Consider a honeymoon or romantic getaway on the Amalfi Coast – one of the most beguiling honeymoon destinations and breathtaking coastal resort areas in the Mediterranean.
The Amalfi Coast offers a 48km-long scenic coastline of deep ravines, sheer cliffs and rocky promontories layered with paster-coloured villages and scattered with vineyards and olive and lemon groves.
With its huge choice of hotels, stylish boutiques, lively bars and fine dining restaurants, the Amalfi Coast offers all the ingredients you need for a memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway in Italy.
The rugged Amalfi coastline is indented with a mix of public, private and often deserted pebble beaches that front tiny picture-perfect coves. Many hotels also have small private beaches.
One of the best ways to discover your own beach getaway is to charter a boat for the day and explore the nooks and crannies of this beautiful coastline.
Beaches on the Amalfi Coast consist mainly of fine, dark sand and/or small, round pebbles.
The best beaches include…
This dark sand beach is very popular during the summer months and consequently often crowded. Facilities include umbrellas, sun beds and sun chairs.
A number of smart hotels have their own sections of private beach where you can brush up your tan on a sun lounger and cool off with a refreshing swim in the clear turquoise waters.
This small sandy beach is a good alternative to bustling Amalfi, which is just a short walk away around a headland.
The free public beach of Atrani sits in front of the almost entirely enclosed Piazza Umberto.
Located at the base of a tree-clad cliff, Duoglio Beach offers a beautiful 170-metre long beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the crystal clear seawater.
Facilities include umbrellas, sun beds and sun chairs as well as rental kayaks, windsurfing and scuba-diving equipment. The beachside Lido Degli Artisti restaurant is well-known for freshly caught seafood.
Located just 1km from the centre of Amalfi, Duoglio is easily reached by boat every half-hour from Pennello Pier in Amalfi. The journey takes 5 minutes and costs €2 each per trip. Alternatively, you may walk, take a bus or taxi to the beach entrance; from there a 400-step staircase leads to the beach.
This small beach is found just west of Amalfi in a small, scenic cove close to Atrani.
Easily accessible by boat or by descending a steep twisting staircase, the rocky beach offers beach chairs, umbrellas and a beachfront restaurant serving excellent fresh seafood.
Cool off with a swim in the clear water and explore natural grottos including Arco Naturale, a natural arch over the sea; local legend has it that those who kiss while swimming underneath are assured everlasting love!
Choose from the two pebble beaches that lie beneath the exclusive resort town of Positano and its pastel-coloured villas that cling to the mountainside.
Check out Spiaggia Grande, a large, free beach in the heart of the ferry port that is bordered by an esplanade and some of Positano's best restaurants.
Or try Spiaggia del Fornillo (photo), a smaller and more secluded beach accessible either by a set of steps from the grotto above or via a path from Spiaggia Grande.
Spiaggia del Fornillo offers a laid-back atmosphere with four beach bars and no ferry traffic. Facilities include umbrellas, sun beds and sun chairs.
Located at the end of a small fjord in an awe-inspiring setting, Furore de Fiordo Beach is arguably one of Italy’s most picturesque beaches.
Easily visible from the bridge which spans the width of the fiord, the 25 metre long stone and shingle beach sits beneath the former fishing village, which has been transformed into a museum.
Furore Beach only catches the sun in the early hours of the morning and, as a consequence, never gets too hot, even in high summer.
Furore is located between Positano and Amalfi and is easily reached by bus. From the Furore Bridge a flight of stairs lead down to the beach.
Choose from two small pebble beaches – La Gavitella and Marina di Praia – that shelve into clear turquoise water in front of the charming low-key coastal town of Praiano.
Sitting beneath an ancient Saracen watch tower (Torre a Mare), Marina di Praia Beach (photo) is framed by dramatic soaring cliffs and boasts the Alfonso a Mare Hotel, which offers a range of creature comforts.
Facilities include umbrellas, sun beds and food and drinks from the beachside hotel.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on Maiori Beach, a 1.5km-long pebble and sand beach lined with orderly rows of umbrellas and sun beds.
Nearby Minori Beach (photo) is a smaller and more secluded beach with good access to the rest of the coastline. After a swim and tanning session, hike up the hill to the medieval hill town of Ravello, with its famous hanging gardens.
A few kilometres south of Sorrento sits a rocky promontory known as the Punta del Capo, or the Capo di Sorrento.
