The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Amalfi Coast in Italy is proving to be a popular summer destination with Indian tourists in 2024, according to figures released by accommodation rental company Airbnb. It’s a stretch of coastline in southern Italy which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. The 13 cities which make up the region are Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Tramonti, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrani, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano.
The Amalfi Coast has a bountiful natural diversity with high mountains, sandy beaches, terraced vineyards, orchards on lower slopes and wide upland pastures. Alongside this, the Mediterranean lifestyle has drawn visitors from Roman times to this early Middle Ages settlement for its architectural and artistic works of great significance. The high season starts from Easter and ends around August.
Here are six things to keep in mind before travelling to the Amalfi Coast.
Driving in the Amalfi Coast during the high season is a nightmare. Chock-a-blocked roads, restricted areas, hairpin curves and limited but expensive parking spots will not help with your vacation mood. A scooter is a more convenient way to get around but only if you are an experienced driver.
Take full advantage of the region’s superb public transport network to get around. Buses (SITA and EAV) and ferries will get you everywhere you want to be. The towns of Amalfi, Sorrento and Salerno are major transportation hubs so try to book accommodation in and around them. You can buy tickets from the newsagents and at ports or use the Travelmar, Unico Campania or Traghetti Lines app.
If you want to avoid being roasted by the sizzling sun on your Italian tour then pack sunscreen before landing at the Amalfi Coast. This is because the product costs more in the towns and cities of the area. On a similar note, pack effective insect repellent/spray to keep mosquitoes at bay.
If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast soon then you will be inundated with fellow tourists tasting limoncello and gazing at the emerald beauty of the Grotta dello Smeraldo. Having flown all the way it’s best to let yourself savour the flavours, smells and scenes of the coastline by living here for a week at least. Out of the 13 municipalities dotted along the coast, most tourists only check out three to four places.
Hike the Path of the Gods trail and the Valle delle Ferriere, swim in the azure waters of the Gulf of Salerno, rent a boat to see the cities at night, and check out the hidden gems of Tramonti and Minori to get the most out of your vacation.
Walking up and down the hills and staircases of the Amalfi Coast in a pair of sandals will probably do you more harm than good. Opt for comfortable walking shoes and carry an extra pair of sandals in case you detour to the beach. If you plan to hike then put on trekking shoes with a firm grip. Wear nicer shoes during the evening to copy the refined elegance of local residents who get dressed up for going out.
Sorrento banned people wearing bikinis and men going shirtless from wandering its streets back in 2022. Similar to wearing smarter shoes in the evening, respect the norms of the place by donning appropriate evening wear like the Italians do and embrace “la dolce vita” (the good life). This means no shorts and flip-flops after twilight.
Go beyond the usual souvenir trinkets and purchase authentic hand-crafted items that will not only benefit local artisans but also capture the heritage of the place. Ceramic-making has a long history on the Amalfi Coast. The commune of Vietri sul Mare emerged as a hub for ceramic production in the 1600s. You can identify authentic ceramics made in Vietri sul Mare by checking the bottom of the piece which should read “Ceramica Artistica e Tradizionale” as well as “Vietri” or “Vietri sul Mare.” Each piece will have the name or trademark of the workshop. Many ceramic producers are equipped to safely ship your items overseas so don’t be afraid to ask.
If ceramics are not your style then you can purchase handmade paper as the town of Amalfi was once home to numerous paper mills. Check out Museo della Carta for authentic souvenirs. You can also consider buying leather sandals, limoncello and lemon biscuits, sweets and soaps.
Cover the 60km from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by renting a car or taking public transport (a mix of bus rides and train services).