Amalfi Coast Travel Tips From Local Experts

French People Arr. Rude Podcast Show Notes

S1, E11: Soft Acid, Silent Tower, Cotton Word, Drowned Glory

In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon check every postcard fantasy you’ve ever had about the Amalfi Coast. Car sickness, stone beaches, and limoncello for breakfast? Yup, it’s all here—and visiting is still worth it. Plug in and learn the best routes, the towns that aren’t wall-to-wall with honeymooners, and exactly how to squeeze two perfect days between Naples and Capri. Then, save these Amalfi Coast travel tips for game time.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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Amalfi Coast Travel Tips – Podcast Show Notes

Segment 1: Amalfi Coast Stereotypes

It looks like The Talented Mr. Ripley: True. From the orange umbrellas to the vintage beach chairs and day drinking by boat, it’s spot on. Minus the murder.
It’s crowded and touristy: True. Peak season turns Positano into a gridlock of sunhats and selfie sticks. Still stunning, just not serene. This podcast helps you dodge the chaos.
The roads are a nightmare: True. One winding cliffside road connects the whole coast. Car sickness is pretty much guaranteed.
Limoncello is everywhere: True. It’s everywhere, and so are lemons, but locals save it for post-meal toasts.
The beaches are amazing: False. The water is crystal-clear and the views are mind-blowing, but the beaches are rocky and narrow.
You can only eat fish: Half true. By the sea, it’s all anchovies and octopus. But inland towns serve excellent meat dishes.
It’s only for honeymooners: Mostly false. It’s romantic, but plenty of families, friend groups, and solo travelers come for the food and the views.
All hotels have ocean views: Mostly true. Many are cliffside, which means insane views—but also lots of stairs and not necessarily beachfront.

Interessante Fact: City taxes on the Amalfi Coast aren’t a scam; they fund tourism infrastructure. Be sure to budget them in.

👉 Skip the stress and let someone else handle the roads on our Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome.

Segment 2: Getting to & Around the Amalfi Coast

By plane: Naples International Airport is your closest hub. From there, it’s trains, cars, or ferries.
By train: From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. Then switch to a ferry or taxi for the final stretch.
By rental car: You’ll want a compact car, full insurance, and nerves of steel. Also: an international driving permit.
By ferry: A smoother way to arrive. Ferries run from Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi—check Google Maps for schedules.
Local transport: Options include local buses (SITA), taxis, or private drivers. If you’ve got the budget, water taxis are the least stressful way to hop between towns.

👉 Don’t want to rent a car? Book in for a Private Transfer from Rome to Amalfi Coast with Tour of Pompeii.

Segment 3: Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Below are our favorites mentioned in the Amalfi Coast Travel Tips podcast episode. For a full breakdown, check out Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Towns we love:

Praiano: Our favorite pick. Fewer crowds than Positano, sunset views, and positioned conveniently between major towns.
Maiori or Minori: Smaller, flatter, more local-feeling towns with easy access to the sea. Great for travelers who want quiet nights and daily boat rides to busier areas.
Capri: Technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, but easy to reach by ferry. Most people visit as a day trip, so staying overnight lets you experience it without the crowds.

Where to book:

Hotel Villa Maria Pia (Praiano): Family-run, sea views, quiet charm. Not cheap, but worth it.
Eden Roc (Positano): Cliffside luxury with panoramic dining and a private beach vibe.
Casa Angelina (Praiano): Chic, serene, and ridiculously photogenic.

Interessante Fact: Capri clears out dramatically at night. Once the day-trippers leave, it feels like a secret Mediterranean playground.

Segment 4: What and Where to Eat on the Amalfi Coast

Take a screenshot and look for them on the menu.

Alici di Cetara: Anchovies caught off the coast, cured in salt.
Scialatielli all’Amalfitana: Fresh pasta with seafood, garlic, and tomatoes.
Pasta al Limone: Creamy lemon pasta—simple but loaded with flavor.
Risotto ai Frutti di Mare: Shellfish risotto, best right by the water.
‘Ndunderi: Like gnocchi but bigger. Native to Minori.
Totani e Patate alla Praianese: Local squid and potato dish. Rustic and comforting.
Delizia al Limone: Lemon sponge cake with citrus cream.
Mozzarella di Bufala: Creamy, rich, and not like what you get back home.
Limoncello: Sweet, sharp, served ice cold.

