Amalfi Coast First Timer's Checklist

May-June and September are ideal. July-August means extreme crowds and heat. November-March: many places close but the coast is hauntingly beautiful.

Maiori: best value, longest beach, central. Amalfi: transport hub, flat. Positano: glamorous but expensive and steep. Ravello: romantic but isolated.

The best places sell out months ahead in peak season. Book 2-3 months in advance for summer.

Best route: fly to Naples, bus/train to Salerno, ferry to coast. Don't rent a car unless you're experienced on narrow cliff roads.

Ferries are the best way to travel the coast but only run April-October. Outside this window, you'll rely on buses and taxis.

Da Adolfo (Positano), A'Paranza (Atrani), Acquapazza (Cetara), Torre Normanna (Maiori) fill up fast. Call or email directly.

Wagner concerts at Villa Rufolo sell out weeks in advance. Check ravellofestival.com for the program.

Don't try to see everything. 3 days minimum, 5 days ideal. Pick 2-3 towns per day maximum.

Our PWA works offline — access maps, guides, and your itinerary even without internet.

Festivals, food events, and concerts can make or break your trip. Sagra del Tonno in Cetara (July), Gusta Minori (September), Ravello Festival (June-September).

The Amalfi Coast is made of stairs. Hundreds and hundreds of stairs. Flip-flops won't cut it. Bring proper walking shoes or sturdy sandals with ankle support.

Most beaches are pebble or rocky, not sand. Walking barefoot on hot pebbles is painful. Water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming access.

Ravello is 350m above the coast and 3-5°C cooler. Evenings can be breezy even in summer. A light cardigan or jacket saves the night.

The Mediterranean sun is intense, especially reflected off the water. Reapply every 2 hours. A hat is non-negotiable for hiking.

Water from the tap is safe to drink in all towns. Many towns have public fountains. Buying bottled water at tourist prices adds up fast.

You'll be on ferries, buses, stairs, and narrow paths. A compact daypack with water, sunscreen, and snacks is all you need.

Bare shoulders and shorts are not allowed in churches. Many restaurants also have a smart-casual dress code for dinner. Pack a light scarf or sarong.

Many small restaurants, bus tickets, and beach vendors are cash-only. ATMs are available in every town center. Card machines sometimes 'broken' at small places.

The water clarity on the coast is extraordinary. Renting gear at beaches is expensive (€15+/day). Bring your own compact set.

You'll use your phone for maps, ferry schedules, and photos all day. Battery won't last. A power bank is essential.

Mosquitoes can be aggressive near valleys and at sunset. The Valle delle Ferriere hike is especially bad. Bring repellent.

You CANNOT buy tickets on the bus. Buy them at any tabacchi, newsstand, or bar with a SITA sticker. Get a few single tickets or the €10 COSTIERASITA 24h pass.

Last ferries back are usually 18:00-19:00. Miss it and you're looking at an €80+ taxi ride. Always check the return schedule BEFORE you leave.

Taxis have fixed prices between towns, displayed on a sign at the stand. Don't negotiate — the posted price IS the price. If a driver tries to charge more, point to the sign.

Tourist shops charge 2-3x more for water and basics. Every town has a small supermarket (alimentari/minimarket). Stock up on arrival.

Local hosts know which restaurants are genuinely good vs tourist traps. Their advice is worth more than any review site.

Join the local tradition of the evening stroll along the seafront. It's how you get oriented, find restaurants, and feel the rhythm of the coast.

This is the #1 mistake tourists make. Last ferries are early (18:00-19:00). Missing them means an expensive taxi back.

Villa Cimbrone (Ravello) at 9:00 = empty. At 10:30 = packed with tour groups. The Cathedral in Amalfi, Da Adolfo beach shuttle — early bird wins.

The Mediterranean sun burns fast, especially when reflected off water. Don't skip this even on cloudy days.

With all the stairs, heat, and walking, dehydration sneaks up fast. Fill your bottle at public fountains — the water is safe and cold.

Italian restaurants have strict kitchen hours. If you show up at 15:00 wanting lunch, most places will be closed until dinner (19:30+).

Showing up for dinner at 18:00 marks you as a tourist and you'll eat alone. Locals eat at 20:30-21:00. The atmosphere is completely different.

The coast transforms at sunset. Praiano for the best sunset views, Positano for the golden glow, Atrani's piazza for atmosphere.

Three words that transform your experience: 'buongiorno' (good morning), 'permesso' (excuse me), 'grazie' (thank you). Locals will treat you 10x better.

Every town has free public beach sections. Beach clubs charge €15-50/day for chairs. Spiaggia libera is free and often just as good.

Same coast, same sea, same beauty. A spaghetti alle vongole costs €18 in Maiori vs €35 in Positano. Hotels are half the price. The ferry connects you to everywhere.

Single tickets are €2-2.90 each. The 24h pass pays for itself after 4 rides. Buy at any tabacchi.

The coperto (cover charge, €2-4/person) is already on the bill. Round up if you want, but no 15-20% American-style tipping. Leaving too much can actually confuse staff.

Buy fresh bread, mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes, and prosciutto at the alimentari. Eat at a viewpoint or beach. Better food, better view, fraction of the price.

Two universal signs of a tourist trap. Good restaurants on the coast don't need to advertise — locals fill them.