The Amalfi Coast looks dreamy in photos — colourful towns, dramatic cliffs, and that deep blue sea. However, once you start planning, things can feel confusing fast.
Where do you stay?
How do you move between towns?
Is driving a good idea… or a nightmare?
We’ve been there — literally.
Back in 2022, we visited the Amalfi Coast with our family just days before my niece’s wedding in southern Italy. It wasn’t a rushed stop or a quick photo visit. We explored the region together, and we even had a local advantage — my niece’s husband, Nico, who grew up in Italy and knew the area well.
That mix of family travel, local insight, and real planning challenges gave us a clear, honest perspective on how the Amalfi Coast actually works.
These Amalfi Coast Travel Tips are based on that real experience exploring Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and are written for first-time visitors who want clarity, not overwhelm.
A quick note about the towns we cover
The Amalfi Coast officially includes 13 towns, stretching along the coastline from near Sorrento to Salerno. However, during our trip, we focused on Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — three places that most first-time visitors naturally gravitate toward. They’re well connected, easy to combine, and each offers a very different experience, which makes them a great starting point for discovering the Amalfi Coast.
We also visited Naples and Pompeii, but since this guide focuses specifically on the Amalfi Coast itself, we’ve kept the tips here centered on the three towns where we spent most of our time.
🎥 Prefer to see it all in real life?
If you enjoy planning with visuals, you can also explore the Amalfi Coast with us on video. We’ve created an Amalfi Coast YouTube Playlist sharing our real experiences in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, including walking tours, transportation tips, and what it actually feels like to be there.
👉 Watch our Amalfi Coast Playlist here
DISCLOSURE NOTE: This blog post contains affiliate links to products and services we personally use, trust, and recommend. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating helpful travel content. Thank you for being part of our journey. 💙 ! Click here to learn more.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast for the First Time
Getting to the Amalfi Coast is easier than it first seems — once you understand how the region is set up.
Since there’s no airport directly on the coast, most travellers arrive via Naples, Rome, or even Pompeii, then continue using a mix of transportation like ferries, buses, or cars.
If you’re planning to stay for a few days — or even visit the Amalfi Coast in one day — there are several ways to get there depending on your travel style.
Our experience: staying in Agerola
During our trip, we stayed in Agerola, a charming town about one hour from the coast. It gave us a quieter base while still being close enough to explore places like Positano and Amalfi.
From there, we tested different ways of getting around — which gave us a really good understanding of what works… and what can be a bit more challenging.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast by car
Since we were traveling with family, we decided to drive — and it turned out to be one of the most flexible ways to explore the area.
The drive from Agerola to the coast took about one hour, with light traffic. Along the way, we stopped at incredible viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the cliffs and sea that make the Amalfi Coast so special.
Driving is a great option if you:
- Want flexibility to explore multiple towns
- Plan to stop at scenic viewpoints
- Prefer moving at your own pace
Extra tip:
Driving also gives you access to smaller beaches and hidden spots — including one we found near Positano that we share in our vlog.
Important tips for driving on the Amalfi Coast
Driving comes with trade-offs, especially for first-time visitors.
- Roads are narrow and full of tight turns
- Traffic increases quickly in peak season
- Parking can be limited and expensive
In Positano, we were lucky. Based on a tip from Nico (our local family guide), we parked at Parcheggio Anna and walked down via Via Lepanto — straight into the center.
Extra tip:
Always plan your parking in advance. It can save you a lot of time and stress.
Plan Your Road Trip from Rome to Positano!
Looking to explore the Amalfi Coast at your own pace? Start your journey right from Rome with a rental car and enjoy the freedom to stop at incredible places like Pompeii, Naples, and Ravello on the way to Positano.
Click Here or use the interactive box below to check rental car availability, compare prices, and book securely with our trusted partner.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast by bus
If you prefer not to drive, buses are a budget-friendly and widely used option.
The SITA Sud buses connect towns across the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi, Positano, and surrounding villages.
We used the bus from Agerola to Naples at the end of our trip and had a smooth, comfortable experience.
