Luxury hotel holidays to the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Amalfi Coast such an expensive holiday destination, and is it worth it?

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and captivating stretches of coastline in Europe, and it has become one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. That combination of exceptional beauty and intense demand means that hotels, restaurants and even boat trips carry a significant premium — this is simply the reality of travelling here, and it applies whether you book independently or through us. What we offer is the assurance that every pound spent is working as hard as it can: hotels selected for their position, quality and character rather than simply their star rating; private transfers arranged to take the stress out of the notoriously narrow and congested coastal road; and experiences — guided visits, boat trips, garden tours — that are arranged properly rather than left to chance on arrival. The Amalfi Coast rewards those who engage with it fully and are not simply passing through. For clients who give it the time and the right arrangement, it invariably ranks among the most memorable holidays they have taken.

Do we need a hire car on the Amalfi Coast?

In almost all cases, no — and we would actively advise against self-driving on the Amalfi Coast. The coastal road is famously narrow, winding and congested, particularly in the summer months, and parking in towns such as Positano and Ravello is extremely limited. For clients staying along the coast, private transfers are by far the most practical and comfortable solution, and we arrange these as a matter of course: from the airport on arrival, between hotels if you are moving between two or more bases, and for excursions to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum and other sites further afield. Getting around locally — between Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, or across to Capri — is best done by boat or by the local ferry services, which are frequent and scenic in their own right. Walking the coastal paths, including the celebrated Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods) above the coastline, is another excellent option for those who want to explore under their own steam. A car simply adds complication rather than freedom in this particular part of Italy.

How do most clients structure an Amalfi Coast holiday — one base or several?

Most clients choose to stay in at least two locations, and this is an approach we strongly recommend. The coast has very distinct characters in different places, and moving between two or three bases gives a much richer experience than a single-centre stay. A popular combination is Ravello and Positano: Ravello sits high above the sea, serene and relatively unhurried, with its celebrated gardens and music festival, and is an excellent base for walking; Positano is lower down, more colourful and sociable, and closer to the best boat connections. Adding Capri — reached by hydrofoil from Sorrento or by private boat — makes for a very satisfying three-centre itinerary. Other clients combine a few nights in Positano or Amalfi with a stay in Naples or Sorrento at either end, which allows for day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum without a long transfer. We will put together the combination that best fits your interests and the duration of your stay, and arrange all the transfers between stops as part of the holiday.

What is there to do on the Amalfi Coast beyond the beach and the views?

The Amalfi Coast is rewarding at every level of engagement, and we arrange a wide range of experiences around your hotel stays. Culturally, the Roman sites nearby are outstanding: we can arrange a private local guide for Pompeii or Herculaneum, which transforms what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming visit into a genuinely illuminating one; the Greek temples at Paestum, a little further south, are arguably the finest and least-visited Doric temples in existence. The gardens of the coast are exceptional — Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, the gardens of the Palazzo Reale at Caserta nearby — and we can arrange visits with a specialist garden guide for clients who want more than a self-guided walk. By boat, the Emerald Cave near Amalfi, the sea stacks of the Faraglioni off Capri, and the quieter coves accessible only from the water are all within reach. For walkers, the Sentiero degli Dei — the Path of the Gods — runs above the coastline between Agerola and Nocelle and offers some of the most spectacular views on the entire coast. And the food and wine of Campania — fresh seafood, buffalo mozzarella, limoncello from the coastal groves — rewards those who explore beyond their hotel restaurant.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

Late spring and early autumn are the most rewarding times to visit, and we recommend them strongly over the peak summer months. May and early June offer warm, settled weather, the gardens at their best, a quieter coast, and hotels and restaurants that have the time to look after you properly. September and October are equally beautiful: the light is softer, the sea is still warm, the summer crowds have receded, and the local pace of life reasserts itself. July and August are hot, busy and expensive even by Amalfi standards — the coastal road can be gridlocked, popular restaurants fully booked weeks in advance, and the smaller towns genuinely crowded. If summer is the only time available to you, we will make the best of it — choosing hotels with good pool and terrace facilities, timing excursions for early morning, and avoiding the worst bottlenecks — but the shoulder seasons offer a significantly more pleasurable experience. The coast is also surprisingly rewarding in the quieter winter months for those who want culture and scenery without the crowds, although some smaller hotels close between November and March.