Luxury Amalfi Coast Villas

About the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy’s most stunning stretch of coastline. Granted UNESCO world heritage status, it stretches 34 miles between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. It is located in the Campania region of Italy. The rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast which overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salento offer visitors staying in our Amalfi Coast villa rentals some of the most magical vistas anywhere in Italy.

Towns and villages of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is dotted with picturesque towns and villages that cling to the cliffs. Some of the prettiest and most famous include Positano, Ravello, Conca dei Marini, Praiano and Amalfi, Minori and Maiori. And of course, our luxury villas Amalfi Coast  also provide a great base from which to explore Capri, Procida and Ischia too.

For more information on the towns and villages to visit during your Amalfi Coast holiday, take a look at our A to Z guide to the Amalfi Coast.

What to see and do on the Amalfi Coast

Whilst there are plenty of small sandy beaches and coves along the Amalfi Coast, spending time on the beach and in the sea is usually not the main reason someone books a holiday in one of our Amalfi coast villas with private pool.

Instead, many visit to explore the beautiful towns and villages along this stretch of Italy’s coastline. Many also use it as a base to enjoy some incredible walks. A couple of our favourite hikes are along the lemon terraces – limoneti – betweem Minori and Maiori as well as the Sentiero degli Dei.

Incidentally, this area is famous for its lemons. We can pretty much guarantee that these will be the largest lemons you have ever seen! They are also used to make the famous alcoholic tipple limoncello, something that must be sampled during any Amalfi coast holiday villa stay!

Visitors to the Amalfi Coast should definitely use it as a base to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both ancient cities have been incredibly well preserved by the ash and mud that covered them when Vesuvius erupted in AD79. And both offer a unique snapshot into Roman life. Whilst it would really take at least a day to do justice to the archeological site of Pompeii, many combine a visit here with a trip to Mount Vesuvius itself. This is still an active volcano.

And, of course, the proximity of the Amalfi Coast to Naples means it’s also a good base from which to explore Italy’s third largest city (and the birthplace of pizza) too.

Finally, no visit to the Amalfi Coast would be complete without getting out on the water. Enjoy a boat trip along this stretch of coastline and perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Grotto della Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto) or the Blue Grotto in Capri. Certainly, we recommend you take a trip to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Capri. The journey by boat will take just under an hour. Alternatively, opt to take the longer boat trip to Procida or to Ischia to wallow in the thermal waters there.

For more inspiration on what to see and do, head to our guide to the top 60 things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

When to visit the Amalfi Coast

Book one of our Amalfi Coast villa rentals during the Summer months and expect to find all of the Amalfi Coast towns and villages flooded with tourists and its coastal roads snarled with traffic. But don’t let this put you off. We love the Amalfi Coast whatever the season. Whilst you won’t find long stretches of sand here, there are plenty of small sandy beaches cut into the rocky cliffs as well as small pebbled coves where you can enjoy a slower pace of life, interspersed with time spent sightseeing.

However, if you’re keen on hiking, or prefer a quieter time, then Spring or Autumn would be a better option. These months are certainly the ideal time to enjoy the wonderful views along the 9 km Path of the Gods.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

We think the ‘shoulder season’ in the Spring and Autumn is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast. This is when crowds aren’t too crazy and temperatures pleasant for sightseeing. It’s also the perfect time to hike along the many coastal paths. April and May are probably our favourite months to stay in one of our Amalfi Coast villa rentals. After all, this is when the countryside is looking its best – wildflowers are blooming and the land is at its greenest. October comes a close second. After all, early Autumn brings similar temperatures to the Spring, only you’ll find the sea warmer after the months of Summer heat. It’s also a time of abundance when it comes to food – this is truffle and funghi season.

From June to August (and even into September), you can expect the Amalfi Coast to be drenched in sunshine with minimal rainfall. Expect temperatures to top 30°C. But, with the heat comes the crowds…. and the traffic! That said, this is also the time when there are plenty of festivals on the Amalfi Coast. The whole area really does come alive and there is a party-like, almost carnival atmosphere in many of the towns and villages. In any case, with our help, you can still find some quieter, hidden gems during your Amalfi Coast holiday villa stay. Plus, opt for one of our Amalfi Coast villas with private pool and you will be able to easily keep cool.

Travelling in low season will does bring more unpredictability when it comes to the weather. This is when rainfall is at its peak but you can still expect plenty of bright, crisp days. Beach clubs are closed as are some businesses. Public transport is also less frequent. But, we still think the area has a charm to it – there is certainly something to be said for visiting when you’re not shoulder to shoulder with other holidaymakers!

How do I get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or Rome?

