We all hear about certain destinations. They become trendy all of a sudden due to a film or a television series being set there or because the food of the region becomes popular or because the rich and famous are spotted there. Or others are the classic hot spots that we spend lifetimes hearing about, that have been on bucket lists since time immemorial. No matter which type of popular destination it is, you hear lots about them, you see the pretty photographs of other people’s trips, you start to become curious, and then you might begin to wonder if it could possibly live up to all of the hype.
This, of course, will change from person to person. Some people will see (or smell) Paris and find it lacking compared to the perfect image that they had conjured in their minds, while others will find that the rougher edges only add to the romance of the museums and landmarks and picturesque streets.
One of Italy’s most beloved and talked about destinations, meanwhile, is the Amalfi Coast with its charming towns and striking coastline that stretches 70km from Salerno to Sorrento. Incredibly popular among tourists (a whopping five million visit the area annually!) and long since a major hot spot for vacations (it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its incredible beauty), one might ask: does it live up to the hype? Is the Amalfi Coast worth it?
Obviously, that will depend on lots of things but the simple answer, as we see it, is: yes, it is worth it! However, there are lots of things to be considered. So, here is our guide to the pros and cons of a vacation on the Amalfi Coast.
Pro – Ideal for relaxing and taking things slow.
With a speed limit of 20km per hour along much of the coastal road in Amalfi, you have no choice but to slow down and relax upon arriving in this part of Italy – the 24km (14 mile) drive from Positano to the town of Amalfi, for example, will take you around an hour. But if you have found a villa on the Amalfi Coast and are looking to explore this part of the world, why not take a cue from the speed limits and take your time? Admire your surroundings, stop regularly to take it all in properly or for a photo, get out and stroll around the towns you pass through, and enjoy the pace of life in this part of the world. While lots of parts of Italy are perfectly designed for those in search of stimulation and constant entertainment, the Amalfi Coast is almost the antithesis to that and will encourage visitors to indulge in some proper R&R.
Con – It’s hard to do without a car.
However, as things are so relaxed and loose, you will discover that while you can use public transport, you’ll be hard pressed to cover much ground without a car. If you really want to see the Amalfi Coast properly, then you’ll have to rent a car and brave some narrow, winding coastal routes that are not ideal roads for nervous drivers.
Pro – Those famous views really are reason enough to visit.
Despite this, we cannot state too strongly that the views of the Amalfi are reason enough to brave it all. There is a reason that this is one of the most photographed parts of the world. Expect craggy cliffs and picturesque bays, pretty towns in pastel shades stacked up over harbours, fragrant lemon groves, impossibly blue waters, rich green hills, perfect gardens, tumbling blooms, cobbled streets, and architectural wonders. It is easy to think careful angles and select areas are what make some places in the world look so picturesque but those who find a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast will quickly discover that it really is lovely almost everywhere you turn.
Con – The more famous spots can be overwhelmingly busy.
Given that this is the case, the most famous towns and destinations on the Amalfi Coast are often packed, particularly during the peak tourism season of the summer months. The elegant and gorgeous resort of Positano, for example, is already a popular and exclusive hot spot that becomes even fuller during the daylight hours when tourists descend upon the place in droves on day-trips. However, those who travel off-season will not have to contend with this problem to the same degree and it is pretty easily avoided altogether by heading to some of the region’s lesser-known gems. Though not as well known, these places are no less charming and impressive, with Atrani making for an appealing stand-in for Amalfi and Praiano a great alternative to Positano. Of course, you can still always visit the iconic parts of the Amalfi Coast if crowds don’t bother you but there are also ways for those who hate them to find a holiday rental on the Amalfi Coast and still enjoy the wonder of this part of the world.
Pro – A romantic paradise.
A getaway on the Amalfi Coast is the ideal break built for two – just picture it: dinners in restaurants overlooking sparkling bays, strolls along the cliffs and through pretty little towns, days at the beach, lazy afternoons tasting wine or limoncello and mornings visiting famous gardens, shopping in boutiques and markets together, and lots and lots of quality time. The Amalfi Coast is made for falling in love all over again.
Con – Can be tricky for families.
While romance is key on the Amalfi Coast, families can certainly have a wonderful time together in the area as well. However, those families who have very young members might run into some issues from time to time. It is still possible to bring them along but some might find elements of the landscape and lifestyle less suited to small ones. For example, while there are some gorgeous beaches along the Amalfi Coast like those around Positano, there are also lots of towns where, if there are strands to be found, they are only accessible down some steep and rocky paths. Getting down to such beaches, therefore, can be pretty much impossible if you are carting kids and all of the necessary accoutrements with you. Furthermore, many of the beaches in the area are not powdery and perfectly comfortable but pebbly and home to dramatic rock formations. Again, this can be navigated and these beaches can be enjoyed and you could also simply choose to travel a little further to more hospitable beaches. It is just worth keeping in mind. Similarly, one of the most appealing parts of the coastline of the Amalfi are the cliff routes and impressive spots from which to view panoramas. If there are kids with you, such places can be enjoyed but you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled and ensure they are close by at all times. Finally, those romantic restaurants, those days of wine-tasting or sampling limoncello, the walks through the pretty gardens, could certainly still be wonderful experiences but not in quite the same way. So, for those who want to enjoy the adult appeals and the romance of staying in a villa on the Amalfi Coast might want to do so on a couple’s break or while travelling with older or adult kids. Of course, do as you please but keep it in mind that some parts of a getaway in this part of Italy may be less suitable for families.
Pro – Everything else.
All of that being said, a holiday rental on the Amalfi Coast and time spent in the area is certain to be magical and memorable. Some places might be crowded, travel may be slow, a car may be necessary, and it might not be best suited to all groups but the stunning natural beauty, pretty towns, charming attractions, peaceful pace of life, and incredible culinary heritage cannot be overstated. The Amalfi Coast, like all places, may not be perfect but it absolutely lives up to the hype.