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Planning a trip to Amalfi? You’re in the right place!
This historic coastal town is packed with incredible sights, rich culture, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Italy. With so much to see and do, narrowing down your itinerary can be overwhelming – but that’s where we come in!
We’ve been to Amalfi many times and have uncovered the best activities and experiences available. Whether you want to sail along the coast, explore ancient ruins, or learn to cook pasta from scratch, I guarantee there’s something for you on this list. So grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive into the best things to do in Amalfi!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this private boat tour along the Amalfi Coast! We saw Roman ruins, enjoyed the stunning water and cliff views, and customized our itinerary. Plus, complimentary beer and Prosecco!
Things to do in Amalfi, Italy
1. Learn how to cook authentic Italian food
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 4 pm
- Highlights: Visit a local family-owned restaurant, learn to cook an authentic Italian meal (including homemade pasta!), enjoy wine as you cook
- Inclusions: All ingredients/materials, lunch or dinner, guide
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Italian food, so taking this cooking class in Praiano was something I couldn’t wait to do the last time I was in Italy! Located just 20 minutes from Amalfi, this charming town has a more relaxed vibe, and getting there is easy with a quick ferry or water taxi.
The class was hosted by Rocco and Carla, a wonderful husband-and-wife duo who made us feel like family from the moment we arrived. Their kitchen was surrounded by lemon groves and made the perfect setting to dive into authentic Amalfi cooking. We learned to make a variety of fresh pasta from scratch, with Carla sharing helpful tips passed down through generations.
For dessert, we made a citrusy, layered treat that perfectly captured the flavors of the region. After all the hands-on cooking, we sat down together to enjoy our meal, paired with a glass of wine. If you want to have even more wine (we don’t blame you!), you can upgrade to a full wine tasting, which includes 3 different types of homemade wine. We did this and highly recommend it!
Whether you want to brush up on your cooking skills or just experience the true flavors of the Amalfi Coast, I can’t recommend this class enough! And neither can the 300+ people who left it 5-star reviews!
Check availability and book this top-rated cooking class here!
2. Sail along the Amalfi Coast on a private boat excursion
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Sail along the Amalfi Coast on a private luxury boat, swim and snorkel in hidden coves, explore charming seaside villages
- Inclusions: Private boat/skipper, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer/prosecco, snorkeling equipment, towels
- Rating: 4.9 stars (read the 390+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is an experience you can’t miss, and this luxury private boat tour makes it even more special. We booked this tour the last time we were in Amalfi, and it was hands-down one of the best things we did!
Depending on the size of your group, you can choose from a variety of boat options, including a sleek speedboat or a luxurious 50-foot yacht. No matter which you pick, each one is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the stunning coastline. Our skipper took us past hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-worthy villages, stopping whenever we wanted to swim in the turquoise water.
One of the highlights was stopping in Minori, a charming seaside village home to ancient Roman ruins. We also visited Grotta Pandora in Maiori, a breathtaking sea cave you can swim into and explore – it felt like discovering a hidden world!
Onboard, we were treated to ice-cold beer and prosecco, making lounging on deck even better. Between the stunning views, refreshing swim stops, and the total freedom to explore, this boat tour was pure Amalfi Coast perfection.
If you’re looking for a private, luxurious, and stress-free way to experience the coast, this is the way to do it! But don’t just take my word for it – check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Take a boat tour to Capri
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am, 8:15 am, 8:45 am
- Highlights: Explore Capri by boat and land, see the Faraglioni Rocks, visit the island villages of Capri and Anacapri, add on extra experiences like the Blue Grotto and Chairlift to Mt. Solaro
- Inclusions: Guide, boat transportation, land transportation on Capri
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Did you know that just off the Amalfi Coast lies one of Italy’s most breathtaking islands? That’s right – Capri is a must-visit, and the best way to experience it is on this full-day adventure!
Departing from Amalfi, we cruised across the sparkling Mediterranean by boat, passing sheer limestone cliffs, hidden grottos, and dramatic rock formations. One of the highlights was seeing the famous Faraglioni Rocks. These towering stone formations rise straight from the sea, and sailing through them was such an epic experience!
But the adventure didn’t stop there – Capri isn’t just about the sea; it’s meant to be explored on land, too!
We wandered through the villages of Capri Town and Anacapri, stopping at charming piazzas, boutique shops, and stunning viewpoints. For those looking to do even more, there were plenty of optional add-on activities available, like taking the chairlift up Mt. Solaro for jaw-dropping views, visiting Villa San Michele, or heading inside the iconic Blue Grotto (these experiences come at an additional cost, so bring some extra cash!).
