So, you’ve seen the photos. The pastel houses clinging to limestone cliffs, the turquoise water that looks like it’s been through five Instagram filters, and those massive lemons that are basically the size of a human head. You want to go. But when you look for the Amalfi Coast on map, things get a little confusing. It’s not just one spot. It’s not a city. It’s a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline in the Campania region of Italy, and honestly, if you don’t know exactly where you’re looking, you’ll end up booking a hotel in a town that requires a three-hour bus ride just to see the "real" views.
The Amalfi Coast, or the Costiera Amalfitana, sits on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Most people assume it’s right next to Rome. It’s not. It’s south of Naples. If you’re looking at a map of Italy—that giant boot—the Amalfi Coast is tucked into the "shin" area, just below the Gulf of Naples in the Gulf of Salerno.
It starts at Positano in the west and ends at Vietri sul Mare in the east.
Where Exactly Is the Amalfi Coast on Map?
To find the Amalfi Coast on map, you first need to locate the city of Salerno and the town of Sorrento. These are your anchors. The actual "UNESCO World Heritage" section is the thin, wiggly line of the SS163 highway. This road is nicknamed the "Road of a Thousand Bends." It’s terrifying. It’s beautiful. It’s also the only way to get through most of these towns by car.
📖 Related: Great America Drop Tower Height: Why the Numbers Get So Confusing
The coastline faces south. This is a big deal for your tan. Because the cliffs are so steep, some towns lose the sun by 4:00 PM. If you’re staying in Positano, which faces southwest, you get those golden hour glows that everyone raves about. But if you’re tucked into a deep gorge like Atrani, the sun says goodbye much earlier.
The Major Towns You’ll See
When you zoom in on the Amalfi Coast on map, you’ll see thirteen distinct municipalities.
Positano is the heavy hitter. It’s the one with the vertical layout. Then there’s Praiano, which is a bit quieter and offers the best sunsets. Amalfi itself was once a powerful maritime republic, and it’s the historical heart of the coast. Ravello isn't even on the water; it’s perched high above, offering views that make you feel like you’re floating. Then you have the smaller, "real" spots like Minori, Maiori, and Cetara.
Wait. Don't confuse Sorrento with the Amalfi Coast.
People do this all the time. Sorrento is on the north side of the peninsula facing Mt. Vesuvius. It’s the gateway. It has the trains. But technically, it is not part of the Amalfi Coast. To get to the "Coast," you have to cross the mountain ridge.
Why the Geography of This Place Is a Nightmare (and a Dream)
The terrain here is vertical. Looking at the Amalfi Coast on map doesn't prepare you for the elevation. You might see two points that look half an inch apart, but there’s a 1,000-foot cliff between them.
Take the "Path of the Gods" (Sentiero degli Dei). On a flat map, it looks like a simple trail connecting Bomerano to Nocelle. In reality, you’re walking along the spine of the Lattari Mountains. To your left, a sheer drop into the Mediterranean. To your right, limestone peaks. If you have vertigo, maybe skip the map and just stay on the beach.
The road itself, the SS163, was built by the Bourbons in the mid-1800s. Before that, these towns were mostly reached by boat or by mule paths. This isolation is why they look so preserved. There’s no room for a modern six-lane highway. There’s barely room for two small Fiats to pass each other without losing a side mirror.
👉 See also: Why Golden Moon Hotel and Casino Is Still the Best Bet in Mississippi
Honestly, the logistics are a headache.
If you’re driving, you have to deal with the "ZTL" (Limited Traffic Zones) and the alternate license plate system. In the peak summer months, cars with odd-numbered plates can drive on certain days, and even-numbered plates on others. This isn't a suggestion. It’s a law to prevent the entire coast from becoming one giant, scenic parking lot.
Navigating the Map: Logistics You Need to Know
Most travelers fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). From there, you have options, but none of them are particularly "fast."
- The Ferry: This is the best way to see the Amalfi Coast on map from the perspective it was meant to be seen—the sea. Ferries run from Salerno or Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi.
