36 Hours on the Amalfi Coast, Italy: Things to Do and See

The best and most picturesque way to get from Sorrento to Amalfi is by ferry (about an hour and a half, around €25 depending on the stop). Near the port of Amalfi, its cathedral is said to be Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea But it is better known as the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates back to 987 but has been renovated several times over the centuries (entrance €3). Romanesque and Byzantine elements show how the port city was connected to other maritime powers during its heyday. According to legend, if you walk up the stairs hand in hand with the person you love (a total of 62) you will not marry them.. After inspecting the sacred site, return to the mundane realm with a loved one’s Cappuccino and Cornetto Pasticceria PansaA café and bar next to the cathedral (€12 at a table, €4 if you stand at the bar).

over amalfi, path of the godsA hiking trail with olive groves, vineyards and lemon groves overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is busy in high season. But the journey is as quiet, solitary, shady and nearby as valle delle ferriereWhich passes through the ruins of paper mills which used to be the main source of income here. The full loop of three hours or more leads to a nature reserve with stately poplars and the picturesque medieval village of Ponton, but you can edit your route to a shorter distance. After your hike, check out Amalfi Museo Della CartaOr the Paper Museum, in a mill dating back to the 13th century and lovingly restored in 1971 with the original wooden maul and printing press on display (entrance €3).

Jackie Kennedy put la tonarellaA simple but charming seaside restaurant that the owners say she frequented, put it on the map during the time she was falling in love with the area. It’s worth descending the hundreds of steps to the quiet fishing village of Conca dei Marini, about a 10-minute taxi ride from the port of Amalfi (about €24 to €29; catch one from the stand). Dishes include small fried calamari and spaghetti with fresh lobster. Lunch for two, without wine, about €100.

From Conca dei Marini, take the Cità Sud bus (about 25 minutes) to Positano, the shopping center of the Amalfi Coast: Ceramic Cassola Making hand painted plates etc since 1925. Each colorful plate costs around €80 and the store can ship home larger items such as vases. Bottega di Brunella Kimonos and dresses in silk and linen are designed and made in the city (organic linen pants cost €225). meanwhile on Safari PositanoHandmade sandals (from €85) come in almost every imaginable combination of style and colour. After shopping, reward yourself with a cup of tea Buca di Bacco Gelateria – Try Limone d’Amalfi or Strawberry (€5 for two flavours).

In a 1953 Harper’s Bazaar essay, John Steinbeck wrote of Positano as a small, remote fishing village with few tourists. The town is now sadly largely gone, but Le Sireneuse remains under the same famous family ownership as when Steinbeck visited. Antonio and Carla Cercel both keep the property comfortably familiar but always up to date. One of the hotel bars, Franco’sis named after the beloved patriarch and is one of the best places for an aperitivo (classic Negroni, €25). A new mosaic-tile artwork, designed by nicholas partywas added to the hotel’s much-hyped swimming pool in 2024. And this year, Le Sireneuse launched a chic Beach Club In Nerano, 25 minutes away (open to non-guests). in the restaurant, la spondaHundreds of candles on the ceiling add to the romantic atmosphere, but the minimum spend of €160 per person may be prohibitive for non-guests. Aldo, also at the hotel, is a more casual option (dinner for two, about €160).

For those looking for a night life experience in a cave overlooking the ocean, music on the rocks Positano is open daily from 7pm to 4am, with VIP booths and DJs playing everything from 70s music to Lady Gaga (admission €30 to €50, including a drink). Carved into the rocks appears to be the Club Amalfi signature: il pirata In Praiano, a town that is one of the coast’s under-the-radar treasures, the beach transforms from clubs and restaurants to a sophisticated bar- lounge with after hours until 1am. Try the Mister Negroni Goes to the Coast with house-made vermouth, Campari, Solaro Capri gin and limoncello foam (€20).