5 Free Things To Do: The Amalfi Coast
Visiting the Amalfi Coast on a budget? There is so much to do and see and a lot of it is expensive, save your money and check out some of these free ways to pass the time!
Walking the Path of the Lemons
1) Go for a hike
While you might not immediately think “hikes” when you think of the Amalfi Coast, there are a lot of walking paths along the coast that have incredible views (and will leave your thighs burning the next day). Don’t be too deterred when you lose feeling in your legs and an Italian nonna walks by with heavy bags of groceries having not even broken a sweat! It happens to the best of us!
Some hikes to choose from:
Path of the Lemons (Maiori to Minori or vice versa)
Path of the Gods* (Bomerano to Positano or vice versa)
Stairs from Ravello down to Atrani (or up to Ravello if you’re feeling ambitious)
2) Enjoy the sun on a public beach
Atrani and Cetera* both have free beaches where you can bring your towel and enjoy the sun without the wild prices of beach chairs lining the shores. There are public access beaches in Amalfi as well as some other towns, but they can get pretty crowded. One of the most picturesque beaches along the Amalfi coast has to be Fiordo di Furore — albeit a little difficult to access, but the high cliffs surrounding the small stretch of sand are gorgeous.
Soaking in the water and the views in Atrani mid-July
View of Vietri sul Mare leading down to the water
3) Admire the ceramics in Vietri sul Mare
Known for its ceramic detailing around the town, Vietri sul Mare is a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy the cute tiles, pottery and murals adorning the public spaces. Stop into Ceramica Solimene, where they hand-make ceramics daily. You can watch the local artists at their craft, purchase a souvenir, or just enjoy the impossible-to-miss architecture.
Lungomare in Salerno
4) Walk the Lungomare in Salerno
Though technically Salerno isn’t part of the Amalfi Coast, being a short 20-minute walk from Vietri sul Mare gives it an honorary title in my opinion. Take a stroll along the water under palm trees and take in the incredible views. Lean into the true Italian way of life by taking it slow and enjoying the simplicity of having nowhere to be.
5) People watch in a piazza
One of my favourite parts of Italian culture is their use of the “third space” — a place other than home (first space) or work (second space) where socialising occurs. The casual plans to go to public spaces and interact with other people from the neighbourhood, indulging in taking it slow and relaxing in a piazza, is as close to being a local as you can get on a short trip.
People sitting on the steps of the Amalfi Duomo
