The Best Things to Do on The Amalfi Coast

From scenic hikes and coastal boat tours to intimate cooking classes and sunset wine tastings, the Amalfi Coast is one of those rare places where every experience feels cinematic. Whether you’re wandering through lemon groves in Maiori, setting sail from Positano, or indulging in a candlelit dinner overlooking the sea in Ravello, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do — and this guide gathers the very best of them.

This is your curated list of the top tours, classes, and experiences across each corner of the Amalfi Coast — including Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Maiori, Sorrento, and Capri. Every recommendation below is bookable through trusted partners and personally vetted for quality, so you can skip the endless scrolling and plan a trip that feels effortless, immersive, and beautifully designed.

Things To Do in Positano

Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s most photographed village for a reason — a cascading dream of pastel houses, narrow lanes lined with linen boutiques, and the scent of lemons drifting in from the sea. Beyond its beauty, Positano offers some of the most iconic experiences in southern Italy, from luxury boat tours and scenic hikes to intimate cooking classes overlooking the cliffs.

1. Take a Private Boat Tour Along The Amalfi Coast

There’s truly no better way to experience Positano than from the water. A private boat tour lets you explore hidden coves, swim beneath sea caves, and sip prosecco as you glide past Praiano, Fiordo di Furore, and Amalfi. Many boat tours also include stops for lunch at seaside restaurants that you can only reach by boat.

2. Hike the Path of the Gods

For sweeping coastal views and a true sense of the region’s natural beauty, the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is a must. The trail runs from Bomerano to Nocelle, ending just above Positano. You’ll see panoramic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and views that make the climb completely worth it.

3. Take a Cooking Class (or a Limoncello-Making Class)

One of the most memorable ways to experience Positano is through its food. Join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare traditional dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina or handmade ravioli using ingredients from the garden. Many classes end with a limoncello tasting or dinner overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

4. Spend The Day at a Beach Club

Positano’s beaches are as stylish as they come. Arienzo Beach Club and La Scogliera offer front-row loungers, turquoise waters, and excellent seafood lunches just steps from the sea. Be sure to reserve a sunbed in advanc, and don’t be surprised if a bottle of rosé finds its way to your table before noon.

5. Enjoy a Sunset Dinner Overlooking The Amalfi Coast

End your day with dinner and a view. Some of my personal favorites are La Sponda, Il Tridente, and Adamo ed Eva. I’ve put together a list of the top fine dining restaurants in the Amalfi Coast, which you can read here.

Things To Do in Amalfi, Maiori and Minori

Known for its rich maritime history and postcard-perfect coastline, Amalfi offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and timeless charm. Just a few minutes away, the quieter towns of Maiori and Minori offer a slower, more local rhythm — with lemon groves, family-run trattorias, and scenic coastal walks that capture the essence of everyday life on the Amalfi Coast. Together, they form one of the most rewarding areas to explore.

1. Take a Boat Tour from Amalfi

See the Amalfi Coast as it was meant to be seen — from the water. A private or small-group boat tour from Amalfi lets you cruise past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pastel villages dotting the shoreline. You can swim in turquoise bays, stop for lunch at a seaside restaurant, or continue all the way to Capri for the ultimate day trip.

2. Visit Amalfi’s Historic Center & Cathedral

At the heart of Amalfi lies its stunning Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a masterpiece of medieval architecture with intricate mosaics and grand staircases overlooking Piazza del Duomo. The surrounding streets are lined with charming boutiques, gelaterias, and cafés — perfect for an afternoon stroll after sightseeing.

3. Hike the Path of Lemons (Maiori to Minori)

One of the most picturesque walks on the entire coast, the Path of Lemons (Sentiero dei Limoni) connects the neighboring villages of Maiori and Minori through centuries-old lemon terraces overlooking the sea. Along the way, you’ll pass local farms and family-run lemon houses where you can stop for tastings or freshly squeezed lemonade.

4. Relax on the Beach in Maiori

Maiori’s beach is one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast — wide, sandy, and perfect for a relaxed day in the sun. You’ll find beach clubs with loungers, umbrella rentals, and seaside restaurants serving pasta alle vongole with a glass of crisp white wine. It’s also one of the easiest beaches to access without stairs, ideal for families or those looking for a quieter day.