The site features the ruins of three 1st century AD Roman villas, one of which is believed to have once belonged to Pollio Felice. Beneath the ruins lies a beautiful cove, known as the Bagni della Regina Giovanna. Here, you may sunbathe on the rocky lido and swim or snorkel the calm turquoise waters.
Although not a sandy beach and without any facilities, the Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a popular swimming and snorkeling spot during summer. It can only be reached via a long staircase, following a 15-minute walk from the parking area at Capo di Sorrento.
The Amalfi Coast offers outstanding coastal views that are best appreciated on walking trips – perfect for active couples.
Explore picture-perfect towns clinging to cliff tops above an impossibly blue Mediterranean Sea and nestling among almond, chestnut, oak and pine trees.
Discover stylish Amalfi, exclusive Positano and walk in the footsteps of D.H. Lawrence in romantic Ravello, where the famous author wrote Lady Chatterly's Lover.
As well as on foot, the Amalfi Coast is easily explored by bus or car, and by water taxi, hydrofoil and ferry. The nearby island of Capri is just 25 minutes away from Sorrento by hydrofoil – perfect for a day trip.
The Amalfi Coast (and island of Capri) offer countless hiking trails with magnificent vistas of deep ravines, sheer cliffs and rocky promontories layered with paster-coloured villages and scattered with vineyards and olive and lemon groves.
From Amalfi, take the picturesque and easy walk along the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), following the River Canneto to the Mulino Rovinato (Ruined Mill).
Or hike from Amalfi to Positano along the famous Via degli Incanti (Trail of Charms); the 25km-long trail winds through cultivated terraces and citrus groves.
A more demanding hike will take you to the Vallone delle Ferriere, once a favourite with 19th century visitors doing the Grand Tour and now a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
These peculiar limestone mountains were once at the bottom of the sea and host a range of plants and animals that have disappeared elsewhere on the European continent: look out for the 2m-high fern woodwardia radicans, saffron – the world’s most expensive spice, as well as several species of salamander. Allow six hours for the round trip on this 12km hike.
From Furore, hike spectacular paths through the Lattari Mountains: try the Sentiero della Volpe Pescatrice (The Fishing Vixen Path) from Punta Sant'Elia to the Fiord of Furore; or follow the Agave in Fiore (The Agave in Flower) from Punta Sant'Elia to Praiano, where you can see many flowering agave plants.
On Capri, countless easy-to-follow trails wind up from the coast into the hills past cactus-covered cliffs and whitewashed houses overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea.
Follow the Via Caposcuro and Via Migliera south to the clifftop lookout of Belvedere di Migliera for panoramic sea views.
Hike from Capri town on the Via Camerelle–Via Tragara to the Faraglioni rocks and its idyllic beach, beneath or explore pathways and descend hundreds of steps past the Grotto di Matermania on the Via Pizzo Lungo to Capri’s famous Arco Naturale, a natural rock bridge that overlooks the sea.
You can also choose to hike the Scala Fenicia (Fenician Staircase), which descends from Anacapri to Capri; the long staircase of 881 steps offers superb views and dates back to the 8th century BC.
Drive the dramatic 50km-long corniche that twists and turns around hairpin bends between towering mountain peaks on one side of the road and steep cliffs that plunge into the sea on the other.
Snaking along the coast between the resorts of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, the road offers breathtaking scenery.
The Amalfi Coast offers a choice of must-see sightseeing attractions, including…
Wander the narrow streets and alleyways past bustling shops, restaurants and colourful buildings, some of which date back to Byzantium times.
Now an established coastal resort, Amalfi was once the centre of an independent maritime republic from the 7th to 11th centuries.
Set into a fissure in the cliff face of the steep Lattari hills and fronting a beach, the town is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and opulent villas, cloaked in brilliantly coloured bougainvillea.
More about Amalfi…
Stroll the streets of this romantic village, perched 335m above the tiny coastal village of Amalfi.
Admire the breathtaking views across the Lattari Mountains and the stunning coastline towards Salerno from the colourful gardens of the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone or from the plunge pool of the Palazzo Sasso.
Sip a limoncello on the terrace as you enjoy a sunset. In the evening head to Cumpa Cosima, regarded as the town’s best trattoria, for a delicious Neapolitan meal washed down with a local full-bodied wine.
Enjoy the unique setting and special ambience of Positano, one the world’s most picturesque villages.
White and pastel coloured Moorish-style houses cling dramatically to slopes above a small sheltered bay.
Explore the town’s narrow alleyways and steep staircases that climb up the mountainside. Browse designer boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries and soak up the sun on either of Positano's two beaches: sunbathe between fishing boats on Spiagga Grande, the main beach and the centre of activity.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, take a five-minute stroll around the coast to the smaller and more secluded Spiagga del Fornillo, where you can enjoy a favourite drink on the terrace of the Pupetto Hotel.
While there, see if you can spot any celebs: Positano has been a celebrity hangout since John Steinbeck wrote a glowing review back in the 1950s, and it's still a great spot for a honeymoon visit.
Famous for its sea cliffs and vistas across to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples, Sorrento offers newlyweds a choice of gorgeous beaches, ancient archaeological ruins, natural wonders and excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula.
Dating back to the 1st century BC, Sorrento is one of Italy's most well-established resorts, located on a stunning stretch of Italian coastline and within easy driving distance of some of Italy's finest sights, including Pompeii, Naples and Herculaneum.
Stroll narrow cobbled streets through the heart of the town centre, visiting the beautiful Piazza Tasso and Via Pieta and its collection of medieval buildings.
More about Sorrento…
The Isle of Capri – Italy’s most famous island and the haunt of movie stars, literati and everyone famous since the Roman Emperor Tiberius first established his home here in the 1st century AD – is the perfect Mediterranean island for a honeymoon.
With its exclusive ambiance, chic boutiques, fine dining restaurants and good choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, Capri offers all the ingredients you need for a great island honeymoon in Italy.
Away from the jet-set glamour of Capri Town, explore countless scenic walking trails that climb past lemon trees, whitewashed homes and villas to cactus-covered cliff tops with views over the azure Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Naples.
Hike to Faraglione di Terra, one of three limestone colossi that soar 100m out of the sea just off the Punta Tragara on the southern coast of Capri.
Swim from the secluded beach at its base or cruise to the picturesque offshore islands where you can glide through the tunnel of Faraglione di Mezzo.
More about Capri…
Explore the colossal 6th century BC Greek ruins of Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about a two-hour drive from Amalfi. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins of the Temples of Hera and the Temple of Neptune, which date from 450 BC.
Visit the local museum to admire frescoes recovered from the site’s painted tombs – the only examples of Greek paintings with figured scenes to survive in their entirety from 700 – 400 BC.
Take a step back in time on a stroll down the paved stone streets of one of the world’s most famous ruins. Pompeii was lost for nearly 1700 years until its accidental rediscovery in 1748.
Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during the catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Explore various houses, public baths, the Forum and the Villa of the Mysteries for an insight into life at the height of the Roman Empire.
Examine well-preserved frescoes, see plaster casts of victims where they fell and wander into the amphitheatre and the palaestra (gymnasium) at this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enter an underground passage that cuts down through 20m of volcanic mud to reveal the excavated site of Herculaneum.
Here, you can wander through several excavated buildings, including the so-called Villa of the Papyri, a once-magnificent villa owned by Julius Caesar's father-in-law, which housed the only library to survive intact from antiquity. Scrolls from the villa are now stored at the National Library in Naples.
Admire frescoes in the College of Augustales, coloured mosaics in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite and the mosaic-laid courtyard at the House of the Mosaic Atrium.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was buried under 20m of volcanic ash and mud after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and lay buried for more than 1600 years. Much is still to be excavated.
Note: For the best mosaics and murals of Pompeii and Herculaneum, tour the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples.
Dine on fine Italian cuisine and choose from some of the most picturesque (and luxurious) hotels in Italy.
Splurge at Ravello’s striking Moorish-inspired Hotel Palazzo Sasso, a 12th century villa; enjoy Amalfi’s most famous hotel, the 5-star Santa Caterina; or try Bellevue Syrene, a sumptuous hotel set in a clifftop garden in the centre of nearby Sorrento – the perfect honeymoon accommodation.
The Amalfi Coast offers honeymoon couples an excellent choice of 4- and 5-star hotels, including the following…
Hotel Santa Caterina
Location: Via Nazionale 9, Amalfi
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1809 per room
Description: This property is a 6-minute walk from the beach. Offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Santa Caterina is an Art Nouveau villa built on a rock that overlooks the sea. It features many terraces and a beautiful pool, all with sea views. Built into the rock and hanging over the sea, the pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and sun umbrellas. Guests can access the pool and the private beach below, using the property’s private glass elevators. Santa Caterina’s spa area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and massage service, plus a well-equipped sea-view fitness center.
The elegant rooms and suites feature Vietri majolica floors and precious furniture. Facilities include a balcony with full or partial sea views, plus free ADSL internet access. The award-winning restaurant Santa Caterina serves Mediterranean cuisine and local wines in its chic dining room. Meals are served on its sea-view terrace. Offering private parking, this 5-star hotel is just half a mile from Amalfi. The famous resort of Positano is a 15 minute drive away.
NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
Location: Via Annunziatella 46, Amalfi
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD1238 per room
Description: This property is a 7-minute walk from the beach. This spectacular cliff-top hotel in Amalfi is a former convent. It features free Wi-Fi, interesting architecture, ultra-modern rooms and an impressive infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. All rooms have beautiful sea views, plus terracotta floors and marble bathrooms. A flat-screen TV, minibar and pillow menu come standard. Each private bathroom has a hairdryer and toiletries. Breakfast is buffet style at Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi by NH Hoteles. Dei Cappuccini restaurant serves contemporary Italian dishes and offers views of the Amalfi coast. Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi features a modern spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a private chapel and valet parking. Central Amalfi is a 10-minute walk away down the hill. The picturesque town of Positano is a 20-minute drive away.
Hotel Luna Convento
Location: Via Pantaleone Comite 33, Amalfi
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD928 per room
Description: Sitting on the promontory in a centuries-old convent, this romantic hotel is a five-minute walk from Amalfi Beach and the town centre. The hotel is surrounded by a garden and sun terraces, with a large seawater swimming pool carved out of the cliff. A picturesque inner courtyard is set amid fragrant flowers and has an ancient well in the centre. Individually decorated and spacious guestrooms feature balconies or patios with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Amenities include TVs, air conditioning, minibars and wireless Internet access. The guest rooms surround the ancient courtyard dating back to the 13th century when the hotel was once a convent. Founded in 1222 by San Francesco d'Assisi, the church is still used today for weddings and celebrations. Hotel Luna Convento features a large outdoor pool and a reef, complete with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas. From here you can access the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby. At lunch and dinner you can enjoy local delicacies at the 2 restaurants, one overlooking the coast, the other in the ancient tower. The center of Amalfi is just 650 ft away and there is a public bus stop on the hotel grounds.
Hotel Eden Roc
Location: 110 Guglielmo Marconi, Positano
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD760 per room
Description: Located in the heart of Positano, this hotel is near the beach and within walking distance of Church of Santa Maria Assunta and Spiaggia Grande. Guestrooms and suites open to furnished balconies with sea views and feature jetted bathtubs. In a panoramic location in picturesque Positano, Hotel Eden Roc Suites features a pool, a spa, and rooms with a sea-view terrace. It also includes a restaurant, a gym, and a terrace. The air-conditioned rooms at the Eden Roc include satellite flat-screen TV, a sitting area with sofa, and a minibar. The private bathroom has soft bathrobes plus slippers. Some rooms have a spa bathtub. A varied breakfast buffet is provided daily. The restaurant serves fine, local cuisine and homemade desserts. The stylish American bar is an ideal setting for an aperitif or after-dinner cocktail.
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast for a beach holiday is from June to mid-September.
However, if you wish to avoid the summer high-season crowds of July and August when temperatures can often soar above 30°C (86°F), visit from mid-April to mid-June, and from September to early-October when the average temperature is 22°C (71°F).
The Amalfi Coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny and mainly dry summers and cold, wet and windy winters.
For more climate info: Amalfi Weather Guide…
The Amalfi Coast stretches along the rugged Sorrentine Peninsula south of Naples on the west coast of southern Italy, and is easily accessible by bus and car from nearby Salerno.
The main town of Amalfi is 31km (19mi) west of Salerno, 15km (9mi) east of Positano and 61km (37mi) south of Naples.
The most convenient route to the Amalfi Coast is by air to Naples International Airport (NAP), followed by bus, train or taxi to Amalfi.
Salerno is 1 hour 5 minutes from Naples International Airport (NAP) by bus; and 36 minutes by train from Naples central train station. Salerno to Amalfi is just 30 minutes by taxi. An hourly bus service operates between Sorrento and Salerno stopping at Amalfi.
By sea, the Metro del Mare offers seasonal-only trips (April to October) from Naples stopping at Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Salerno.
You can also choose to fly into the much larger Rome–Fiumicino International Airport 'Leonardo da Vinci' (FCO), then train or bus to Naples, Salerno or Sorrento. By train, Rome to Naples takes 1 hour 35 minutes.
More information on How to get to Amalfi Coast…
Latest update: Amalfi Coast Honeymoon Guide: 13 July, 2022
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