Trying to spend a relaxing day in one of the most popular tourist destinations of the summer is a challenging task only if you don’t know where to look. I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best hidden spots, or sometimes the ones that are in plain sight, on the Amalfi Coast. In this post, I’ll tell you how to spend an affordable, remote working day in Amalfi.
1. Getting to Amalfi – Transportation Options
You can get to Amalfi a few different ways. I would not recommend trying to drive here, it gets full very quickly and by around 10 am there are zero parking spots left. If you’d like to arrange your own travel, renting a Vespa or scooter will be much more pleasant. As my Italian boyfriend says, anything can be a scooter parking spot if you just believe it is. ** Not liable if you get a ticket, try to keep it legal kids. Just beware that the roads can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers, it’s a very narrow two-way road with a rock wall on one side and a cliff on the other.
My favorite – it pains me to use this word- way to get there is using the SITA buses along the Amalfi Coast. It’s both affordable and reliable, so a massive win in my books. The main downside is that the buses will be PACKED. Be prepared to hold on for dear life as these massive buses navigate the narrow coast… but on the plus side, you’re getting a last-minute upper-body workout.
Amalfi serves as the transit middle point between both ends of the coast so whether you’re coming from Sorrento or Salerno the final stop will be Amalfi. If you’ll be taking the buses during your trip, I highly recommend downloading the Unico Campania app for Apple or Google devices. You can purchase your SITA and other bus tickets directly in this app so no need to stress about always having cash or coins on hand.
2. Explore First
Once you get off in Amalfi you will see narrow streets leading to the city center directly opposite the Marina. If it’s your first time visiting you should spend about 20 minutes walking around the town, it’s not too big. Here are my favorite spots to hit:
– Stunning pottery
Most places don’t allow pictures but these are some cute pieces I found
– Amalfi Antica Paper
Amalfi paper, also called Charta Bambagina, has been produced since the Middle Ages. This handmade paper is made from natural fibers and lasts forever. This paper is still being used by the Vatican and artists to create everlasting works. Visit this spot to see the paper and how its made!
– Duomo Di Amalfi
The iconic church we probably all think of when someone mentions the city of Amalfi. Its located in the main square and gets super crowded- especially during the summer months.
A’Sciulia
Locals have told me this is Amalfi’s best spot for granita or lemon sorbet! Most people get the iconic sorbet served in a lemon, but I opted for the granita on this day.
3. On to the Beach Spot
Once you’re done with admiring the inner-city head back out to the Marina. Walk towards the Gran Caffe, which is in the direction of Atrani, away from Positano/Sorrento. You should see their large outdoor seating area and a small staircase to the right. This uncharacteristically short staircase will lead you down to Tonino’s Beach. Less than ideal picture from Google Maps showing the entrance included:
I will admit all the beach club advertisements at the top of the stairs almost turned me away the first time because I assumed the beach was private, but fear not and venture on! Take the stairs leading straight down to the beach, not to the Blue beach club.
Once you arrive here you will see a café along the wall as well as an excursion and rental shop. A sliver of rocky beach between the beach club with blue umbrellas and the wooden walkway on the rocks is available to the public directly in front of the café. This was my favorite spot , however, the end of the beach after the rental shop is also open to the public. Set up shop here for the day and enjoy the transparent blue water and sun.
The aforementioned café is also one of the most affordable eateries I’ve come across in Amalfi and has lovely staff members. I will include some pictures of the menu below because I was shocked by how reasonable the prices were. Maybe that’s the effect of spending too much time in Positano, once you see enough $15 Aperol spritz anything less feels like a steal. I got the Bruschetta and it was a very big portion and also very yummy!
Don’t forget that this is a public beach so you can bring your own food! I’ve brought sandwiches and fruit which was perfect to hold me over between swimming and tanning.
While the beach here is all rocks I think it is a little more comfortable than other spots on the Amalfi Coast because the stones are more rounded. The main beach in Positano for example, feels much more painful to me. The rocks also get flatter and bigger as soon as you enter the water so it’s quite comfortable to stand and walk around in. I have loved spending my days here sunbathing and swimming.
Because the beach is small you can also easily keep an eye on your belongings while swimming which is incredibly important when you have your laptop with you. Once it hits 3 pm or whenever you want to start work, retire to the café to order some snacks and work on one of their outdoor tables.
4. Post Work or Dinner Break Food and Drinks
Sitting on the beach and working builds up quite the appetite, or more honestly, thirst. I tried out Blu Sirena. The prices felt super fair to me and there were definitely cheaper options you could find. I ended up starting with an espresso martini, sub vodka for tequila because of course. I then moved to their outdoor seating and got a pizza and a glass of wine to finish off my day. You could also definitely continue working here without an issue!
I hope you have an amazing day in Amalfi!
If you have any questions or want to reach out please find my contact below <3
