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
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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.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast by bus
Not planning to drive? No problem! Buses are a solid budget-friendly option and work really well depending on where you’re starting from.
- From Rome: In summer (roughly June to September), there’s a direct bus from Rome’s Tiburtina station that takes you straight to Positano. It’s a longer ride — about 4 to 5 hours — but honestly, waking up in Positano after a bus ride is not a bad deal at all.
- From Naples: There’s no single direct bus from Naples to Amalfi, so you’ll need one transfer. The most popular route is to take a bus from Naples to Sorrento first, and then connect to a coastal bus from there. It takes a bit of patience, especially in high season, but it’s very doable and easy on the wallet.
If you’re heading to Amalfi or towns on the eastern side of the coast, another option is to take a train from Naples to Salerno and pick up a bus from there — often a less crowded and more straightforward connection.
👉 To compare bus, train and ferry options all in one place before your trip, we use Omio — routes, schedules and prices without jumping between a dozen websites.
Staying in Agerola — Our Experience
During our trip, we based ourselves in Agerola — a quiet hilltop town about an hour from the coast — and honestly, it was one of the best decisions we made. Less tourist traffic, more authentic vibe, and still close enough to reach Positano, Amalfi and Ravello without too much effort.
We drove there (check out our full Amalfi Coast driving tips below!), but once we were settled in, we tested a few different ways to get around — and that’s where things got interesting.
The €2 bus to Naples — yes, really
One evening, our B&B owner casually mentioned that we could catch a local bus from the main square — just a short walk from where we were staying — all the way to Naples. The price? €2 per ticket (June – 2022)
We honestly thought he was joking. He wasn’t.
The next morning we walked down to the square, grabbed two tickets at a small local shop, hopped on the bus and about an hour later we were exploring Naples — no driving, no parking stress, no drama. Just great views the whole way there.
If you’re staying in Agerola, this tip alone is worth the detour.
How to make it work — our tips:
- Tickets can be bought at local Tabacchi shops or small cafés nearby — grab them before you board
- Always validate your ticket when getting on the bus
- If you’re travelling in summer, go early — it gets busy and standing room only is no fun on winding roads
- For connections between coastal towns once you’re in the region, check the SITA Sud schedule in advance
The ferry back — an unexpected highlight
After a full day exploring Naples on foot, we somehow ended up at the port — and that’s when the idea hit us. Why take the bus back when we could take a ferry along the coast?
We walked up to the counter, asked about a ticket from Naples to Amalfi, and it was sorted. Our B&B owner even offered to pick us up at the port on the other end — so that was the last piece of the puzzle.
Best. Decision. Ever.
The ride back was pure magic. Watching Positano, Amalfi and all those iconic clifftop villages appear one by one from the water — it’s a completely different perspective from anything you see on the road. Relaxing, scenic and honestly a little hard to believe it was real.
So if you ever find yourself in Naples after a day trip from the Amalfi Coast — seriously consider the ferry back. It turns the journey into part of the experience.
👉 You can check ferry routes and schedules from Naples to Amalfi on Omio — easy to compare times and prices before you go.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast by Car — Our Experience Driving from Rome
We drove all the way from Rome to the Amalfi Coast — and honestly, it was one of the best decisions we made for this trip. Having a car gave us total freedom to stop whenever we wanted, explore towns at our own pace and reach places that buses simply don’t get to.
That said, it does take a bit of planning — especially if it’s your first time driving in Italy. So here’s everything we wish we’d known before we left.
The drive itself
From Rome, count on roughly 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the way. We took our time, pulled over at a few incredible viewpoints and arrived in Agerola — our base for the trip — feeling genuinely excited rather than exhausted.
Once you get closer to the coast, the roads get narrower and more winding, so factor that into your timing. Arriving during daylight makes a big difference, especially if it’s your first time on those roads.
🎬 We filmed the whole experience — including that moment a full-size bus came around the corner on a road barely wide enough for one car. Watch our full driving vlog here before you go: Driving the Amalfi Coast for the First Time — it’ll give you a really honest idea of what to expect.
Tolls — know before you go
Italy has quite a few toll roads and the costs can add up faster than you’d expect. Before leaving Rome, we used Tolls Guru to calculate the toll costs for our route — it’s free, simple and also estimates your fuel costs, which is super handy for budgeting the full trip.
Renting a car
We rent all our cars through Auto Europe and have been using them for years. What we love is that you get a clear grid showing all available rental companies, vehicle types and pricing side by side — so you can make a proper informed choice instead of guessing. For the Amalfi Coast specifically, we’d recommend a compact car. Smaller is genuinely better on those roads.
And one thing we learned the hard way — get the full car insurance. Serge skipped it on this trip and spent more time stressing about scratches than enjoying the drive. On roads this narrow, with buses, scooters and tight parking garages, peace of mind is worth every euro.
Stay connected — don’t skip this one
Driving in this region without Google Maps or Waze is not something we’d recommend. The roads are confusing, the signs aren’t always clear and some turns come out of nowhere.
We use a Holafly eSIM every time we travel in Europe — instant data connection, no roaming surprises and no hunting for a SIM card at the airport. Use our code DISCOVERINGDESTINATIONS for 5% off, works for new and existing customers including top-ups.
Driving is a great option if you:
- Want the flexibility to explore multiple towns and viewpoints
- Are travelling with family or a group
- Plan to venture beyond the main tourist spots
- Don’t mind narrow roads and want the full adventure
👉 Before you hit the road, watch our honest driving vlog — Driving the Amalfi Coast for the First Time — so you know exactly what’s coming.
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
Extra tip:
Always plan your parking in advance. It can save you a lot of time and stress.
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.
Coming from Rome by train?
The fastest and most comfortable option from Rome is the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Naples Centrale — the journey takes just over an hour on Frecciarossa or Italo trains and runs multiple times per hour. From Naples, you then connect onwards by bus, ferry or car to the coast.
If you’re heading to towns on the eastern side like Amalfi, you can also take the train all the way from Rome to Salerno in one shot — no change needed — and pick up a bus or ferry from there.
👉 You can check train times and book in advance on Omio — it covers both Trenitalia and Italo so you can compare prices easily.
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
