Best Places to Visit in Amalfi Italy: When my friend finally got some time off from college and decided to visit, I knew exactly where to take him—the Amalfi Coast. It was the perfect time of year, with the weather just warm enough, the crowds starting to thin, and the Mediterranean as beautiful as ever. As we set off from Naples, I could already feel the excitement building. The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a place; it’s a collection of unforgettable experiences. With its colorful towns, scenic cliffs, and charm that feels timeless, it was the ideal spot to show my friend what Italy’s coast has to offer.

Here are some of the best spots we explored along the Amalfi Coast, each with its own unique allure.

1. Amalfi Town: Heart of the Coast

Our first visit was the energetic center of the coast, Amalfi Town itself. My companion and I were enthralled with its gorgeous scene—colorful buildings tucked between the sea’s glitter and the cliffs when we first arrived. Standing boldly in the middle with its magnificent stairway and distinctive Arab-Norman style is the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi).

Spending our first afternoon here, we meandered through the little streets and stopped at a neighborhood café to get our first coffee of the trip. The ideal beginning for our seaside journey was sitting with an espresso and seeing folks walk past the village plaza. We walked around the coastline in the evening, enjoying the sunset while the town shone with cosy lighting.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, when the day-trippers have left, and you can experience the quieter, local charm of Amalfi Town.

2. Ravello: A Garden Paradise Above the Sea

The next day, we took a short drive up the hill to Ravello. It is a town known for its stunning gardens and panoramic views. Ravello felt like a peaceful escape from the bustling coastline, with an atmosphere that made us feel like we’d stepped back in time. The Villa Rufolo, with its historic gardens and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, was our first stop.

We wandered through the gardens, taking in the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Even though my friend was taking pictures of the beautiful slopes. Afterward, we headed to Villa Cimbrone and discovered its Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity)—a place where it truly felt like the world was stretching endlessly into the horizon. Ravello’s beauty lies in its tranquility, and spending a few hours here felt like pure bliss.

3. Positano: The Picture-Perfect Cliffside Village

Positano is a must-see on any trip to the Amalfi Coast. The view as we went down the curving road into town took our breath away. We got there early to beat the crowds. With the deep blue sea below and the bright houses stacked up on the hill, it felt like a scene from a postcard.

We investigated the beachfront area first thing in morning. We just lounged in the sun and appreciated the view after renting some chairs. About lunchtime, we headed into town and discovered a charming small trattoria tucked away down a side street. We had delicious seafood spaghetti with a crisp white wine as fresh as it could be. I won never forget the taste since it was so excellent. We seemed to be actually savoring Positano’s flavors.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit the main beach, arrive early to find a spot. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the town’s boutiques for unique souvenirs.

4. Fiordo di Furore

We came onto Fiordo di Furore, a little valley with a private beach tucked between cliffs, on our route to our next stop. Though less well-known, this site is truly amazing. A little bridge crosses the fjord to provide amazing views of the blue water below.

My friend and I descended the stone steps to reach the beach, where we unwinded somewhat. Perfect for a short swim, the water was nice and reviving. Away from the usual tourist destinations, we felt as though we had found a secret bit of paradise.

Personal Note: Bring water shoes if you plan to swim here—the beach is pebbly but totally worth it.

5. Atrani

Atrani is just a stone’s throw from Amalfi, and it felt like a hidden treasure. We arrived in the afternoon, and the town’s peaceful vibe made it feel like a local secret. The town square, with its charming cafes and small shops, was the perfect spot to rest and soak in the authentic coastal life.

We found a cozy coffee shop and had a latte and a slice of pastiera, a beloved Neapolitan cake. We felt like we had found a quiet, real side of Italy while watching the locals talk and kids play in the square.

Tip: Visit Atrani if you’re looking for a less crowded, more laid-back experience.

6. Marina di Praia

Marina di Praia is a beautiful beach tucked between rocky cliffs, making it feel more private than some of the larger beaches. After a morning of sightseeing, we headed here for some sunbathing and relaxation. The water was clear, and the beach had a calm, relaxed vibe—ideal for unwinding.

For an hour we hired a small boat to tour the coast from the sea and obtain a distinctive perspective of the cliffs and secret bays. The opportunity to escape the crowded areas and savor a more remote section of the coast delighted my companion.

Personal Tip: There’s a seafood restaurant right by the beach that serves amazing calamari. We had a light lunch here, and the flavors were unforgettable.

7. Conca dei Marini

Conca dei Marini, a little town famed for its lemon groves, was among the most lovely discoveries of our vacation. Here the air smells like lemons, and everything seems more vivid and brilliant. We visited a lemon farm for a quick tour where we discovered the growing technique and sampled limoncello created from the freshest lemons.

As we walked through the groves, my friend was as captivated as I was by the intense lemon aroma and the views over the water. We each bought a small bottle of limoncello to take home, a piece of Amalfi to savor even after we left.

Highlight: The lemon-flavored gelato from a small shop in town was a delicious way to end our tour.

8. Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

Among the most unusual sites we saw was the Emerald Grotto. This sea cave gleows with an eerie green light close to Conca dei Marini. We signed up for a brief boat trip inside, where the hue of the water captivated us as sunlight danced over.

The people who live nearby think the cave is magical, and I could see why—it felt almost supernatural. A friend of mine joked that it felt like we were in a fairy tale set underwater. Our time in the grotto was short but memorable, and the glow from it stayed with us even after we left.

Tip: The grotto can get crowded, so try to visit early in the day for a quieter experience.

9. Minori

Without savoring Minori’s culinary scene, our trip would not have been whole. Called the “Taste of Amalfi, Minori boasts some of the best coastal pastry shops and bakeries. Spending a day meandering around the town, we sampled Sal de Riso, a well-known pastry business.

Trying the ricotta and pear cake, a delicate, creamy, precisely sweet treat, was among the pleasures. Every morsel seemed to me to be the taste of the Amalfi Coast.

Personal Note: Don’t miss the chance to sample the Minori native lemon desserts—a real Amalfi delicacy!

10. Maiori (Best Places to Visit in Amalfi Italy)

Our last stop was Maiori, a laid-back seaside town with one of the longest beaches on the coast. It was the ideal spot to relax following days of discovery. Spending the afternoon on the beach, my companion and I delighted in the sand, the sun, and a last Mediterranean dip.

Dinner was at a beachfront restaurant where we had a great pizza and a carafe of house wine as the sun sank across the sea. Sitting there with the waves softly lapping around, we both decided Maiori was the ideal finish for our Amalfi trip.

Tip: Maiori’s beach is spacious and less crowded than Positano’s, making it ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.

The Amalfi Coast is more than just a collection of scenic towns; it’s a place that makes you feel alive and in tune with Italy’s incredible natural beauty and cultural richness. From exploring hidden beaches to tasting local flavors, this trip was filled with moments that felt both adventurous and comforting. Watching my friend experience it all for the first time made it even more special.

I would advise anyone intending to visit to go slow, enjoy every stop, and let the timeless beauty of the coast to envelop you. The Amalfi Coast is an experience you take with you long after you depart, not only a place.

Read my post “Best Places to Visit in Naples Italy”