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Campania, south of Naples

Amalfi Coast Towns

The Amalfi Coast is a steep UNESCO-listed shoreline south of Naples with Positano, Amalfi and Ravello at its heart. From Rome it is a very long single day, so many visitors stay at least one night.

1 toursBest months May–June, September

The Amalfi Coast is a dramatic stretch of the Sorrentine Peninsula south of Naples, where pastel villages cling to cliffs above the sea. Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are the best-known towns, and the coast is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. From Rome it is possible as a day trip, but long: expect around 12 to 14 hours door to door, which is why many visitors stay a night or two.

What is the Amalfi Coast?

The coast runs roughly 50 km along a steep limestone shoreline, with terraced lemon groves and one winding road (the SS163) carved into the cliff. In the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a maritime republic that traded across the Mediterranean, and its influence shows in the cathedral and in the paper-making tradition. Later the coast faded, then reappeared in the 20th century as a destination for writers, artists and film stars. Today it lives on tourism, lemons (the sfusato amalfitano) and ceramics.

The main towns compared

Town Known for Best for Notes
Positano Vertical lanes, a pebble beach and colourful houses Photography, shopping, a beach afternoon Steep stairs; busiest and priciest
Amalfi Striped cathedral, the Cloister of Paradise, a compact centre First-time visitors, a transport hub Busy at midday when day-trippers arrive
Ravello Gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, music festival Views, calm, couples High above the sea; reached by bus from Amalfi
Praiano and Furore Quieter villages and the “fjord” of Furore Relaxed stays Few facilities
Maiori and Minori Wider beaches, local life Families, lower prices Less dramatic but easier

Which Amalfi Coast town is best to visit?

It depends on what you want. If you have one day, choose Amalfi for its cathedral and for easy transport links, or Positano for the postcard view. For gardens, quiet and long views, add Ravello. A day trip realistically covers two places at most: Positano and Amalfi are the usual pair.

Is Positano or Amalfi better?

Positano is more photogenic and glamorous but also busier and steeper. Amalfi is more compact, with a real cathedral to visit and better connections to the rest of the coast. Neither is the wrong choice; pick Positano for scenery and Amalfi for ease and sights.

How do you get around the Amalfi Coast?

  • Ferry: the most pleasant and often the fastest in summer. Seasonal ferries run mostly from April to October, linking Salerno, Amalfi, Positano and other towns. Crossings of about 25 to 35 minutes from Salerno to Amalfi and roughly 50 to 75 minutes to Positano are published by operators such as Travelmar. Services are weather-dependent.
  • SITA / bus: a coastal bus network runs along the SS163. Buses are crowded in season and can be delayed by traffic.
  • Car or driver: the road is narrow and notoriously congested in summer; parking is limited and costly.
  • Walking: the Path of the Gods above Praiano and Positano is a famous trail, but it needs a good part of a day.

Check current ferry and bus timetables with the operators before you plan, since schedules change by season and sea conditions.

Getting here from Rome

Route Details Realistic time
High-speed train to Salerno + ferry Train from Roma Termini to Salerno, then a seasonal ferry to Amalfi or Positano About 3.5 to 4 hours one way
Train to Naples or Sorrento + bus or ferry Naples then Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, then bus along the coast About 4 hours or more one way
Organised day trip Coach or train with transfers and a guide 12 to 14 hours total

Check current details: train times, ferry schedules and seasonal service must be confirmed with Trenitalia and the ferry operators. Rome-to-Salerno timing depends on the train type.

Is the Amalfi Coast worth it as a day trip from Rome?

Honestly, it is a rushed day. After the train or drive, you get only a few hours on the coast, in the hottest part of the day, with crowds at every stop. If your time in Italy is short and scenery is the priority, the day trip gives you a first look. If you can, overnight in Amalfi, Praiano or Ravello and spend the next day on a ferry, a short walk and a long lunch. Our Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome page compares formats, and Pompeii vs Amalfi Coast helps choose between the two. For the day trip itself, see our Amalfi Coast day trip (from EUR 135, about 14 hours, return transport and escort included, lunch and boat transfers not included).

When is the best time to visit?

May, June and September give warm weather, open ferries and fewer people. July and August are hot and crowded, with traffic jams on the coast road. From November to March, many hotels, restaurants and ferries close or reduce service, though the villages feel local and quiet. Always check that ferries run before planning around them. The month-by-month guide helps with Rome itself.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Trying to see three or four towns in one day.
  • Planning around ferries in winter or in rough seas without a backup.
  • Wearing sandals for the staircases and steep paths.
  • Booking a tight return train from Salerno or Naples with no buffer.

Nearby places

Pompeii and Herculaneum lie on the other side of Vesuvius, and Capri is a short ferry ride from Sorrento or Positano. For the ancient route, see Pompeii. More ideas are in the Rome day trips guide.

Tours in and around Amalfi Coast

All tours → →

Frequently asked questions

Which Amalfi Coast town is best to visit?

For one day, Amalfi offers a cathedral and the best transport links, while Positano gives the classic view. Ravello adds gardens and calm. A day trip realistically covers two towns, most commonly Positano and Amalfi.

Is Positano or Amalfi better?

Positano is more photogenic and glamorous but steeper and busier. Amalfi is more compact with a major cathedral and easier connections. Choose Positano for scenery, Amalfi for sights and ease.

How do you get around the Amalfi Coast?

By seasonal ferry (April to October), local SITA bus along the coast road, taxi or private driver, or on foot on scenic paths. The road is narrow and often congested in summer, so ferries are often more pleasant.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

May, June and September offer good weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and very busy. Ferries and many businesses are limited outside the warm season, so check schedules.

Is the Amalfi Coast worth it?

Yes for the scenery and village atmosphere. As a day trip from Rome it is long and rushed, so consider staying at least one night. If you only have a day, a guided trip handles the logistics.

How long does it take to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?

Allow about 3.5 to 4 hours one way by high-speed train to Salerno plus a ferry or bus. A coach day trip is typically 12 to 14 hours in total. Check current schedules before you go.

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