AMALFI COAST & SORRENTO
The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula are a Mediterranean masterpiece, a symphony of sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and ancient towns clinging dramatically to the rock. This Italian region is a feast for the senses, where natural beauty meets la dolce vita.
This coastal paradise has captivated travelers for centuries. It’s a land of lemon groves, breathtaking coastal roads, and iconic villages, offering a sublime blend of history, culture, and unforgettable views.
Most Popular Attractions
Amalfi Coast Villages & Historic Sites:
Positano: The iconic, vertically-stacked village famous for its colorful houses tumbling down to the sea, chic boutiques, and stunning views.
Amalfi: The region’s namesake and a former powerful maritime republic. Visit the magnificent Duomo di Sant’Andrea with its striking facade and cloister.
Ravello: A serene, clifftop village known for its spectacular gardens and panoramic vistas.
Duomo di Sant’Andrea (Amalfi): The grand cathedral of Amalfi, featuring Arab-Norman architecture and a beautiful bronze door.
Villa Rufolo (Ravello): A 13th-century villa and garden that inspired Richard Wagner, offering some of the coast’s best views.
Villa Cimbrone (Ravello): Famous for its Terrace of Infinity, a sublime viewpoint with marble busts overlooking the sea.
Vietri sul Mare: Known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and famous for its brightly colored ceramics.
Atrani: A charming, picturesque fishing village and one of the smallest towns in Italy, nestled in a natural amphitheater.
Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods): A spectacular hiking trail with unparalleled views over the coast and the island of Capri.
Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto): A sea cave near Conca dei Marini famous for its brilliant emerald-colored water.
Sorrento Peninsula & Regional Hubs:
Sorrento: A lively, clifftop town famous for its panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, bustling central squares, and limoncello production.
Piazza Tasso (Sorrento): The heart of Sorrento, a vibrant square perfect for people-watching and a central meeting point.
Marina Grande (Sorrento): A picturesque, historic fishing port with colorful restaurants that still feels like a quiet village.
Vico Equense: A charming town on the Sorrento Peninsula known for its thermal baths and stunning views.
Punta Campanella: The very tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, a protected marine area with a historic lighthouse and a great spot for hiking.
Massalubrense: A quiet town at the end of the peninsula, offering tranquil coves and excellent seafood.
Nearby Island & Coastal Attractions (Crucial to the Region):
Capri: The legendary, glamorous island known for its dramatic cliffs, designer shopping, and natural wonders.
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra, Capri): A sea cave on Capri where the sunlight creates an ethereal blue illumination.
Faraglioni (Capri): The three iconic rock stacks emerging from the sea off the coast of Capri, a symbol of the island.
Mount Vesuvius: The famous volcano dominating the skyline of the Bay of Naples, with a crater that is open to visitors.
Pompeii: The remarkably preserved ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Herculaneum (Ercolano): Another Roman town destroyed by Vesuvius, smaller than Pompeii but often better-preserved.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei): Tackle the region’s most famous and breathtaking trail, which offers unparalleled views high above the sea, typically from Agerola to Nocelle (near Positano).
Take a Boat Trip to Capri: Hire a private boat or join a tour to circle the stunning island, swim in the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and see the Faraglioni rock formations.
Explore the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii: Walk through the remarkably preserved streets and villas of the Roman city tragically buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD.
Take a Neapolitan Pizza Masterclass: Learn the secrets of authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from a local pizzaiolo in Sorrento or Naples.
Visit the Gardens of Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone in Ravello: Stroll through these spectacular cliffside gardens, famous for their panoramic views, which have inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Sip Limoncello and Tour a Lemon Grove: Visit an agrumeto (lemon grove) on the Sorrento Peninsula to learn how the famous liqueur is made and enjoy a tasting.
Drive the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163): Brave the exhilarating, winding coastal road by car, scooter, or bus to soak up the dramatic vistas and charming villages.
Swim in the Fiordo di Furore: Find this hidden gem—a dramatic, fjord-like inlet with a picturesque stone bridge and small, secluded beach.
Take a Cooking Class for Local Cuisine: Master regional specialties like scialatielli pasta, eggplant parmigiana (parmigiana di melanzane), and fresh seafood dishes.
