9 fabulous things to do in the Amalfi Coast for a perfect vacation

Thanks to its scenic landscape, the Amalfi coast is a famous holiday destination for celebrities and aristocrats. But you can also experience this glamorous lifestyle on a one-week Italian retreat or a Naples yacht charter.

Here is why you should travel to this part of Italy and what to expect from the journey.

What is the Amalfi Coast?

Stretching along the southern side of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is one of Italy’s most beautiful and memorable areas.

This holiday destination in the Campania region is famous for its impressive cliffs and a jagged coastline dotted with small beaches and picturesque fishing villages in pastel colors.

The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and the rocky hill of Sorrento meanders through sumptuous villas, terraced vineyards, and lemon gardens overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.

There are 13 exceptional cities spread across a strip of sun-drenched land that compose the Amalfi Coast:

The Amalfi Coast is also one of the Italian oldest maritime republics founded in 840 and peaked in the 11C. It is home to the most ancient Maritime Code in the world.

Why should you visit the Amalfi Coast?

This Italian coastline is picture-perfect. In this steep region, the cliffs plunge into the sea, leaving little room for the colorful small towns that seem to cling magically between the blue sky and the azure waters.

The only ways to reach them were via footpaths, mule tracks, and boats. The terraced lemon orchards perfume the region with their sweet scent thrilling experience.

Nowadays, most tourists drive the scenic SS. 163 road that connects all the Amalfi coast towns.

Built-in the first half of the XIX century, this coastal road is full of curves, tunnels and hairpin turn. It is still known as one of Italy’s most beautiful routes for its stunning views on the coast.

What makes the Amalfi Coast so unique?

Thanks to its location, the vertical landscape, and the nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvius (monte Vesuvio), the Amalfi Coast is on the UNESCO

Experience the rich history and the antique remains. The delicious local cuisine and wines, the craftsman ceramics make the Amalfi Coast a must-see.

The best way to explore the Amalfi Coast is by chartering a catamaran to sail from a quaint fishing village to modern marinas or to enjoy remote coves and hidden caves.

You can also have fun with various water toys (jet-ski, paddle, kayak, etc.) when you are not ashore strolling in charming villages.

Rent a boat to get off the beaten track and take your time to discover this Mediterranean gem!

What to do in the Amalfi Coast on a yacht charter trip?

1 – Stroll in picturesque towns

Of course, you have to visit Amalfi! Stroll in the winding alleys to discover the Medieval architecture and sumptuous villas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

You have to visit the Cathedral (Duomo), the town’s main attraction. The imposing facade in ornate stone and two-tone pattern rises at the top of a majestic staircase.

Built-in the 11th century in an Arab-Norman style, the cathedral is dedicated to Sant’Andrea. Explore the Chiostro del Paradiso – a Moorish-influenced cloister, and take the underground passages to the crypt.

Positano is the Rendez-Vous for celebrities from around the world for decades.

Wandering the narrow streets will lead you to beautiful art galleries or cozy beach cafes where you can sip an espresso.

If you love classical arts, you should go to Ravello, a rural village on the hilltop over Amalfi and Minori. Many poets, painters, and musicians such as Richard Wagner celebrated it.

You can visit the Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, famous for their beautiful cliff-side gardens and breathtaking panorama over the sea. Each summer, the Ravello Festival takes place in this perfect backdrop. 

2 – Enjoy the beaches

Some beaches are so famous that you have to stop there to cross them off your bucket list:

• Spiaggia Grande at Positano,  
• Amalfi’s Marina Grande Beach, 
• La Baia at Vietri Sul Mare, 
• Maiori’s Beach.

Some sandy beaches set in stunning surroundings are less crowded. These include Fiordo di Furore and Praiano’s La Praia beach, Cauco Beach.

You can sail your rental boat to the one you prefer depending on the mood of the day. You’ll have clear water and soft sand in each location. 

3 – Taste culinary delicacies

On your yacht charter on the Amalfi coast, your chef onboard can cook fresh pasta with the fish you catch.

But two staples of this region include seafood. To prepare Spaghetti Alle Vongole, you’ll need clams, crushed red peppers, olive oil, herbs, garlic, and salt.

