48 Hours on the Amalfi Coast: A Luxury Travel Guide

THE AMALFI COAST

Close your eyes. Hear someone say ‘The Amalfi Coast’, and your mind’s eye will likely summon images of richly forested mountains plunging into a sparkling sea, of steep terraces planted with olive and citrus trees, of pink marble villas and ancient cathedrals spilling down scented green hillsides. But the Amalfi Coast is more than its famous scenery. In 48 hours, you'll discover exceptional restaurants, hidden walking trails, local wineries, secluded beaches and authentic experiences that reveal a different side of Italy's most celebrated coastline.

By Y.CO Charter Specialist Ben Wakeley

12 Aug 2026

Where to Eat on the Amalfi Coast

From Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean to family-run trattorias hidden in the hills, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's finest culinary destinations. The coastline runs from Sorrento to Salerno, and for many visitors arriving by yacht, Positano is the natural place to begin. It is the postcard image of the region: cascading pastel houses, bougainvillea-draped terraces and some of Italy's most celebrated hotels.

One of its finest dining experiences is Zass, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Il San Pietro di Positano. Perched on the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, it pairs panoramic views with elegant Campanian cuisine, showcasing produce from the hotel's own gardens alongside the freshest local seafood. Whether for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner, Zass embodies the understated sophistication of the Amalfi Coast.

A table and chairs on a balcony overlook a sparkling blue sea and a picturesque coastal town nestled among green mountains.

Savor a delectable seafood pasta dish, a vibrant medley of shrimp, mussels, calamari, and sun-dried tomatoes, artfully arranged with fresh basil.

Dine al fresco with breathtaking ocean views from this charming terrace restaurant.

Colorful buildings cascade down a cliffside to a charming coastal town with ancient arched bridges.

A Local Hero: Maria Teresa de Filippis

When Maria Teresa de Filippis was growing up, her brothers mocked her for liking cars, telling her she would never be able to drive fast because she was a girl. At 22, she entered her first race, a hillclimb event on the Amalfi Coast between Salerno and Cava de’ Tirreni. Driving a Fiat 500, Maria won the race, a victory that ignited a lifelong passion and set her on the path to becoming the first woman to compete in a Formula One World Championship race.

Born in Naples and closely connected with the roads of southern Italy, de Filippis remains an inspiring figure in motorsport history. Today, driving the winding coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast is still one of the region’s most exhilarating experiences. Should you find yourself flying around hair-raising hillside bends with the wind in your hair and the cobalt-blue ocean far below, think of Maria, the first woman of Formula One.

"One of the best ways to experience the Amalfi Coast is from its winding coastal roads, where every turn reveals another spectacular view of the Mediterranean."

– Ben Wakeley, Y.CO Charter Specialist

Best Walks on the Amalfi Coast

The Path of the Gods is the most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast, a 6km trail that winds through terraced vineyards and ancient villages, with some of the finest views on the coastline. But the Sentiero dei Monaci (Path of the Monks) is every bit as spectacular and far less crowded.

Starting in the beachside hamlet of Erchie, the 11km route winds towards Maiori, passing the Uomo a Cavallo (Man on a Horse) rock formation, the secluded village of Badia, and the ancient pilgrim path to the Avvocata Sanctuary. Along the way, chestnut woods, oak forests and lemon groves give way to sweeping views from Mount Avvocata, where the coastline seems to stretch endlessly into the distance. Look closely and you might even spot your yacht below.

A lone pine tree frames a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffs and azure waters.

Terraced hillsides cascade down to the sparkling blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, dotted with picturesque villages.

Wine Experiences on the Amalfi Coast

If lying on a beach or eating gourmet food isn’t your thing, then a spot of wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast might be. Especially if it’s tasting delicious local wine that has been heroically produced on some of the most difficult terrain in the Mediterranean.

The Marisa Cuomo Winery’s ten hectares rise to an altitude of 1,000 metres, and the vines sprout horizontally from terraced dry stone walls, on almost inconceivably steep slopes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. With their sunny southern exposure, volcanic and alluvial soil bed, and unique microclimate caused by ocean currents, mountain winds and high-pressure systems, the grapes give rise to wonderful, unique wines that express the rarity of the setting.

A tour of the winery, vineyards and atmospheric mountain caves where the wine is stored, followed by a lunch and wine pairing, takes around three hours. You won’t be disappointed.

"Amalfi's wines are as distinctive as the coastline itself, shaped by a landscape found nowhere else."

– Ben Wakeley, Y.CO Charter Specialist

Festivals and Events on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a place that loves to celebrate, with festivals and local events bringing its villages to life throughout the year. Open-air concerts, religious processions, food festivals and fireworks spill across the sea. Summer is particularly lively, from the world-famous Ravello Festival to Positano's celebrations of San Vito and Ferragosto, while autumn brings a slower pace and harvest festivals in the hills above the coast.

Time your visit right and you may find that the most memorable part of your journey is not a beach or a vista, but the chance to experience the Amalfi Coast as the locals do.

Colorful buildings cascade down a steep hillside to the sparkling blue waters of the Amalfi Coast.

Boats dot the azure waters surrounding the dramatic cliffs and iconic sea stacks of Capri.

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots on the Amalfi Coast

While the Amalfi Coast is famed for its dramatic roads and cliffside villages, some of its greatest pleasures are found on the water. The coastline and nearby Capri are home to beautiful swimming spots, secluded coves and beaches best reached by boat.

Drop anchor beneath Capri's iconic Faraglioni sea stacks, or spend the afternoon swimming off Marina Grande, one of the island’s most beautiful bays. Along the mainland coast, Santa Croce offers a quieter alternative to Amalfi’s busier beaches, while Laurito remains a favourite local escape below Positano’s cliffs.

Two days is enough to get under the skin of the Amalfi Coast, but there is plenty more to discover. Explore our curated Amalfi Coast itineraries for inspiration on how to combine its villages, restaurants, beaches and hidden experiences by yacht.