Looking for a travel tips and things to do in Amalfi or Cilento Coast? Or you want to know which place is better in a side by side comparison between Amalfi vs. Cilento Coast? I've got you covered!

 

After spending most of the past seven years traveling through Asia, this summer I felt it was time to return to my roots, back to Europe, and more specifically, to Italy. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might know I’m half Italian, so coming here always feels a little like coming home.

 

Italy is everything you’d expect: art, wine, olive oil, pizza, coffee, gelato — and of course, some of the most stunning coastlines in the world. This trip, I focused on two of the most beautiful places on the southern coast of Italy: the famous Amalfi Coast and its underrated neighbor, the Cilento Coast. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a road trip, or just want to discover the prettiest coastal towns in South Italy, this guide will help you find 7 must-visit seaside towns that completely stole my heart.

 

 

Amalfi Coast vs Cilento Coast: Which One Is Better?

 

If you’re planning a trip along the southern coast of Italy, you might be wondering: Amalfi Coast vs Cilento Coast — which one should I choose? The good news: you don’t have to. But here’s how they compare:

 

Amalfi Coast

• Crowds & Vibe: One of the most famous coasts in Italy. Expect lots of tourists, especially in summer.
• Cost: Luxury hotels and restaurants dominate, prices spike in high season.
• Scenery: Dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, iconic Instagram views.
• Accessibility: Easy to reach from Naples or Salerno by ferry, bus, or private transfer.
• Perfect for: First-time visitors, honeymooners, photographers.

  

Cilento Coast

• Crowds & Vibe: Underrated gem. Fewer crowds, slower pace, more authentic local life.
• Cost: More affordable accommodations, ideal for budget travelers and long stays.
• Scenery: Wide sandy beaches, marine parks, lush hills. Feels wilder and less polished.
• Accessibility: Best explored by car. Public transport is limited but doable if you plan well.
• Perfect for: Nature lovers, foodies, slow travelers seeking peace and quiet.

 

My suggestion: if you have the time, do both! Spend a few days soaking up the glamor of Positano and Amalfi, then escape to Cilento for a more local experience.

 

 

The Amalfi Coast - Legendary in Southern Italy

 

The legendary Amalfi Coast, a fifty kilometer long stretch that runs down the Southern part of the Sorrentine Peninsula, is considered as the most scenic coastline in Italy. While the Amalfi Coast is world-famous, there are still plenty of hidden gems on the Amalfi Coast: quiet beaches, lesser-known villages, and viewpoints where you can escape the crowds. Some of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast are tucked away in small coves — Marina di Praia, Fornillo Beach in Positano, and Arienzo Beach are my favorites for a dip in turquoise water. 

 

When I finally reached the Amalfi Coast, I was completely overwhelmed (in the best way possible): pastel-colored houses terraced into dramatic hillsides, steep cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, and tiny beaches tucked between the rocks. The drive from Naples to Amalfi is a destination in itself: winding roads, jaw-dropping views, and plenty of photo stops along the way.

 

With its natural diversity and physical beauty, the Amalfi Coast has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape. Aside from the spectacular Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast offers some superb hotels and excellent dining experiences. If you're thinking about visiting Italy, put this coastal gem at the top on your list!  

 

I highly recommend taking one of the many boat trips along the Amalfi Coast — seeing the coastline from the water is unforgettable.

 

 

The Cilento Coast - Italy's Undiscovered paradise

 

Most visitors stop at Amalfi and never make it further south, but Italians know better. They often skip Amalfi altogether and head straight to the Cilento Coast. I was curious, so I drove two hours further down the southern coast of Italy to see what the fuss was about. Spoiler: I completely fell in love.

 

The Cilento Coast is quiet, authentic, and full of underrated towns. The area is home to Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO site that protects pristine forests, ancient ruins, and some of Italy’s cleanest beaches (thanks to the protected marine reserve). It’s the perfect escape if you want wide sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a slower pace of life.

