20 bucket list things to do on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Come with me to explore the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, Italy! From swimming in scenic beaches and exploring charming villages to jaw-dropping hikes in the mountains and trying delicious local treats, the Amalfi Coast is called the Divine Coast for a reason.

We spent about six months living in and exploring this area in Southern Italy, and the Amalfi Coast is truly a place like no other.

In this blog post, you’ll find all the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast (and in the surrounding area!) with photos, descriptions, and locations on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as we did! Happy travels!

1. Climb the stairs of the majestic Amalfi Cathedral

First things first, did you know that there is an actual Amalfi town on the Amalfi Coast? Yep, and not all travelers know that. But I’m sure you did. Then you should also know that Amalfi town is a must-visit place on the Amalfi Coast!

The Amalfi Coast’s namesake town sits at the mouth of a river valley and is known for its dramatic cliffs, long stretch of gray-sand beach, panoramic views, as well as such attractions as the Paper Museum, and, of course, the majestic Amalfi Cathedral.

The majestic Duomo di Amalfi, or Cathedral of Saint Andrew, located in Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi town, is one of the most famous places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, and has to be on every Amalfi Coast itinerary!

If there is one thing you have to do in Amalfi town, then you have to climb the cathedral’s imposing staircase that leads to the entrance. The cathedral boasts an imposing staircase that leads to the entrance. From the top, you get an overview of the whole Piazza del Duomo square!

The Amalfi Cathedral dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose bones are buried in a crypt inside the cathedral. However, the most striking thing about this cathedral is its architecture, especially the striped façade.

Visiting the Amalfi Cathedral is one of the bucket list things to do on the Amalfi Coast for every visitor, which means that this place gets quite crowded during the day. If you can, I recommend arriving in the morning before the masses arrive.

Location: Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo

2. Eat a lemon sorbet inside a lemon

Everybody knows about the famous Italian gelatos. However, once you set foot on the Amalfi Coast, it suddenly becomes all about the lemons.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its large lemons known as Sfusato Amalfitano — they are the color, the flavor, and the scent of the entire coast. They’re the essence of this region!

One of the best ways to enjoy them is by trying the iconic lemon sorbet served inside a real (hollowed-out) Amalfi lemon. You can find them in many stores and gelato shops all across the Amalfi Coast towns.

We tried this iconic sorbet many times during our travels around the Amalfi Coast, but most often we saw it in gelato shops in Amalfi town, in Positano, and in Sorrento.

The sorbet was deliciously zesty and flavorful. The taste was perfectly balanced — sweet and citrusy flavors blending together. The perfect refreshment on a hot summer day! It’s not a cheap snack (around 7 to 12 EUR), but the experience is definitely worth it!

3. Enjoy the views from the Terrace of Infinity

Visiting Ravello, a scenic clifftop town, should be on every Amalfi Coast bucket list for one reason: the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone! This terrace is one of the most beautiful places you will find on the Amalfi Coast!

The breathtaking historical Villa Cimbrone in Ravello is known for its vast gardens, panoramic views, and, of course, the fairytale-like Terrace of Infinity with majestic marble busts lining the cliffside.

You won’t find a more picture-perfect place in the area, so add this to your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

Originally built back in the 11th century, Villa Cimbrone has lived a truly eventful life. Exploring this villa was one of my favorite things we did in Ravello. Yes, even better than eating all the gelatos and pizzas!

Throughout its existence, Villa Cimbrone has been a residence for many different influential families until the 1970s, when it was turned into a luxury hotel. Over time, the villa was rebuilt and extended, and very little remains of the original structure today.

It features different architectural styles like Gothic, Moorish, and Venetian, combined with English-style landscaping. You cannot tour the hotel unless you stay there as a guest, but the majority of the property is open to the public (for an entrance fee).

As a visitor, you can visit a cloister, a temple, multiple beautiful gardens, and the famous Terrace of Infinity. It is not the cheapest attraction on the Amalfi Coast, but it is totally worth a visit!

Villa Cimbrone has hosted many celebrities and international dignitaries, and many regard the terrace as one of the most stunning places in Italy. People like Jacqueline Kennedy, actor Denzel Washington, and even members of royalty have all visited this place.