What to expect:
- Scenic routes along the coast
- Frequent departures
- More crowded during summer
Tickets & tips:
We bought our tickets in advance at a Tabacchi shop near our B&B, but later learned you can also buy them in cafés — which can be helpful if you’re already out exploring.
- Validate your ticket when boarding
- Plan extra time during busy periods
Extra tip:
👉 If you prefer to plan ahead, you can compare bus, ferry, and train options in one place using Omio — it’s a simple way to check routes, schedules, and prices before your trip.
From Naples to the Amalfi Coast (Ferry or Train + Bus)
Even though we drove part of the trip, we also used public transportation — and it’s a great option.
One of our favorite experiences was taking a ferry from Naples to Amalfi. It was scenic, relaxing, and completely stress-free compared to road travel.
You can also:
- Take a train from Naples to Sorrento, then a bus
- Combine train + ferry depending on your route
Extra tip:
If you want a more relaxing journey, ferries are often the best choice in high season.
👉 To make planning easier, you can compare ferries, trains, and buses in one place using Omio — it’s a quick way to check routes, travel times, and prices before booking.
Visiting the Amalfi Coast from Rome
If you’re coming from Rome, it’s important to know there are no direct routes to the Amalfi Coast.
Most trips include:
- High-speed train from Rome to Naples or Salerno
- Then ferry, bus, or car to the coast
We once drove from Rome, and while the scenery was beautiful, the traffic made the trip longer and more stressful than expected.
Extra tip:
For a one-day visit, a guided tour can be a much easier and more enjoyable option.
Final tip for getting to the Amalfi Coast
There’s no single “best” way — it really depends on your travel style.
Want flexibility? → Drive
Want relaxation? → Ferry
On a budget? → Bus
Prefer everything organized for you? → Consider a guided tour
We didn’t take a guided tour ourselves, since we were traveling with family and had some local guidance. However, we met other travellers along the way who chose this option and loved how easy it made their day — especially when visiting the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
👉 If you’d rather skip the logistics and just enjoy the views, you can check organized Amalfi Coast day trips here (GetYourGuide link)
The key is understanding your options before you go — and choosing what fits your trip best.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Praiano & Agerola)
We would absolutely love to stay in Positano someday — and who knows, maybe one day we will.
However, during our 2022 trip along the Amalfi Coast, our budget didn’t quite allow for an overnight stay in this dreamy cliffside village. That said, we found a great alternative that ended up being one of the best decisions of our trip.
We stayed in Agerola, just a short drive or bus ride away, surrounded by nature and far from the tourist crowds. It gave us a much more relaxed experience — especially after busy days exploring places like Positano.
While walking through Positano during our day trip (as shown in our vlog), we also spotted a few charming hotels that felt more affordable than expected — and still had incredible views.
We also looked into Praiano, a nearby town that offers the same stunning coastline, often at better prices, and with easy access to Positano by bus or car.
So whether you want to splurge on sea views or save by staying nearby, here are a few options to consider.
Hotel Vittoria – Positano, Italy
Hotels.com: 8.8 | Google Rating: 4.4 (April 2025)
Hotel Vittoria is a great budget-friendly option located in the quieter Fornillo neighborhood of Positano. We saw this hotel when going downstairs Via Lepanto, as you can check at our Positano Travel Vlog.
It’s just a short walk from the beach and offers some of the most competitive prices for accommodations with coastal views. Guests love the peaceful setting, clean rooms, and easy access to the town center.
Features include:
- Walking distance to Fornillo Beach
- Private balconies with sea or garden views
- On-site restaurant and breakfast included
- Comfortable, air-conditioned rooms
Hotel Tramonto d’Oro – Praiano, Italy
Hotels.com: 9.6 | Google Rating: 4.8 (April 2025)
Hotel Tramonto d’Oro translates to “Golden Sunset Hotel”, and it lives up to the name. This elegant hotel in Praiano offers incredible views over the sea and Positano in the distance. While a little pricier than other options in the area, it’s still more affordable than Positano luxury hotels — with added tranquility and world-class service.
