To visit the Amalfi coast you need to go at the end of September, maybe even early October, or in April. Use Salerno as a base to stay. Rent a scooter somewhere at the start of the coast, like Vietri Sul Mare, and explore on scooter. Ask the local guy you rent your scooter from where you should eat. Next day, rent a boat somewhere and go on the water yourself. Do it like this and it won't be crazy busy and you will have an awesome trip.
@@kump32 Well dont get me wrong its very beautiful but thats all . First of all they were very very rude ( All the workers in shops , restaurants etc ). The food was awful ( We are all familiar with lasagna, pizza etc ) but there all the food was warmed up ( Nothing fresh). All tne coffee was just cold ( We payed 5 euro for a chappuchino so you expect some good coffee ). The service was really bad all over. And instagram pictures are just extremely filtered. The houses were at positano are just not what we expected.. but its nice to see all of Italy just for this time. So for us never again. Good luck for you. You might experience it different.
@djkarayasar7412 i appreciate your response.....my wife wants to go here...i keep telling her that IG and real life are different, hahaha....im big on having a car for easy transport and it kills me that I will need to rely on "bad" public transit....thanks again!
I've been to AC four times and once for seven days. Your comments were spot on. However, I enjoyed my visits and budgeted for the extra expence by visiting the resturants that were hard to get to and dealing with the crowds by just strolling and not rushing. Taking the bus with the locals, going to the beach early in the morning too. I tried to fit in with their culture and not bring out my American attitude in most issues I encountered. I do have a fear in future visits that italians are growing frustrated with the amount of tourist all summer long because that sentiment is growing in more tourist driven countries.
@@how2europe I'm still only ruling locations OUT! I think I'll swap Amalfi for Naples islands-Prochida & Ischia. Similar landscape but much more relaxing. But i still wonder if I can take a ferry to at least view the Amalfi from the water w/o stopping? Anyone know?
@@how2europe we stayed in all throughout Italy over the course of three weeks. But while in this area, we stayed in Castellammare di Stabia, taking the train into Sorrento before hopping the bus (at the train station) to Positano and then Amalfi on July 27th.
I was in Sorrento many years ago but never in Positano or Amalfi. However, I follow a UA-camr named Nicki Positano and she’s a middle aged Brit married to an Italian. She lives in a house up on the cliffs of Positano and shows what everyday life is like. It’s visually stunning!! They have an amazing view right in their garden, but they have to walk 500 steps up to the road where their car is or even more steps down into town or the beach. She has shown how ridiculously crowded it gets in the summer and to me it’s unpleasant being on a rocky beach. No thanks! I just came back from a River cruise in July along the Danube. It seems like a good part of Europe was extremely hot and most shops and restaurants just don’t have air conditioning. Yes I’m a spoiled American but it felt so good to get back to the nice air conditioned ship after being out in temps close to 100 degrees! I had a great experience but one thing that I learned was Europe is too hot and crowded in the summer for me.
I visited the Amalfi Coast for a week in June this year, staying in Salerno which was a great base for me to visit all around. If you are looking for Italians they are definitely there! It is easy to get around by ferry (or train to some places like Pompei, Ercolano and Paestum) and the town centre is very nice and not overly touristy. Every day I was out visiting somewhere but then it was nice to come back to Salerno for nice (and well-priced) dinner. I also think June is a good time to go, it was certainly crowded in certain places but not as much as I expected.
@@how2europe I did not go to the beach in Salerno, I had tried to swim in Positano but it was way too cold still even in June. Very few people were swimming, I would say the water was around 20C, maybe less. I don't think Salerno is particularly known for its beaches though. I don't think it is industrial at all, it is a small city with a port but that is just a small part. I would not go for a beach holiday, but a great base to explore the region at a really affordable price (I had a nice B & B for 350 euro in the center of town for a week in June, I couldn't find anything close to that in any of the other towns on the coast).
I went to Positano with my wife in April and we had a wonderful time! The best way of going there would be getting by Ferry, or having a private driver that picks you up at the airport or train station. If you go during peak season of course you are going to hate it. We would love to go again!
Hi, just came across your page. I was just there at Amalfi and Positano in August 5, and i agree with you 100%! Next time, i will try to find some of the less popular but still beautiful towns. Also, Rome is a zoo, so tremendously full of tourists. Thanks for your video!
I took a day trip to Amalfi Coast in May once - pretty similar experience. We were staying in Salerno, as hotels on Amalfi coast were extremely overpriced. I was annoyed to fund out ice cream there is 3 times more expensive than in Salerno. Buses are a nightmare - we were going to take a boat, but it was cancelled due to weather conditions. I agree that all touristy destinations are kind of crowded during peak season, but you don't know how bad it is in reality - I live in London now and London is not crowded at all in comparison.
thanks for your comment! I love hearing other people’s experience :) What was it like staying in Salerno? Does the industrial aspect affect the vacation vibe?