It is absolutely breathtaking, especially the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the famous terrace. I hope my photos do some justice to the beauty of Villa Cimbrone! There is truly nothing like this place on the Amalfi Coast.

Location: Villa Cimbrone – Terrace of Infinity

4. Hike the famous Path of the Gods

There are very few places on the Amalfi Coast that can compete with the beauty of the Path of the Gods, the most breathtaking hike on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy.

Did you even visit the Amalfi Coast if you didn’t hike this trail? You can easily do it on your own; however, if you don’t want to go solo, check some guided tours below! Doing this hike is one of the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

I my opinion, there is no better way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the whole Sorrento Peninsula than by hiking the famous Path of the Gods hike.

The Path of the Gods is an ancient pathway in the mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula that connects two mountain towns: Agerola and Nocelle.

The hike starts in the center of Bomerano hamlet in Agerola and finishes in Nocelle village right above Positano. However, these days people hike different versions of this hike, like Agerola-Positano or Praiano-Positano, etc.

It depends on where you are staying, as well as your transportation possibilities.

We had our own car, so we hiked from Agerola to Nocelle and then walked all the way back to get back to our car. Otherwise, I would have hiked from Agerola to Positano and then tried to get to my hotel by the local SITA bus.

Our route was a moderate difficulty 12.3-kilometer or 7.6-mile out-and-back hike that took us 3h 30min. We did the hike in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Whichever route you decide to go, you need to plan how to get back to where you need to be.

If you want to finish in Positano, you’ll have to hike a steep climb down the stairs from Nocelle to the beach in Positano. But there is also an option to take a taxi or to wait for the public bus to take you down to Positano.

Either way, you have many options while hiking this trail!

But can you tell from the pictures why this is one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast? I actually didn’t expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised by these views. I had my phone out all the time, and I took way too many photos to post here, haha.

But I have to admit that the most beautiful part of the trail is closer to Positano, where you can see the majestic cliffside village in the distance and the dramatic mountains behind it.

To me, the section between Praiano and Nocelle was the best part of the whole hike! If you have a chance to walk the Path of the Gods, I highly recommend doing it! Those will be memories for a lifetime, that’s for sure!

Location: Start of the Path of the Gods

5. Visit a traditional limoncello factory in Amalfi

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur that originated in the area of the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. If there are any foods and drinks you should try when visiting the Amalfi Coast, then limoncello is definitely one of them!

Limoncello was created by the monks who used it for medicinal purposes, but later people started making it at home (and still do!), and mostly used it to help with digestion after meals. Some restaurants along the coastline will serve it to you for free!

The best place to go for anything related to limoncello is Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi in the heart of Amalfi town, just a few steps from the main square. It is a small limoncello factory with a shop belonging to a family for generations.

Of course, you can simply go there to shop for local products and everything lemon (soap, cosmetics, sweets, etc.), including all types of limoncello. But you can also join guided limoncello tours (this is the one we did!) and find out everything about this iconic drink.

I am not into strong drinks and wasn’t sure I even wanted to visit this place in Amalfi; however, I was interested to find out how the limoncello was made, especially the traditional way of making it.

We got to see how it was made, how the lemons were peeled, how they marinated in massive glass jars for two weeks, and we got to taste different kinds of liqueur — including mango, strawberry, and even pistachio!

We ended up buying small limoncello bottles for our family back home. You only need to drink a tiny amount, so it’ll last a while. I absolutely loved this tour. This was, for sure, one of my favorite things we did on the Amalfi Coast.

Location: Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi – Guided tour with limoncello tasting

6. Swim at the iconic Spiaggia di Positano

Positano is not only one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, but it is also known as one of the most iconic destinations in the world!

And I’m sure you have seen this postcard view of Positano beach, or Spiaggia di Positano, with its lines of beach umbrellas and the iconic Positano hill in the background, all over social media!

No wonder this is one of the most photographed places on the Amalfi Coast! Just look at those colorful houses built one on top of the other!