Features include:
- Rooftop panoramic pool with coastal views
- Gourmet restaurant and wellness spa
- Private balconies and beautifully decorated rooms
- Easy bus access to Positano and Amalfi
Hotel Miramare – Positano, Italy (Luxury Pick)
Hotels.com: 9.6 | Google Rating: 4.8 (April 2025)
If budget is not a concern, then Hotel Miramare is the kind of place dreams are made of. Perched on the cliffs of Positano, this elegant hotel offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, luxurious rooms, and impeccable service that keeps guests returning year after year. During our walk through Positano, we passed by this gem and couldn’t help but imagine waking up to that postcard-perfect view.
Features include:
- Panoramic terraces with sweeping sea and village views
- Elegant rooms and suites with classic coastal charm
- Highly rated breakfast with a view
- Just steps from Spiaggia Grande and Positano’s boutiques
B&B Santa Lucia – Agerola, Italy (Where We Stayed)
Google Rating: 4.8 (May 2026)
While we didn’t stay in Positano, we absolutely loved our time at B&B Santa Lucia in Agerola. It offered the perfect mix of affordability, tranquility, and local charm — plus, the location made it easy to reach Positano by car or bus. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, and the rooms were spotless with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. If you prefer a more peaceful base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, this is a fantastic choice.
Features include:
- Free parking and easy access to Positano by car or bus
- Homemade breakfast with local ingredients
- Clean, quiet rooms with beautiful mountain views
- Walking distance to local markets and restaurants
Choosing Between Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello
Deciding where to stay is one of the biggest Amalfi Coast questions — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Even though the Amalfi Coast includes 13 different towns, we quickly realized that time plays a big role in what’s actually realistic.
During our trip, we had 5 nights total, which also included:
- One day exploring Naples
- One day visiting Pompeii
- And just 2 full days on the Amalfi Coast
Because of that, we decided to focus on Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — three towns that are easier to combine and give you a great first impression of the region.
Here’s a simple breakdown based on our experience:
- Amalfi – Central, practical, and well-connected by ferries and buses
- Positano – Iconic views, colorful streets, lots of stairs, higher prices
- Ravello – Quiet, elevated, and scenic, but more dependent on buses or taxis
Extra tip:
👉 Your base town affects how easy your daily travel will be, so transportation access matters just as much as views.
If you’re planning a short visit like we did, focusing on a few key towns will make your experience much more enjoyable.
👉 We also share our full experience exploring Positano in this detailed guide:
Discover Positano in One Day (Walking Tour & Tips)
👉 If you like to plan visually, we’ve also shared our full experience across Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello on video — including walking routes, views, and real impressions from each town.
👉 Watch our Amalfi Coast Playlist here
How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Amalfi Coast?
This really depends on how fast you like to travel — and how relaxed you want your trip to feel.
In our case, we had 5 nights in the region, but that included:
- One day exploring Naples
- One day visiting Pompeii
- And just 2 full days on the Amalfi Coast
And honestly? It felt like just enough to get a first taste — but not enough to fully slow down and enjoy everything.
Here’s a realistic way to think about it:
- 1 day: Possible as a day trip, but it will feel rushed
- 2–3 days: Enough to see highlights like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
- 4–5 days: Ideal if you want to move at a slower pace and enjoy the experience
Extra tip:
👉 More days don’t just mean more sightseeing — they mean less stress, fewer logistics, and more time to actually enjoy the views.
If we were to do it again, we’d probably add at least one extra day just to slow things down a bit — especially to include a visit to Capri, one of the most famous islands in the region and a popular day trip from the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi Coast Travel Tips – Quick FAQ (From Our Experience)
Planning your trip? Here are some quick answers based on our experience on the Amalfi Coast:
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
We visited the Amalfi Coast in June, and it was already warm, lively, and quite busy — especially in places like Positano and Amalfi.