Things To Do in Ravello

Perched high above the sea, Ravello is where the Amalfi Coast slows down. Known for its sweeping views, terraced gardens, and timeless villas, this mountaintop town feels like an escape within an escape. With its elegant charm and artistic soul, Ravello is a must for travelers who want a quieter, more refined side of the coast — one that’s all about beauty, stunning views, and slow living.

1. Visit Villa Cimbrone & Villa Rufolo

These two legendary villas define Ravello’s beauty. At Villa Cimbrone, wander through manicured gardens before reaching the Terrazza dell’Infinito (also known as the Terrace of Infinity) where marble busts frame endless sea views. Just nearby, Villa Rufolo inspired Wagner’s Parsifal opera and offers romantic courtyards, panoramic towers, and lush blooms that overlook the coastline.

2. Attend a Concert at the Ravello Festival

Every summer, the Ravello Festival transforms the town into a stage, hosting open-air concerts overlooking the sea. The music ranges from classical to contemporary, and performances often take place at Villa Rufolo’s cliffside stage, which is one of the most breathtaking venues in Europe.

3. Enjoy Lunch at a Scenic Terrace Restaurant

Ravello’s terraces might just have the best views on the coast. Enjoy lunch at Belmond Hotel Caruso or Palazzo Avino, both offering panoramic restaurants where you can linger over handmade pasta and crisp Campanian wine. For something more relaxed, Villa Maria offers farm-to-table dining that perfectly captures Ravello’s essence — elegant yet unpretentious.

4. Explore Ravello’s Artisan Boutiques

Ravello is known for its artistry, from hand-painted ceramics to locally crafted linens and leather goods. Spend an afternoon exploring the boutiques tucked between Via Roma and Piazza del Vescovado. Don’t miss Ceramiche d’Arte Carmela, where you can even join a quick pottery painting workshop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Things To Do in Sorrento

While it’s not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is often considered the gateway to it — just a short, scenic drive away. This seaside town perfectly blends coastal charm with Italian sophistication, making it a favorite starting point for exploring the region. Known for its lemon groves, cliffside hotels, and easy access to both Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the ideal home base for travelers who want to experience a little bit of everything. Whether you’re sampling limoncello in the historic center, strolling along Marina Grande, or taking a day trip to Pompeii or Positano, Sorrento delivers timeless Italian magic with a relaxed, sun-soaked ambiance.

1. Explore the Historic Center

Start your day wandering through Sorrento’s old town — a maze of cobblestone lanes lined with local boutiques, artisan shops, and cafés serving espresso and sfogliatella. Don’t miss Piazza Tasso, the lively heart of the city, or Via San Cesareo, where lemon-scented shops overflow with everything from soaps to sweets.

2. Take a Limoncello or Olive-Oil Tasting Tour

Sorrento is famous for its lemons — bright, fragrant, and the secret behind its world-renowned limoncello. Visit a local lemon grove or olive oil estate to see how these iconic products are made, then enjoy tastings surrounded by citrus trees. Many tours include light bites or a farm-to-table lunch.

3. Visit Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius

Sorrento is perfectly positioned for two of Italy’s most fascinating day trips: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city, then hike or drive up the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius for panoramic views across the bay.

4. Join a Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Nothing connects you to Italian culture quite like cooking. Take a Sorrento cooking class in a traditional home or villa and learn to make gnocchi alla sorrentina, pizza margherita, or tiramisù from scratch. These classes often include wine pairings and garden views that make the entire experience feel special.

5. Book a Boat Tour to Capri

No trip to Sorrento is complete without spending a day on the water — and a boat tour to Capri is easily one of the most unforgettable experiences on the coast. Depart from Marina Piccola and cruise across the Bay of Naples toward the island’s famous grottos, dramatic cliffs, and elegant marinas. Many tours include time to swim in hidden coves, visit the Blue Grotto, and enjoy a few hours exploring Capri’s boutiques and cafés before returning at sunset.

From the lemon-scented hills of Maiori to the sunset views of Ravello and the candlelit terraces of Positano, the Amalfi Coast is a place that exceeds every expectation. Whether you’re gliding along the water on a private boat tour, learning the art of Italian cooking, or simply soaking in the views from a seaside café, each experience reveals a new side of this legendary coastline. These are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast—moments that capture its beauty, soul, and effortless sense of dolce vita.

If you’re planning a trip, explore my Amalfi Coast travel guide for insider recommendations on where to stay, dine, and unwind. It’s everything you need to plan a getaway that feels beautifully seamless and unforgettable.