Apart from that, the main beach in Positano is also one of the best beaches to go for a swim on the Amalfi Coast. The scenic location and the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea make it a one-of-a-kind spot for a beach day.

Like everywhere else in the area, part of the beach is a paid section where you have to rent a beach chair and an umbrella, but there is also a smaller part of the beach that is accessible for free. Arrive early to grab the best spot!

Location: Spiaggia di Positano

7. Shop for handmade ceramics in Vietri sul Mare

Every traveler to the Amalfi Coast knows (or at some point realizes) that buying local handmade ceramics is one of the bucket list things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

But only a few of them know this special spot along the coastline – Vietri sul Mare, for centuries known as the capital of ceramics production on the Amalfi Coast.

If there is one place to go ceramics shopping on the Amalfi Coast, it is this village!

But, despite its status as the capital of ceramics production, Vietri sul Mare has long remained under the radar, and not many travelers ever get to this place.

I have visited basically every village along the Amalfi Coast, and I know very well that you can buy ceramics everywhere.

However, nothing can compare with shopping for ceramics in Vietri sul Mare, so I hope you have the time to visit this place.

If you only do one thing in Vietri sul Mare, it has to be strolling along Corso Umberto I, the main ceramics street in the village. It is filled with countless ceramic shops. I couldn’t even count all of them – there are so many!

I noticed that all of them had the most beautiful shop entrances! Like, how stunning are they? These stores are adorned with painted ceramic tiles, pots, plates, flowers, and other ceramic design elements, making the whole street a joyful spectacle.

Want to know another thing I noticed? Prices for ceramics here are much lower than in Positano, Praiano, or Amalfi!

Here they sell everything from Christmas ornaments to every possible kitchen item – all made of ceramics.

Of course, the most popular items are mugs, plates, and bowls. I hope you won’t only take pictures, but also buy something!

The Corso Umberto I street is not long, so I highly recommend walking all the way from one end to the other. We walked the street there and back. The first time we checked everything out, and the second time we bought some goodies to take home. I got a lemon mug!

Location: Corso Umberto I

8. Try the Amalfi Coast’s famous dessert, Delizia al Limone

Did you know that the Amalfi Coast and the whole Sorrentine Peninsula (the peninsula where the Amalfi Coast is located) have their own dessert? Yes, let me introduce you to Delizia al Limone or Lemon Delight!

Delizia al Limone, or Lemon Delight, is a popular dessert born on the Amalfi Coast made with Limoncello-soaked sponge cake and lemon cream. It’s incredibly light and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a little zing.

Trying this dessert must be on your Amalfi Coast bucket list!

You will find this dessert in basically every restaurant along the coastline, as it is one of the must-try foods when visiting the Amalfi Coast. However, there is one special place I highly recommend to you.

Located in Minori, a small town along the coastline, is a pastry shop, Pasticceria Sal De Riso. This pastry shop was created by one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs, Salvatore De Riso, who is actually a local and grew up in Minori.

And here’s the bombshell – he created this famous dessert! If you can, do check out this place! They not only have the original Delizia al Limone, but like a hundred other cakes and desserts – it’s a paradise for foodies and sweet tooths!

Location: Pasticceria Sal De Riso

9. Walk the charming lemon walk, Sentiero dei Limoni

If you really go to Minori for the famous dessert, you might as well do another one of the bucket list things to do on the Amalfi Coast – walk the charming Sentiero dei Limoni, or Path of the Lemons!

This is one of the most famous Amalfi Coast trails – a historical path connecting two nearby towns, Minori and Maiori. The path is only 2 kilometers or 1.2 miles long (one way), making it one of the easiest hikes on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, perfect for kids, too!

However, the path goes over a 100-meter-high hill between the two towns, so there will be some climbing involved, but that’s the hardest part. If you don’t want the hassle of planning, you can also join a guided tour to the Path of the Lemons!

We did this hike starting from Maiori town. The hike starts next to the Santuario Santa Maria a Mare church in Maiori and finishes down in Minori town. We then explored Minori for a bit and walked by the coastal road back to Maiori.

