How to get around the busy, chaotic, but oh so magical Amalfi Coast
If you are planning on travelling towards the Amalfi, and exploring all the hidden and less touristy spots along the way, there are three options depending on your budget: bus, ferry or hiring a private boat.
I have been lucky enough to visit Positano three times, and have experienced all three ways of getting around.
The SITA bus
My first time visiting Positano (straight out of high school and on a tight budget!) I travelled using the SITA bus. This is the cheapest option to get around, however it gets unbearably busy. If you are going to use the bus, you need to make sure you’re up early to miss the crowds. The benefit of getting around this way is you can hop on and hop off as you please. You’ll want to keep getting off as there are so many incredible little towns and beaches along the way to Amalfi.
However, as it gets later into the afternoon, these buses can be a nightmare. They become so crowded, you often have to wait for two or three buses to come past before there is room to squeeze on. If you have dinner reservations that evening, leave ample amount of time to get back.
The Ferry
There are direct ferries from Positano to Amalfi. This is an affordable (around 15€ single fare) and an enjoyable way to travel. These ferries run every half an hour. There are three brands of Ferries, Positano Jet, NLG and Travelmar. Make sure to compare the times, as often a man is standing outside of the booth of their company persuading customers that their times are the only ones, leaving you waiting around for the Ferry when you could be on your way with another company.
The only downside to catching the Ferry is that you don’t get to stop and get off at the places you see along the way.
My tip if you’re on a budget is to catch the SITA bus early in the morning, and explore all the hidden spots along the way. When you arrive in Amalfi and want to return back to Positano, I would catch the ferry back.
Hiring a private boat
Now if you have a bigger budget, there is no better way to see this spectacular coastline. By the Ferry wharf, there are many private boat hire desks. Be sure to shop around, and bargain with these stalls.
If you have a larger group, it makes hiring a private boat more affordable. The boat gives you the flexibility to stop wherever your heart desires. If you see a cliff jump you have to do, or a small beach club you’d love to have lunch at, these are all accessible to use by your skipper.
Before you get on the boat, make sure you’re prepared. Sunscreen, a hat, and a great playlist are all essentials. Along side this, go to a local convenience store (they are all amazing in Positano and often run by the local nonas!) and grab a few bottles of rosé, some fresh fruit and snacks and you’re good to go!
I can guarantee you that this will be a day you will never forget. It really was one of the best days of my life.
The amalfi coast is the epitome of a heaven on earth. The scenery, the food, the culture and the atmosphere make this Italian hotspot an unmissable stop no matter how you choose to get around.
The views that you get from the bus as it travels up high on the hill are incredible.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend money on day chairs at Amalfi, you can sit on the rocks for free.
