10 Mistakes to Avoid on the Amalfi Coast (2025 Edition)

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtaking places in Italy—and the world. Its pastel villages, turquoise waters, lemon groves, and cliffside roads look like they belong in a movie. But don’t be fooled: traveling here without preparation can lead to headaches, fines, and missed opportunities.

🚗1) Ignoring the 2025 Driving Restrictions & ZTL Rules

One of the most common mistakes tourists make is assuming they can freely drive the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163) at all times. Since 2022, the local government introduced “targhe alterne” (alternate license plate rules) on peak summer days. In 2025, these rules are still in force:

Odd-numbered plates can drive only on odd dates.
Even-numbered plates can drive only on even dates.
Restrictions typically apply 10:00–18:00 on weekends and peak holiday periods.

🚨 Fines are strictly enforced, and rental cars are not exempt.

On top of this, towns such as Amalfi and Positano enforce ZTL zones (Zona Traffico Limitato) where only locals, deliveries, or registered vehicles may enter. Entering without a permit leads to automatic fines.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Check the official ordinance for your exact travel dates.
If driving, plan your movements early in the morning or late evening.
Consider parking in Salerno, Sorrento, or Vietri sul Mare and moving around by ferry or bus.

🏨2) Booking Too Late (Hotels, Ferries & Beach Clubs)

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most visited destinations in Italy, and demand always outpaces supply. Leaving bookings to the last minute is a recipe for disappointment.

Hotels & Airbnbs: Many of the most charming accommodations (especially in Positano or Ravello) book out 6–12 months in advance. Prices skyrocket as availability drops.
Beach Clubs: Famous clubs like Arienzo in Positano or Lido degli Artisti in Amalfi require advance reservations for sunbeds, umbrellas, and even lunch. Walk-ins rarely get a spot in summer.
Ferries: On busy weekends, popular routes (Positano ↔ Capri, Amalfi ↔ Sorrento) sell out. Buying tickets on the same day can leave you stranded.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Secure hotels at least 6 months before peak season (June–September).
Book beach clubs online well ahead of time.
Buy ferry tickets in advance, especially for day trips to Capri or Ischia.

🛳️3) Relying Only on Buses (and Ignoring Ferries)

Many first-time visitors assume buses are the cheapest and easiest way to move along the coast. But here’s the reality:

SITA buses are often crowded, delayed, and slow due to heavy road traffic.
During rush hours, buses may skip stops because they’re full.
Standing for an hour on winding cliff roads is not fun.

Meanwhile, ferries are:

Faster (Amalfi–Positano in 25 minutes by sea vs. 1+ hour by bus).
Scenic (you see the coast from the water).
Less stressful (no traffic jams).

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Use ferries for main connections (Salerno ↔ Amalfi, Amalfi ↔ Positano).
Use buses only for short connections or to reach hill towns (Ravello, Agerola).

🚍4) Forgetting to Buy & Validate Bus Tickets

Unlike in some cities, you cannot buy tickets on board SITA buses. You must purchase them in advance at:

Tabacchi shops (look for the blue “T” sign).
Bars or cafés displaying “SITA tickets sold here.”
Official apps (UnicoCampania).

Tickets must be validated when boarding. Failure to validate = fines of €50+.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Always carry a few spare tickets with you.
If using digital tickets, validate via the app the moment you board.

🧳5) Bringing Oversized Luggage

This is one of the most underestimated mistakes. The Amalfi Coast is not suitcase-friendly:

Narrow alleys and steep staircases make dragging a large suitcase nearly impossible.
Buses and ferries have limited luggage capacity; oversized or heavy bags may be refused.
Some hotels are accessible only by footpaths with dozens of steps—no elevators.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Pack light, medium-sized bags or backpacks.
If traveling with heavy luggage, use porter services in Positano or Amalfi (available but costly).

🪜6) Underestimating Steps & Accessibility

Positano and Amalfi are vertical towns built into cliffs. This means:

Hotels may require climbing 50–200 steps to reach.
Streets are often pedestrian-only, so taxis can’t drop you at the door.
For people with mobility issues, this can be a serious barrier.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Research hotel access before booking.
Choose accommodations on the main road level if you want to avoid stairs.
Use porterage services when available.

⛰️7) Hiking the Path of the Gods at Midday

The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is one of the most famous hikes in the world. But many visitors underestimate it:

The trail is exposed, with little shade.
Summer midday temperatures can reach 30°C+ (86°F).
The path involves uneven terrain, descents, and ascents.

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Start early (7–9 AM).
Bring 2 liters of water, sunscreen, a hat, and proper shoes.
Consider hiking with a local guide for safety and insights.

🏖️8) Expecting Sandy Beaches Everywhere

Don’t expect Caribbean-style white sand here:

Most beaches are pebbly or rocky (Positano, Amalfi, Atrani).
The shore can be uncomfortable without water shoes.
The only long sandy beach is in Maiori (1 km).

👉 How to avoid this mistake:

Pack water shoes for comfort.
Visit Maiori if you want soft sand.
Choose beach clubs with wooden platforms for easier access.

🍋9) Skipping Small Towns & Local Specialties

Many visitors stick only to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, missing out on the authentic coastal culture.

Cetara: Famous for its anchovy sauce (Colatura di Alici), a UNESCO-protected tradition.
Minori: Known as the “City of Taste”, home to historic pastry shops.
Vietri sul Mare: Renowned for its ceramics.
Amalfi: Birthplace of paper-making traditions and limoncello.