Are you planning a trip to Italy and are considering the Amalfi Coast? Keep scrolling to check out this list of Amalfi Coast bucket list experiences worth adding to your Italy itinerary!
This list of Amalfi Coast bucket list experiences was edited by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Guest post by Isabelle Hoyne
Regularly regarded as one of the most mesmerising destinations on the planet, Italy’s 50-km-long Amalfi Coast is nothing short of show-stopping.
With its pastel-coloured cliffside towns such as Positano, rugged landscapes, and spellbindingly sapphire waters, I can’t help but pinch myself every time I return to this postcard-perfect paradise.
You wouldn’t be alone thinking that there’s little to do along the Amalfi Coast aside from kicking back along the beachfront with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
While you should certainly allow some time in your itinerary to do just that, there’s no shortage of Amalfi Coast bucket list experiences you simply can’t miss – you could easily spend 10 days (or more) completing them all!
From hikes like the Path of the Gods that will reward you with the most spine tingling, stunning vistas to afternoons spent sampling local Campanian wines, you’ll find there’s an abundance of wonderful things to see and do here.
Whether you’re the adventurous type or even more of a culture connoisseur, this list will have something for you to enjoy.
Throughout this article, I’ve compiled all the must-do Amalfi Coast bucket list things to do into one comprehensive guide packed with personal recommendations, first-hand experiences and helpful tips.
Let’s get started!
Spend the Day Exploring Positano
Out of the 13 stunning towns and villages that line the Amalfi Coast, there’s one that’s particularly well-known.
Many people first envision the legendary Positano when they imagine the Amalfi Coast, and the quaint buildings nestled along the sun-soaked hilltops are even more awe-inspiring in person.
Positano is the most glamorous town on the Amalfi Coast, in my opinion. It’s little surprise that some of the best things to do here are shopping, dining, and unwinding along the umbrella-clad Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s black sand beach.
Ambling along Viale Pasitea, the town’s main thoroughfare, is a must, and this well-worn path is awash with high-end boutique stores, stands selling refreshing lemon sorbets and scenic spots for a drink or a bite to eat.
During your explorations, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and head down to MAR Positano, a fascinating museum in a former Roman Villa beneath the church.
Many travellers stay in Positano during their Amalfi Coast getaway, which affords you plenty of time to wander the narrow streets, partake in some window shopping, and enjoy delectable meals along the seafront.
If you choose to stay in one of the neighbouring towns, as I often do, you can reach Positano by bus, car, or ferry.
Enjoy Sensational Views Along the Path of the Gods
Among my top Amalfi Coast bucket list experiences is completing the Path of the Gods hike. This trek is relatively straightforward, depending on where you choose to start and end the hike, meaning both avid hikers and those with a moderate fitness level can tackle this iconic trail.
Boasting out-of-this-world scenery, this hike typically starts from the village of Bomerano and runs along to Nocelle. It’s the most popular portion of the route, running a little over five kilometres and taking between one and a half and two hours to complete, depending on your pace.
If it’s not too hot, I suggest that you extend the hike and continue onto Positano. Once you reach Nocelle, you’ll have around 3.5 km to cover to reach Positano, which takes around an hour and consists of some famously steep sets of stairs.
Though it’s much more challenging for those starting in Positano as they’ll have to climb up the steps, I’ve found that walking down these stairs is quite demanding on your knees! You can always catch the bus from Nocelle to Positano if you don’t fancy an extended hike.
Italian summers are notoriously hot, and the trail has limited shade, so it’s best to tick off this Amalfi Coast bucket list activity during the spring or autumn when the temperatures are milder.
If you’re eager to explore the Path of the Gods between June and August, I recommend you set off early in the morning before the midday heat sets in.
Take a Boat to the Island of Capri
For total transparency, Capri technically doesn’t lie along the Amalfi Coast – it’s an island that sits in the Bay of Naples. That being said, a visit to this breathtaking island is a quintessential Amalfi Coast experience and one I would most definitely encourage you to consider.
In a similar vein to Positano, Capri is sophisticated, upmarket, and indescribably beautiful. Some visitors opt to spend a few nights of their trip here, though a day trip by boat is an excellent alternative, and an early departure will allow you to check out many of the island’s highlights.
Ferries depart year-round from Naples and Sorrento, with routes running from Positano, Salerno, and Amalfi during the high season.
As you might have guessed, these ferries are jam-packed during the summer, and I’ve found myself stuck in lengthy lines at the pier more times than I care to admit.
If you’re planning a trip between June and August, pre-booking your tickets is a much better option than purchasing them at the pier.
Once you touch down in Capri, you’ll have endless things to see and do.
Some of my personal favourites include taking a boat tour to the dazzling Blue Grotto and towering arched rock formations, soaking up the beauty of the island on the Monte Solaro chair life from Anacapri, and strolling along the picturesque grounds of the opulent Villa San Michele.
During your trip, be sure to pencil in a visit to Piazzetta di Capri by taking the famous funicular near the ferry port.
Here, you can live out your La Dolce Vita fantasy by tucking into some exquisite food, sampling a glass or two of local wine, and engaging in an afternoon of people-watching.
Be Enchanted by the Villas and Gardens of Ravello
After Positano, the next most revered town along the Amalfi Coast is Ravello. This spot is close to my heart and has a remarkable charm that I can’t quite put my finger on.
No place captures Ravello’s unparalleled and elegant ambience quite like the Villa Cimbrone Gardens.
The distinguished 11th-century villa today stands as a luxury hotel (which is a splendid place to stay should your budget allow it), but the manicured gardens are open to the public for €10.