- The SITA Bus: It’s cheap. It’s crowded. The drivers move these massive buses around hairpins with an inch of clearance. It’s a thrill ride you didn't ask for.
- Private Transfer: Expensive, but if you have a lot of luggage, trying to drag a suitcase up the 700 stairs of Positano is a quick way to ruin your vacation.
If you look at the Amalfi Coast on map and see a town called Furore, you might notice it looks like it’s split in two. It basically is. There’s the "fjord"—a dramatic rip in the cliffs where the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series happens—and the actual town, which is scattered way up on the hillside. This is why "location" filters on booking sites are dangerous here. You might think you're "near the beach," but you're actually 400 vertical feet above it.
The Micro-Climates and Hidden Spots
Because of the way the mountains hit the sea, the weather can be weird. You can have a rainstorm in Amalfi while it’s perfectly sunny in Positano, just a few miles away. The Lattari Mountains trap the clouds.
- The "Secret" Beach: Look for the beach of Cavallo Morto (Dead Horse Beach). You can basically only get there by boat.
- The Valle delle Ferriere: This is a lush, tropical-feeling valley behind Amalfi. It has waterfalls and ancient paper mills. It’s a complete 180 from the salt-crusted docks of the town.
- Tramonti: This is the "green heart" of the coast. It’s inland, mountainous, and famous for its pizza and chestnuts. Most people ignore it because it's not on the water. Their loss.
Experts like Nikki Taylor, a long-time resident and Italy travel consultant, often point out that the "best" part of the map depends on your budget. Positano is for the "see and be seen" crowd. Amalfi is for the history buffs. Minori is for the foodies—specifically for Pasticceria Sal De Riso, which arguably makes the best lemon cake on the planet.
Common Misconceptions About the Amalfi Coast
One of the biggest errors people make when studying the Amalfi Coast on map is thinking they can use it as a base to see Pompeii and Vesuvius easily. You can, but it’s a slog. If Pompeii is your main goal, stay in Sorrento. From Positano, you’re looking at a bus to a train or a very expensive private driver.
Another thing? The beaches aren't sandy.
If you’re expecting Caribbean-style white sand, prepare for a surprise. Most "beaches" on the Amalfi Coast are made of grey pebbles or are simply concrete platforms built into the rocks. The water is incredibly deep and clear, but you’ll want those $10 water shoes from the local shop.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
When planning your route using the Amalfi Coast on map, don't try to see it all in two days. You can't. You'll just spend the whole time in transit.
- Choose your "Base" town wisely. If you want nightlife and shopping, pick Positano. If you want a central transport hub, pick Amalfi town. If you want to save money and eat like a local, look at Cetara or Minori.
- Download offline maps. Cell service is surprisingly spotty when you’re tucked under a limestone overhang. Google Maps doesn't always understand that a "road" is actually a staircase.
- Check the ferry schedules first. The sea is your highway. Avoid the road between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM if you can help it. The traffic is legendary in all the wrong ways.
- Book your "Beach Club" in advance. During July and August, the small pebble beaches fill up by 9:00 AM. If you want a sunbed, you need a reservation at places like La Fontelina (in Capri) or Arienzo (in Positano).
- Look for the "Blue Flag" beaches. These are certified for water quality and environmental management. Positano and Amalfi usually make the list, but so do the smaller spots like Massa Lubrense.
The Amalfi Coast on map looks like a tiny sliver of Italy, but it contains enough culture, food, and vertical terrain to fill a lifetime of trips. It’s a place where the geography dictates the lifestyle. You don't rush here; the road won't let you. You just have to lean into the chaos, order another Limoncello, and enjoy the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Plan your stay around the ferry docks if you hate buses, or stay high in the hills of Ravello if you want peace and quiet. Just remember that every "shortcut" on the map is likely a staircase with three hundred steps. Your glutes will thank you, even if your knees don't.
Pack light. The stairs are real. The views are better.