Making the Most of Your Amalfi Coast Vacation Rental: Tips and Tricks
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most sought-after destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world with its stunning scenery, charming towns, and delicious cuisine. Renting a vacation home in this stunning area of Italy can provide you with a unique and magical experience, as you explore the local culture from your home base. However, there are a few important trips and tricks you can follow to make the most of your stay.
1. Choose the right location for you
Positano or Praiano?
The Amalfi Coast is home to several towns and villages, each with its own unique charm and character. When choosing your vacation rental, it’s important to understand the area well. If you're looking for a more quiet and peaceful escape, consider a rental in a smaller town like Conca dei Marini, Praiano or Ravello. If you’re after the best value for your money, we recommend nearby Sorrento, which offers sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Guests who would like to be in the center of it all should look into dreamy Positano. Famous for its pastel-colored houses, beaches lined with bright orange sun umbrellas and charming winding streets, it is the most in demand area of the famous Amalfi coastline. Still not sure what are to stay in? Contact us and we’d be glad to help.
2. Take day trips
Discover Paestum
From Capri’s famous blue grotto to the thermal springs of Ischia, there are many islands to explore off the Amalfi coastline and we recommend that you enjoy them by day trip. Ferries or “traghetti” in Italian are accessible throughout the coastline and an easy way to reach these beautiful islands. If you’d like to take a ferry, we recommend downloading the app “Ferry Hopper” and booking your tickets (especially to Capri) in advance. Private boats and transfers are also available and your villa’s concierge can take care of all of the details for you.
For those who enjoy history, Pompei is not to be missed. In January of 2023, Casa dei Vetti, a marvelously restored portion of the ruins opened after being closed for over 20 years. We also recommend visiting nearby Herculaneum and Paestum outside of nearby Salerno, which offers greek temples that rival the Parthenon. For more, see our day trip ideas for the Amalfi Coast.
3. Enjoy local festivals and events
The Amalfi Coast has a rich history of local festivals - some of which have been celebrated for centuries. Most of the festivals take place during the summertime, making them ideal for visitors looking to experience a bit of the local culture. We love the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics festival, which takes place in June. The festival features traditional boats, called "gozzi," racing in a competition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Participants will also food and drink stalls, live music performances, and other events that celebrate the town's maritime heritage. Lemon Festival: This is a food and drink festival held in various towns along the Amalfi Coast in July and August. The festival celebrates the region's abundant lemon groves and features tastings of lemon-based dishes, such as limoncello, lemon sorbet, and lemon cake. The festival also includes live music performances and other events that celebrate the local culture and cuisine.
4. Take a boat tour
Sail away!
Taking a private boat tour with swim stops along the Amalfi Coast is a unique and unforgettable experience. The coastline offers stunning views of towering cliffs, serene bays, and crystal clear waters, making it the perfect place to explore by boat. Private boat tours allow you to tailor your itinerary to your interests, and they offer a more intimate and relaxed experience than larger, more crowded boat tours. When taking a private boat tour, you can choose to explore the coast at your own pace, stopping to swim in the Mediterranean, visit hidden coves and caves, or enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach. Your captain will be able to provide recommendations for the best spots to visit and can even arrange for a private chef to prepare a gourmet lunch on board.
5. Hire a driver
Driving on the Amalfi Coast is an ambitious task. Set along a stunning stretch of coastline, the region is characterized by steep cliffs, and winding roads high above the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This makes for stunning views, but driving the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart. In fact, there is only one long winding road to navigte the region and with its twists and turns, driving can prove difficult. We strongly recommend utilizing a driver and can help you to arrange one for your trip. Sit back, relax and let us handle the details.
6. Taste the local cuisine
Keep it fresh
The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast offers something for everyone. Fresh seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, and squid, is a staple in the region, and is often grilled or served in pasta dishes. Lemons, a key ingredient in many local recipes, are abundant in the area, and are used to add flavor to fish dishes, sauces, and desserts. Tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme are also commonly used in local dishes, as are mozzarella cheese and buffalo milk, which are used to make fresh mozzarella. Vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, are also a staple in the local cuisine, and are often used in dishes such as caponata and ratatouille. The local cuisine is a reflection of the region's rich cultural heritage and the bounty of fresh ingredients available from the local market. See our favorite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.
7. Book early!
Plan ahead
The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination, and rental properties fill up quicker than any other region of Italy, especially during the peak summer months. To ensure you get the rental you want, it's important to book as early as possible - ideally a year out.
Rent a Villa on the Amalfi Coast
Make sure that you have a comfortable vacation home to return to after exploring Amalfi. Our vacation rentals on the Amalfi Coast include a mix of classic and modern styles. Whether you want an intimate romantic getaway or a big family celebration, we have the perfect selection of villas. Contact us to begin planning your Italian villa vacation today.
One of the most common questions we receive is “when is the best time to visit Italy”? The answer depends on your individual needs, but certainly September, October and November are some of the most underrated months of the year to visit. While summer often steals the spotlight as the most popular time to explore Italy, there's something truly magical about experiencing this country during the fall. Here are a few uniquely Italian experiences during this beautiful time of year.