Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a rugged, scenic coastal stretch on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy’s Campania region, characterised by steep cliffs, terraced vineyards and seaside towns. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognised for its dramatic landscape and historical coastal settlements.

Key places along the coast include vertical towns such as Positano, the historic maritime centre of Amalfi with its cathedral, and hilltop Ravello with villas and gardens offering panoramic views. Travel along the SS163 coastal road and by ferry between ports are common ways to move between towns.

Settlement and maritime activity on the coast date back to antiquity and the medieval period; Amalfi itself was an important maritime republic in the early Middle Ages. Over time the coast developed its distinctive terraces, churches and villas that now attract international tourism.

The Amalfi Coast runs along the southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula on the Gulf of Salerno in Campania, south of Naples and accessible by road, ferry and local bus services.

• Road access and driving conditions: The coastal road SS163 links the principal towns but is narrow with many hairpin turns; driving can be slow and parking limited during high season.
• Best times to visit: Late spring and early autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared with July and August, when local traffic and ferries are busiest.

What to See #

• Positano: Positano - a vertically built coastal town with narrow streets and steep stairways, known for its cliffside houses and pebble beaches.
• Amalfi town: Amalfi town - the historic port and town from which the coast takes its name, featuring the 9th-century cathedral façade and compact harbour.
• Ravello: Ravello - located above the coastline and noted for historic villas and gardens such as Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with panoramic terraces.