Amalfi Coast attractions

The Path of the Gods (Sentiero Degli Dei) hiking trail skirts the peaks above the Amalfi Coast, rewarding you with spectacular bird’s-eye views of the coastline and Mediterranean Sea far below. There are several different possible routes, but most travelers walk it as a 1-way downhill hike from Agerola to Nocelle, where you can follow a formidable array of steps down to Positano.

This pristine pebble beach along the coastline of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula is tucked in a tiny cove enclosed by steep cliffs, making it both extraordinarily scenic and refreshingly remote. As it can only be reached by land via a steep footpath, Cala di Mitigliano is a favorite swim and snorkeling spot on boat tours from Sorrento.

One of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast is from Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, a dramatic overlook lined with classical busts and offering sweeping panoramas of the coastline. Stroll through the lush gardens—replete with shaded paths, manicured flower beds, and hidden pavilions—to this iconic belvedere.

With its white facade and simple bell tower, the Ravello Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta e San Pantaleone) is modest by Italian standards. Highlights are the inscribed bronze doors and a remarkable pulpit, supported by six marble lions and adorned with bird and dragon mosaics. The chapel also boasts an ampoule of St. Pantaleone’s blood, said to liquefy each year on the anniversary of his martyrdom.

The picturesque Cloister of San Francesco—Chiostro of San Francesco in Italian—offers a tranquil reprieve from the bustling streets of Sorrento’s historic center. Set on the ruins of a 7th-century monastery, the cloister was built in the 1300s and is a showcase of architectural styles. Its pillars and stonework incorporate spoils from Roman temples and other ancient ruins, making it a top draw for both archaeology buffs and photographers.

For centuries, Amalfi was one of the most important producers of paper in Europe, and water-powered paper mills lined the river running through the center of town. See how these ingenious mills worked and learn about the history and production of Amalfi’s prestigious paper at the Paper Museum, located in a fully functioning historic mill.

Belching out jets of steam and sulfurous fumes for four millennia, the volcanic crater of Solfatara is a vivid reminder that southern Italy is a hotbed of geothermal activity, giving rise to everything from Ischia’s hot springs and Mt. Vesuvius’s puffing peak. Visit this spot in the Phlegrean Fields to witness its rumblings first-hand.

Known postcard-perfect fishing villages, the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of southern Italian coastline, also has striking countryside crisscrossed with hiking trails. Those in Ferriere Valley Nature Reserve (Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere)—thick with lemon groves, lush ferns, abandoned mills, and waterfalls—are among the most beautiful.

Near the entrance of this 11th-century church in central Sorrento lie two whale rib bones—a curious tribute to San Antonino, the town’s patron saint, said to have saved a child swallowed whole by a whale. Step inside to find opulent Baroque interiors, a crypt holding the saint’s remains, and paintings depicting the many miracles attributed to the saint.

Located just inland from the port of Pozzuoli, the 1st-century ruins of the Macellum of Pozzuoli, also known as the Temple of Serapis, are a delight for archaeology buffs. This ancient Roman market is located in the Phlegraean Fields and its columns rise directly from a brackish pool of water, as the site has sunk below sea level.

Towering over the countryside of Campania in southern Italy, Mt. Faito (Monte Faito)—in the Lattari mountain range—overlooks the whole of the Sorrento Peninsula. Faito is a popular destination in summer, when its scenic trails offer a respite from the heat and crowds along the coastline.

Experiencing Italy’s lively local theater scene can be delightful, and few places in Sorrento showcase it better than Tasso Theater. Housed in a recently renovated building in the town center, it hosts jazz concerts, musicals, film screenings, and other entertainment. Visit to catch Neapolitan song and dance shows, and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace during intermission.

One of the most scenic trails on the Amalfi Coast, the Ravello-Minori Walk offers sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed coastline as it winds its way through terraced citrus groves high above the sea. The downhill route from the panoramic clifftop town of Ravello to the waterfront hamlet of Minori is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and offers a quiet respite from the crowds that overrun Italy’s iconic stretch of coast.