 

What really made me stay longer? The food! Cilento is famous for its Mediterranean diet: think buffalo mozzarella from nearby Paestum, fresh seafood, excellent wine, and gelato that tastes like heaven.

But there’s more: romantic fishing villages like Acciaroli (where Ernest Hemingway once stayed), hidden coves you can reach only by boat, and archaeological sites like Velia and Paestum that are far less crowded than Pompeii. By the time I left, I was thinking… maybe I don’t want to travel anymore. Maybe I just want to live here.

 

Tip: Hiring a car is almost essential for Cilento — the towns are more spread out than Amalfi, but that’s part of its charm. This is where you go when you want the coast of Italy all to yourself.

 

 

If you have already made up your mind to visit the Amalfi Coast, never miss the chance to see the Cilento Coast as well, as it is situated in the same vicinity. 

 

There are a number of gorgeous underrated towns and villages along the coastline from Amalfi to Cilento. Both coasts offer incredible hikes as well. The Path of the Gods is the most famous, but there are many hiking trails in Amalfi and Cilento leading to waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and secluded bays.

 

 This blog post is your ultimate travel guide to Amalfi and Cilento and I'll tell you which places you shouldn't miss. Let's start with the map where I pinned all the places you must visit in Amalfi and Cilento Coast. I'll describe each place detailed further down.

 

 

Places to visit along the Amalfi Coast

 

Amalfi Town

 

Amalfi Town is the heart and namesake of the Amalfi Coast, and no trip to southern Italy is complete without visiting this lively seaside town. Once a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi is full of history, charm, and stunning views. The highlight is the magnificent Duomo di Amalfi, a 9th-century cathedral with grand staircases and bronze doors brought from Constantinople.

 

 

 

Things to do in Amalfi Town: wander the narrow cobblestone streets, shop for the town’s famous handmade paper, enjoy a refreshing lemon granita in Piazza del Duomo, or relax at Marina Grande Beach. Down at the harbor, you can join scenic boat trips along the Amalfi Coast, exploring sea caves and hidden coves that are only accessible by water.

 

I almost forgot to mention how stunned I was to see those huge lemons in Amalfi Town. They were almost the size of my head. I had to double check if they actually were lemons.

 

 

Tip: Amalfi gets busy in high season, so consider an off-season visit to the Amalfi Coast (spring or autumn) to enjoy cooler weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.

 

 

Maiori

 

Being on an exploration spree, I was drawn to the historical village called Maiori by talks about its rich history, ancient architectures, splendid landscapes and of course the longest beach that exists on this side of the peninsula.

 

 

Besides witnessing the natural beauty of Maiori, I got the chance to see several monuments, such as the Catholic Church Chiesa Collegiata S. Maria A Mare with its sacred sculptures. I had to climb several steps up to reach the ancient church, but the effort was worth it as I got stunning views of the surrounding areas from the top.  

 

 

Ravello

 

About 6 kilometers up from Amalfi town on zigzag mountain roads and there it was, Ravello, a romantic town on a hill with spectacular landscapes. After a 20-minutes stroll through the old city I found myself at Villa Cimbrone, a historic villa from the 11th century. Situated on a rocky cliff with breathtaking views over the water, Villa Cimbrone is popular among tourists because of its preserved architectural designs.

 

 

Villa Cimbrone has now been converted into a luxury hotel with beautiful and scenic gardens that are open for the general public. I wish I could have spent more than a day there, but staying at this exquisite villa was clearly above my budget. Even if you don't stay there, make sure to visit Ravello for a day, the charming town has plenty of beautiful villas, lovely cafes, museums and traditional restaurants.

 

 

Cetara

 

Situated along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Cetara is a heaven for people who have a passion for fishing. This authentic and charming village is still not overloaded with mass tourism.