If you can, we’d recommend:
- May or early June → great weather, fewer crowds
- September → still warm, but more relaxed
👉 If possible, try to avoid July and August, as it’s peak season with higher prices and heavier crowds.
Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?
It can be — especially in the most popular towns like Positano.
From our experience, costs vary a lot depending on:
- Where you stay
- When you visit
- How you get around
👉 One of the best decisions we made was staying in a B&B in Agerola, slightly outside the main towns. It gave us a quieter experience, included breakfast, and helped us avoid expensive dinners every night.
Is it better to stay in Positano or nearby?
Positano is beautiful, but staying there comes at a higher price.
We chose to stay just outside, and honestly, we loved the balance:
- Easy access to Positano by bus or car
- Much more peaceful at night
- Better value for accommodation
We also noticed that many travelers we met were staying in Naples and visiting the Amalfi Coast as a day trip — either by ferry or with an organized tour. It’s a practical option if you’re short on time or want to avoid moving hotels.
👉 If you want views without the crowds, places like Praiano or Agerola are great alternatives.
How many days do you really need?
We had 2 full days on the Amalfi Coast, and it felt like just enough to see the highlights — but not enough to fully relax.
👉 If we were to do it again, we’d stay at least 3–4 days to slow down and enjoy the experience more.
What’s the biggest mistake to avoid?
Trying to do too much in too little time.
The Amalfi Coast looks compact on a map, but getting around takes longer than expected — especially during busy periods.
👉 Plan fewer stops, give yourself buffer time, and leave space to enjoy the views.
Is it easy to get around without a car?
Yes — but it requires some planning.
We used a mix of:
- Buses
- Walking
- And short drives
👉 Ferries are also a great option in high season if you want to avoid traffic.
Extra tip:
If you want a more relaxing journey, ferries are often the best choice in high season.
👉 To make planning easier, you can compare ferries, trains, and buses in one place using Omio — it’s a quick way to check routes, travel times, and prices before booking.
Quick Packing Tips for the Amalfi Coast
Before heading to the Amalfi Coast, a few small things can make a big difference in how comfortable your days feel — especially with the heat, stairs, and rocky beaches.
Here’s what we recommend based on our experience visiting places like Amalfi Coast and Beaches in Greece:
- Water shoes – to protect your feet from sharp rocks and slippery surfaces – View on Amazon
- Quick-drying towels – light and compact for easy travel – View on Amazon
- Sturdy beach mat – essential on rocky ground – View on Amazon
- Foldable beach bag – for easy packing and carrying – View on Amazon
- Sun hat and sunglasses – the sun can be intense even with cooler water – View Sun hats on Amazon
Extra Tip: Standard flip-flops didn’t work well for us on rocky beaches—water shoes made a big difference!
Extra tip:
👉 We didn’t expect the beaches to be rocky at first, and having proper water shoes would have made things much more comfortable.
👉 If you want a full checklist of what to pack for stress-free travel, we’ve put everything together here:
Travel Essentials – Stay Prepared for Stress-Free Travel
Final Amalfi Coast Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
The Amalfi Coast is stunning, but it rewards travelers who understand how it works before arriving.
If this is your first visit:
- Keep your plan realistic
- Choose your base wisely
- Leave room to slow down
That’s when the Amalfi Coast truly shines.
Pro tip: Google My Maps works best online. If you’re traveling abroad, consider using an eSIM to stay connected. We personally use Holafly for unlimited data, which makes it super easy to update or add places on the fly.
Stay Connected Wherever You Travel
Staying connected abroad has never been easier. 📲 We’ve used Holafly eSIM in Morocco, Brazil and Colombia, and it gave us unlimited data with no roaming surprises. It helped us check transport, stay in touch with family, and share every moment on the road. If you want a simple, reliable way to stay online wherever you go, this is it.
🎥 Want to see it before you go?
If you prefer planning with visuals, you can also explore the coast with us on video. Our Amalfi Coast YouTube Playlist shares real experiences from Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, including walking tours, transportation tips, and what it actually feels like to be there.
👉 Watch our Amalfi Coast Playlist here
