Sorrento was a perfect base for us to explore Italy's Amalfi Coast. Amalfi's coastline will grab your attention with its dramatic cliffs, idyllic bays, its terraces filled with olive and citrus trees, and yes, occasionally grape vines too. We came to experience the colorful hillside villages, historic towns, local gastronomy, and of course its Mediterranean charm. Moreover, given we were on the Amalfi Coast in March it was also a plus. This time of the year it is not crowded with tourists, which made it absolutely perfect for exploring Amalfi's coastal towns.
Amalfi Coast, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
There are thirteen small towns along Italy's Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sorrento was the jumping off point for our Amalfi Coast adventures. It is easy to drive along the coast in March, as the traffic is still light. You do want less traffic because Amalfi's towns are accessible only via one route, a 25 mile long coastal highway. Hence we found that, whether you drive or take a tour, March was a good time to be on the coast, given the overall ease of transportation. We (Karla, Gary, John and I) chose to stay in Sorrento because it is easy to visit nearby places from there.
Welcome to Sorrento: A Gateway to the Amalfi Coast
We lucked out because our hotel, Maison D'Art on Corso Italia overlooked Piazza Tasso. This location was a perfect location for exploring Sorrento. Without a doubt it is an awesome city to explore. There is lots to see and do in Sorrento however, we focused primarily on gastronomic (food and wine) adventures. We sampled some Sorrento's gastronomic delights while in town (see article). Our stay also included a visit to Sorrento's urban winery, Cantine De Angelis (see article).
Corso Italia: Sorrento Evening Walks © Spaswinefood
While my earlier posts focused on gastronomic (food and wine) adventures in Sorrento this post will highlight the towns we visited along the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento is the perfect gateway for coastal explorations.
Grapefully Inspired: Cantine De Angelis, Sorrento © Spaswinefood
Given there are 13 Amalfi Coast towns we visited three of the most popular (Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello). All three have stunning scenery, rich historic architecture, and awesome coastal views however, each of these towns are also very unique. Amalfi Coastal highway runs from Positano (the first town) all the way down to Vietri sul Mare (the last town). Let's take a look at what we encountered along Amalfi Drive.
1. Positano
Positano, the first Amalfi Coast town, has been popular ever since John Steinbeck's essay was published in the Harper's Bazaar May 1953. Since then this tiny cliffside village gained international attention.
Coastal Highway through Positano © Spaswinefood
When we arrived in Positano we got off the bus to explore.Cliffside View of Positano's Pastel Colored Houses © Spaswinefood
Once our bus stopped just off the highway we headed towards the village center. This village so tiny it only has one small main road which wraps through town down to the beach.Positano's Main Street © Spaswinefood
I followed the narrow street towards the waterfront. Along the way we passed shops selling interesting local merchandise. I can imagine taking the time to checkout these offerings.Walking through Positano © Spaswinefood
For those who wish to explore in more depth along the way there is lots to discover. We passed villas and restaurants hidden behind gated entrances.
Walking Positano's Main Street © Spaswinefood
A Positano Restaurant © Spaswinefood
I loved taking in the views along the way. Hidden away behind gated doors and windows I imagined gardens and patios waiting to be filled with guests. Given it was March there appeared to be lots spring cleaning and renovation projects going on behind the walls.
Positano: Through the Window © Spaswinefood
After walking through Positano, I paused to take in the views near the beach, before returning to the coastal highway.
Positano at Water's Edge © Spaswinefood
Obviously we did not spend enough time in Positano to discover its unique charms. After just a brief visit I can see why some have described Positano as the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. This was our first stop and there was so much more to see. For sure driving the coast you will never tire of passing so many beautiful sites along the way.
Amalfi Coast, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
Driving the Amalfi Coast © Spaswinefood
The coast is amazingly beautiful.
2. Amalfi
If you want to chose a central town along the coast Amalfi is one of the most practical towns. Given its central location Amalfi is well connected, easy to navigate to and from, and a good base if you want to explore multiple places during your stay.
Amalfi's Beach Front © Spaswinefood
The town of Amalfi has a most beautiful waterfront beach.
On the opposite side of Amalfi Drive is its historic center, which is exciting to explore.
Historic Center, Amalfi © Spaswinefood
The historic center are plenty of dining options to chose from, including sidewalk cafes.Streetside Cafe, Amalfi © Spaswinefood
We could not resist having some lemon offerings at one of the local shops. As we explored the Amalfi Coast we tried the various lemon inspired sorbets, etc. . This area is well known for its Sorrento lemons. Given their uniqueness Sorrento lemons were granted IGP (Indicazione Georgrafica Protetta) recognition in 2000. The lemons grown in this area are so distinct that, no other lemon grown in another location, can be called a Sorrento lemon.Those Lemon Inspired Offerings © Spaswinefood
Time for Lemon, Amalfi Coast © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look at Lemon Inspired Offerings © Spaswinefood
For us such tasty lemon options were hard to resist.
Lemon Inspired Offerings, Amalfi © Spaswinefood
Besides the Amalfi Coast's stunning scenery and rich history it is also known for its fresh seafood, pasta, and of course for the production of limoncello liqueur. This liqueur is made from lemons grown in terraced gardens along its coastline.
After an introduction to Amalfi's historic center and enjoying our tasty lemon treat we headed back to Amalfi Drive to look for a beachside restaurant for lunch.
Ocean Route through Amalfi © Spaswinefood
Not seeing a beachside restaurant open for lunch near us, we decided on local restaurant just across the street from the waterfront
Tables Ready, Amalfi © Spaswinefood
We ate our lunch just across the street from the waterfront.