 

 

You can expect excellent cuisine, Cetara is the gastronomic hot spot in this region and famous for breeding tuna fish and anchovies. Aside from the great food, Cetara has some delightful beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

 

 

Places to visit along the Cilento Coast

  

Paestum (Temple Valley)

 

Paestum, also known as the Temple Valley is the place to find the best preserved Greek temples and ruins in the world. The archeological site was founded 600 B.C. with three temples, a gymnasium, city walls and tower ruins. It also houses a small museum and a restaurant.

 

 

UNESCO has declared Paestum as a World Heritage Site. Unfortunately the weather was rainy during my visit, so for most of the time I sat in the cafe next to temples and enjoyed some ice creams and coffee which wasn't bad either.

 

 

Acciaroli

 

Acciaroli is a dreamy little village with a scenic seaside walkway and a charming old town. It's such a delight to walk through the small streets and alleys and take photos of the old houses. It looked surreal, like being on a film set (see picture below.)

 

 

Fishing is among the important businesses there and what I loved most about Acciaroli was its long, sandy beach with clean, deep-blue sea water. There are barely tourists in Acciaroli, I recommend to polish your Italian language skills and have a conversation with the locals.

 

Have you read the bestselling novel “The Old Man and the Sea?”

Famous writer Ernest Hemingway wrote the novel after visiting Acciaroli and he is said to have met this old man in this historic port village. If these are not enough reasons for you to check it out, I don't know what else will.

 

 

Palinuro

 

No words can describe my awe-inspiring experiences in Palinuro! This place is all about natural wonders. Palinuro is an idyllic village by the sea, blessed with amazing beaches and crystal clear waters.  

The landscape around Palinuro is jaw-dropping, with plenty of enchanting caves along the coastline. Cruising around the massive lime stones and exploring the caves are Palinuro's main attractions.

 

 

The village of Palinuro itself is small and picturesque, a couple local restaurants and cafes, and a shop where you can buy tickets for boat and cave tours. The rest of the town can be explored in a short time. 

 

If you're looking for more adventurous activities, explore Capo Palinuro by kayak or try diving. 

 

 

FOod and Culinary Highlights

 

Amalfi and Cilento Coasts are offering some of the best Mediterranean food in Italy, seafood is abundant and fresh. 

 

One of my favorite parts of traveling the coast of Italy is the food. Here are a few must-try experiences:

• Limoncello in Amalfi: This famous lemon liqueur is a must — try it chilled after dinner.
• Mozzarella di Bufala near Paestum: Cilento is home to water buffalo farms producing the freshest mozzarella you’ll ever taste.
• Anchovies from Cetara: Cetara is a fishing village known for its anchovy sauce, colatura di alici, used in traditional pasta dishes.
• Seafood & Olive Oil in Cilento: Order the catch of the day, drizzled with local extra-virgin olive oil — simple and divine.
• Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class on the Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast and learn to make gnocchi, seafood pasta, or limoncello yourself.

Here are some of my favorite meals and below a list of the best restaurants I've visited in this region.

 

 

The Best Restaurants I Visited in Amalfi and Cilento Coast

 

Calajanara Restaurant in Conca Dei Marini (Amalfi)
That's the place I fell in love with the delicious Italian foods. Fish and seafood are the restaurant’s specialties. Having my dinner on the sea view terrace with lights twinkling on Capri Island was literally a mesmerizing scene.

Acqua Pazza in Cetara (Amalfi)
One of the most recommended restaurants in Cetara: Acqua Pazza is popular for serving the freshest tuna and anchovies, delicious pasta with monkfish, wine and local artisan beer. If you want to travel to Cetara, definitely stop here and enjoy the cuisine at this fabulous restaurant!

Re Mauri in Salerno 
This restaurant has an award-winning chef. Re Mauri is a Michelin starred restaurant, situated in Vietri Sul Mare, a few minutes from Salerno. My expectations were high and this place did not disappoint. The food was exquisite and well presented in a stunning ambiance overlooking the sea.

