The Amalfi Coast

With a stunning shoreline marked by sparkling, translucent waters, a string of enchanting coastal towns, lush gardens, and romantic beaches, this stretch of the waterfront in Campania has endured as a coveted holiday spot ever since Roman elites came here to frolic. South of Naples, the Campanian capital, the Amalfi Coast runs for about 30 miles, from Sorrento to Vietri Sul Mare near Salerno. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the region boasts a heady mix of rustic charm, relaxed luxury, and natural beauty.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast is, of course, through its food, often found at restaurants with knock-out views. Fresh seafood, amazing cheeses, and lemon-based desserts made with the local Sorrento lemon are all a must—as is the limoncello, which you’ll see in spritzes and served neat after meals. 

As a seasonal destination, most hotels and restaurants on the Amalfi Coast close in October and open again in April or May. The summer months are the most popular among Italian and international tourists alike, but we prefer to visit in September, when the crowds die down but the weather is still warm.

Read on for our favorite spots in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, three of the most popular destinations on the coast.