High speed trains run from Rome to Naples numerous times each day. You’re then less than an hour and a half  away from the Amalfi Coast. If travelling by public transport, the quickest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is using the public ferry. These go direct from Naples to Positano and Amalfi multiple times a day and take around 90 minutes. You could also opt to take the train from Naples to Salerno or Sorrento, which is affectionately referred to as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. From here, you can then use the boat network or SITA buses to continue your onward journey. Alternatively, opt for a private driver or hire a car. This will take you along the E45 highway. Coming by car can certainly be the quickest and easiest way to reach some of our Amalfi coast villas with private pool.

Do I need a car to explore the Amalfi Coast?

Definitely not! In fact, for some months of the year, we would recommend you avoid having one. After all, on certain days between June and September, travel restrictions are put in place on the coastal road between Positano and Vietri sul Mare prohibiting non-resident cars. Even when you are allowed to drive here, the route isn’t for nervous drivers – narrow roads, plunging cliffs and heavy traffic means it’s best left to the experts! That said, many of the most stunning Amalfi Coast villa rentals aren’t within walking distance of public transport. As a result, you may need to hire a car to get to your chosen Amalfi coast villa rental, and then use it to get you to near to public transport links which will take you where you need to go. 

What are the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast?

This stretch of coastline has a number of towns that simply have to be explored during your stay in one of our Amalfi Coast villa rentals. The most famous are Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. However, we have a soft spot for Atrani, Maiori and Minori. And, whilst only small, we love Praiano too – it’s worth visiting just to enjoy the views from here if nothing else! Of course, sitting off the mainland from the Amalfi Coast you also have the island of Capri, home to Capri Town and the quieter Marina Piccalo. And whilst not technically a part of the Amalfi Coast, we love the vibrant, bustling streets of the larger town of Sorrento as well.

How many days should I spend on the Amalfi Coast?

We would say that a week in our Amalfi Coast villa rentals will give you sufficient time to do justice to the Amalfi Coast. This will certainly give you enough opportunity to explore a selection of its coastal towns and villages, as well as visiting famous nearby sites such as Pompeii or even Mount Vesuvius. However, if you have time to spend a bit longer, you can enjoy exploring at a slower pace, breaking up sightseeing with time relaxing on the charming Amalfi Coast beaches or hiking the many scenic trails. It will also allow you to take a boat trip to the islands, not just Capri but also Ischia and Procida. Or you could even use it as a base to visit the city of Naples too.

What are the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast?

First and foremost, those staying in our luxury villas Amalfi Coast should plan which Amalfi Coast towns and villages they want to explore. Opt to stroll through the bougainvillea covered streets of Positano, admire the Duomo in Amalfi, shop for souvenirs in Sorrento, discover ceramic making in Vietri or marvel at the beauty of Ravello’s villas and gardens. Other sights not to be missed include a trip to nearby Capri and the spectacular Blue Grotto, hikes through the lemon groves and along the 11 km long Path of the Gods and a climb up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Be prepared too to be amazed at the incredible history on display in nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum. If you have longer to spend here, then we also recommend you head further afield to wallow in the thermal spas on the island of Ischia or to explore the charming island of Procida. And of course, allow time to just relax – spend time on the beaches and go swimming in the water.

What are the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast?

Many of our luxury villas on the Amalfi Coast have their own pools but nothing can beat a day at the beach. Many of the beaches on the Amalfi Coast are private beach establishments. Conjure up images of row upon row of sun beds and brightly coloured parasols, all carefully watched over by eagle-eyed attendants and you have it in a nutshell. Whilst beachgoers have to pay to access these facilities, we love them and think they just add to the glitz and glamour of the Amalfi Coast.

The Marina Grande in Positano is one of the liveliest beaches if you fancy an afternoon away from your Amalfi coast villa with private pool. Here you’ll find a string of bars, restaurants and even a disco. You can also catch a shuttle boat from here to nearby quieter bays such as Gauitella, a private beach famous for its spectacular views of Positano and Capri. Alternatively, the Anienzo beach in Positano is generally a little quieter than the Marina Grande and enjoys the sun for longer.

One of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast is the Marina de Cantone. Here you will discover private beach areas as well as free bathing spots. Enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants built on platforms above the sea. A 10 minute walk from here will take you to Recommone Bay which also comes highly recommended.

Or Ravello has its own seaside district called Castiglione. Again, there is both a private bathing establishment here with free areas on either side. As with so many of the beaches, there are a number of steps to reach it – 186 to be precise! But this is far less than the Duoglio beach near Amalfi where you will have to cope with 400 steps down (and back up!)

Other beaches worth visiting include those at the tiny fishing village of Erchie as well as those at Minori and Maiori.