Restaurant Il Rosmarino at Oleandri Resort in Paestum (Cilento)
Oleandri a hotel that calls itself "shabby chic resort". I didn't stay at this lovely decorated resort, but I had the pleasure to enjoy lunch there which was fabulous. Mediterranean cuisine, homemade pasta, a rich buffet of raw and cooked vegetables and desserts to die for. They also have pizza from the wood-fired oven. Amazing food in a gorgeous setting.

 

 

Places to stay in Amalfi Coast and Cilento Coast

 

I stayed at several hotels and resorts during my visit to the Amalfi and Cilento coasts. If you're traveling on a budget, I need to disappoint you. It's hard to find places below $50/night. You best budget option might be a Homestay in Italy and rent a room or apartment from a local! 

 

In general, the less touristy Cilento Coast tends to be cheaper than the Amalfi Coast. 

 

 

Hotel Club 2 Torri in Maiori (Amalfi) 

Impressive from the outside: 2 Torri is located on a hill, rises out of a cliff and facing the sea. Rooms are bright and spacious with big balconies. Absolutely breathtaking views from the rooms, overlooking the beach of Maiori. The most delightful experience was having breakfast on the rooftop veranda.

 

Lloyd's Baia Hotel in Salerno 

If you need to stay in Salerno, this is a good option. Lloyd's Baia Hotel is situated on the coast and at walking distance to town. Rooms are spacious and clean, but without balcony (at least mine was). Avoid the East side rooms because they face a busy port. The Michelin-starred restaurant Re Mauri is on the lower floor, reason enough to stay and indulge there!

 

Palazzo Belmonte in Santa Maria Di Castellabate (Cilento)

Palazzo Belmonte is an extraordinary place to stay, perched along the shoreline. This 17th century castle is the home of a prince - no joke! My room was a spacious two bedroom suite with two bathrooms, jacuzzi and two balconies. A perfect fusion of modern and traditional architecture and designs, surrounded by a large garden and nestled by the sea. 

 

Grand Hotel San Pietro in Palinuro (Cilento)

This was probably my favorite place during my trip in Southern Italy. It was not the fanciest place but a Grand Hotel in a true sense. Beach beds and infinity pool with superb views, well-sized rooms all facing the sea. The picture below shows my balcony view. Not too bad, huh?
I have to praise them for their great service and the super friendly staff. I didn't have time to take my breakfast as I left Palinuro early in the morning, so they packed my breakfast in a take-away bag. Thumbs up for that!

 

 

Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast and Cilento Coast

 

The southern coast of Italy is beautiful year-round, but the experience can be very different depending on when you go. Here’s what to expect each season:

 

Spring (April – June): This is my favorite time to visit. Wildflowers are in bloom, the weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. It’s perfect for hiking the Path of the Gods, exploring archaeological sites like Paestum, and enjoying cheaper hotel rates compared to summer.

 

Summer (July – August): High season means high energy, and high prices. The Amalfi Coast is buzzing with life, beach clubs are full, and ferries run frequently. Just be prepared for crowded roads and book accommodations far in advance. If you prefer quiet beaches, head to the Cilento Coast where you’ll still find space to relax.

 

Autumn (September – October): A magical time to visit! The sea is still warm from summer, grapes are being harvested, and the weather is ideal for day trips and boat tours. September in particular is perfect for a romantic Amalfi escape without the peak-season chaos.

 

Winter (November – March): The quietest (and cheapest) time to visit. Many hotels and restaurants on the Amalfi Coast close for the season, but you’ll have the towns nearly to yourself. This is a great time for photographers, road trippers, or anyone who doesn’t mind cooler weather. In Cilento, you can still enjoy mild sunny days, just pack a sweater for the evenings.

 

 

What's the Closest Airport to Amalfi and Cilento Coast?