This hike is known for its panoramic views of the stunning coastline and the Tyrrhenian Sea, as well as the surrounding lemon groves where you can see the local pride and joy – the famous Amalfi lemons (sfusato amalfitano).

The path is mostly paved, and there’s no need to have special clothes or footwear to do this hike, but do grab some water bottles with you, as it can get pretty hot during the day.

Historically, this path was created to transport lemons and other goods between the two coastal towns. Even today, donkeys are used as a means of transportation along the path. And we saw them during our hike!

Around the midway point, there was a small lemon farm with a bar where they offered lemon granita and lemonade. We stopped here to sit down under the lemon trees to have a glass of each.

For those of you who love longer hikes, you don’t have to stop in Minori. Minori village is connected to Ravello by a steep staircase, so you can walk all the way from Maiori to Minori and up to Ravello if you want. However, you’ll have to manage some very steep stairs to get there.

Location: Path of the Lemons

10. Go on a day trip to Capri Island

Capri Island is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and a visit to the Amalfi Coast wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to the iconic Capri.

You can reach Capri from many places in this region, including from Naples, from Amalfi, from Maiori, from Salerno, as well as from Castellammare di Stabia, and, of course, Sorrento, which is actually the closest port to Capri. You can see the island from the shore!

So, because you will be so close, a trip to the wonderful Capri is a must!

Known for its world-famous 350-feet-high (100-meter-high) Faraglioni di Capri sea stacks, Blue Grotto sea cave, and, of course, the popular Caprese salad, this island has long been a favorite for the rich and famous as well as regular travelers alike.

We actually spent a couple of days in Capri (including our honeymoon!) trying to soak in everything this beautiful place had to offer.

And those were some of our favorite memories from our trip to this part of Southern Italy. I see why people love this island so much! I’d love to return there one day!

If you can, I recommend spending the night on the island.

Most of the island’s visitors are daytrippers, so those quiet evenings after all the ferries have left, as well as the tranquil mornings before they arrive, were quite magical! The island was suddenly so empty and peaceful!

Yes, those mid-day crowds CAN be a bit off-putting, but if you wander away from the busy squares, you’ll find the island’s tranquil beauty! We certainly did when we did the scenic Pizzolungo trail with panoramic views of the Faraglioni rocks.

11. Catch the postcard views at Via Cristoforo Colombo

Positano is all about the views. With its colorful houses famously perched on a seaside cliff and stacked one on top of the other, this charming town attracts visitors from all over the world to its unique setting.

There’s no better way to truly soak in Positano’s beauty than finding a scenic restaurant or bar and enjoying a cocktail or lunch with breathtaking views of the town. However, you don’t necessarily have to pay for those views.

You just need to be fit enough to walk up to Via Cristoforo Colombo! Much of this cliffside street offers some of the best views of Positano, including that iconic photo spot you see above (exact GPS coordinates below).

And I have to say, this street was my favorite place in Positano! I loved admiring all this beauty away from the busy beachside and narrow streets packed with tourists down below, haha.

However, if you actually want to pay for the views, there are a lot of great restaurants and bars along this street, like Franco’s Bar, La Sponda in Le Sirenuse Hotel, Ristorante Don Giovanni, Ristorante Bruno, and Li Galli bistrot. Pick one and enjoy!

Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo

12. Spend a beach day at the iconic Fiordo di Furore

Say hello to one of the most unique places on the Amalfi Coast: Fiordo di Furore! I’m sure you’ve seen this deep and narrow cove all over the internet – it is one of the most famous spots and one of the top places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

Despite its name (fiordo=fjord), technically it is not a fjord, because fjords are formed by glaciers, but this fjord-like gorge was formed by a river. Nevertheless, this place is pure beauty!

Thanks to its dramatic cliffs, 30-meter arched bridge, fishermen’s houses built inside the rock, and crystal-clear water washing the tiny pebble beach, a visit to Fiordo di Furore is one of the bucket list things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

Because of its surrounding rugged cliffs, the sun only shines inside the fjord for a couple of hours during the day, so this place has a pleasant microclimate and offers nice shade during the summer heat!

