Amalfi Coast, Italy Guide

Know Before You Go...®

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline located in southern Italy. It is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, steep cliffs, and colorful villages perched on the hillsides. This popular tourist destination attracts visitors from all over the world with its charming atmosphere and Mediterranean charm. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine, historical sites, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a relaxing vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, the Amalfi Coast has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and allure of this breathtaking destination.

Why Amalfi Coast, Italy?

  • The Amalfi Coast has been a popular destination for centuries, with its mild temperatures and sunny weather.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its picturesque towns and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Amalfi Coast is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Italy.
  • This region is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes and fresh produce.
  • The Amalfi Coast is also known for its lemon trees and production of limoncello, a popular lemon liqueur.

Amalfi Coast, Italy Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
59° F
39° F
February
50° F
39° F
March
54° F
41° F
April
61° F
46° F
May
68° F
54° F
June
75° F
59° F
July
81° F
64° F
August
81° F
64° F
September
75° F
61° F
October
66° F
54° F
November
59° F
46° F
December
52° F
43° F

Average Rainfall

January
3.4 inches
February
2.8 inches
March
2.6 inches
April
2.2 inches
May
1.6 inches
June
1 inches
July
0.9 inches
August
1.5 inches
September
2.3 inches
October
3.5 inches
November
4.7 inches
December
4.1 inches

Overview

This stylish stretch of coast is Italy at its most iconic. Pastel-painted houses perch precariously atop vertiginous cliffs, tumbling down into the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Sorrento to Salerno, this celebrated coastline has been the darling of the world’s jet set since Jackie O summered here in the sixties.

Hire a classic car and brave the hairpin bends that lead down the coast from Naples, vertigo-inducing sea views to your right, the cloud-cloaked peaks of restless Mount Vesuvius to your left. Pause for an aperitivo along Sorrento’s stunning seafront, where Belle Époque hotels ooze elegance, stood atop the sheer cliff-face.

Take in the unforgettable views from your grandiose villa, pool looking down on Positano’s colourful houses clustered below. From here, hire a yacht and head to the fabled island of Capri. Moor up among the mega-yachts lazing in her secluded coves, azure waters hiding secret grottos. On land, browse the chic boutiques that line the piazza, before lingering over a long dinner in one of Anacapri’s many restaurants. Feast on Neapolitan mussels marinara under a canopy dripping with lemons and bougainvillea, as the sun sets on another perfect day.

History

The Amalfi Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is known for its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and charming seaside towns.

The earliest known inhabitants of the Amalfi Coast were the Oscan people, who settled in the area around the 6th century BC. They were followed by the Greeks, who founded the city of Positano in the 9th century BC. The Romans eventually conquered the region in the 4th century BC and it became an important trading port for the empire.

During the Middle Ages, the Amalfi Coast flourished as a maritime republic and became a major hub for trade and commerce. The city of Amalfi, which gave the coast its name, was the most powerful of the republics and had a strong navy. The Amalfitans were skilled shipbuilders and their ships were highly sought after for their speed and agility.

However, the golden age of the Amalfi Coast came to an end with the fall of the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century. The republic was conquered by the Normans and later ruled by various other foreign powers such as the Spanish and the French. The region also suffered from natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which caused significant damage to the towns and villages.

In the 19th century, the Amalfi Coast experienced a revival as a popular tourist destination. Artists, writers, and poets were drawn to the area for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. The town of Positano, in particular, became a popular destination for artists and was frequented by famous names like Pablo Picasso and John Steinbeck.

Today, the Amalfi Coast is known as a luxurious vacation spot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its charming towns, such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, attract millions of tourists each year. The region is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its coastal location and uses fresh seafood and locally grown produce.

Transportation on Amalfi Coast, Italy

Getting to Amalfi Coast, Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy.
  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (some sections may have lower limits).
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • In some cases, vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Italy is a well-developed and efficient system that allows travelers to easily navigate through the country. The most common forms of transportation include trains, buses, and metro systems. Trains are considered the most popular and reliable mode of transportation, with a comprehensive network that connects major cities and smaller towns. Buses are also widely used, particularly for shorter distances and to access more remote areas. Many cities in Italy also have a metro system, which provides easy and quick access to various parts of the city. Other options for local transportation include taxis, rental cars, and bicycles.

Know Before You Go...® - Amalfi Coast, Italy Travel Tips

Before making their way to Amalfi Coast, Italy , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Amalfi Coast, Italy even more relaxing.

Capital: Positano
Population: 13,000 (estimated)
Size: 21 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 220/240
Time: zone:+1 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: The official language spoken in Amalfi Coast is Italian. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken and understood as the secondary language.
Currency:
  • The official currency in the Amalfi Coast region is the Euro (€). It is widely accepted in all major cities and towns, and most businesses also accept credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
  • Cash is also accepted in many places, especially in smaller, more traditional establishments.
  • ATMs are readily available in most cities and towns, and they are the best way to withdraw cash in the local currency.
  • It is important to note that many businesses in the Amalfi Coast close for a long lunch break (usually from 1pm to 4pm) and some may also close on Sundays. Therefore, it is advisable to have enough cash on hand during these times in case ATMs are not available.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • In Italy, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a small tip for good service. It is common to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service provided.
  • In some restaurants and other establishments, a service charge may already be included in the bill. This is usually indicated as "servizio incluso". In this case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip, but you can round up the bill if you wish.
  • While a 5-10% tip is generally expected, the exact amount can vary depending on the type of service and the location.
  • While some establishments may accept tips on credit cards, it is generally preferred to tip in cash.
  • Unlike in some countries where taxes are added to the bill, in Italy, the taxes are already included in the price of goods and services. The standard value-added tax (VAT) rate in Italy is 22%, which is included in the price of most items.
Dress Code: Wear elegant, stylish and comfortable clothing while adhering to the local cultural norms when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Topography: The Amalfi Coast is a rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy, characterized by dramatic cliffs, picturesque towns, and cascading hillsides covered in citrus groves and vineyards.
Telephone: Country code: +39 Area code: 089

Amalfi Coast, Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Amalfi Coast, Italy villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons!

See our favorite Italy villas for weddings.