Ok this is going to be a fun comment to write (and send). First, I'm thankful for having run across it. Just a few days ago I had been watching some young lovely American UA-camr couple's videos on the Amalfi Coast. Truly brilliant and inspiring videos, especially since I'm a content in 4K resolution enthusiast. The views and the food in the Amalfi Coast look truly brilliant. They did most of their trip while using a rented car. Seems convenient, unlike your experience, right? Would love your input on this, if possible. On the other hand, although it wasn’t their focus, they did show the hassles and hurdles of the crowds and buses. They did seem upset at certain points, but the videos’ vibe were mostly on the positive side. I’ve added these videos on my Italy Travel Bucket List playlist and will also be adding yours. I guess I’ll analyze going there sometime in late September (someday), or actually during the winter. I was in Paris and London this early April (during what people in first world countries call ‘Spring Break’) and was definitely put off by the crowds. Finally, I guess I’ll just try to book a new trip to the beautiful, silent and especially lacking of tourists in the northern coast of my beloved country: Peru. And also save a buck while at it. Thanks for the video! Subscribed!
thank you so much for your lovely comment! I think renting a scooter seems more fun than a car because you can zip by the traffic jams and find parking more easily! I’ve never been to Peru but it looks incredible.
Try the two cities after Amalfi (southward) Minori and or Maoiri! We visited the city of Minori and it was great and very Italian friendly. Beach was semi-private mostly like if you wanted a chair you needed to pay but if you just wanted to go and sit on the black lava rock and hit the water that was just fine. Plus best of all food prices reasonable and yes the locals all head onto the piazza at night to walk get a coffee and simply yak to one another. We loved it and yes Amalfi if way too crowded 😊
I can totally relate to your experience. My Italian holiday plans have a stay in the nearby towns of Salerno and Vietri sul Mare but I will skip Amalfi and Positano because they are too much of a tourist trap. The same thing happens on the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini which have so many tourists that there is almost nothing left that is authentically Greek. At least with Mykonos there is definitely a low season when tourist numbers are way down but Santorini seems to be a non-stop tourist nightmare.
Thanks so much for your comment! I'm curious to know how things are over in those towns. When is your trip? I went to Santorini about 8 years ago and stayed far from the center in a calmer area but who knows, maybe it's even too touristy there now. Hard to find untrampled places.
@@how2europe I'm planning on going to Italy in April 2025 so being in the shoulder season I hope those towns on the edge of the Amalfi Coast will be more relaxed,
@@jjjddd231 Some people in the comments mentioned enjoying the Amalfi Coast in April specifically, so I'm sure you'll be better off than in summer. Fingers crossed you'll get some warm weather so you can swim!
Felt the same way, I went in late May and I hated it, even stayed in Maiori, which is smaller, but not my vibe. Felt like Disneyland. Food I was also not impressed, especially for the price. Restaurants even charge you a sitting fee. Bathrooms were usually filthy, even when spending over 20 euros a plate. Went to Capri for a day trip also very crowded, overpriced and overhyped. Feels like it has lost a lot of the Italian feel. I actually enjoyed our half day in Naples more, felt much more authentic, food and culture wise. I would say it's a beautiful place, but not relaxing or authentic if that is what you are looking for. More like a trip to Disney, long lines, overpriced food, and just a general stressful vibe. I much more enjoyed Biarritz in France and San Sebastián in Spain, that whole Basque area is amazing. Better weather in summer, much more of a European feel, and just fun and relaxing, plus amazing food. Didn't see many American tourists.
To visit the Amalfi coast you need to go at the end of September, maybe even early October, or in April. Use Salerno as a base to stay. Rent a scooter somewhere at the start of the coast, like Vietri Sul Mare, and explore on scooter. Ask the local guy you rent your scooter from where you should eat. Next day, rent a boat somewhere and go on the water yourself. Do it like this and it won't be crazy busy and you will have an awesome trip.
Nice tips! Thanks for your comment :)
When did you visit? Im planning a trip for October 2025
Well said !! Just came back from Amalfi.. OMG never again.. !
lol! thank you! What was the most frustrating part for you?
im planning a trip there in 2025....Id love to hear why you wouldnt go back?
@@kump32 Well dont get me wrong its very beautiful but thats all . First of all they were very very rude ( All the workers in shops , restaurants etc ). The food was awful ( We are all familiar with lasagna, pizza etc ) but there all the food was warmed up ( Nothing fresh). All tne coffee was just cold ( We payed 5 euro for a chappuchino so you expect some good coffee ). The service was really bad all over. And instagram pictures are just extremely filtered. The houses were at positano are just not what we expected.. but its nice to see all of Italy just for this time. So for us never again. Good luck for you. You might experience it different.