Lunch, Amalfi © Spaswinefood
Of course we ordered some local wines.Sampling the Local Wines © Spaswinefood
For lunch we ordered seafood and pasta options.Seafood Plate © Spaswinefood
Yes, I ordered baked gnocchi. This region is known for its Gnocchi all Sorrentina, a classic comfort food. This baked dish includes potato gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. I ate this dish at least three different restaurants during our Amalfi Coast visit. Yes, it is very delicious!
Gnocchi all Sorrentina © Spaswinefood
John had a seafood plate.Time for Local Wine and Seafood © Spaswinefood
Seafood Plate © Spaswinefood
After lunch it was time to head back to the bus.
Before leaving the town of Amalfi we took in the beach views again.
Beachside at Amalfi © Spaswinefood
We sure enjoyed the ease of exploring this beachside town. I can see why some refer to Amalfi as the heart of the coast.
3. Ravello
Our last stop was the enchanted mountain town of Ravello, which sits at about 365 meters above the sea. Ravello is right at the top of a rocky spur, which divides two deep valleys. In fact the town sits on what can be described as a terrace, from which you can enjoy a panorama view of the entire coastline, from Calabria in the south to Capri in the north. It is high enough that, on a clear day the view from Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity, it feels like you can see to the edge of the world.
Terrace of Infinity, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
Terrace of Infinity © Spaswinefood
We took in the most captivating views from the Terrace of Infinity. After all, it was a great reward after long climb from the highway to Ravello's main square. It is impossible to beat those views on a clear day.
After the long climb to Ravello, just before we entered the main Plaza we passed a ceramics shop,
Pascal Ceramiche d'Arte Ravello.
Pascal Ceramiche d'Arte Ravello © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look: Pascal Ceramiche d'Arte Ravello © Spaswinefood
A closer look at a table showcases the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Lemons.
Table, Pascal Ceramiche d'Arte Ravello © Spaswinefood
The main plaza is also an inviting setting to take in the views. It was quite relaxing to visit in March.
Piazza Vescovado, Ravello © Spaswinefood
The Duomo (Cathedral) of Ravello is well positioned on the square.
Duomo (Cathedral) of Ravello © Spaswinefood
After a quick look around the plaza we continued onto the Terrace of Infinity.
Off to Take in the Terrace Views © Spaswinefood
Beyond its architectural beauty Ravello, home to magnificent landmarks like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, has been a haven for creativity and refinement since the 13th century. The town is a world-renowned concert venue that hosts the Ravello Festival.
Ravello is a Concert Venue © Spaswinefood
We passed announcements for activities and events along the way to the terrace.Off to The View © Spaswinefood
We continued onwards to take in the view at Terrace of Infinity.
Taking in the Views at Terrace of Infinity © Spaswinefood
After enjoying those views we returned to the plaza.
Exploring Piazza Vescovado © Spaswinefood
Unlike Positano or Amalfi, Ravello does not have beach. Once you reach the village of Ravello you will not see scooters weaving through traffic. Visitors can enjoy exploring its narrow lanes, bougainvillea, ancient gardens, and YES, the view.
Before leaving, since we had some time to spare, we explored the plaza some more before deciding to take a break.
Duomo of Ravello, Piazza Vescovado © Spaswinefood
Relaxing at Piazza Vescovado © Spaswinefood
It was perfect timing for a afternoon treat.
Afternoon Snacking at Piazza Vescovado © Spaswinefood
After relaxing with a refreshment and sharing a desert, it was time to head back down to the bus. Going down was a breeze given the hike we took to get to Ravello from the highway.
Walking Almalfi Drive © Spaswinefood
Along the way we passed an historic vineyard that is run by a church. My understanding that the wine produced by this vineyard is for church purposes.
Historic Vineyards, Ravello © Spaswinefood
Eventually we arrived back at our tour bus. We retuned to Sorrento from Ravello by travel further down the coast, and then taking an inland highway.
Tour Bus, Amalfi Coast Highway © Spaswinefood
What a wonderful introduction to the Amalfi Coast it was!
Terrace of Infinity, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
Amalfi Coast: A Perfect Location for Spring Time Travels
All too soon it was time for us to leave the Amalfi Coast, even though there is so much more to explore. Given we had visited Naples, and Pompeii during prior travels for this three-day visit we decided to focus on Sorrento, and three popular towns along the Amalfi Coast. We so enjoyed our March travels when the temperatures are milder and the days are starting to get longer. It was indeed an adventure filled with gastronomic delights in the land of lemons. Moreover, this time of the year is typically ideal for taking walks and visiting the towns along the coast. While you can experience some rain showers we did not. For beach lovers it is still too cold to swim, however! For us the timing was just perfect.
On that very last day a taxi picked us up at our Sorrento hotel and took us to the Naples Airport. After a quick flight to Rome's FOC airport we had time to relax before catching our flight home the next day. In case you are wondering Sorrento is one of the easiest towns along the coast to reach via taxi, shuttle, train, bus or ferry. This makes Sorrento a great base to explore the Amalfi Coast. If you arrive by plane at the Naples airport, you can take a train from Naples train station to Sorrento. You can also hire a private taxi or shuttle transfer from the Naples Airport.
Cheers
Sharon
March 2026
Amalfi Coast, Italy
© Spaswinefood
The Beautiful Amalfi Coast © Spaswinefood
Grapefully Inspired: Cantine De Angelis, Sorrento © Spaswinefood
Amalfi Coast, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
