Planning Your Trip to The Amalfi Coast in 2026

The hikes are amazing; the views are spectacular, but the food might be even better. Hiking Amalfi is definitely the best way to see this coastal paradise and work off all the pizza.

Lemons, sea breezes, tiny beaches, cliff sides, and pizza, that’s what comes to mind when we think of Amalfi. We’re not here to convince you to visit Amalfi. No one needs convincing to come to this coastal paradise. We’re here to show you how to make your trip to the Amalfi Coast a highlight of your 2026 travel plans. Whether you are looking at a hiking tour of the Amalfi Coast, or would prefer to explore Amalfi on a bike, this guide will help you with your planning for 2026.

The biggest decision you’ll have to make is deciding which charming coastal town you want to stay in. In this guide, we have highlighted Naples, the town of Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano and, to an extent, Agerola. The choice is really up to you. You can’t make a wrong choice, but make sure you know how you’re getting around because both bus and car have their challenges depending on where you stay.

Bring your sunscreen and lots of water and everything else should fall into place. You’re going to love your trip to Amalfi; it really is "La Dolce Vita".

Path of the Gods hike is a must-do in Amalfi Coast

Include Punta Campanella hike to your trip to Amalfi Coast

Which Airport To Fly Into To Get To The Amalfi Coast

The closest airport to fly into is Naples, which could also be where you plan on staying. It is known as either the Naples International Airport (NAP) or the Capodichino Airport. It’s only 5.9km outside of Naples, but the problem is it is often more expensive to fly into than the main alternative: Rome.

Rome’s airport is an over 3h drive to The Amalfi Coast and an even longer public transit trip. If Rome is where you’re going to fly into then you have three options for getting to The Coast: rent a car, use the train, or hire a driver to take you to The Amalfi Coast. Just keep in mind if you decide to take the train that you will have to lug your bags around to get to the train station, but if you came to Amalfi to hike, you are likely in good enough shape to move your bags around.

When To Go To The Amalfi Coast In 2026

What is the best time to go to the Amalfi Coast?  That's actually hard, as each month has pros and cons.  We think that the absolute best time to go to The Amalfi Coast is May. In May most of the tourists haven’t arrived yet and the little villages are coming out of winter hibernation. The flowers are in bloom and the weather is just right. June is good too but the crowds will pick up a bit.

July and August are the most popular months, of course. It might also be the only time you’ll be able to go, which is totally fine. Just be prepared for busier roads and hotter weather, or perhaps more accurately, be prepared to take advantage of the beaches!

September through to mid-October is almost as good as May because the bulk of the tourists will have left and the weather is still quite warm. Even better, the water will be warm and you can enjoy a dip in the sea after a hard hike or bike ride. By the time the winter rolls in the weather will be much more wet and you’ll find the little villages almost shut down completely. So, we don’t recommend going in the winter months.

Average monthly temperature and precipitation:

How To Get Around The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is wonderful for walking and cycling tours, especially as the roads are challenging for drivers not used to tight corners and smaller roads.  Renting a big car makes driving harder and parking almost impossible. You’ll also want to avoid driving in the peak season/summer months because the roads are extra busy and therefor more challenging.

If you are hiking or cycling in the Amalfi Coast, then you can also use the local SITA bus network.  The SITA buses are going to be crowded during the peak season though, so be prepared for that. There are also boats that will take to and fro; so public transit is very do-able along The Coast.

Bay of Ieranto trail should be included when planning your trip to Amalfi Coast

Valle dei Mulini trail on a trip to Amalfi Coast

Hiking And Cycling Tours On The Amalfi Coast

As we have said above, the Amalfi Coast is an almost perfect destination for a hiking or cycling holiday. Imagine waking up and a great breakfast and cappuccino.  Then spend your days exploring the region under your own power, coming back for a dip in the Sea or your hotel pool. Finally, savour an incredible dinner with fresh local Italian flavours. After dinner go for a stroll to savour one of the sunsets the Amalfi Coast is renowned for.

If you're a cyclist, then this e-bike tour of the Amalfi Coast is perfect for you.  Only 4 days long, you will explore the Eastern Amalfi Coast on one day, and then from Praiano and Positano to Sorrento on the second day.

The Amalfi Coast also has some incredible walking tours, such as this 8-day walking tour of the Amalfi Coast and Capri.  Explore some of the best hikes in the region, including a day hiking on the island of Capri.  Another great hiking option is Amalfi's Alta Via trek, which keeps you high above the coast with stunning views throughout.