@djkarayasar7412 i appreciate your response.....my wife wants to go here...i keep telling her that IG and real life are different, hahaha....im big on having a car for easy transport and it kills me that I will need to rely on "bad" public transit....thanks again!
@@how2europe The service.. All the workers ( Shops, rstaurants etc ) were really rude . I mean not just 1 location but all over
I've been to AC four times and once for seven days. Your comments were spot on. However, I enjoyed my visits and budgeted for the extra expence by visiting the resturants that were hard to get to and dealing with the crowds by just strolling and not rushing. Taking the bus with the locals, going to the beach early in the morning too. I tried to fit in with their culture and not bring out my American attitude in most issues I encountered. I do have a fear in future visits that italians are growing frustrated with the amount of tourist all summer long because that sentiment is growing in more tourist driven countries.
sounds like you’re a master of going with the flow! thanks for your comment :)
This was very helpful in considering a first time to Europe for my 50th! thank you!
I’m so glad! Where are you leaning towards going? I hope you have a wonderful trip :)
@@how2europe I'm still only ruling locations OUT! I think I'll swap Amalfi for Naples islands-Prochida & Ischia. Similar landscape but much more relaxing. But i still wonder if I can take a ferry to at least view the Amalfi from the water w/o stopping? Anyone know?
I can understand the locals imagine they have to deal with all these tourist and crowds all summer long
I can’t imagine what they must go through everyday
We were there last month and I pretty much agree with each point, save for sentiment of locals. Had a blast but would never again visit during Summer.
thanks for your comment! Which area did you stay in?
@@how2europe we stayed in all throughout Italy over the course of three weeks. But while in this area, we stayed in Castellammare di Stabia, taking the train into Sorrento before hopping the bus (at the train station) to Positano and then Amalfi on July 27th.
I was in Sorrento many years ago but never in Positano or Amalfi.
However, I follow a UA-camr named Nicki Positano and she’s a middle aged Brit married to an Italian. She lives in a house up on the cliffs of Positano and shows what everyday life is like. It’s visually stunning!! They have an amazing view right in their garden, but they have to walk 500 steps up to the road where their car is or even more steps down into town or the beach. She has shown how ridiculously crowded it gets in the summer and to me it’s unpleasant being on a rocky beach. No thanks!
I just came back from a River cruise in July along the Danube. It seems like a good part of Europe was extremely hot and most shops and restaurants just don’t have air conditioning. Yes I’m a spoiled American but it felt so good to get back to the nice air conditioned ship after being out in temps close to 100 degrees!
I had a great experience but one thing that I learned was Europe is too hot and crowded in the summer for me.
Hi there, thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment :) I will have to check Nicki Positano out!
I visited the Amalfi Coast for a week in June this year, staying in Salerno which was a great base for me to visit all around. If you are looking for Italians they are definitely there! It is easy to get around by ferry (or train to some places like Pompei, Ercolano and Paestum) and the town centre is very nice and not overly touristy. Every day I was out visiting somewhere but then it was nice to come back to Salerno for nice (and well-priced) dinner. I also think June is a good time to go, it was certainly crowded in certain places but not as much as I expected.
thanks for your comment! it seems like Salerno is the perfect hub. What was it like swimming/being at tje beach there? Does it feel too industrial?
@@how2europe I did not go to the beach in Salerno, I had tried to swim in Positano but it was way too cold still even in June. Very few people were swimming, I would say the water was around 20C, maybe less. I don't think Salerno is particularly known for its beaches though. I don't think it is industrial at all, it is a small city with a port but that is just a small part. I would not go for a beach holiday, but a great base to explore the region at a really affordable price (I had a nice B & B for 350 euro in the center of town for a week in June, I couldn't find anything close to that in any of the other towns on the coast).
@@underanafricansun7742 thanks for sharing your experience, great info!
I went to Positano with my wife in April and we had a wonderful time! The best way of going there would be getting by Ferry, or having a private driver that picks you up at the airport or train station. If you go during peak season of course you are going to hate it. We would love to go again!
thanks for your comment! Were you able to swim in April?
@@how2europe we were lucky that that weekend was in the 80s, so we were able to swim!!
@@conciertode wow that's amazing!
Does anyone know if I can take a ferry to view the Amalfi from the water w/o stopping?
hi, where would you be thinking of taking a ferry from? Naples?
@@how2europe that's kinda what I'm asking -is it possible, and from where?
Hi, just came across your page. I was just there at Amalfi and Positano in August 5, and i agree with you 100%! Next time, i will try to find some of the less popular but still beautiful towns. Also, Rome is a zoo, so tremendously full of tourists. Thanks for your video!
