Located in the Campania region of Italy, with towns stretching over 50 km along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is one of the top destinations to enjoy the European summer. The area boasts stunning natural beauty, blue seas, mountains, and rich history. If you plan to travel to the Amalfi Coast, this article will guide you on how to make the most of the Italian summer.
What to Do on the Amalfi Coast in Summer
The Amalfi Coast is among the incredible destinations to explore during your trip to Italy. There are many activities to enjoy in the region during the summer, mostly outdoors. Here are some great suggestions:
Drive Along the Coastal Road
A great tip for exploring the Amalfi Coast is to drive along the coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno. The road is narrow, full of curves, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and sea. Take advantage of the opportunity to capture beautiful photographs!
Note that traffic on the coastal road in the European summer is slow, and you need to be very careful when driving.
Take a Boat Trip
Another way to enjoy the summer on the Amalfi Coast is to take a panoramic boat tour along the coast, departing from Sorrento with stops in Positano and Amalfi. During the tour, you can visit the towns, swim in the blue waters, watch the sunset, and enjoy drinks and snacks onboard.
Visit the Villages
Visiting the villages along the Amalfi Coast, such as Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and others, is a great way to experience the region’s culture and history, admire the coastal architecture with stone streets, churches, gardens, small squares, and beaches, and taste the delicious local cuisine. Since the towns are small, you can visit more than one in a single day.
Enjoy the Beaches
There are many paradisiacal beaches on the Amalfi Coast, such as Arienzo Beach Club in a quiet beach in Positano and Lido di Ravello, perfect for a sea bath, among others. At the beaches, you can enjoy beach clubs, bars, restaurants, the stunning sea, admire the mountain scenery, and soak up the region’s climate.
Best Beaches on the Amalfi Coast
The main reason for traveling to the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly the beaches. Here are some of the best:
Fornillo Beach, Positano
Fornillo Beach in Positano features crystal clear blue waters and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the hillside. Walking along the shore, you can also see stone statues sculpted by local artists. The beach is a favorite among Italians and tourists looking to relax and enjoy the European summer.
Grande Beach, Positano
At Grande Beach in Positano, you can experience diving in blue waters, relaxing on fine sand, and enjoying local kiosks and restaurants with sea views for snacks and meals. You can also stroll along Positano’s boardwalk, admiring the sea and the beautiful surrounding mountains. Grande Beach is renowned for its beauty and tranquility, making it an ideal setting for those looking to escape the summer crowds.
Minori Beach, Minori
With clear waters and a rocky coastline in a picturesque village, Minori Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast. It stretches about 12 km and is accessible via a short bridge over a river, adding to its romantic appeal. The area features calm waters and numerous restaurants, making it ideal for families seeking a relaxing and fun day in a natural setting, with trails around the surrounding forest for moments of tranquility and adventure.
Maiori Beach, Maiori
Maiori Beach is another stunning landscape to explore on the Amalfi Coast. It has crystal clear waters, white sand, and a wide variety of water activities such as sea sports and snorkeling to observe marine life like fish and sea turtles. Additionally, this beach offers amenities for a day-long stay, including tent and umbrella rentals.
Marina Grande Beach, Sorrento
Also featuring crystal clear waters and a breathtaking surrounding view, Marina Grande Beach in Sorrento is an excellent option to enjoy the Amalfi Coast with good infrastructure.
Castiglione Beach, Ravello
Castiglione Beach in Ravello is one of the top summer destinations in Europe. Located about an hour and a half from Naples, it has blue waters and white sand. The beach offers numerous activities such as diving and kayak rentals for both children and adults to fully enjoy the outing. Around the beach, visitors have access to many restaurant options, a panoramic sea view, and various species of animals and plants.
How to Avoid Crowds During the Italian Peak Season
According to Forbes, many destinations in Europe are affected by “overtourism” and are as crowded as Venice, Italy, where locals are calling for significant visitor restrictions, especially in popular selfie spots. However, even with crowded beaches and tourist spots in Italy, it is still possible to avoid the masses. Here are some tips:
- Plan Well: If possible, avoid visiting very touristy cities or major attractions like monuments and museums during holidays and weekends.
- Wake Up Early: Start your tours before 10 AM to avoid crowded tourist spots.
- Buy Public Transport Tickets in Advance: Use apps or seek alternative transportation methods.
- Purchase Tickets for Tourist Attractions in Advance: This way, you avoid queues and save travel time.
- Reserve Popular Restaurants Early: Use the website to secure your spot.
- Avoid Lingering for Selfies: Don’t cause congestion or obstruct pedestrian traffic.
- Opt for More Exclusive Beaches: Beaches like Vietri sul Mare, a beach club with direct sea access and good visitor infrastructure, can be a worthwhile option despite being more expensive.
How to Have a Safe and Relaxing Trip
Many unforeseen events can happen during an international trip, especially in the European summer when cities are crowded, tourist spots are packed, and outdoor activities are more intense. Thus, the likelihood of incidents such as getting sick from a boat trip meal, heat stroke, breaking a foot on a bike ride, losing your luggage during a crowded flight with layovers to Europe, or other mishaps is higher.
Therefore, it is mandatory to purchase travel insurance for Europe, and protection is highly recommended to ensure a safe and peaceful trip. Travel insurance covers expenses for unforeseen events that occur during your trip according to the coverages and limits specified in your policy.
We at Yellowling recommend Skaii Seguros as the travel insurance comparison site for our readers. On the portal, you can choose the plan that best fits your profile and needs, make the payment online, and travel protected.
Have a great trip!