The easiest way to get to Fiordo di Furore is by SITA SUD public bus – there is a bus stop right on top of the bridge. Then just follow a steep, narrow stairway down to the beach.

We had a rental car, so we drove to Marina di Praia, parked there, and then walked to Fiordo di Furore (it’s a 10-15 minute walk). If you rent a scooter, you will definitely find some parking spots along the road, much closer to the fjord.

Location: Fiordo di Furore

13. Have Sfogliatella Santa Rosa for breakfast

Sfogliatella Santa Rosa is a traditional local pastry that originated right here on the Amalfi Coast. Today, it is one of the most popular pastries in the whole Campania region!

Often referred to as the “lobster tail pastry” because of its layered, shell-like appearance, the sfogliatella was first created in the 17th century at the Santa Rosa da Lima Monastery in Conca dei Marini, one of the seaside villages along the Amalfi Coast.

You’ll find this pastry in just about every pastry shop across the Amalfi Coast (or at least you should!). I’ve tried it more times than I can count — seriously, I’ve lost track, haha!

There are a few varieties, like the classic sfogliatella riccia (without toppings), or the Santa Rosa version, which is a local specialty here on the Amalfi Coast. It is topped with cream and a cherry — my personal favorite!

Needless to say, trying this pastry is one of the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast. Although you can find sfogliatella almost everywhere, I recommend two special places to enjoy it.

One place is the charming Pasticceria Pansa, the most iconic pastry shop in Amalfi. It is located right next to the Amalfi Cathedral, in the heart of Piazza del Duomo. It’s been around since the 19th century!

The other place is one of the hidden gems on the Amalfi Coast: Bar Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini, the exact village where the pastry was born! Plus, it is located just steps away from the Santa Rosa Monastery, the birthplace of this pastry!

Location: Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi – Bar Santa Rosa

14. See Amalfi from above at Belvedere Cimitero

If you love seeing places from above, you have to visit this spot in Amalfi! The Belvedere Cimitero viewpoint is located right next to Amalfi’s cemetery (yes, they have cemeteries uphill!), and offers panoramic views of the mountains and the town below.

You can reach this viewpoint on foot by climbing the stairs behind the cathedral or the ones by the beach. The viewpoint is surrounded by fragrant lemon groves and pine trees, which makes this experience even better!

I love seeing places from above, so exploring the breathtaking views this viewpoint offers was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town. And I love a good workout, too, after all the eating we did in Amalfi, haha!

Location: Belvedere Cimitero

15. See postcard views at Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Talking about amazing views, you might want to add one more place to your Amalfi Coast bucket list: Villa Rufolo in Ravello!

Villa Rufolo is a vast 13th-century estate built by the wealthy Rufolo family, who were influential merchants in this area. Today, this estate is open to the public (for an entrance fee) and hosts different local events.

Villa Rufolo is one of the main sites for the famous Ravello Music Festival, which takes place every year during the summer months. Apart from that, it is known for its breathtaking postcard views of the Amalfi Coast!

We got to explore the vibrant terraced gardens with panoramic Amalfi Coast views, saw the cloister, and climbed the medieval Torre Maggiore tower. But there is one especially unique place Villa Rufolo is known for.

Located inside the gardens is a small viewpoint that overlooks an iconic postcard view – the towers of the Church of Saint Mary of Grace, with a pine tree and the scenic view of the Amalfi Coast in the background (see photo above).

This is one of the most famous and recognizable postcard views of the Amalfi Coast. You’ll see it printed or painted on many souvenirs! While I loved Villa Cimbrone more, this medieval villa truly was worth one hour of our time!

Location: Villa Rufolo

16. Try the popular Pasta al Limone for lunch

As you might already know, the Amalfi Coast is all about the “yellow gold” – lemons! So it comes as no surprise that one of the most popular pasta dishes on the Amalfi Coast is pasta al limone, or lemon pasta!

Amalfi Coast’s local lemon, Sfusato Amalfitano, has been cultivated here for hundreds and hundreds of years, so the creamy pasta al limone is a must-try dish when visiting this part of Italy.