Finally, a multi-sport adventure tour on the Amalfi Coast may be just what you're after. This Amalfi Coast Tour combines hiking Mount Faito, e-biking the peninsula, a trip to Capri, a trip to nearby Mt Vesuvius

Circuit of Tre Calli trail is a great idea for your trip to Amalfi Coast

Planning your trip to Amalfi Coast must include Monte Molare hike

What To Eat Along Amalfi Coast

Before we get into this section, lets get one thing clear: You came to Italy for Italian food. We know that there are lots of other great restaurants, but we also know that different regions have vastly different cuisines. So yes, there may be restaurants that would feel more Northern Italian, but there’s also going to be a lot of seafood because you’re on the Amalfi Coast!

Some of the things to try while on vacation in Amalfi are the famous, fragrant sfusato Amalfitano lemons.  You'll also want to try fresh seafood, and dishes like scialatielli ai frutti di mare (homemade ribbon pasta with mixed seafood) are iconic, with scialatielli being a thick-cut pasta invented in the region. Colatura di alici, a centuries-old anchovy sauce from Cetara, is a local delicacy.

If you want to make a plate of meats and cheeses, then look out for fior di latte mozzarella and provolone del Monaco, a rich, semi-hard cheese. Local cured meats like soppressata are common in inland villages.

Make room for dessert, as Delizia al limone (a sponge cake dome filled with lemon cream) is the signature dessert. Sfogliatella Santa Rosa, a flaky pastry filled with semolina cream and fruit, was first created in a convent on the coast. And finally, the classic babà al rum and lemon-flavored pastries also shine here

Views from the top of Monte Canino is a must-see in Amalfi Coast

Include Ring of Faito trail when planning your trip to Amalfi Coast

What Else Can You Do Besides Hiking Along The Amalfi Coast?

If you could only visit one of the many churches along The Coast, The Cathedral in Amalfi is the one to see. It is almost more of a collection of religious buildings fused together into a large amalgam. It’s really quite striking and full of fascinating architecture from many different time periods.

While you’re in Amalfi you can also check out the Emerald Grotto. It’s a cavern of sorts with the most stunning emerald water and stalactites dripping from the ceiling.

One of the most popular activities in this region would have to be shopping in Positano. They have lots of beautiful ceramics, linens, as well as designer clothes in Positano. An experienced shopper could easily make a day of it, while the partner of that experienced shopper might want to get comfortable at a little trattoria with some limoncello.

We recommend doing a day trip to Pompeii, especially if you’re staying in Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana Train makes it easy to get to both Pompeii and Naples. Pompeii of course is both fascinating and haunting. To see a city so preserved like that is amazing. There’s not really anything like it anywhere else.

We also mentioned above the speedboat service offered out of the Magi House. There are lots of companies that will do this, we just happen to like the look of the Magi Boats. This is a fun way to relax and take in the splendour of the coast. You’ll get to see lots while being refreshed by the wind and sea spray.

While you’re in the area, why not check out the beautiful town of Ravello. They have a Classical Music Concert Series held in some gorgeous, historic settings, and some well-manicured gardens throughout the town, during the summer. Even if you don’t like classical music, the city itself has its charms. They also have a stunning Cathedral worth checking out.

Then, of course, there are the beaches. That Amalfi-lemon sunshine seems to shine just a little bit brighter than in other parts of the world. It’s a fantastic way to spend half a day and truly is an essential part of the Amalfi Coast experience. Why not bring your beach gear with you on our Bay of Ieranto hike? The little Capitiello beach is such a gem.

View from Via Paipo on the Path of the Gods hike in Amalfi Coast

Travel to Amalfi Coast is not complete without Monte Comune hike

Dangers When Hiking Along The Amalfi Coast

• The heat is an obvious danger along the coast, especially in the summer months, but any good traveler should be prepared to keep the sun off of them and stay hydrated.
• In crowded bus and train stations you’ll want to keep your belongings close and well guarded because there is still a risk of pickpockets in the more crowded areas.
• Driving is always near the top of peoples “dangers” lists. We covered this already, so just keep in mind that it’s not an easy task and only the better drivers should attempt this.

What Else You Need To Know About The Amalfi Coast

• English is very commonly spoken throughout the Amalfi Coast, so you don’t need to stress too much about studying your phrase book. The locals might not know as much English, but restaurants, guides, and hotel staff are all easy to communicate with.
• Just because a street looks pedestrian doesn’t mean it is pedestrian. Keep an eye out even on small one-lane cobblestone paths because cars can pop up out of nowhere.
• Tipping is not expected, and if you do tip you only have to tip maybe 5-10%. Restaurants also won’t typically bring you a bill unless you ask for it, so keep that in mind too.
• Many people find it hard to decide between the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre. In truth, both of these regions are breathtaking and worth a visit. But if you need help to decide, check out the Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre guide.