9 of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast

23.03.2024 - 10:07 / lonelyplanet.com

The Amalfi Coast – with its bougainvillea-draped fishing villages and rugged coastal panoramas – tops many a traveler's bucket list.

And with good reason: this 50km (31 mile) coastal stretch spanning the towns of Positano to Vietri sul Mare holds treasures ranging from colorfully tiled cathedrals to cloud-grazing hiking routes. But where to start? Read on for our picks of the best places to visit in this stunning region of Italy.

Glitzy resort town Positano has come a long way from its humble fishing village roots, with the price tag to prove it. But even if you can't afford to stay the night – room rates often start at €350 – Positano's greatest riches are very nearly free, starting with the first sight of its pyramid-shaped cliffside expanse from the ferry.

You'll need sturdy shoes (and lungs) to explore this unique cliffside village, accessible only by climbing an endless series of staircases cut directly into rock. But you'll discover boutiques, galleries and restaurants shaded by garlands of blooms, as well as soaring coastal panoramas at the town's summit, where you can stop for an aperitivo on the terrace of the historic Hotel Le Sirenuse and gaze down at the Gulf of Naples with a Negroni in your hand.

Now put down that Negroni and lace up your boots: the Amalfi Coast is home to one of Italy's most thrilling hikes. The Path of the Gods – il sentiero degli dei in Italian – is a 7km (4.34 mile) stretch of rosemary-perfumed Mediterranean shrubland, a staggering 630m (2065 ft) above sea level, seemingly suspended between the clouds and the earth. The trail's name comes from its mythical backstory; said to have been cut into the earth by the gods stampeding down from heaven to save Ulysses from the sirens' song.

The medium-difficulty trail has several entry and end points, but the most popular course starts in the mountain village of Agerola (Bomerano) and ends in Nocelle with a refreshing lemon slushie from the granita stand before hiking the 1700 stone steps down to Positano. Along the way you'll pass lemon groves, olive and chestnut trees and relish heavenly views of the coast.

Planning tip: Hit this trail in spring or fall or start out as early as possible during summer and winter months to beat the heat and maximize daylight. Trail shoes are a must. 

The "fjord" in Fiordo di Furore is a misnomer: fjords are formed by glaciers, whereas this craggy inlet was carved into the cliffs by the Schiato torrent. But the resulting secluded beach – crowned by a dramatic arched bridge – is no less otherworldly, and worth the hundreds of stone steps you'll need to hike down (and then back up) to get there. Arrive directly by boat or water taxi, or head east on the SS163 state road by car or 5070 SITA bus to the