The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in southern Italy, set along the Tyrrhenian side of the country in the Campania region. It is known for its dramatic cliffs and colourful villages, which cling to the hillsides above the water and give the shoreline its distinctive look.
What a visit offers
- Coastal scenery: steep cliffs, the sea below and terraced slopes above make the landscape the main reason to come.
- Colourful villages: the towns and villages are a pleasure to wander through, with their painted façades and narrow streets.
- Time on the water and the shore: the coast's position makes it a natural base for seeing the sea from many angles.
Planning your trip
The region is best approached as a journey along the coast rather than a single place. Moving between villages gives you a sense of how the landscape changes from one bend of the shoreline to the next. Because the towns sit on steep ground, comfortable shoes are a good idea, and it helps to allow time for the slower pace of walking between viewpoints.
If you are deciding whether to go, the Amalfi Coast suits travellers who want to combine dramatic natural scenery with village life in southern Italy. Plan your route around the places you most want to see, and leave room to simply stop and look at the view.