We love that this tour offers a small-group option and a private upgrade for those looking for a more personalized experience. If you want to see the best of Capri – both from the water and on land – this tour is an absolute must!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Visit the ancient city of Pompeii
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: Pickup time varies – confirm with tour operator
- Highlights: Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, explore the charming village of Positano, see villas and gardens in Ravello
- Inclusions: Private transportation with A/C and WIFI on board
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 230+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want to combine ancient history with the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast, this full-day private tour is the perfect way to do it!
The day began with a comfortable pickup from our accommodation by our fantastic driver, who was full of knowledge about the area. Our first stop was Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. While the tour provides transportation here, a guide and skip-the-line tickets aren’t included. We highly recommend arranging them through the tour company in advance for a stress-free and insightful experience – there’s so much to learn!
Next, we followed the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to Positano, where our driver’s recommendations led us to charming cafés and artisan shops. I even picked up some amazing souvenirs!
Our final stop was Ravello, perched high above the sea. We explored Villa Rufolo and soaked in panoramic views from a rooftop restaurant. It was the perfect way to end an amazing day!
For those wanting a seamless, customized way to see some of the Amalfi Coast’s best highlights in a single day, this tour is for you!
Check availability and book this historic tour here!
5. Drive the Amalfi Coast on a vintage Vespa
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Ride along the Amalfi coast on the back of a vintage Vespa, see the Furore Fjord, try local limoncello and lemon cake, visit Sorrento and Positano
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private guide/driver, helmet
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
There isn’t a more classic Italian experience than cruising along the Amalfi Coast on a vintage Vespa. I recently took this private Vespa tour, and it felt like I was like starring in my own classic film!
My guide (and driver), Giuseppe, was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and an absolute pro at navigating the winding coastal roads. With the ocean on one side and cliffside villages on the other, we zipped past traffic and stopped effortlessly at spots that tour buses could never reach.
Our first stop was Furore Fjord, a hidden gem with dramatic cliffs and serene waters. Many visitors miss it, but on a Vespa, we could easily pull over and soak it all in. I also loved our time exploring Emerald Cove. Admission wasn’t included in the tour, but it was worth the extra cost!
From there, we cruised into Positano, parking right in the heart of town. I had time to wander the charming streets, take in the sights, and treat myself to a local pastry. Then, we headed to Sorrento for more sightseeing.
It’s important to note that you will need to arrange your transport back to Amalfi after the tour is over. Talk to the tour provider before you take off, and they will help you out!
Between the breathtaking views, the thrill of the Vespa ride, and Giuseppe’s local insights, this tour was an absolute highlight of my trip. If you want to experience the Amalfi Coast like a true Italian – this is the way to do it!
Reserve your spot here and get FREE 24 hour cancellation!
Where to Stay in Amalfi, Italy
There are tons of amazing places to stay in Amalfi, including historic buildings, stunning sea views, and that coastal charm we love. If you’re a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking the perfect hotel – no worries! Just check out my top three suggestions for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
Situated right off Marina Grande, the Palazzo Don Salvatore is my top pick for a 5-star stay! Boasting incredible sea views, soaking tubs, and large, well-decorated rooms, you won’t want to leave your hotel. They offer standard hotel rooms or full suites, and you can enjoy the bar, terrace, and breakfast – all with a view, of course!
Prices start at €350 during the low season and around €600 during the tourist season. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Amalfi Luxury House is a moderately priced hotel situated on a quiet street in the hills of Amalfi. You can enjoy sweeping views of the city and sea from the terrace, and the rooms are open-air and spacious. They offer double, triple, or king rooms, and you can splurge to get a balcony in your room.
Rooms range from €140 to €380 per night, depending on the time of year and room. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget-conscious travelers, the B&B Valentì is a great choice! Located a short walk from Marina Grande Beach, you can be in a central area without breaking the bank. This B&B offers double or twin rooms that are very clean and come with a friendly staff. You can enjoy views of the city, mountains, and sea from the terrace.
Rooms start around €110 and can be booked here on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Amalfi here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Amalfi is on so many traveler’s bucket lists for good reason – it’s absolutely incredible! We loved our time here and were stunned by the scenery, architecture, and local charm. These top 5 things to do just scratch the surface, so get out there and experience Amalfi for yourself!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs that you might enjoy and inspire your next adventure – cheers!
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