Hike Mount Vesuvius: Walk to the crater of the famous active volcano that dominates the Bay of Naples for a unique geological and historical experience.
Explore the Town of Amalfi and its Cathedral: Discover the maritime history of the coast by visiting the beautiful Piazza Duomo and the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew (Duomo di Sant’Andrea).
Local Tips & Transport
Sita Bus is Your Lifeline: The bright orange Sita Sud bus is the primary mode of public transport for connecting all the villages along the Amalfi Coast road. It is affordable but can be crowded and subject to delays in high season. Always buy your ticket (called a Unico Campania ticket) beforehand at a tabacchi (tobacconist) or newsstand—you cannot buy it on the bus.
Ferries and Hydrofoils: During the spring and summer, ferries and hydrofoils are the best way to travel between coastal towns like Amalfi, Positano, Salerno, and Sorrento. They are faster, more scenic, and let you avoid the famously winding and congested coastal road. Services also run to Capri and Ischia.
The Circumvesuviana Train: This is a crucial commuter train line connecting Naples to Sorrento, stopping at key sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum along the way. It can be very crowded and is known for basic facilities, but it’s an inexpensive and direct link. Be vigilant with your belongings.
Driving the Coast: Driving the SS163 is an experience, but parking is extremely scarce and expensive in all the major towns (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello). In peak season (mid-June to mid-September), certain sections of the road may be subject to alternate-day driving restrictions based on your license plate number. Consider hiring a private driver or taking the bus/ferry instead.
Embrace La Passeggiata: The evening stroll is a deeply ingrained Italian social ritual. Between 5 PM and 8 PM, locals and visitors take to the main street or piazza to walk, socialize, and grab an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink). Join in to feel the local vibe.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically from 1 PM to 3 PM, and dinner is late, usually starting around 8 PM. Many restaurants catering to locals won’t be open until 7:30 PM or 8 PM. If you see a place open at 6 PM, it’s likely catering strictly to tourists.
The Power of Lemons: The famous Amalfi Coast lemons (the sfusato amalfitano) are enormous, sweet, and integral to the region’s culture. Beyond limoncello, try the lemon granita, lemon-flavored pasta dishes, and even lemon-scented soaps.
Avoid Over-Scheduling: The pace of life (dolce vita) is slower here. Buses and ferries run on “local time,” and a five-mile drive can take an hour. Build in extra time for everything and don’t try to cram too much into one day.
Hidden Gems:
Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills): An atmospheric hiking path above Amalfi, where you can see the ruins of medieval paper mills that once made the town famous for its high-quality paper.
Herculaneum (Ercolano): Often overlooked for Pompeii, these ruins were buried in a different manner and are often better preserved, with intact wooden structures and frescoes. It’s smaller, less crowded, and easier to visit.
Atrani: Tucked away right next to Amalfi, this is one of the smallest and most authentic villages on the coast, with a quiet central piazza and a beautiful beach.
The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo): A less famous but equally beautiful sea cave near Conca dei Marini. You take a lift down to the water and enjoy a short boat ride through the luminous green cavern.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is not mandatory or expected in the same way as in the US. You may see a “coperto” (cover charge) on your bill, which is a per-person fee for bread and service. If the service was excellent, leaving an extra few euros or rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
Top Restaurants
Pizzeria Da Franco [$10-$20] – A famous, highly-regarded pizzeria in Sorrento known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, simple, high-quality ingredients, and a casual, lively atmosphere.
Trattoria Da Emilia [$15-$25] – A historic, no-reservations, family-run spot right on the water in Sorrento’s Marina Grande, serving simple, genuine seafood and traditional Sorrentine dishes with generous portions.
La Cantinaccia del Popolo [$15-$25] – A popular, rustic trattoria tucked away in Sorrento, favored by locals for its excellent value, generous portions, and authentic Campanian dishes like gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
Pizzeria Donna Stella [$15-$25] – A beautiful, hidden gem pizzeria in Amalfi, famous for its excellent pizza served in a secluded courtyard sotto i limoni (under the lemon trees).