👉 For a full list of our favorites, check out our article on Foods To Try in the Amalfi Coast.

Restaurant Recs:

Amalfi – Da Gemma: Refined, elegant, and traditional.
Amalfi – Cuoppo di Amalfi: Street food cone of fried fish. Grab and go.
Praiano – Da Armandino: Right on Marina di Praia. Casual and beloved.
Praiano – Il Pirata: Dramatic cliffside setting, perfect for sunset.
Praiano – Ristorante Franchino: Elegant dinner spot with serious views.
Positano – La Tagliata: Family-style plates, rustic vibe, and huge portions.
Positano – Adamo e Eva (Eden Roc): Fine dining with a front-row seat to the sea.

Interessante Fact: Amalfi’s famous anchovies are still processed by hand using centuries-old techniques passed down in fishing villages like Cetara.

👉 Eager to learn the secrets of local dishes? Hop on our Authentic Sorrentine Cooking Class with Lunch

Segment 5: Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

Below are our favorites mentioned in the Amalfi Coast Travel Tips podcast episode. For a full list, check out our article on the Top Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast.

Path of Gods on the Amalfi Coast — Path of Gods

Learn to make Limoncello: Step inside a family-run limoncello factory, watch the zest soak in pure alcohol, and toss back an ice-cold shot.
Boat to Capri: Glide along limestone cliffs, duck into the Blue Grotto, and dock in time for a lazy lunch in Capri Town.
Hike the Path of the Gods: This three-hour cliff-edge hike from Agerola to Nocelle is perfect for those who enjoy staying active.
Swim at Fiordo di Furore: Italy’s only fjord hides beneath a stone bridge where pro cliff-divers compete each July. Arrive before 10 am if you actually want towel space.

Ravello Day trip, recommended by the Amalfi Coast Travel Tips podcast — Ravello

Captain Your Own Gommone: No license needed for these mini RIBs. Putter along the coast, anchor in neon-blue coves, and claim a private swim spot for the afternoon.

Catch Sunset in Praiano: Order a spritz on the church square and watch the sky fade to sherbet—Praiano is the rare Amalfi town that actually faces west.
Escape to Ravello: Trade beach bustle for cool mountain air and the jaw-dropping Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Golden hour here feels like a scene cut from a fantasy film.

👉 For more awesome things to do without the planning, check out all our Amalfi Coast tours.

Segment 6: 48-Hour Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Day 1 – Praiano + Amalfi Town

Hotel Villa Maria Pia recommended by the Amalfi Coast Travel Tips podcast — Hotel Villa Maria Pia

Arrive: From Naples, base yourself in Praiano or Minori.
Hotel: Check into Hotel Villa Maria Pia—sea view, family-run, and peaceful.
Afternoon: Head down to Marina di Praia, rent a kayak or SUP.
Lunch: Grab a beachside table at Da Armandino.
Aperitivo: Hit Bar del Sole for a sunset spritz over the coast.
Dinner: Head into Amalfi Town. Try a cuoppo for a light meal or head to Da Gemma for a sit-down dinner.
Nightcap: Piazza del Duomo for drinks and people-watching.

Day 2 – Capri + Ravello

People on a boat in Capri — Boat trip to Capri

Morning: Book a private boat to Capri (or head to Positano and ferry over).
On Capri:
- Take the funicolare to Capri Town.
- Lunch at Da Verginiello.
- Chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views
- Shop and stroll through Anacapri.
Return: Ferry or boat back to Amalfi Town.
Afternoon: Taxi or bus up to Ravello.
Visit: Villa Cimbrone and the Terrace of Infinity.
Dinner: Chill at Babel Wine Bar or go all-in at Salvatore Ravello 1958.
Optional: Finish the night in Positano if you’re feeling glamorous.

Interessante Fact: The Path of the Gods hike runs from Bomerano to Nocelle and offers some of the best views on the coast—perfect for a free half-day adventure if you stay an extra night.