The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Travel›Amalfi Coast
Culture & Lifestyle • Travel

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in the Campania region of southern Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in the Campania region of southern Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its steep cliffs, seaside towns, and scenic views. The coast is named after Amalfi, historically its main hub.

Geography

The Amalfi Coast is a coastal stretch in Campania, southern Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. Sources describe it as running along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula between Positano and Vietri sul Mare.

History and designation

The coast is named after Amalfi, which historically served as the area’s main hub. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Tourism and culture

The area is one of Italy’s best-known seaside destinations and is associated with cliffside villages, coastal scenery, local cuisine, and traditional products such as limoncello and handmade paper.

Settlements

Commonly listed towns and municipalities include Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Atrani, Furore, Conca dei Marini, Cetara, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri sul Mare; some sources also include nearby municipalities in broader definitions of the coast.

Key facts

  • The Amalfi Coast lies in southern Italy, in Campania, along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1997.
  • The coast is a major tourist destination and is known for its dramatic landscape and seaside towns.
  • It stretches between Positano and Vietri sul Mare according to travel and regional sources.
  • Amalfi is the historical and geographical namesake of the coast.
🍁
Canadian context

Popular destination for Canadian travellers visiting Italy, especially for coastal scenery, food, and historic towns.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Amalfi Coast?
It is in the Campania region of southern Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast?
Common access is via Naples or Salerno, then by road, ferry, or local bus to towns such as Positano, Amalfi, or Vietri sul Mare; routes vary by season and departure point.
What towns are on the Amalfi Coast?
Commonly cited towns include Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Atrani, Furore, Conca dei Marini, Cetara, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri sul Mare.
Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?
It is generally considered one of Italy’s pricier travel destinations, especially in peak season, with high demand for lodging, dining, and transport.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
Late spring through early fall is commonly recommended, with summer as the peak tourist season; shoulder seasons are often less crowded.
What is the Amalfi Coast known for?
It is known for dramatic cliffs, scenic sea views, cliffside towns, tourism, historic settlements, and local specialties such as limoncello and handmade paper.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalfi_Coast
    Supports: Location in Campania, southern Italy; Tyrrhenian Sea and Gulf of Salerno; UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997; named after Amalfi.
  2. Italy Explained — https://italyexplained.com/italy-cities-regions/amalfi-coast/
    Supports: Coastal area within Campania; stretches between Positano and Vietri sul Mare; best travel seasons.
  3. LatLong.net — https://www.latlong.net/place/amalfi-coast-italy-27253.html
    Supports: Tourism-related notes; limoncello; handmade paper; scenic coastline.
  4. Italia.it — https://www.italia.it/en/campania/things-to-do/the-amalfi-coast
    Supports: Regional tourism overview; Gulf of Naples to Gulf of Salerno; municipalities along the coast.
  5. Positano.com — https://www.positano.com/en/p/amalfi-coast
    Supports: Extent of the coast; proximity to Naples and Salerno; landscape description.
  6. Wanderlust Journey — https://www.wanderlustjourney.ca/blog/2020/05/12/my-guide-to-the-amalfi-coast-italy
    Supports: General travel description; towns; scenic and cultural associations.