La Carcara [$20-$35] – A family-run restaurant in the hills above Amalfi that is less crowded than the main town. They offer a shuttle service and are known for their traditional coastal cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
Da Armandino [$20-$35] – A local favorite situated right on the Marina di Praia beach in Praiano, specializing in fresh seafood and traditional dishes with a relaxed, beachfront vibe.
O’ Parrucchiano La Favorita [$25-$40] – An iconic, historic Sorrento restaurant famous for inventing cannelloni in 1870. The dining rooms open up into a spectacular, multi-level citrus garden.
Taverna Buonvicino [$25-$40] – Located in a small, charming courtyard near the Duomo in Amalfi, this restaurant offers seasonal menus and traditional dishes like breaded mozzarella with dry tomatoes and anchovies.
Da Gemma [$30-$50] – An institution in the historic center of Amalfi since 1872, offering typical, well-executed cuisine of the Coast with fresh fish in an elegant setting overlooking the main square.
Il Pirata [$35-$60] – An elegant restaurant built into the cliffside in Praiano, offering a gorgeous location and serving traditional and nautical cuisine with fresh catches of the day.
Trattoria Da Maria Grazie [$25-$40] – A genuine, simple trattoria outside the main tourist areas of Sorrento, known for authentic local dishes, especially its spaghetti with zucchini (alla Nerano).
Ristorante Tasso [$30-$50] – A long-standing landmark in the heart of Sorrento, popular for its large, classic dining room and a menu featuring a variety of local specialties including clam pasta in a lemon sauce.
Da Ciccio Cielo Mare E Terra [$40-$70] – Located a short drive outside Amalfi, this highly-regarded, family-run restaurant offers breathtaking sea views and a menu that balances traditional and contemporary cuisine, using top-quality local ingredients.
Ristorante Il Pino [$25-$40] – Situated in the mountains of Praiano, this restaurant offers stunning views, great Italian food, and moderate prices, making it a favorite for a more intimate experience away from the busy coast.
Baglio Amalfi [$30-$50] – Overlooking Conca dei Marini, this family-run bistro offers a tranquil terrace with a unique view and a menu that balances local traditions with a pinch of innovation, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Il Buco [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Sorrento, known for its creative takes on traditional Campanian cuisine, using local ingredients with modern techniques in a beautiful, ancient monastery cellar setting.
Soul and Fish [$40-$70] – A modern, elegantly designed restaurant in Sorrento’s Marina Grande, run by the youngest generation of a historic family, focusing on creatively presented fish and seafood.
Accénto [$30-$50] – A small, successful eatery on Corso Italia in Sorrento that has quickly gained popularity for its creative twists on traditional dishes, such as linguine with burrata cheese and basil.
Ristorante Lorelei [$60-$100] – Located in the Hotel Lorelei in Sorrento, this high-end restaurant boasts a fantastic sea view and offers a creative, avant-garde menu focused on fish and Mediterranean flavors.
Sensi Restaurant [$60-$90] – Located in Amalfi, this high-end restaurant focuses on exceptional modern Italian cuisine, specializing in seafood with superb presentation and a choice of excellent tasting menus.
La Taverna del Leone [$50-$80] – A popular Positano spot that offers a blend of classic and modern Campanian cuisine, known for its creative use of fresh, local ingredients and a great wine list.
Next2 [$50-$80] – A contemporary restaurant in Positano that offers a refined take on Mediterranean and Campanian cuisine with a modern flair, using excellent quality ingredients in an elegant setting.
Ristorante Accento [$30-$50] – This modern spot in Sorrento is highly regarded for its fresh approach to traditional flavors, often featuring inventive pasta dishes and high-quality seasonal produce.
Rada Rooftop [$60-$90] – Located in Positano, this restaurant offers modern cuisine with stunning views from its rooftop terrace, providing a sophisticated dining experience.
Ristorante Museo Caruso [$40-$70] – A unique Sorrento restaurant dedicated to the famous tenor, offering traditional Neapolitan cuisine in intimate rooms filled with memorabilia, often subtly accompanied by Caruso’s recordings.
Don Alfonso 1890 [$150-$250] – A world-renowned, multi-Michelin-starred restaurant in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi (Sorrento Peninsula), celebrated for its innovative philosophy that respects local food culture and tradition, often featuring their own organic produce.