 

The fastest way to the Amalfi and Cilento Coast is via airplane straight to Naples, also known as Capodichino Airport. The majority of travelers use Naples as a transit point. I recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest airfares to Naples.

 

To move on to your destination from the airport, you can either hire a car (I recommend Discovercars or Europcar) or use the public transportation. 

 

 

 

Amalfi and Cilento Coast - How to Get Around the Region

 

Wondering how to get from Amalfi to Cilento? The easiest way is to drive. It’s about two hours down the coast. Alternatively, you can take a train to Agropoli and continue by bus or taxi. Let's break down all forms of transportation in this region:

 

Driving: Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially for the Cilento Coast. Roads are narrow and winding (and parking can be tricky), but the views are worth it. If you’re confident behind the wheel, it’s the best way to explore off-the-beaten-path coastal towns in Italy. I recommend Discovercars or Europcar for car rental in Italy.

 

Trains: The airport is not served by any trains. Trains are connecting Napoli Centrale with Salerno and Sorrento. If you opt to take the train, you’ll have to go to Salerno to catch a regional train that runs along the coastal areas. 

 

Ferries: You can also get to the area by boat. In Amalfi Coast towns, ferries are a scenic and relaxing way to hop between Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Salerno. They’re faster and often less stressful than the buses. 

 

Buses: SITA buses run along the Amalfi Coast but can be crowded and slow. Bring patience (and maybe motion-sickness tablets for the curvy roads!) The bus network spans all over the Amalfi Coast with stops in Sorrento, Positano, Praiano, Minori, Cetara, Vietri and onwards to Conca and its Emerald Grotto. There are also local buses from Amalfi to Ravello, Furore, Pogerola, Agerola and Napoli. 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this guide and I wish you a wonderful journey to Italy's magical Southern Coast. And please send me a postcard when you visit Amalfi or Cilento Coast!!

 

 

 

Are you ready to travel Italy? Here are some quick booking links and resources that I use myself for travel planning. These websites will help you to get started with your Italy itinerary!

 

 

Cheap Flights to Italy

 

Skyscanner is my favorite search engine for finding cheap flights to Italy, from anywhere in the world. I always start my flight search here! 

 

 

Transport within Italy

 

Bus, boat, and trains: Omio is one of the most reliable websites in when it comes to booking buses, ferries and railway. Get an instant seat confirmation and start your overland travel worry-free.

 

 

Find a Place to stay in Italy

 

Hostels, hotels and resorts: Agoda is excellent if you're looking for hotels from budget to luxury! It's one of the largest hotel booking websites in the world. Plenty of options to book now and pay later, or even pay at the hotel. Risk-free booking, many with free cancellation. My other go to is Booking.com.

 

Homestays and Housesits: For a more authentic and local experience I recommend Homestay.com, a website where you can find places to stay with locals for such a great price. Personally, I'm obsessed with Trusted Housesitters, where you get to stay completely for free in exchange for pet care. Find out more in my article on How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation.

 

 

Fun Tours and Activities in Italy

 

Get your Guide has plenty of fun activities in Italy and around, such as hiking tours and city sightseeing trips. There is plenty of choices to keep yourself entertained!

 

Klook is similar than the one above, but offers additional options such as airport transfers, SIM cards, and food & dining experiences. It' a great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new place!

 

 

eSIM - Stay connected with Internet

 

Get an eSIM before you go and have Internet available from the second you arrive! I highly recommend Roamless or JetPac -  they're both highly ranked, inexpensive and reliable. 

 

 

Travel Insurance

 

Never go adventuring without travel insurance! I recommend Genki or SafetyWing - they're both very affordable and will cover you in an emergency. 

 

 

Do I need a Visa for Italy?

 

Italy is part of the Schengen area, so likely you need a visa if you're not an EU citizen. You can check on iVisa whether you need a visa and how long you are permitted to stay.

 

 

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This trip was made possible by TBNet, Confesercenti Provinciale and the tourism board of Salerno.

All opinions are my own.