5 of the Best Places to Go on the Amalfi Coast

The stretch of coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno along the Amalfi Coast of Italy is arguably one of the most stunning drives in the world.

Driving the narrow winding roads isn’t for everyone and many people opt to take a bus tour. However, if you are up for it, I would highly recommend renting a car or scooter. This way you have the freedom to explore every gorgeous turn and charming hidden corner of these coastal towns.

I would also highly recommend traveling in the off-season as the towns are overcrowded with tourists in the summer. It is almost impossible to find parking and driving through the crowded streets can be quite stressful.

With that being said, no amount of tourists could ever spoil the allure of this region. We visited at the end of March. The weather was perfect and although there were still plenty of tourists, it was manageable.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular regions of Italy. Come along as we take you on a photo journey to discover the must-see spots through the Amalfi Coast towns!

5 of the Best Places to go on the Amalfi Coast

Table of Contents

• 1. Positano
• 2. Fiordo di Furore
• 3. Conca dei Marini
• 4. Amalfi Town
• 5. Ravello, Minori, and Maiori

1. Positano

Although Sorrento is technically not part of the Almafi Coast towns, it is the gateway to the coast. As you head from Sorrento towards Positano, you’ll catch your first view of the coast.

Take advantage of the scenic lookouts and pull over to take in your first sweeping view of the cities perched on the dramatic sea cliffs.

While nearing Positano, the road will narrow and traffic will come to a crawl in some areas. But relax and don’t stress. Just roll down your windows, breathe in the ocean air, and soak up the sweet dolce vita atmosphere.

You’re going to want to find a parking spot so that you can explore Positano on foot.

You’ll notice cars parked all along the side of the road, but be aware that street parking is ONLY for residents. Tourists must park in designated paid parking lots.

Parking is limited so I would recommend parking in the first lot that you come to that has vacancies. Even if that means walking a little further down to the beach. We parked at the Parcheggio Mandara parking garage.

Once you park, you are going to find a long series of staircases leading down to the Spiaggia Grande Beach and the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea.

Spaggia Grande is the main beach in Positano. It is here that you’ll capture the enchanting view of the colorful beach umbrellas with the hills of Positano in the background.

It is also referred to as “Positano Hollywood Beach”. Both due to the fact that you may run into famous people while you’re there, and also because it is reminiscent of a glamorous 50’s postcard.

There is a public and private beach. At the private beach, you will need to pay around 25 euros per chair and umbrella. This also includes access to a changing room and bathroom, along with the private beach.

You’ll find a beach club right on the shore where you can take advantage of their waterfront seating while enjoying lunch or a scoop of gelato. `

The black sand shore is scattered with pebbles that are hot and uncomfortable to walk on. Water shoes would be a good idea if you’re going in and out of the water.

Between April 1 to mid-September, boat tours depart from the dock at Positano.

They allow easy access to the ports of various Almalfi Coast towns. You’ll also gain a different perspective as you view the towns from the water. You will need to purchase your tickets well in advance.

After lounging at the beach, you’ll make your way back up the steep staircase and narrow winding alleyways.

You’ll pass blush pink cafes, buttery yellow chapels, and terracotta flats adorned with window boxes bursting with blooms.

2. Fiordo di Furore

Your next stop along the coast is Fiordo di Furore. This secluded gorge cuts through towering rugged cliffs and was home to a quaint sleepy fishing village.

You’ll find a small picturesque beach that peeks into the Tyhrannean Sea just below a 30-meter-high bridge. The Mediterranean Cup High Diving Championship has been held on this bridge for years.

It’s easy to pass right by this gorge if you’re not looking for it. Just enter the location on your GPS so that you know when you are near.

You’ll drive across the bridge and immediately enter a short tunnel. Just past the tunnel, you’ll see a restaurant called Euroconca Ristorante.

This is the only place where you can park to access Fiordo di Furore. Unless you choose to drive around into town and find parking.

The road is so narrow that stopping or parking alongside the road is prohibited. If you do choose to park at the restaurant, just step inside and grab a $5 voucher.

They’ll give you a ticket to put in your window, then you can come back and use the $5 towards an item on their menu. Or if you prefer to eat first, just ask your waiter for a parking voucher before you leave.

As you walk to the bridge, use extreme caution, particularly through the tunnel, as the shoulder is very narrow.

Unfortunately, the path down to access the beach is closed indefinitely. We spoke to a local farmer who was tending tomatoes in his terraced garden while we were there.

He owned the small restaurant at the beach and told us that a fire had come through. This caused rock slides that made the path and beach too dangerous to enter.

Sadly, he didn’t know if it would ever reopen. So there it sits as if frozen in time.

You can follow the path up to the cement barricade where you can still get a view of the bridge from the other side.

3. Conca dei Marini

Just up the road from Fiordo di Furore, you’ll find Conca dei Marini. This is a romantic Mediterranean village filled with quiet Southern Italian Charm.

It has long been a favorite escape among royals and the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy. However, you won’t find the same flocks of tourists at its beach as you would in Positano.

The famed Emerald Grotto is also located off the coast of Conca dei Marini.

The water in the sea cave is an impressive deep shade of green. There is even an underwater nativity scene that draws divers from all over the world during Christmastime.

4. Amalfi Town

Amalfi Town is the next destination that you’ll come to. You will find a similar maze of cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, the sunny Piazza del Duomo, and the Marina Grande lined with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs in the summer months.

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5. Ravello, Minori, and Maiori

As you continue along the coastal road you’ll drive through the heart of several other picturesque Amalfi Coast towns, such as Ravello, Minori, and Maiori.

Ravello is often referred to as The City of Music. The city carries an air of refinement and class with a vibrant cultural scene.

Not to be missed, are the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, the Terrace of Infinity, and the small beach that lies within a protected cove.

Minori is a small little gem of a town. You’ll discover the preserved remains of a Roman Villa at Villa Romana e Antiquarium, which is free to enter.

Other highlights include the Basilica di Santa Trofimena, Pasticceria Sal De Ris (arguably the best pastry shop in the region), and Spiaggia di Minori.

This beach is like a mini Positano except it is less crowded and you can find parking for 1 euro.

Maiori boasts the Amalfi Coast’s longest unbroken beach with a 1km stretch of sand. If you’re not intimidated by a little hiking, head up to the Castello di San Nicola de Thoro-Plano where you can tour an ancient castle and be rewarded with breathtaking views.

If you have time and can find a parking spot, you’ll want to spend the afternoon exploring these enchanting beachside towns.

Chat with the friendly locals, indulge in fresh lemon Italian Ice from a sidewalk cafe, browse through handmade gifts, and soak in the rich culture and breathtaking views.

This guide is also helpful for finding the best beaches in the Amalfi Coast towns.

The Amalfi Coast truly is a spectacular region. It is the type of place where you need no agenda but can stumble upon the magic without any roadmap.

There are several other quaint fishing villages and swanky tourist retreats along the coast, but hopefully, this guide will serve as a jumping-off point for your explorations!

And if you’re visiting other regions of Italy, you’re not going to want to miss these guides:

• The Best Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome
• How to Spend One Perfect Weekend in Tuscany
• The Best Things to Do in Florence In One Day
• The Best Things to Do in Venice
• 8 Cool Things to See in Taormina, Sicily
• 18 Things You Didn’t Know About Pompeii
• The Best Things to Do in Naples

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Click here for a driving map of the Amalfi Coast towns

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