Luckily, you will find lemon pasta in almost every single pasta restaurant. We managed to try the beautiful lemon pasta in Atrani, at Le Palme seaside restaurant, as well as in La Cucina del Tramonto d’Oro in Praiano village.

Although the dish is quite simple, it is incredibly rich in flavor with lemon juice, zest, butter, and cream or cheese creating a rich and tangy sauce. You can’t visit the Amalfi Coast without trying one of the most popular traditional dishes of this region!

If you want to check out other pastas and traditional dishes from this region, then check out my blog post about the must-try Amalfi Coast foods!

17. See the iconic Atrani Beach

I will tell you a secret – despite its famous neighbors, Atrani was my favorite village on the Amalfi Coast. There is just something special, something unique about this place!

Known as the smallest town in Italy (only 0.12 square kilometers or 0.05 square miles), it gets completely overlooked by most travelers, and, to be honest, I’m not mad about it at all!

It is always nice to escape the buzz of Amalfi town and walk 10 minutes to the charming small town of Atrani and find it so peaceful, but equally beautiful.

The top thing to do in Atrani village is to enjoy the iconic Spiaggia di Atrani, or Atrani Beach. This sandy beach was one of my favorite places on the coastline – largely thanks to its dramatic scenery with flanking cliffs and the iconic arcade lining the beachside.

No wonder this place has been a filming location for many TV series and movies. Did you also watch Denzel Washington live here in The Equalizer 3? Yeah, me too.

If you have some time to spare while visiting Amalfi town, I highly recommend walking over to Atrani (it’s a 10-minute walk) to at least take a peek at this place and to see one of the most iconic views along the coastline – Atrani Beach.

Location: Atrani Beach

18. Go on a trip to the ancient ghost town of Pompeii

If you’re planning a trip to this part of Italy, Pompeii also has to be on your Amalfi Coast itinerary!

Pompeii was once a bustling Roman city of 10 to 15 thousand residents, sitting at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, until one fateful day in 79 AD, when Vesuvius violently erupted.

As a result of this sudden eruption, the city, along with many of its inhabitants, was buried under thick layers of volcanic ash and pumice, effectively freezing it in time. The eruption actually began the day before, which allowed some residents to escape.

Today, Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the world’s only fully preserved archaeological site where you can witness an entire ancient Roman city. You’ll see exactly how it looked with its shops, bars, villas, streets, squares, temples, and more.

The Pompeii archaeological site is also one of the most visited places in Italy, drawing a couple of million visitors to this ghost town every year, so be prepared for that.

If you’re staying in Sorrento or another town along the Circumvesuviana Railway line, which connects Naples and Sorrento, you can simply hop on the train and go to Pompeii directly. The Circumvesuviana train stops just 100 meters from Pompeii’s entrance.

If you don’t live next to the railway, you can check out some of the guided tours that include transfers from hotels. We had a car, so we arrived on our own.

I highly recommend drawing up a short plan of the key places you want to visit in Pompeii. The city is large, and you could easily find yourself wandering endlessly for hours. You can comfortably cover all the main and most interesting spots in a focused 2-hour visit.

So, the best solution is either to book a guided tour with an archaeologist to truly understand what you’re seeing, or you can save the main highlights on Google Maps and follow your own self-guided route through the city.

My top locations in Pompeii included the historical Basilica, Temple of Apollo, and the massive Forum of Pompeii, with all the buildings surrounding the Forum Square. I also recommend looking into some of the ‘Casa’ buildings you see on Google Maps.

Those are actually 2-thousand-year-old luxury Roman villas with bright frescoes painted on the walls, mosaics covering the floors, and inner courtyards with statues and columns.

My favorite villas were Casa Della Fontana Piccola, Casa dei Dioscuri, Casa del Fauno, the largest house in Pompeii, Casa de Marco Lucrecio en la Via Stabiana, Casa del Menandro, Casa di Ottavio Quartione, and Lupanare di Pompei brothel.

If you want to see the horrific sight of plaster casts of victims of the eruption, then try looking into the Macellum market next to the Forum of Pompeii, the Garden of the Fugitives, or Casa di Sirico, where they hold the first victims ever found during the excavations.

