Southern Italy's famous coastline boasts picturesque natural landscapes, colorful hilltop towns, and hidden treasures along its winding road. The Amalfi Coast remains an intriguing mix of sophistication and simplicity. Superyachts, five-star hotels, and crowded beaches are starkly juxtaposed with quiet rural life and local farmers cultivating their terraced land. Watching the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea crash against the cliffs makes you hope that you will return over and over again. America Domani has put together a shortlist of our favorite free things to do in the land of lemons, so they can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of budget.
Hike the Path of The Gods Trail
Known as the Sentiero degli Dei, the 5-mile Path of the Gods trail serves up heart-stopping views of the Amalfi Coast and is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful hiking routes. It’s one of the best ways to avoid tourists, travel between villages, and experience a unique perspective of the area. The Path of the Gods truly lives up to the name and is worthy of one of your days while visiting this stunning part of Italy.
Visit Fiordo di Furore Hidden Beach
Escape the crowds and meander down to where a gigantic fjord opens up to create its very own hidden beach. Fiordo di Furore is a scenic treasure in the crevices of the Amalfi Coast. Swim with the locals in the sparkling sea or climb up to the towering bridge, overlooking the Fiordo for magnificent views.
Duomo di Sant’Andrea in Amalfi
Located in the heart of the town of Amalfi is the enduring Duomo di Sant’Andrea. Built in the 9th and 10th centuries, the church has gone through many transformations, overlaying Arab-Norman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque elements, and finally a 19th-century Norman-Arab-Byzantine facade still there today. The cathedral includes the adjoining 9th-century Basilica of the Crucifix. You can also visit the Crypt of St. Andrew, where his relics can be found.
People watch at Piazza Umberto I in Capri
Piazza Umberto I or better known by its nickname “La Piazzetta”, is the most famous square on the island of Capri. It's undoubtedly the heart of the island where, inevitably, all those visiting Capri will watch the world go by. This is one of the few places where regular folk get to rub shoulders with Hollywood stars while sipping their cappuccino or cocktail at one of the local bars.
Spend the Day at Marina di Tordigliano
Marina di Tordigliano Beach is one of the most expansive on the Amalfi Coast. You will find beaches with patches of sand between rock crevices. Marina di Tordigliano is uncontaminated and underdeveloped which showcases its natural beauty. You will not find many crowds here since you must descend to arrive at the beach (and climb back up after). It is also possible to arrive by boat.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.