When we visit Naples and the imposing Mount Vesuvius, we were curious to visit the renowned Amalfi Coast.

Our expectations were filled when we went two emblematic villages of this region of southern Italy: Positano and Amalfi, two places that since the eighteenth century have been favorites of the aristocracy and the European upper class.

Arrive

It’s a bit intricate to get to the Amalfi Coast, because of its rugged geography.

There are two ways to access: by boat and by bus, from the cities of Sorrento and Salerno.

First, we arrived from Salerno. We took a ferry, because the road was blocked by a recent landslide. The ticket cost about 8 euros one way and 8 return.

We liked Positano so much that when visiting Naples we went to Sorrento on the circumvesubian train and took the bus. This bus only cost 4 euros.

You can buy the bus ticket and you can choose any bus at any time. The last one that joins Sorrento and Positano leaves at 11:00 at night.

If you go from Sorrento to Positano try to sit on the right side of the bus, you will enjoy the scenic spectacle.

We recommend going from Sorrento and from Salerno, by bus and by ferry. In this way you will not miss the different perspectives and views offered by the Amalfi Coast.

Positano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its beaches, pleasant climate all year round, scenic beauties, resorts and restaurants for all budgets make Positano a very popular tourist destination.

We went in cold weather, in December. But it is best to go in May-June to enjoy the already warm beaches, but when the avalanche of people from July-August has not yet arrived. In these last months there are many more people and heat.

In high season, buses from Sorrento and Salerno fill up very quickly, having to wait a long time to get on them.

It is a must visit the pleasant beaches, such as Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, La Porta, among others. On the beach, we recommend you to wear beach slippers.

The black beaches of the area, more than sand, are composed of small stones that can be very annoying when walking barefoot.

Positano has been a resort since Roman times. Many celebrities have or have had vacation homes there. It is worth visiting the church of Santa María Assunta, with its Black Virgin.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a beautiful city on the Amalfi Coast very interesting for those interested in architecture.

Amalfi is facing the sea and surrounded by cliffs, which gives it a very beautiful scenic dimension.

Its famous Cathedral of St. Andrew or Duomo of Amalfi dominates the Piazza dei Duomo. It is accessed via a staircase. This cathedral of the eleventh century and Byzantine façade, houses a large number of artistic treasures.

Like Positano, Amalfi is famous for his Limoncello, a refreshing lemon-based liqueur, to which is added melon (meloncello), oranges (arancello) or strawberries (fragoncello).

In Amalfi, it is also interesting to visit the Paper Museum, where the art of handmade papermaking for which Amalfi became well known centuries ago is shown.

As in Amalfi, the beaches can be free or private.

Conclusions

 

Although once a destination for the European aristocracy and jetset of the world, in reality the Amalfi Coast is a fairly accessible destination for those traveling on a limited budget.

Indeed, one can imagine writers and composers creating great works sitting in the many open-air cafes, while contemplating the sea from these peoples steeped in history and culture.

Or, simply, enjoy the warm beaches on which, why not, you could meet some Hollywood celebrity.