Torre del Saracino [$120-$200] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Vico Equense (Sorrento Peninsula), housed in an ancient watchtower, offering highly creative cuisine deeply rooted in the flavors and ingredients of the sea and the region.
La Sponda [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred, incredibly romantic restaurant at Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano. Known for its gorgeous interior lit by four hundred candles at night, and its refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Terrazza Bosquet [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the iconic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, offering sublime food and breathtaking views from its terrace over the Gulf of Naples.
Zass [$90-$160] – A Michelin-starred restaurant at Il San Pietro di Positano hotel, known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients and spectacular sea views.
Quattro Passi [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred establishment in Marina del Cantone (Sorrento Peninsula), offering an elevated Mediterranean cuisine experience focused on pristine ingredients and exceptional service.
La Caravella [$70-$120] – A one-Michelin-starred, intimate restaurant in Amalfi, established in 1959, known for being one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants in Southern Italy and specializing in creative seafood and Campanian dishes.
Taverna del Capitano [$90-$150] – Located in Marina del Cantone, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative and delicate cuisine, focusing on seafood in a beautiful setting right by the water.
Il Refettorio [$80-$140] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located within the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa in Conca dei Marini, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine with spectacular views from a historic setting.
Alici Restaurant [$80-$140] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located at the Borgo Santandrea hotel in Amalfi, offering a creative menu that is a deep expression of the Campanian and Mediterranean terroir.
La Tagliata [$35-$55] – A famed farm-to-table restaurant high in the hills above Positano (shuttle provided). They offer a set, fixed-price menu (often with slight variations) featuring grilled meats, homegrown vegetables, and house wine, with incredible views.
Agricola Fore Porta [$20-$35] – A genuine farm-to-table venue near Amalfi, offering a down-to-earth alternative to beachfront dining with a focus on simple, high-quality, homegrown products.
Cuoppo d’Amalfi [$10-$15] – A popular street-food spot in Amalfi, specializing in cuoppo, a cone of mixed, lightly-battered fried seafood, a delicious and quick local favorite.
Inn Bufalito [$20-$35] – A local favorite in Sorrento focused on products from the buffalo, offering excellent Mozzarella di Bufala dishes, local meats, and steaks in a comfortable, slightly off-the-beaten-path setting.
Da Filippo [$20-$35] – Located in a greener, less-touristed area of Sorrento, this restaurant is praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, great value for money, and simple, welcoming atmosphere.
Ristorante Km0 Praiano [$30-$50] – A true champion of farm-to-table cuisine in Praiano, emphasizing local, zero-kilometer ingredients, providing a fresh and authentic taste of the region.
Vrasa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar [$30-$50] – A trendy, farm-to-table concept in Sorrento known for its beautifully presented dishes and the option to book a private wine tasting in their garden.
Fuoro51 Vinorum [$15-$30] – A cozy wine bar located in the narrow lanes of Sorrento’s historic center, perfect for relaxing over a glass of local wine accompanied by a vast selection of cheese and charcuterie.
Roc Pizza & Steak [$25-$45] – Located in Minori, this innovative restaurant combines traditional and creative pizza with high-quality steaks, offering a modern dining experience on the coast.
La Torre [$30-$50] – Located in Massa Lubrense, this highly-rated spot offers great views and a commitment to Campanian and Mediterranean cuisine, often using fresh, simple ingredients.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Franco’s Bar (Positano): Suspended above the sea at Le Sirenuse hotel, this chic al fresco bar focuses on classic cocktails and champagne in a luxurious, old-fashioned setting with iconic views of Positano.
Vista Sky Bar (Sorrento – Sant’Agnello): Perched on the 6th floor of Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, this modern rooftop bar offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, perfect for sophisticated cocktails and sunset aperitifs with DJ sets.
Il Tridente Cocktail Bar (Positano): A highly-rated rooftop terrace bar at Hotel Poseidon, centrally located in Positano, offering signature cocktails and a ‘casual dining’ menu with unparalleled views of the colored houses and the Mediterranean Sea.
Dry Martini Sorrento (Sorrento – Sant’Agnello): Described as a “temple of mixology” and found at the Majestic Palace Hotel, this elegant bar specializes in an impressive array of classic and inventive martinis.
