The Breathtaking Destination Rick Steves Calls 'Italy's Coast With The Most'

Italy continues to make travel bucket lists year after year for those seeking a mix of rich culture, epic scenery, delicious food, and historical architecture. And if there's one person who knows Italy like the back of his hand, it's none other than travel guru Rick Steves. Having traveled extensively throughout Italy over the years, Steves may call Siena the ultimate Italian hill town, but the destination he gushes about most is the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, which he calls "Italy's coast with the most."

While some of Italy's top attractions and destinations for tourists can be found in the cities of Rome, Pisa, and Florence, many of the country's most unforgettable experiences lie outside its major cities. That said, the Amalfi Coast isn't necessarily a hidden gem — it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. However, with so many gorgeous hillside towns and villages to visit, your own little piece of tranquil paradise can be found along its 30-mile-long coastline. Discussing Amalfi's beauty, Steves writes, "With a million vistas, each one different, the Amalfi Coast is a feast for the eyes." 

In one blog post, Steves highlights what he considers the most scenic stretch of cliffside road that snakes along the coast. "The trip from Sorrento to Salerno along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast is one of the world's great bus rides — it'll leave your mouth open and your camera's memory card full." In another blog post, the popularity of the Amalfi Coast is evident as he refers to it as a "must-see" destination. Although the Amalfi Coast is typically associated with luxurious hotels, Instagram-worthy views, and pebble beaches filled with overpriced lounge chairs, the truth is this exquisite coastline is more than a haven for influencers taking perfect photos of their Aperol Spritz against a spectacular backdrop.

Italians live by the saying "la dolce vita," or "the sweet life" — and in a place where you're surrounded by stunning views, beautiful architecture, and a slow-paced life, it's hard not to fall into that vibe when visiting the Amalfi Coast. Typically filled with crowds during peak season in July and August, the Amalfi Coast can get pretty congested, so visiting may be more relaxed and enjoyable during the shoulder or off-season. Even Rick Steves recommends visiting Europe during this time to make the most out of your trip.

As for where to go, some of the most popular towns along the dramatic Amalfi cliffside include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — each offering their own picturesque views of the surrounding colorful villages that seem to hang over the hillside. Positano, known for its luxury and opulence, is a place where the rich and famous tend to stay. Boasting unparalleled views, Le Sirenuse is known for its strong presence on social media. That said, with room prices starting around $3,900 for one night during the summer, you may be tempted to look for another option that won't burn through your budget in 24 hours. 

While Steves recommends visiting the popular villages and describes Positano as "a Gucci ad come to life," he also notes that "Positano offers little to do except eat, shop, and enjoy the beach and views." By comparison, the nearby village of Ravello offers travelers a more relaxed vibe with plenty of walkable streets and sights to see — including the Duomo di Ravello, Villa Rufolo, and some of the most jaw-dropping coastal views from the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone.

Before assuming you need a celebrity-sized wallet to enjoy everything the Amalfi Coast has to offer — think again. Yes, the area is filled with expensive hotels hosting guests with even more expensive tastes, but there are also plenty of villages strewn along the coast that are just as beautiful for a fraction of the price.

Located about a half-mile away from Amalfi, Atrani is reachable on foot. It takes less than 20 minutes to do so, giving you the option to ditch the car and get those steps in. While Atrani may not be as popular with tourists, it's still worth a visit to see places like the Piazza Umberto I, where locals gather for a gossip session and an espresso, or to step back into the 10th century with a visit to the Church of San Salvatore de Birecto. Beach bums should definitely check out the views at Atrani Beach. Accommodation-wise, a stay at the adorable Secret Garden Amalfi Coast starts from roughly $241 per night for a one-bedroom apartment featuring two terraces, bright interiors, and complete privacy.

Another village worth visiting is Minori. Known for its seaside views and abundance of lemon groves, it's perfect for exploring historic streets, enjoying the beach, and unwinding in charming cafés. If you're hoping to get active, hike the mile-long scenic Path of Lemons to Maiori and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. Better yet, Minori also has affordable stays with million-dollar views. For example, the Dependance Rosetta offers guests a one-bedroom apartment located just a 10-minute walk from the beach for roughly $106 per night depending on the season. Oh, and don't leave Minori without trying a delizia al limone, a lemon sponge cake, from the famous Sal de Riso pastry shop.

One of the best ways to explore the Amalfi Coast is on your own time, either by spending a week village-hopping aboard a classic Vespa or by basing yourself in Salerno — a port city that makes it easy to navigate the different villages by boat. In the heart of Salerno, a stay at Bed & Breakfast Antonello — with rates starting from around $100 a night — provides guests with breakfast, city views, and the convenience of being just steps away from sites like Santa Teresa Beach, Salerno Cathedral, and the Medieval Aqueduct of Salerno.

Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine — and Steves is no stranger to Italian food. On his list of must-try Naples and Amalfi Coast specialties, he highlights "Real Neapolitan pizza, fresh mozzarella (preferably di bufala — from water buffalo milk), flavorful tomatoes, sfogliatelle (crunchy, fried, filled pastries), and the lemon-infused liqueur limoncello."

Traditional dishes along the Amalfi Coast focus heavily on citrus flavors like lemon, as well as seafood and, of course, pasta. A delicious meal called Gnocchi alla Sorrentina — made from simple ingredients like mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce — is popular, and can be found in many restaurants along the region. Alternatively, step out of your comfort zone and try Melanzane al cioccolato, a dessert made from chocolate and eggplant — yes, you read that correctly. Finally, to wash it all down, enjoying a glass of limoncello to wrap up the meal is the perfect way to end the evening while gazing out at the stunning Amalfi views.