The image of the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea blending into the craggy coastal landscape takes my breath away every single time.
While you’re in town, stop by the site of the once-elaborate Villa Rufolo, which dates back to the 13th century. Showcasing gorgeous Moorish design styles and pristine gardens, it’s easy to see why this villa was considered among the most sought-after on the coast.
From here, head to Piazza Centrale, Ravello’s bustling main square. Home to the lovely Duomo di Ravello and a clutch of cafes, this is an idyllic pocket of town to give your feet a well-earned rest and admire the old-world architecture.
You won’t regret setting aside a few days of your trip to spend in this delightful town – there are many things to do in Ravello, and it becomes even more special when the daytrippers leave at the end of the day.
Take a Dip in the Sea at Fiordo Di Furore
A regular feature on Italian travel brochures and postcards, Fiordo Di Furore, has become a symbol of the Amalfi Coast in recent times. A pint-sized cove positioned among two imposing cliffs linked by an arched bridge overhead, this is one swimming spot you have to check off your Amalfi Coast bucket list.
As you might imagine, Fiordo Di Furore is no hidden gem, and locals and visitors alike flock to its glass-like turquoise waters in their droves when the sun comes out.
To secure your spot on the pebblestone shores, I suggest planning a morning visit. That way, you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with and can bask in your staggering surroundings undisturbed.
Thrill-seekers will find the cliff-jumping opportunities here to their liking, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of experienced divers flexing their skills from the 30-metre bridge. As a forewarning, it’s best to steer clear of this adrenaline-fuelled jump and leave it to the professionals!
Located around a 10-minute drive from Amalfi town, Fiordo Di Furore is easily reached by bus. Simply hop on a 20-minute bus from Amalfi or make the 40-minute bus journey from Positano and arrive at the entrance to the steps leading to the beach.
As convenient and popular as renting a car is, parking here is extremely limited, meaning that public transport will be the most hassle-free way to reach Fiordo Di Furore.
Marvel at the Duomo Di Amalfi
Sometimes overshadowed by nearby hotspots like Positano and Capri, the town of Amalfi is more than deserving of a visit and plays host to some striking landmarks.
One such example is the enthralling Duomo Di Amalfi, a magnificent cathedral that’s one of the finest in the region.
Having been initially constructed in the 9th century and continually expanded and revamped up until the 1800s, the church is an eclectic fusion of architectural styles, with elements of Renaissance, Arab, Romanesque, and Byzantine characteristics harmoniously blending together.
The Duomo Di Amalfi is dedicated to St. Andrew, whose relics lie in the crypt. One of the most striking parts of the church, this vault is embellished with impressive frescoes, fabulous marble, and intricate gold finishes. In addition to the crypt, you’ll have the ornate basilica, onsite museum and tranquil cloister to explore.
Entry to the Duomo Di Amalfi is €3, though this fee is waived during religious ceremonies.
After you’ve wrapped up your visit, I suggest making your way down the 62-step-strong stairs and getting some shade from one of the nearby cafes. Here, you’ll find unmatched vistas of the striped and mosaic-laden facade.
Sipping on a coffee or wine here is among my favourite Amalfi Coast pastimes!
Sample Some Local Produce at a Wine Tasting
Although zesty limoncello is undisputably the most treasured Amalfi Coast export, the Campania region of which the area is a part produces some of Italy’s most sublime wines.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely spend some of your evenings on your southern Italy sojourn in search of the most refined local wines to pair with your meal.
Should you find yourself developing quite a likening for the region’s wine offerings, I think you’ll find a wine tasting or tour to be an incredible way to spend an afternoon.
You’ll have numerous options to consider before embarking on a tour of the nearby wineries. Guided experiences are often the most convenient option for travellers, as you won’t need to worry about transportation to and from the wineries.
Alternatively, you’ll enjoy noticeably more freedom by renting a car and visiting wineries of your own choosing, though this will require someone in your party to abstain from partaking in the tastings. Both are viable options, and what’s best suited to you will depend on your own preferences.
If you’d prefer the independence of booking your own winery visits, be sure to add Tenuta San Francesco and Feudi di San Gregorio to your list, both of which boast top-class wine, knowledgeable staff, and spectacular vineyards.
See Another Side to the Amalfi Coast at the Emerald Grotto
The Emerald Grotto is an Amalfi Coast bucket list experience that is all too often omitted from visitors’ itineraries, but it is one that I found utterly astounding.
Positioned just a quick walk or an even shorter drive from the sweet town of Conca dei Marini, this karst cave is filled with ever-growing stalagmites and stalactites that sit amongst the grotto’s namesake emerald waters.
As the sun breaks through the cracks at the base of the cave, the water becomes beautifully illuminated and makes for a truly magical sight.
Although you have the option of arriving by boat, I prefer to visit by land as I’m always keen to amble along the streets of Conca dei Marini before and after my visit.
As you grow closer to the cave, you’ll need to take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From here, you’ll board a small rowing boat for between 15 to 30 minutes for around €10, during which time your guide will share their knowledge of the grotto’s formation and unique natural features.
About Isabelle
This guest post was written by Isabelle Hoyne, founder of Cultured Voyages. Cultured Voyages is a travel blog for culturally curious travellers, showing readers how to independently craft enriching travel experiences for themselves, through detailed travel guides and itineraries.
Looking for more Italy travel resources? Check out How to Plan a Trip to Italy: Step-by-Step Guide, How to Spend 10 Days in Italy with Kids, Navigating Italy with Kids: 13 Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation, and How to Do a Day Trip to Cinque Terre with Kids!