Pompeii is a place we will remember for sure.

Location: Archaeological Park of Pompeii

19. Climb to the summit of Mount Vesuvius

Who remembers the notorious volcano from history lessons that buried a whole town and its inhabitants under layers and layers of volcanic ash?

That’s Mount Vesuvius for you, and the doomed city of Pompeii. And I can’t be the only one who remembered the horror story of the Pompeii eruption from history lessons!

But did you know that you can actually hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius and peek inside the crater? Yes. Now that I’ve seen it up close, it doesn’t seem so scary anymore, haha.

If you are traveling all the way to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, you might as well climb to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, right?

Access to the crater is restricted, and you can only climb up there during opening hours after purchasing a ticket.

Because we had a car, we visited the volcano individually, but you can join some group tours, if it’s easier for you. See some of the tours below!

For those who rent a car, you’ll have to drive to the Mount Vesuvius parking lot (book your spot in advance!), and then start hiking up from there if you want a longer hike, or jump on a shuttle bus if you want a shorter hike.

We started climbing up from the parking lot, and after 1 hour and 3.6 kilometers or 2.2 miles, we reached the far end of the crater (the furthest we were allowed to go).

The round trip took us just under 2 hours, and we did 7.2 kilometers or 4.5 miles.

However, most of the visitors take a bus up to the ticket office/visitor center and start the hike there.

From there, the hike to the far end of the crater will be 1.7 kilometers or just over 1 mile long and will take about 30 minutes. It is a steeper climb up to the crater!

Best time to hike this? Definitely in the morning, if you can, before the midday heat and before the crowds show up! Mount Vesuvius is one of the popular places in the area, and it does get crowded!

We entered right after it opened and could explore on our own, but I’ve heard that later in the day, they let people inside with 10-minute intervals and in groups.

Nevertheless, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do! I was shocked by how deep the crater was, and we could even smell gases coming out of it. Vesuvius is still an active volcano, after all!

And those views! You can see Naples from above, and you get sea views of the Gulf of Naples, as well as views of the doomed city of Pompeii, if you can find it in the maze below.

Made me realize how powerful the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius was, because Pompeii is quite some distance away from the volcano!

Location: Vesuvius Parking – Vesuvius Crater Access

20. Try scialatielli, Amalfi Coast’s very own pasta

Okay, as you know, there are many different pasta dishes in Italy. And then there are also many different types of pastas (like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli). And the Amalfi Coast has its own type of pasta – Scialatielli!

Scialatielli pasta is one of the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast. It is a short, thick, hand-cut pasta (think: very fat spaghetti) that originated in the town of Amalfi.

You will find this “very fat spaghetti” very often on restaurant menus on the Amalfi Coast. As it is with many types of pasta, you can eat it in different ways – with meat, seafood, vegetables, etc.

Also, you’ll find this pasta in basically every souvenir shop and gourmet shop across the towns on the Amalfi Coast. And I could not resist – I bought a package of lemon scialatielli to take home and cooked homemade meals with it.

There is one special Amalfi Coast dish made of this pasta, and it is Scialatielli ai frutti di mare. Frutti di mare means “fruit of the sea,” so this pasta comes with a mix of seafood like shrimp, calamari, mussels, etc. I’m no fan of seafood, but I tried it, and it was good!

The pasta had a good bite, the sauce was flavorful, and the seafood was seafood. I did leave a few of the creatures untouched, though, haha! If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll like it for sure. If not, then better look at other scialatielli pasta dishes on the menu!

Happy exploring!

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its dramatic coastline views, its historic villas, scenic views, and beautiful architecture. I haven’t been everywhere, but it has to be one of the most beautiful places on our planet!

We spent half a year living in and exploring the area on and around the Amalfi Coast. It’s easy to see why this region has drawn everyone from simple fishermen to Roman emperors to its shores for thousands of years.

I hope you find some travel inspiration in this Amalfi Coast guide—and that you enjoy your time on Italy’s Divine Coast as much as we did. The beaches, the views, the villages, the food… It’s a place you’ll never forget!

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