The Amalfi Coast is best treated as a slow five-day stay, not a day trip. Pick one base, use the ferries in summer, and accept that the coast road is beautiful and painfully slow. May, June, September and early October are the months that work.
Why go
Thirteen villages are stacked on cliffs between Sorrento and Salerno, connected by one hairpin road, a summer ferry network and a set of ancient mule paths. Positano is the postcard, Ravello has the gardens and the music festival, Amalfi has the cathedral, and Atrani next door is where locals actually eat. Capri, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius are all within an easy reach.
Best time to visit
- Late April to June — warm, green, lemon blossom, ferries running from April.
- July and August — hot, packed and dear; the road can gridlock for hours.
- September to mid-October — warmest sea of the year and thinning crowds. The connoisseur''s choice.
- November to March — many hotels, restaurants and all ferries close. Beautiful but shut.
Getting there from Australia
Fly to Rome or Naples via Dubai, Doha or Singapore (22 to 26 hours). From Naples: private transfer to Positano (about 90 minutes), the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento then SITA bus, or in season the ferry from Naples to Positano and Amalfi. From Rome, take the high-speed train to Naples (70 minutes) and continue from there.
Where to stay
- Positano — the icon. Steepest steps on the coast; expect stairs with luggage.
- Amalfi — flattest and best connected for buses and ferries.
- Ravello — high, cool, quiet, gardens and views. Best for couples.
- Praiano and Atrani — quieter, cheaper, still on the ferry and bus lines.
- Sorrento — not technically the Amalfi Coast, but the best transport hub and better value.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night (June) | 350 - 600 |
| Sun bed and umbrella hire | 45 - 120 |
| Ferry Positano to Amalfi | 18 |
| SITA bus ticket | 3 - 5 |
| Lunch with a sea view | 55 - 90 |
| Private transfer Naples to Positano | 220 |
| Boat day charter for four | 900 + |
| Capri return ferry | 45 |
Getting around
Do not hire a car unless your hotel has confirmed parking; it is expensive and the road is a single lane of hairpins with buses coming the other way. Use the SITA buses (cheap, crowded, buy tickets at tabacchi before boarding), the ferries (best views, fastest between villages, April to October), and taxis or transfers for luggage days. Note that Positano restricts non-resident vehicles in summer.
What to do
Walk the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle — three hours, downhill in that direction, the best value experience on the coast. Ravello''s Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. A boat day to the Li Galli islands or the Capri grottoes. Pompeii and Vesuvius as one long day. And a lemon farm tour, which sounds twee and is genuinely good.
Safety and practicalities
| Need | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Power | Type F/L, 230V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Terrain | Hundreds of steps in most villages — pack light |
| Visa (Australians) | Visa-free up to 90 days in the Schengen area |
| Main risk | Road accidents, sun exposure, seasonal closures |
Crime is negligible. The practical risks are the road, the sun and being stranded when the last ferry or bus of the day leaves earlier than you assumed. Photograph the timetable at the stop.
Common questions
What is the best base on the Amalfi Coast?
Amalfi for transport, Positano for looks, Ravello for peace and views, Sorrento for value and connections. First-timers with one week usually do best in Amalfi or Praiano.
How many days do you need for the Amalfi Coast?
Four to five nights. Two is enough only for a single village and one boat trip.
Is it worth visiting in October?
Yes, up to mid-October. The sea is still warm, prices drop, and the coast breathes again. After late October, ferries stop and many businesses close for winter.
Should you hire a car on the Amalfi Coast?
Generally no. Parking is scarce and costs A$40 to A$70 a day where it exists, and the road is stressful. Buses, ferries and transfers cover everything.
Can you day trip to Capri and Pompeii?
Both, on separate days. Capri is a 30 to 50 minute ferry from Positano or Sorrento. Pompeii is best from Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train.