The Dont’s of the Amalfi Coast
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, but it’s also one of the most popular destinations in Italy! While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do along the Amalfi Coast, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting!
Don’t Just See Amalfi or Positano
There are 13 seaside towns along the Amalfi Coast. Most people know of Amalfi or Positano, but there are several towns where you can stay during your trip. The coastline stretches for 50 kilometers, so there are a lot of different options for choosing the best town along the Amalfi Coast.
When deciding where to stay at the Amalfi Coast, budget will be your main factor. If you want to save a bit of money, you can stay in Salerno, Sorrento, or Naples and visit the Amalfi Coast towns on a day trip.
Don’t Forget to Make Reservations!
If you decide to stay on the Amalfi Coast, you have to book your accommodation pretty far in advance. Even with very expensive prices, hotels and B&Bs fill up quickly.
Restaurants can book up quickly as well, so if there is a certain restaurant you want to try, make sure you have reservations! When you eat out in Italy, tipping is accepted, but not expected. Save your tipping for exceptional service, and only if you want to.
Don’t Puke on the Bus!
There is a bus between all of the villages of the Amalfi Coast, but its unofficial nickname is the “puke bus.” The buses drive along narrow cliffside roads with many switchbacks and tight turns. Additionally, you have hot weather and a crowded public bus, and you’re liable to see someone puke on the bus. I’ve seen a fellow passenger throw up five times out of seven times I’ve ridden the bus. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared or consider hiring a driver.
There is also a ferry from Sorrento, but don’t expect late-night service. The Amalfi Coast ferry service is seasonal and also stops at sunset, so make sure you know the ferry schedule and don’t miss the last ferry back if you are staying in Sorrento!
Don’t Be Afraid to Hire a Driver
There are a lot of reasons to hire a driver to give you a tour of the Amalfi Coast. You can even stay in Naples or Salerno and do a full-day trip to the Amalfi Coast. A private guide & driver will take you to each of the Amalfi Coast towns, and you can enjoy all the limoncello you want without driving or being on a crowded, hot bus.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast can be super stressful, so we don’t recommend it!
Don’t Pass Up the Seafood
Eating seafood along the Amalfi coast is a must! It’s so fresh and delicious; you can get grilled or fried fish, or fish in a pasta dish. Whether it’s a white fish, mussels, or clams, you can’t go wrong with Amalfi Coast seafood.
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Don’t Skip the Limoncello
After a meal, you will often receive a small shot of limoncello. It’s quite strong and can also be very sweet. It comes from this region and is often served as a digestif. It’s actually the second-most popular liqueur in all of Italy, so you have to try it! (Campari is number one!)
Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation
The Amalfi Coast is a hugely popular destination between May and September, and it’s not a cheap place to visit. Prices escalate during peak season, and there’s really no way to get around it if you want to visit the Amalfi Coast.
Don’t Pass Up a Chance to Meet Locals
It may seem like everyone on the Amalfi Coast is a tourist, but there are actually some locals who live there and they are pretty cool. Of course, the locals working in the service industry may be a bit rushed for too much conversation, but if you meet them out and about, they are quite friendly.
When you are interacting with servers and hotel staff, don’t bother trying to speak Italian unless you are very fluent. They are super rushed and will switch to English so that things move along more quickly than waiting for you to find the correct Italian words!
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
I’ve seen a lot of sunburned tourists who look pretty miserable, so don’t become one of them! Make sure you pack your sunscreen, hat, and whatever you need to ensure your skin doesn’t get fried in the hot Italian sun. Make sure you stay hydrated and wear good shoes, too!
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Don’t Miss the Vesuvius Sites as Well
When you visit the Amalfi Coast, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Vesuvius sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum. It’s very doable as they are about an hour from the Amalfi Coast, so you can book a tour to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum on a day trip.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
I think the Amalfi coastline is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s very popular for that reason! Whether you plan a stay in one of the Amalfi coast towns or visit as a day trip, don’t miss the Amalfi Coast on your next trip to Italy! Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!