I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Here are the 7 mistakes tourists should avoid making while visiting.

17.05.2024 - 18:13 / insider.com

I believe every trip to the Amalfi Coast should be just as beautiful as the coastline itself. Like the roughly 5 million travelers who visit each year, I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast while on vacation. In fact, I loved it so much that it's now been my home for 17 years.

However, during my time living on the coast, I've seen tourists make the same mistakes over and over again. Luckily, many blunders can be avoided with some tips from a local.

Here are the seven most common mistakes I see tourists make while visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Tourist season on the Amalfi Coast typically runs from Easter through October. While the coast is beautiful throughout the year, it's important to keep in mind that many hotels, restaurants, and shops close during the offseason. Additionally, ferry service connecting the Amalfi Coast villages only runs during the tourist season.

If you're dreaming of a classic beach vacation, the best time to visit is from July to September. Although April, May, and October are excellent times to visit, the sea might be too chilly for some swimmers.

Driving the famously narrow and zigzagging Amalfi Drive is not for the faint of heart. It's also not a fun experience for most drivers — including the locals. Given the crowded roads and expensive (or nonexistent) parking, tackling the drive as a tourist is not a good idea.

Instead, opt for the ferries that connect many of the villages along the coastline. If you're a driving enthusiast and the experience is one you'd like to try, I'd suggest driving along Amalfi Drive during the offseason.

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is no secret, and visitors come from around the world to see the pastel-hued buildings and swim in the turquoise sea.

But with travelers arriving every day by ferries, buses, and cruise ships, the narrow roads and small villages are easily overwhelmed, especially during the high season.

To avoid getting caught up in the day-tripping crowds, I recommend planning a longer stay. This way, you can enjoy the peaceful mornings and relaxed-evening ambiance. You'll likely enjoy your vacation more, and it's better for the local economy, too.

While Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are the three most popular destinations, the Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 distinct villages. From tiny seaside gems to villages nestled in the mountains, there's so much more to discover.

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Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman villa in Minori, enjoy the coastline's longest beach in Maiori, try locally caught anchovies in Cetara, taste wine from century-old vines in Tramonti, and shop for colorful ceramics in Vietri sul Mare.

Nothing ruins a trip to the Amalfi Coast like a bumpy arrival. For example, many tourists are surprised to find