Tips:
- Ditch the idea of a car and travel by SITA bus from Sorrento to Amalfi to avoid the stress of both finding a parking space and paying extortionate costs to park.
- To save money BYO lunch onto the beach – there’s plenty of cheaper alternatives in Amalfi town selling takeaway panini’s and famous arancini balls.
- Private beach clubs provide beach towels, so if you plan to do this, leave the towel.
- Don’t arrive after 1pm in high season, most of the sun seekers are early starters!
Day 4: Exploring Amalfi
With over 30 miles of dramatic coastline overlooking the dazzling blue sea, the Amalfi coast hosts some of the most picturesque beaches in Italy, meaning that a holiday to the Amalfi coast is not be complete without a visit to the “spiagga” (beach).
Once an exclusive tourist town for the rich and famous, the Amalfi coastline was not connected with the rest of the world until a road called the “Via Nastro Azzuro” (meaning “blue ribbon”) paved the way for its discovery in the mid 19th century. The scenery remains relatively unspoilt. It is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The drive along the coastline is spellbinding, after every twist and turn the views get better and better…
Arriving here: SITA bus
The SITA bus company runs services that link Sorrento to both Positano and Amalfi. The buses are relatively comfortable, and it’s best to travel early because the drive takes around 90 minutes. The Italians are early starters! Try to sit coastal side on the bus (right side) to admire the best views. The bus will drop you at the Marina Grande, next to Amalfi’s “Spiaggia Grande” beach.
Beaches: Spiaggia Grande
This beach is without a doubt the liveliest destination for Italian locals and families to enjoy their summer holiday. Private beach clubs are a huge thing on the Amalfi Coast. I recommend spending the day at the Ristorante Marina Grande beach club. You pay around €16 (so its not cheap) but this includes a beach towel, sunbed, umbrella and shower facilities. It’s as a well-deserved treat after a few jam-packed days of sightseeing!
Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo
The main thing to see in Amalfi is the town’s stunning Arabic-Norman inspired cathedral “Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo), which has 62 steps leading up to its grand front door.
Piazza dello Spirito Santo Fountain
Another charming sight nearby to the cathedral is the “De Cape ‘E Ciucci Fountain”, which is made from limestone and marble with tiny character figures bathing around the flowing water. Since 1947 the fountain has been the centre point for a nativity scene.
Scialatielli al Limone
You’ll see lots of food deli shops selling this traditional fresh lemon pasta, a particular favourite in the Amalfi region. Buy a bag to recreate the flavours of Amalfi at home!
The main town
Amalfi is a relatively small town, making it perfect for meandering on foot even despite the crowds. You’ll find shops and patisserie’s hiding down covered passageways.
Returning: by SITA bus
In high season people line the seafront promenade to board the SITA bus , so allow plenty of time to catch the bus back to Sorrento. If you have some time, hang around in Amalfi enjoying an Aperol spritz whilst the crowds rush off!
Evening meal: Portamarina Seafood, Sorrento
Not to be missed is Portamarina Seafood restaurant, located at the end of the pier along the Marina Grande. The staff can’t speak very good English, which adds to its authentic charm. They don’t take bookings, so be prepared to wait for a table and the menu varies depending on the catch of the day. Food is reasonably priced. The mixed grilled fish and seafood platter is very popular, alongside the fresh steaming mussels in pepper sauce. It has a charming, old fisherman village feel to this place in a relaxed waterfront setting!
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