Bar Vittoria (Sorrento): The heart of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, set on a refined and elegant terrace offering spectacular views. It features signature cocktails and an extensive selection of cognacs, liqueurs, and rums, with herbs grown on-site.
Bellavista Cocktail Bar (Sorrento): A luxury rooftop bar on top of the Grand Hotel La Favorita, boasting spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, an ideal spot for sunset cocktails.
Franco’s Lounge Bar (Amalfi): A sleek lounge and bar within the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, offering high-end cocktails and fine wines with an incredible terrace overlooking the sea and the town of Amalfi.
L’Alcova Bar (Positano): A chic bar next to the Zass restaurant at Il San Pietro di Positano, perfect for a relaxing after-dinner digestive or a pre-dinner aperitif in a stylish setting.
Terrazza Bar (Positano): The main bar at Il San Pietro di Positano, a majestic heart suspended between sea and sky, featuring iconic views of Positano and an extensive cocktail and drinks selection.
Bar Internazionale (Positano): A historic bar in Positano, dating back to the 1920s, known for introducing cocktails and champagne to the beat of jazz, still a lively spot today.
La Zagara (Positano): A bar and pastry shop established in the 1960s, located in a “hidden paradise”—a beautiful citrus grove—offering a serene setting for drinks and local treats.
The Black Monday Speakeasy TBM (Positano): A clandestine spot offering a unique experience with inventive, themed cocktails and a moody, hidden atmosphere.
Gran Caffè (Amalfi): Established in 1939, this classic café-bar has historically been a meeting point for the people of Amalfi, offering a traditional setting for a coffee, pastry, or an evening aperitif on its popular dehors.
Bar Del Sole (Praiano): Known as the local hangout in Praiano, this bar is celebrated for its friendly, authentic atmosphere, great views over the Amalfi coastline, and a perfect spot to enjoy a drink among locals.
San Domingo (Ravello): A historic artisanal pastry bar that also serves sophisticated cocktails, making it a delightful spot for both daytime treats and evening drinks.
Music On The Rocks (Positano): An iconic, one-of-a-kind nightclub carved out of the bare rock at Spiaggia Grande. It features a glass dancefloor and lures international celebrities with its high-energy atmosphere and DJ sets of electronic and dance music.
Africana Famous Club (Praiano): A legendary nightclub built inside a natural sea cave on the coastline near Praiano. It boasts a terrace with stunning views, a shuttle boat for easy access, and a glamorous atmosphere with live music and DJ sets.
Fauno Notte Club (Sorrento): Located right on Piazza Tasso, this is a popular, lively nightclub attracting a younger crowd. It features a busy bar and DJs spinning the latest chart remixes, house, and techno, often hosting fun theme nights.
Filou Club (Sorrento): Tucked away on Vicolo della Pietà near Piazza Tasso, this intimate club is known for its live music—pianists, singers, and DJs—and a warm, inviting atmosphere, popular with a slightly older, sophisticated clientele.
Blu Night (Massa Lubrense): The Sorrento Peninsula’s only open-air disco, located in picturesque Massa Lubrense, offering a chance to dance the night away with a gorgeous sea view, often starting as a dinner-and-cocktail venue.
One Fire Beach Club (Praiano): Located on Gavitella beach, this popular day-to-night beach club is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, DJ sets, and theatrical “melon time,” offering sunbeds and a great spot for a party on the coast.
Conca del Sogno (Massa Lubrense/Nerano): A famous and exclusive beach club and restaurant often frequented by celebrities who moor their yachts nearby, offering a stunning waterfront setting for luxury dining and drinks.
Arienzo Beach Club (Positano): An upscale and glamorous beach club experience on Arienzo Beach, accessible by a free boat shuttle. It offers a sophisticated atmosphere with packages for sunbeds and premium service.
Rada Rooftop (Positano): A cliffside venue on Spiaggia Grande featuring a chic rooftop bar and popular beach club (Rada Beach), providing a lively spot for cocktails and dancing with a great view.
Cala Club (Sorrento): A night-time rendezvous on the Sorrento seafront within Cala di Puolo, offering an outdoor dancing experience or a chance to watch concerts and events by the sea.