I’m glad to hear someone else felt the same way! I hope you were still able to enjoy your trip :) thanks for your comment!
I took a day trip to Amalfi Coast in May once - pretty similar experience. We were staying in Salerno, as hotels on Amalfi coast were extremely overpriced. I was annoyed to fund out ice cream there is 3 times more expensive than in Salerno. Buses are a nightmare - we were going to take a boat, but it was cancelled due to weather conditions. I agree that all touristy destinations are kind of crowded during peak season, but you don't know how bad it is in reality - I live in London now and London is not crowded at all in comparison.
thanks for your comment! I love hearing other people’s experience :) What was it like staying in Salerno? Does the industrial aspect affect the vacation vibe?
Ok this is going to be a fun comment to write (and send). First, I'm thankful for having run across it. Just a few days ago I had been watching some young lovely American UA-camr couple's videos on the Amalfi Coast. Truly brilliant and inspiring videos, especially since I'm a content in 4K resolution enthusiast. The views and the food in the Amalfi Coast look truly brilliant. They did most of their trip while using a rented car. Seems convenient, unlike your experience, right? Would love your input on this, if possible.
On the other hand, although it wasn’t their focus, they did show the hassles and hurdles of the crowds and buses. They did seem upset at certain points, but the videos’ vibe were mostly on the positive side. I’ve added these videos on my Italy Travel Bucket List playlist and will also be adding yours. I guess I’ll analyze going there sometime in late September (someday), or actually during the winter. I was in Paris and London this early April (during what people in first world countries call ‘Spring Break’) and was definitely put off by the crowds.
Finally, I guess I’ll just try to book a new trip to the beautiful, silent and especially lacking of tourists in the northern coast of my beloved country: Peru. And also save a buck while at it.
Thanks for the video! Subscribed!
thank you so much for your lovely comment! I think renting a scooter seems more fun than a car because you can zip by the traffic jams and find parking more easily! I’ve never been to Peru but it looks incredible.
Try the two cities after Amalfi (southward) Minori and or Maoiri! We visited the city of Minori and it was great and very Italian friendly. Beach was semi-private mostly like if you wanted a chair you needed to pay but if you just wanted to go and sit on the black lava rock and hit the water that was just fine. Plus best of all food prices reasonable and yes the locals all head onto the piazza at night to walk get a coffee and simply yak to one another. We loved it and yes Amalfi if way too crowded 😊
That sounds so lovely! I’ve heard Rick Steves rave about those towns too. It’s too bad I didn’t make it there this summer!
I can totally relate to your experience. My Italian holiday plans have a stay in the nearby towns of Salerno and Vietri sul Mare but I will skip Amalfi and Positano because they are too much of a tourist trap. The same thing happens on the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini which have so many tourists that there is almost nothing left that is authentically Greek. At least with Mykonos there is definitely a low season when tourist numbers are way down but Santorini seems to be a non-stop tourist nightmare.
Thanks so much for your comment! I'm curious to know how things are over in those towns. When is your trip? I went to Santorini about 8 years ago and stayed far from the center in a calmer area but who knows, maybe it's even too touristy there now. Hard to find untrampled places.
@@how2europe I'm planning on going to Italy in April 2025 so being in the shoulder season I hope those towns on the edge of the Amalfi Coast will be more relaxed,
@@jjjddd231 Some people in the comments mentioned enjoying the Amalfi Coast in April specifically, so I'm sure you'll be better off than in summer. Fingers crossed you'll get some warm weather so you can swim!
Felt the same way, I went in late May and I hated it, even stayed in Maiori, which is smaller, but not my vibe. Felt like Disneyland. Food I was also not impressed, especially for the price. Restaurants even charge you a sitting fee. Bathrooms were usually filthy, even when spending over 20 euros a plate. Went to Capri for a day trip also very crowded, overpriced and overhyped. Feels like it has lost a lot of the Italian feel. I actually enjoyed our half day in Naples more, felt much more authentic, food and culture wise. I would say it's a beautiful place, but not relaxing or authentic if that is what you are looking for. More like a trip to Disney, long lines, overpriced food, and just a general stressful vibe. I much more enjoyed Biarritz in France and San Sebastián in Spain, that whole Basque area is amazing. Better weather in summer, much more of a European feel, and just fun and relaxing, plus amazing food. Didn't see many American tourists.
it's so hard to find quiet beautiful places :( think i'll be going back to the Turkish riviera to escape the crowds.
it was crowded during the high season? shocking.
thanks for watching and boosting my engagement with your comment. have a great day!
@@how2europe hahaha commenting on this because your response was amazing! LOL #trolldefeated
you dont like ritzy?
I like clean and beautiful towns but Positano and Amalfi felt a little too much like the red carpet for the rich and famous/influencers