Amalfi Coast Holidays
The Amalfi Coast – spectacular and charming
The Amalfi Coast is simply stunning and is one of the most famous stretches of coastline in Europe. Running south from Sorrento, it stretches along the Bay of Salerno, and encompasses the towns of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Minori, Maiori and Salerno itself. This is classic Italian seaside: picture-postcard villages, family-friendly beaches and spectacular scenery.
A combination of dramatic coastal views, wonderful Mediterranean climate and charming resorts, served up with the delicious regional cuisine, make the area suitable to couples, families, foodies and culture-vultures.
When to go to the Amalfi Coast
With its mild winters and long warm summers, The Amalfi Coast attracts visitors all year round, although it’s from Easter through to October that’s considered to be ‘the season’, with August the busiest (and most expensive) month. The autumn and winter are generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10C.
There are many religious and secular festivals throughout the year and almost certainly something going on when you plan to visit. Christmas and New Year are widely celebrated.
The Weather in the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has a typically Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers where temperatures can reach 30C in the peak months of July and August, and the average temperature does not usually dip below 23C. In the summer you can expect around 10 hours of sunshine per day and little rainfall – around 15mm in July.
The winter climate is pleasantly mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10C and average daily sunshine of around 7 hours. The warm temperatures in late spring and early autumn attract a large number of holiday-makers.
Getting the best deal
For peak season, the best deals are likely to be found by looking and booking early, as prices can be expected to rise closer to departure. If you’re not tied to the school holidays, these are best avoided. June and September departures combine great weather with reasonable prices. With food standards high throughout the region, half-board is worth looking at, especially during the peak months. You can get a good idea of current deals by looking at the late deals below, or doing a full search.
Airport and transport need to know
The gateway to the Amalfi coast is Naples International Airport (NAP), which is widely served from airports throughout the UK, and by a number of airlines – scheduled, charter and no-frills. Finding a suitable flight from an airport convenient for you should not be a problem.
Located less than 4 miles north-east of the city, transport links are excellent, with fixed-rate taxis and a frequent airport bus service.
Bus services around the coast are frequent, inexpensive and operate all year round. For timetables visit SITA (in Italian). Car hire (driving on the right) is popular and driving safer than you might expect, although the spectacular coast road may test your nerves. Hiring locally can be expensive: we recommend that you pre-book for the best rates.
A regular train service runs from central Naples along the coast, terminating in Sorrento. This journey time is around one hour. Scheduled and charter boars and ferries connect Naples, Sorrento and Amalfi for rides up and down the coast and are a great way to visit the area.
Amalfi Town
The largest tourist resort on the Amalfi Coast, the town of Amalfi is a charming fishing village filled with character and life, boasting an authentic old quarter and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants.
The busy seafront is a hive of activity, and there are regular boat trips up and down the coast. With a pebble beach in town, visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean, as well as exploring the sights that the town has to offer. Amalfi is ideally placed to explore the breathtaking coastline. As well as Positano and Ravello, Sorrento is an easy day trips from the holiday resort of Amalfi, as are the islands of Capri and Ischia. A visit to the fascinating sites of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum is a must whilst on holiday in Amalfi, as is a trip to the vibrant and exciting city of Naples.
Maiori - a relaxing beach resort
Ideal for families and couples, Maiori is just 6km from Amalfi and offers a quiet base centrally located on the Amalfi Coast, facing the Bay of Salerno, and an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing beach resort. Dating back to Roman times, the holiday resort of Maiori gained fame as a health retreat and today boasts one of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast, running the entire length of the town.
The long stretch of volcanic sand shelves gently into the Mediterranean, providing safe swimming conditions for children, and offers watersports such as snorkelling and water-skiing, and plenty of sun-beds and umbrellas. The beach is backed by a promenade lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and a large selection of hotels to suit most budgets.
Positano - a favourite with couples and honeymooners
This enchanting little resort remains a popular destination in the luxury market, and a favourite with couples and honeymooners. Clinging to the sides of the cliffs and perched over the dazzling blue waters of the Mediterranean, this chic resort enjoys a stunning location, and the pastel-coloured houses, winding stairways and sophisticated cafes and restaurants add to the towns' charm.
Just 20km from Sorrento and 15km from Amalfi, Positano is ideally placed to explore the rest of the Amalfi coastline. The large public beach, made up of dark grey sand and pebbles, is very popular and ideal for people watching. To escape the crowds, visit one of the quieter coves along the coast.
Ravello – set in the hills above Amalfi
This medieval towns' location high above the Mediterranean boasts the most spectacular views of the Amalfi coast. Well-known for its scenic and panoramic gardens, it has a thriving cultural scene and a long history of inspiring artists and musicians, most famously Wagner, D.H Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. Holidays in Ravello are low-key and characterised by a leisurely drink or meal in one of the quiet squares, and it makes for a great base from which to explore the walking trails through the beautiful countryside of the area.
