The Amalfi Coast is a unique destination that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. So here are tips from an Amalfi resident and travel expert for navigating the area and keeping your cool among the crowds.
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Italy's sensational Amalfi Coast, with its winding roads, soaring cliffs and ice-colored houses, is a summer hotspot. For the 13 coastal municipalities, the Campania region tourism agency recorded 564,981 visitors in 2023, up 9% compared to 2019.
This number is likely to increase next year, as new airport makes access to the notoriously difficult to access coastline a little easier. Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport is already partially open and this summer welcomed flights from Milan, Berlin, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Malta.
The Amalfi Coast is a unique destination that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. So here are tips from an Amalfi resident and travel expert for navigating the area and keeping your cool among the crowds.
“I have never tasted food like this before”
Sarah Thompson moved to Amalfi Coast “for a tomato and a boy,” as she says. After spending a semester at a university in Rome, she stayed there and accepted a job as a bartender in Sorrento, the gateway to the coast.
A director may have written her life, because it didn't take long for her to fall in love with an Italian boy and his hometown. “He showed me around and I had no idea there was such a beautiful place on Earth! There was color everywhere: in the food, the buildings, the clothes and the people,” she says.
Sarah Thompson moved to the Amalfi Coast “for a tomato and a boy.”
Sarah Thompson
That said, maybe it was the vegetable that convinced her to stay. “At family Sunday lunch, there was a bowl of tomatoes just decorated with a little salt, olive oil and basil,” she says. “I plucked a tomato from the bowl with my fork and put it in my mouth and there was an explosion of flavor. I'm pretty sure I've never tasted food like this before.
“The residents of the Amalfi Coast are exhausted”
Thompson says tourism on the Amalfi Coast has seen significant growth over the past 10 years. “Residents are exhausted and can't really enjoy the beauty of their city during the hottest months of the year,” she says. “It is also becoming more and more expensive and the space between budget holidays and luxury travel is becoming noticeably larger.”
However, it also plans to focus more on sustainable tourism and environmental protection. Thompson founded a company called Luxama Travel which guides visitors along the coastline. “I always encourage my clients to respect local customs, limit the use of plastic and avoid overloading sensitive areas by exploring off-peak times,” she explains.
“Shop locally and give treats like candy”
Thompson places importance on encouraging guests to act responsibly when visiting the Amalfi Coast. She says it's essential to support local businesses and preserve natural beauty through sustainable practices.
“The Amalfi Coast is not a circus or theme park where you can walk around screaming, throwing trash on the ground and waiting for other people to pick it up for you at the end of the day” , she said. “You also can’t assume that because you’re on vacation you have more of a right to skip the lines and expect everything to be served on a silver platter.”
Italy's sensational Amalfi Coast, with its winding roads, soaring cliffs and ice-colored houses, is a summer hotspot.
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She reminds her customers that local residents work here to earn a year's salary in six months, “working tirelessly almost 12 hours a day with maybe one day off a week if they're lucky.”
“These people do their best to give you the vacation of a lifetime and one of the best things you can do is respect them and the place they call home,” she says. “Shop locally and hand out “Grazies” like candy. »
Best Ways to Avoid Crowds on the Amalfi Coast
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, or October) is a great way to avoid the summer rush.
“I also recommend exploring lesser-known towns and villages like Praiano, Tramonti, and even Vietri sul Mare for a more peaceful experience,” says Thompson. “There are many small roads or 'vicoletti' that you can explore on foot or by scooter.”
She suggests avoiding the beach for a few days and exploring the mountains and hilly villages. “It’s usually at least five degrees cooler and there are fewer people,” she says.
“I also recommend exploring lesser-known towns and villages like Praiano, Tramonti, and even Vietri sul Mare for a more peaceful experience,” says Thompson.
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“If budget is not an issue, I highly recommend renting a yacht or sailboat and taking daily city tours so you don't have to navigate the frustrating, traffic-clogged side streets,” adds -she.
For those looking to splashThompson can arrange private yacht charters, exclusive wine tastings in ancient cellars, cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs or private tours of historic villas.
Don't Make These Mistakes When Visiting the Amalfi Coast
Many travelers underestimate the steepness, winding roads and traffic along the coastline. “Public transportation along the Amalfi Coast is not as reliable as American public transportation,” Thompson says. “The Amalfi Coast is incredibly difficult to travel: sometimes buses don't stop because they are full or a ferry is canceled due to weather. »
“Another common mistake is not booking restaurants or tours in advance during peak season, which can lead to missed opportunities. I make sure all the details are organized in advance for a smooth experience,” she adds.
