In the south of Italy is a 25-mile-long stretch of coastline known as the Amalfi Coast. Claimed by tourists to be “one of the most beautiful places on earth” or even “a piece of heaven on earth,” the Amalfi Coast, declared a world heritage site, has long been a popular holiday destination. However, many prospective visitors to the Amalfi Coast often ask whether the Amalfi Coast is too touristy.
In peak season, the Amalfi Coast is rather crowded, like any popular holiday destination worldwide. However, some of the thirteen towns are less crowded, more affordable, and would offer you all of the Amalfi Coast’s attractions in a more authentic Italian way.
Whether you want to go for the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the whitewashed buildings hugging the steep cliffsides overlooking the ocean, or the local cuisine, those who have been there agreed that a visit to the Amalfi Coast is worth it. And with careful planning, choosing the best dates, and the most suitable towns to visit, it can be a truly unforgettable experience.
Is The Amalfi Coast Very Touristy?
Any destination worth a visit will be tourist orientated, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. The Amalfi Coast experiences its peak season in summer, June to August annually. During this time, the region is crowded, with most of the five million annual visitors to the area visiting at this time. The main towns, like Amalfi and Positano, are exceptionally crowded and overly expensive.
Traffic during peak season is also a big concern for tourists. While driving by car is probably the best way to travel on the Amalfi Coast, the roads are busy, and traffic is chaotic in summer. Parking space is also scarce, meaning that you might end up walking long distances to get where you want to be, which is not very pleasant in temperatures in the mid to high 80s.
One significant advantage of the Amalfi Coast being very tourist orientated is that people speak English almost everywhere. Most of the locals in this region can talk at least a bit of English, while most restaurants have their menus translated into English. International tourists will not battle with a language they don’t understand.
Which Is The Best Season To Visit The Amalfi Coast?
While a common belief is that summer is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast, June to August is also the favored time for tourists. Crowds of people, congested traffic, and extremely high prices are the order of the day. Many tourists prefer the hype and excitement, though. Several local festivals also take place in summer, making it an ideal destination for party animals.
Fall, from September to November, still offers visitors reasonably warm weather, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid to high 80s in September to coolish 60s in November. The region is much less crowded and accommodation considerably cheaper than in summer. Be warned that November is the rainiest month on the Amalfi Coast.
Spring, from March to May, is also considered an excellent time to visit, as daytime temperatures increase slowly after the colder winter months, but the crowds of visitors haven’t arrived yet. Many consider May the perfect time to visit the Amalfi Coast, as tourists can experience temperatures in the mid-70s, and beautiful blooming flowers, without the crowds of tourists and congested roads.
Most tourists do not consider the winter months, December to February, ideal for visiting the Amalfi Coast. Not only is it cold in winter, although not as cold as the more northern parts of Italy, but most restaurants, cafes, and hotels are closed during these months. So, although traveling costs will be much lower than any other time, winter tourists usually lose out on a lot that the region has to offer.
Which Town On Amalfi Coast Is The Best Holiday Destination?
The Amalfi Coast is a 25-mile-long stretch of coastline in Campania in the South of Italy. There are 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast, the most famous and prominent of which are Amalfi and Positano. Amalfi and Positano are beautiful towns with lots to offer but can be crowded and expensive during peak season. Interestingly, Positano is mainly a tourist town with very few permanent residents.
However, where you choose to stay would depend on what you would like from your stay, and, of course, which time of the year you are visiting. Many consider Positano the most picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast. Still, with very few permanent residents, Positano almost becomes a ghost town in winter, with many hotels, restaurants, and cafes closed during the off-season.
If romance is what you are after, few places in the world can rival Ravello. This town is situated on a hilltop, with breathtaking views and stylish villas, and offers a variety of romantic hotels and restaurants. Lovers can also take a romantic stroll through the olive groves and lemon terraces. It could be pretty touristy by day, but at night becomes a honeymooner’s paradise.
For families, Maiori might be a better choice. Not as picturesque as some of the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, Maiori offers slightly cheaper accommodation, a lovely beach, and flatter roads, which makes it a lot easier to walk around with small children. Another kid-friendly town favored by families is the nearby Minori, which is very trendy among Italian families.
For people attempting to avoid the crowds and look for a more authentic Italian experience, towns like Praiano and Cetara would be popular places to stay. Visitors often overlook Praiano, which offers a more authentic Italian vibe, with a good, accessible beach and stunning sunset views. Cetara is less crowded with a small beach but is known for the best seafood on the Amalfi Coast.
Conclusion
Although the Amalfi Coast could be pretty touristy, with congested roads and very high prices during the summer months, proper planning in terms of when and where you go can help to keep costs down and to avoid the crowds of tourists. Most of the visitors to the Amalfi Coast agree that the visit was worth it, and many repeat visitors consider it their number one holiday destination.
Unesco declared the Amalfi Coast a world heritage site in 1997. With its stunning views, lush vegetation, delicious food, and many historical sites, the Amalfi Coast has a lot to offer. However, if a laid-back seaside holiday is what you are after, you might be disappointed, as there aren’t many large beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and they are usually crowded and challenging to reach.
References
- https://travel.usnews.com/Amalfi_Coast_Italy/
- https://mrandmrsromance.com/amalfi-coast-tips/
- https://www.oyster.com/articles/what-not-to-do-in-the-amalfi-coast/
- https://santorinidave.com/best-places-amalfi-coast