The other traditional dish is Scialatielli ai frutti di mare. Scialatielli is a thick and short pasta made with milk instead of eggs.

Besides the fresh basil, red tomatoes, and fruity olive oil, the most crucial ingredient of this Italian region is lemon.

Indeed, for Italian, the world’s best lemons come from the Amalfi Coast.

Local farmers had created the distinctive local variety known as Sfusato d’Amalfi. That is why you’ll have lemons in most desserts such as Delizie al Limone.

4 – Go back in time

Pompeii is Europe’s most compelling archaeological site. For more than 1600 years, the city remains forgotten.

All life forms stopped within a few hours destroyed by the volcano Mount Vesuvius. You’ll be conveyed to another era while walking in these paved alleys, forums, and public places. 

Discover magnificent Roman mansions with intricate mosaic tiles, their typical atriums, and murals evoking beliefs, stories, and symbolism representing the owner’s prosperity.

Admire the thermal baths and ingenuity needed to heat them. Stroll in the gymnasiums, theaters, and even brothels!

The site is a testament to nature’s power, and it reminds us that we should be grateful and enjoy life. Carpe Diem!

5 – Drink local wines and Limoncello

While on your Italian yacht tour, you can sip a sparkling rosé or taste some local wines according to the dishes.

There are some wineries and vineyards open to visit in the Amalfi Coast. The only important thing to know is that you have to end the meal with Limoncello.

How to make this alcohol? The ingredients are pretty simple: Amalfi lemons’ peels, water, sugar, and lots of time.

The traditional digestif is served cold in small ceramic glasses produced locally. You can even buy this sweet “digestivo” in an artfully shaped container to keep memorabilia from Italy. 

6 – Enjoy a romantic trip to Capri Island

Italy is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. And it is not only because Venice is a romantic city.

The glamorous Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast also provide unique settings for your first travel as a married couple.

If you are planning an Italian honeymoon, you have to sail around Capri.

Famous for its beauty since Antiquity, this gorgeous island is a holiday resort since Roman times.

In the 1950s, it became a popular destination for the jet-set (Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Aristote Onassis, and Jackie Kennedy, etc.).

The island features many attractions such as the Marina Piccola, the viewpoint of Tragara, the blue cave (Grotta Azzurra), several Villa.

7 – Unwind on your luxury floating home

Chartering a yacht is the best way to enjoy your holidays on Amalfi Coast. You don’t have to rush to stay on schedule to take the ferry or other transportation.

Just relax and go anywhere you want whenever you need it. If a beach is too crowded, you can sail to the next one or sunbathe on the deck while others swim and dive from the yacht.

And if you want a movie night, most superyachts are well equipped to provide you the best cinematic experience in your cozy floating home.

On a crewed yacht charter, you can really appreciate the Italian Farniente, which means “doing nothing”.

8 – Challenge yourself in aquatic adventures

The Amalfi Coast has a genuine fishing tradition. You can try different local techniques such as la Traina to catch amberjack and tuna, and the Bolentino for mackerel and sea bream.

The Pesca dei calamari (squid fishing) takes place at night with a particular fishing line, named Totanara. You can feast on the catch of the day prepared by your onboard cook on a crewed yacht charter.

You’ll have enough water toys to keep you busy if you don’t want to go ashore. Try kayaking in Grotta dello Smeraldo and other natural wonders or snorkeling and diving in the Amalfi Coast ‘s submerged landscapes.

There are jet-ski or others Personal Water Craft available on a superyacht charter to satisfy your need for speed. 

9 – Admire the natural treasures 

If you want a different view, you can explore in the Valle dei Mulini in a trail surrounded by lemon trees and old buildings. A bit higher is the Valle delle Ferriere.

Sentiero degli Dei is another famous hiking trail to traverse the Amalfi coast. Spectacular panoramas over the lapis-lazuli-colored sea and lovely small towns will reward your efforts. 

But you can also enjoy the dramatic scenery and rugged terrain of the Amalfi Coast from your catamaran charter.

Sip an Aperol Spritz after a day of adventures and admire the sunset on the Sorrento Peninsula. You don’t need a filter to make the pictures looking good.