An iconic place of Italian beauty in the world, today I will show you the Amalfi Coast with a three-day tour, among the most evocative towns and the restaurants with the best reviews.
Colorful houses sloping down to the sea, cliffs and panoramic terraces, lemon groves, crystal clear waters and Mediterranean food make this place one of the most famous in the world. The Amalfi Coast is at the top of the wish list of many travelers, even those who have already been there and are literally in love with it so much that they want to come back.
The Amalfi Coast between art and history
It is not just one place but many places together, each with its own charm and elements, yet united by an identity that finds its roots in ancient times: think of the Roman villas of Minori and Positano from the 1st century AD, the archaeological sites preserved in its churches and the ceramic art that continues to be one of the best plus of Campania craftsmanship.
1st Day: Ravello, Atrani and Amalfi
A weekend is perhaps not enough to see it from top to bottom but don’t worry because you can optimize a typical itinerary on the Amalfi Coast: a three-day tour may be enough to discover its most suggestive destinations.
Ravello
Unlike the other more famous places on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello does not develop on the sea but above, on the hills just before arriving in Amalfi coming from Salerno. Iconic places of this pretty town are its two panoramic villas: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, both terraces overlooking the sea and the sky. It is no coincidence that the terrace of Villa Cimbrone is called “Terrace of Infinity”: one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the entire coast.
Then stroll through the alleys, the craft shops and have a look of Cathedral of Ravello. You cannot miss a delicious break at “Baffone Gelateria Artigianale” in via Roma.
Atrani
We continue towards Atrani. It is possible to park in the “Luna Rossa” car park which serves both Amalfi and Atrani since the two locations are practically attached to each other. Before going down to the village, stop along the railing that runs along the main road and take a photo of the characteristic C-shaped beach umbrellas of Atrani, one of the most beautiful summer photographic spots on the coast.
✓ Where to eat in? At the “Savo” Restaurant, fish is fresh and the cuisine is genuine and traditional.
Amalfi
Finally it’s up to Amalfi: at sunset it gives the best of itself! A must stop in Piazza Duomo with a visit to the amazing Cathedral of Sant’Andrea with the Cloister of Paradise and a sweet break at the historic “Pansa” pastry shop. Continue climbing along the narrow streets of Amalfi, among the craft shops where you can buy the souvenir par excellence of the Amalfi Coast: a bottle of limoncello made with lemons of these areas.
✓ For dinner go to “Glicine” restaurant, inside a renowned hotel for its beauty, the Santa Caterina Hotel.
2nd Day: Positano with boat trip
The top and perhaps the best known place, the quintessence of the Amalfi Coast, Positano surprises at every corner and from every perspective. One of the most instagrammable places in Italy and in the world, in Positano wherever you turn you find a corner to capture and it is practically impossible to find a spot that does not have a beautiful view!
The beach is very special as it offers a view of the typical pastel-colored houses that almost seem to cling to the mountain. The streets of the town are a maze of surprises, with cafes, boutiques where you can buy unique items of the “Positano Fashion” and shops where you can find artisans who made products at moment, tailor-made like beautiful handmade sandals of all types.
An experience that you absolutely should not miss is the boat excursion for small groups departing from the port of Positano, towards Capri. After coast the island, you go ashore for a free walk, and then return back to Positano. Generally a drink is also included on board and some companies allow you to snorkel by providing the equipment.
✓ As for dinner in Positano, take a seat on the terrace of “La Tagliata”: on the coast it is usual to eat fish but here you can also order excellent meat dishes. To taste fish-based dishes, instead, go to “Chez Black” and order spaghetti with sea urchin, or with cuttlefish ink or with clams.
3rd Day: Maiori, Minori, Cetara and Vietri
Minori and Maiori
Starting from Amalfi towards Salerno, we meet Minori. Famous for a dessert produced in a pastry shop that is an institution on the Amalfi Coast and throughout Campania. We are talking about the famous lemon delight of the Sal De Riso pastry shop. Continue to Maiori, a picturesque town with a beautiful promenade, the marina, the Corso and a large equipped beach, the longest (almost a kilometer) of the entire Amalfi Coast.
Cetara
Continuing towards Salerno, stop in Cetara, a seaside village just over 20 minutes by car, without traffic, from Maiori. Here you cannot fail to taste spaghetti with anchovy sauce, a true symbol of this place and a real delicacy for the palate.
✓ Stop to “Acquapazza” Restaurant.
Vietri
Finally, last stop, Vietri is a triumph of colorful ceramics. Famous all over the world, it is an authentic expression of the historic ceramic art of these places. Get off at Marina di Vietri to enjoy an ice cream at the “Eco del Mare” bar. Then, look for the colorful Casetta del Pescatore, an explosion of pink and light blue that you will love to capture with your camera!
What is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
Consider that in the high season, between July and August, the Amalfi Coast is literally besieged by the tourists. The prices are much higher and the traffic on the famous SS 163 becomes congested, making travel difficult, even the shorter ones. The best months are usually April-May-June and September-October. Also in spring, the Amalfi Coast is much more liveable and can be appreciated much better.
In conclusion:
A place that it is difficult to forget. Did you find this three-day tour on the Amalfi Coast useful? For those who decide to stay in Salerno and move from here to discover the “Divine”, here’s how to get to the Amalfi Coast, including ferries, buses and more. Or, even better, you could move independently with your own car or a rental car, to enjoy every corner of this paradise in complete freedom.