Set on the clifftop of the seaside resort town of Sorrento, the Correale di Terranova Museum occupies a historic villa overlooking the sea and is home to the Correale family’s private art collection of 17th- and 18th-century Neapolitan paintings, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts—the most important in the city.

Sorrento is known for growing some of the most fragrant, high-quality lemons in Italy, and this proud agricultural tradition is on full display at I Giardini di Cataldo. Visit the scenic citrus grove in the heart of Sorrento to learn about the cultivation process and taste limoncello, jams, and other sweets made with the thick-peeled lemons harvested on-site.

Despite being the second-largest beach in Positano, Fornillo Beach still manages to retain its status as a local, quasi-hidden gem. Tucked away between two cliffs—and accessible via many steps down from Positano’s main stretch—the pebble beach is beloved by locals for its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and traditional lidos.

A major shipping and ferry port on the southern coast of Italy, Salerno Cruise Port is a popular departure point for shore excursions to the nearby Amalfi Coast. Although the port city has a picturesque historic center, most visitors use Salerno as a jumping-off point to visit other places in the surrounding Campania region.

Commanding views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are undoubtedly the main draw to this cliffside public park on Sorrento’s waterfront—but a museum of local archaeological finds, a wide public terrace, shaded walking paths, and an elevator to the port keep travelers returning for more. Visit to stroll through manicured gardens and enjoy the easy, scenic waterfront access.

Villa Fiorentino was built in central Sorrento in the 1930s, and once belonged to textile makers Antonino Fiorentino and Lucia Cuomo. The couple was known internationally for their finely crafted handkerchiefs, which explains why Sorrentines often call the attraction Villa Fazzoletti (Handkerchiefs Villa). Today, it’s home to the Fondazione Sorrento, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

The tiny seaside hamlet of Marina di Puolo is a welcome respite from the bustle and crowds of nearby Sorrento. Set on the lush Sorrentine Peninsula, this former fishing village is now a favorite beach destination for locals (and those in the know) thanks to its sandy waterfront, sparkling water, and laid-back vibe.

For one of the most spectacular views in Sorrento, follow Corso Italia west from the center of town as it becomes the panoramic Via Capo. Lined with lovely hotels and tiny beaches, this winding road makes for a scenic stroll or gateway to the lesser crowded coastline outside Sorrento’s busy center.

The Arsenale di Amalfi, a historic shipyard turned museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime prowess of the former Amalfi Republic. Once central to the construction of powerful naval fleets, this well-preserved medieval structure now showcases artifacts, exhibitions, and stories of Amalfi’s seafaring legacy. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and all curious travelers.

Protruding into the Gulf of Naples, Punta del Capo is a rocky promontory where travelers head to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the coastal scenery away from the crowds of Sorrento town. At this peaceful perch, you’ll find a cliff-surrounded swimming cove separated from the sea by a rocky arch and the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa where Queen Joanna II of Naples is said to have bathed in secret with her lovers during the 15th century.

This tiny museum in the center of the picturesque clifftop village of Ravello is home to a small but delightful collection of coral jewelry and objets d’art. Visitors can learn about the 500-year-old history of coral crafting on the Amalfi Coast and coral’s importance as a symbol of good fortune.

When you can’t manage another swig of local limoncello, and the nearby Amalfi Coast has lost its jet-set shine, the Sorrento Foundation has what you need: art exhibits, literary readings, concerts, and other cultural events inside the elegant Villa Fiorentino. The 20th-century villa turned cultural center on Sorrento’s Corso Italia is the ideal place to see local artisan works, catch a concert, stroll through groves and gardens, or simply take a break from sightseeing.

The MAR Positano (Museo Archeologico Romano) shows a different side of the Amalfi Coast than most visitors get to see—less modern glitz, more ancient glory. The intimate archaeological museum, housed in the crypt of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman Villa buried beneath Positano. Frescoes, mosaics, and fascinating artifacts all transport visitors back in time.