Exploring The Amalfi Coast: A Travel Guide

The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile stretch of coastline in central Italy, known for its beauty and multiple towns to explore. There are several ways to travel around the Amalfi Coast, including by car, train, bus, boat, or on foot. While some recommend travelling by car, others suggest avoiding this due to the zigzag bends and cliffside roads. Instead, it is advised to travel by ferry or boat, which is considered the most luxurious way to see the coast.

Travel by car

Although some sources suggest that the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by ferry, travelling by car is a good option if you want to explore the region and its multiple towns.

The Amalfi Coast stretches 34 miles down the west coast of central Italy, and all of the towns share the SS163 highway, otherwise known as the Amalfi Drive. This is the only road that can take travellers directly to the various towns that call the Amalfi Coast home. It is often referred to as one of the most scenic drives in the world, so much so that travellers consider it an attraction in its own right.

However, it's worth noting that driving for long distances along sky-high, cliffside roads, especially in the heat, may prove uncomfortable for some drivers. The roads can be windy, and you'll need to be comfortable with buses swinging at you from the opposite direction.

If you do choose to travel by car, be sure to book your rental well in advance.

Travel by train

The Circumvesuviana train line connects Naples with Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento. It's scruffy but fairly efficient and extremely cheap. As an alternative, take the Campania Express train. It is a bit more expensive and runs less frequently, but as it stops only in Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento, it makes for a much more pleasant journey.

From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri sul Mare, and then take a Sita bus to the nearest Amalfi town. You can also make your way to Salerno from Rome (2.5 hours), Naples (one hour), or another destination. From Salerno, there's a local train to Vietri sul Mare, the first town on the Amalfi Coast.

Travel by boat

The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile stretch of coastline in central Italy, with multiple towns for travellers to explore. While the best way to get around the towns is on foot, many people suggest that the best way to get around the region is by boat.

Renting a private boat or taking a tour is a luxurious way to travel the Amalfi Coast. If you can afford it, this is a great way to see the splendours of the region. Ferries connect the coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast with Salerno, Sorrento and Capri. Connections to Naples, Ischia and Procida can be made via Sorrento or Capri.

If you're not ready to book a tour, you can still take boats between towns. The cities of Italy are connected by an extensive high-speed rail network. Make your way to Salerno from Rome (2.5 hours), Naples (one hour), or another destination. From Salerno, there's a local train to Vietri sul Mare, the first town on the Amalfi Coast. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri sul Mare, and then take a Sita bus to the nearest Amalfi town.

Travel by bus

Although walking is the best way to get around the towns of the Amalfi Coast, and driving is the best way to get around the region, it is possible to travel by bus.

Travellers can take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri sul Mare, and then take a Sita bus to the nearest Amalfi town. The Circumvesuviana train is described as 'scruffy but fairly efficient and extremely cheap'. However, it is worth noting that there is no direct public transportation between Naples and Positano.

The Amalfi Coast is 34 miles long and stretches down the west coast of central Italy. All of the towns along the coast are connected by the SS163 highway, otherwise known as the Amalfi Drive. This is the only road that can take travellers directly to the various towns that call the Amalfi Coast home. It is often referred to as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Travel on foot

The best way to get around the towns within the Amalfi Coast is on foot. The Amalfi Coast region stretches 34 miles down the west coast of central Italy and there are multiple towns for travellers to explore. All of the towns share the SS163 highway, otherwise known as the Amalfi Drive. This is the only road that can take travellers directly to the various towns that call the Amalfi Coast home.

Walking is a great way to explore the Amalfi Coast, as it allows you to take in the stunning scenery and explore the towns at your own pace. You can walk along the Amalfi Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the coast, or venture into the towns themselves to discover hidden gems and local culture.

If you're looking for a more active experience, there are also hiking trails that wind through the hills and offer even more spectacular views. These trails can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the Mediterranean heat can be intense.

When exploring the Amalfi Coast on foot, it's important to keep in mind that the towns can be quite hilly and the roads can be narrow and winding. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don't be afraid to stop and admire the views or rest in one of the many charming cafes or restaurants along the way.

While walking is a great way to get around the Amalfi Coast, it's also worth considering other modes of transportation for longer distances or to access more remote areas. Ferries, for example, are a popular way to travel between the coastal towns, offering a unique perspective of the region from the water.

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