How to Travel the Amalfi Coast Smart

The Amalfi Coast holds a special place in our hearts. By now, it’s become a yearly tradition for us—and still, it never ceases to surprise us (always in the best ways). With jaw-dropping coastal views, incredible food, and a few clever travel hacks, you can enjoy this slice of Italian paradise to the fullest. Having an Italian perspective helped us discover hidden gems that don’t always make the guidebooks.

To match the beauty of this place, we picked a legendary Pavarotti classic to accompany your journey as you read:

What to Eat on the Amalfi Coast: Local Dishes You Can’t Miss

Italy is renowned for its food, but the south—and especially the Amalfi Coast—takes it to another level. The region’s ideal climate, varied terrain, and fertile soil make it a culinary haven. And let’s talk lemons: the Amalfi Coast is famous for them. Whether it's the refreshing local limoncello or the creamy Delizia al Limone (especially at Panza), you have to try them in all forms. Your taste buds will thank you.

Being by the sea, seafood is another highlight. From grilled catch-of-the-day to fresh seafood pastas, you’re in for a treat. One hidden gem yet to be found by the crowds is Cetara, a charming fishing village known for its anchovies and traditional anchovy-based sauces (Colatura di Alici).

And then there’s Pasta alla Nerano. This humble yet unforgettable dish combines fried zucchini and provolone cheese into a silky, rich sauce. It’s the kind of simplicity that only Italian cuisine can make spectacular.

Hack:

• Start your day with a sweet breakfast at Sal De Riso—a pastry institution known across Italy.
• For lunch, grab a table at Taberna 33 Bistro in Minori—creative local dishes with a modern twist, in a cozy, relaxed setting.
• Head to Bar Bambi for an authentic aperitivo in a small-town piazza, with a fun and entertaining owner
• To end the day in style, have an elegant dinner at La Torre Normanna—delicious food with stunning cliffside views.

Where to Go on the Amalfi Coast: Must-See Towns and Day Trips

Our best advice? Travel around. Don’t stick to just one place. From the handcrafted ceramics of Vietri sul Mare to the elegant gardens and vistas of Ravello, there’s beauty everywhere. For a more local, laid-back beach vibe, visit Minori and Maiori. Positano is picture-perfect and postcard-famous for a reason. Got extra time? Take a relaxing stroll along Salerno’s seafront promenade enjoying a refreshing gelato or hop on a boat to the legendary island of Capri.

While the town of Amalfi is iconic—complete with its grand Duomo and maritime legacy—it’s not our top pick. The Amalfi Coast may be small, but it’s packed with diverse experiences thanks to its dramatic terrain.

How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast: Transport Hacks we wish we knew

Let’s talk transportation.
The Amalfi Coast may be magical, but getting around can be tricky. That iconic coastal road? It’s stunning, but hard to navigate —narrow, winding, and overloaded with traffic in high season. Our advice: don’t rent a car. Parking is scarce, and driving those hairpin turns can be stressful, not scenic. You may end up stuck in traffic or spending a lot of time looking for parking. Not worth it.

Instead, tap into the region’s nautical roots: travel by sea. Ferries run multiple times a day, connecting all the major towns. Not only is it a stress-free and affordable way to get around, but you’ll also be treated to some of the best views of the coastline—from the water.

Bonus hack:
Want to stick to land but skip the stress and cost of taxis? Try Pintour Bus—a budget-friendly shuttle service linking coastal towns and Naples airport.

These are just our first tips for exploring the Amalfi Coast. There’s so much more to eat, see, and do here—and we’ll be back soon with deeper dives into the best ways to eat, travel, and hack this unforgettable region.

To give you an overview of the places mentioned in this article, see the map below: