Where to eat, drink and go out in Amalfi Coast: 20 picks for study-abroad students, with student-vetted picks marked and prices in dollars.
Plan a weekend in Amalfi Coast
Restaurant · Laurito beach (by boat from Positano)
A beach restaurant reached by its own little boat (look for the red fish), known for mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves.
Best for: a long beach lunch
Booking: Reserve ahead in summer.
Best time: lunch
Dessert · Amalfi (cathedral square)
A historic pastry shop on the cathedral square, known for lemon pastries.
Best for: a lemon delizia
Best time: morning
Dessert · Minori
A famous pastry café in a small beach town, known for lemon-ricotta cake.
Best for: the best dessert on the coast
Best time: afternoon
Area · Positano
Pastel houses tumbling down a cliff to a pebble beach; the postcard of the coast.
Best for: photos, a beach day
Best time: any time
Beach · Positano
The main beach of Positano, under the whole village.
Best for: the Positano beach day
Best time: afternoon
Beach · Positano
A smaller, cheaper beach a short cliff walk from the main one.
Best for: a calmer swim
Best time: afternoon
Walk · Bomerano to Nocelle
A cliffside trail high above the sea with the whole coast below; finish down about 1,500 steps to Positano.
Best for: the best hike in southern Italy
Best time: morning
Heads up: Wear real hiking shoes and carry water; avoid midday heat.
Area · Amalfi
The coast's historic town, with a striking striped cathedral at the top of a wide staircase.
Best for: a base, the cathedral
Best time: any time
Area · next to Amalfi
A tiny village a few minutes' walk from Amalfi with a square that feels like a living room.
Best for: a quiet evening
Best time: evening
Area · above Amalfi
A hilltop town of villas and gardens high above the sea.
Best for: views and gardens
Best time: afternoon
Garden · Ravello
Gardens ending at the "Terrace of Infinity", a balcony of statues over the sea.
Best for: the most famous view on the coast
Best time: late afternoon
Walk · above Amalfi
A shady valley trail past old paper mills and waterfalls.
Best for: a cool hike on a hot day
Best time: morning
Sight · Furore
A narrow fjord-like gorge with a tiny beach under a road bridge.
Best for: a quick stop
Best time: midday
Activity · Conca dei Marini
A sea cave lit emerald green, visited by rowing boat.
Best for: a short boat visit
Best time: midday
Area · east end of the coast
A fishing village famous for anchovies and colatura sauce.
Best for: a seafood lunch
Best time: lunch
Area · by ferry from Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento
The glamorous island of cliffs, the Faraglioni rocks and the Blue Grotto.
Best for: a day trip
Booking: Book ferries ahead in summer.
Best time: full day
Heads up: The Blue Grotto closes in rough seas.
Area · Sorrento
A clifftop town with the train link to Naples and Pompeii; a cheaper base.
Best for: a budget base
Best time: evening
Sight · between Naples and Sorrento
The Roman city buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, frozen in time.
Best for: a history day on the way in or out
Booking: Buy tickets online; bring water and a hat.
Best time: morning
Bar · Positano
A terrace bar with a famous sunset view over Positano.
Best for: a sunset spritz
Best time: sunset
Club · Positano (end of the main beach)
A club built into a cave in the cliff at the end of the beach.
Best for: a night out in Positano
Best time: after midnight