in the making wanna keep an eagle eye out for.
What events can I go to in Amalfi?
Amalfi's calendar is chock-full of festivals and events. There's never a dull moment in this lively town! Take a look at some of our favourite events throughout the year.
Epiphany (January) - this celebration spreads across Italy like fireworks through the sky with parades featuring Le Befana - a legend who delivers presents to the little ones - sounds like a second Christmas which we're on board with.
Carnival (February) - Street performances are on full show during this month of festivities complete with funky floats to follow the theme - if you're looking where the parties go hardest, we recommend moseying on over Positano.
Holy Week (March) - The run up to Easter is just as important as the holy day itself throughout Italy, so expect plenty of religious processions and ceremonies taking place across Amalfi Coast.
Ravello Festival (May) - a celebration of culture and the arts that starts in May and runs until early Autumn complete with stage performances from orchestras and artists - one of the events is even held in the lush gardens of Villa Rufolo in August.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (June) – a true testament to Italy's maritime roots, four teams build a boat donning the colours of their region - to root for Amalfi, keep your eyes peeled for the blue boat - a perfect Summer's day out.
Festival of Sant' Andrea (June) – the largest religious celebration throughout the year in Amalfi - yes, bigger than holy week, yes, bigger than Easter. A huge statue of Sant' Andrea is carefully carried down the staircase of the church in Piazza Duomo where you and other eagle eyed spectators watch on, breaths held.
Ferragosto (August) - The peak of Summer festivities, expect street parties, fireworks, celebrations on the beach - you name it. What better way to spend your holiday to Amalfi Coast than with a huge day of partying with the locals.
La Festa del Pesce (September) – Seafood lovers, unite, this is a feast of epic proportions with fish being the star taking centre stage - if you don't like seafood, then at least enjoy the atmosphere!
All Saints' Day (November) - A day for respecting the dead, families honour their loved ones with prayers, flowers and candles.
Christmas Markets (December) - It's the most wonderful time of the year - and Amalfi Coast gets in on the action with festive stalls set up throughout the towns for some top-tier Christmas shopping.
Where is the best nightlife in Amalfi?
Time to slip on your dancing shoes, because when the sun sets, Amalfi transforms into a fiesta! Nightlife in Amalfi isn't about neon lights and booming clubs; it's more about that chilled-out vibe, mingling with locals and fellow travellers over an Aperol spritz or three. Take a look at some of our fave picks for a bevvie below:
Music on the Rocks, Positano - a crowning jewel of partying on the Amalfi Coast, this spot right on the beach is the perfect blend of tasty tipples, live music and Dj sets to have you shaking and grooving long after the sun sets.
Africana Famous Club, Praiano - a bar set in a natural cave that overlooks the sea - yeah you heard us right and we will be racing here first chance we get. It's one of the oldest nightclubs in Europe and offers nothing but unique, good vibes.
Luna Convento Wine Bar, Amalfi - if you're after something a lil' more low-key, we've got you, nestled inside the Luna Convento Hotel, this bar is the best way to end the day away from the partying.
Blu bar, Amalfi - the terrace is the shining star here with gorge views of the sunset to be enjoyed with a delish cocktail - or mocktail, no judgement.
Panta Rei, Ravello - great cocktails and live music are always a winning recipe, so no wonder this is one of our top picks for a different vibe, it meets in the middle of sophisticated sips of wine and raucous beach parties.
What's the food like in Amalfi?
Hungry yet? Amalfi's cuisine is the stuff of legends. Picture this: fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean, pasta handmade by Nonna, and sun-ripened tomatoes bursting with flavour. Oh, and don't forget the zingy lemons bigger than your fist. Let's dig into some classics we highly recommend:
Linguine ai Frutti di Mare - a pasta dish that showcases the dlish seafood flavours the Amalfi Coast is famed for with a mix of shrimp, mussels and squid all cooked up in a delish tomato or garlic sauce.
Sfogliatella - a gorge pastry, light and flaky, just what you want filled with a sweet ricotta usually flavoured with a pop of zesty citrus and cinnamon.
Scialatielli - a fresh pasta speciality of the region not too dissimilar from tagliatelle and often served with seafood or tomato based sauces - the best way for the locals to show of their home-grown produce.
Limoncello - it wouldn't be a jaunt to Amalfi without getting some of this after your meal, made with locally grown lemons this is the perfect way to cleanse your palate with a refreshing, tangy hit.
Delizia al Limone - all about the lemons, but lets head back to desserts, this lemon cake is the best way to get all those sweet and tangy citrussy flavours you've been craving - and are probs addicted to now, sorry.
For all you foodies out there, we couldn't give you the scoop on local treats and not follow through with the goods, so here's a few places we recommend for a truly delish dining experience on the Amalfi Coast:
Ristorante Marina Grande, Amalfi – right along the waterfront for top-notch sea views and delish seafood, a match made in heaven!
Da Adolfo, Positano- talk about exclusive, this restaurant is only accessible by boat from Positano so you know you're in for relaxed vibes and gorgeous food - deffo try the grilled fish and that lush Delizi al Limone we mentioned for dessert.
Il Pirata, Praiano - we're all about the views when it comes to eateries, and this restaurant is perched right on a cliff overlooking the sea with outdoor terrace seating.
Da Maria Trattoria Pizzeria, Amalfi - you haven't lived til' you've tried the pizza this place is packing.
Cumpa' Cosimo, Ravello - a hidden gem in the middle of Ravello known for its authentic Amalfi Coast flavours.
Places to visit
Paestum
Making the journey from Amalfi to this feat of Ancient greek architecture is all part of the fun, a bus to Salerno and then a train, plenty of time for you to soak up the scenery - probably a lot of lemons - before you make it to this gorge collection of Greek temples. It's one for the history buffs and day trippers for sure but think of all the iconic Insta pics you can snap here living your best Athena and Zeus life. Lil' tip, if you're holidaying on the Amalfi Coast during summer, you can skip the bus journey to Salerno and hop on a ferry from Amalfi instead.
Capri
The houses are colourful, the waters are lush, and the boats are bobbing for their life. This ones a corker guys - hop on a ferry over to this gorge haven and spend hours going through your camera roll when you get home. There's no end of things to do from finding scenic viewpoints such as the Punta Carena lighthouse, exploring sea caves like the stun blue hues of the Grotta Azzurra, or finding your new fave restaurant at the Piazzetta. We reckon you'll deffo need to make a day of this, or push the boat out and make it a holiday on your holidayfor a couple days of exploring, wining, dining and vibing.
Villa Cimbrone
This 11th Century villa - restored in the 20th Century - is a lux 5-star hotel - but that's not what we're here to gush about (we're sure it's lovely). You don't need to be a guest at this place to wander around the gardens that we reckon are top of our list for places to see while your on you holiday to the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a stroll along the Viale dell'Immenso and get into the lush fauna including the sweet, sweet scent of wisteria in full bloom if you're here in Summer. What we really wanna shout about though is the Terrazza dell'Infinito (Terrace of Infinity to us) - lined by a tonne of busts that glisten under a clear, sunny sky you can enjoy a view out to the Mediterranean that could be considered one of the most beautiful views in the world - in our humble opinions.
Key facts about Amalfi
Flight Time
2.5 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Currency
Euro
Language
Italian
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Amalfi?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Amalfi?
Many major cities in Italy now charge tourists a small overnight tax. The tax is levied by hotels and can vary in price depending on location and the star rating of the hotel.
