Amalfi CoastTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is safe, though many hotels serve bottled water by default.
• Book serious restaurants early; walk-in tables in Positano are often the weakest tables.
• Choose seafood where menus change with the catch, not where every dish is laminated.
• In summer, keep gelato and pastries for reputable counters with fast turnover.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• The coast is generally safe; the main risks are inflated taxi quotes, careless scooter traffic, and crowded ferry queues.
• Confirm taxi prices before entering; meters are not the local habit on many coastal runs.
• Do not leave bags unattended at ferry piers, beach clubs, or roadside viewpoints.
• Avoid driving the coastal road in peak daylight unless you are confident on narrow cliff roads.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Dress neatly for dinner; beachwear belongs at the beach, not in village lanes.
• Greet shopkeepers before asking for anything; a simple buongiorno changes the exchange.
• Do not block stairways for photos. Residents use them as streets.
• Private beach clubs expect calm behavior, punctual arrivals, and no negotiation at the desk.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is modest; service is often included, but round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for polished service.
• For private drivers and boat skippers, tip in cash when the service was genuinely sharp.
• Do not tip aggressively in small cafes; rounding the bill is cleaner.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Respect ZTL restricted traffic zones; fines follow rental cars long after the trip.
• Many villages fine public drinking, loud behavior, or inappropriate clothing away from beaches.
• Ferries can be cancelled by sea conditions; keep a land backup on transfer days.
• Boat operators should provide clear pricing, route, timing, and fuel terms before departure.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Summer heat is serious on stair climbs; carry water and avoid midday luggage hauls.
• Pack motion sickness tablets if using ferries or small boats in rougher shoulder months.
• Wear proper shoes for Path of the Gods and village stairs; sandals are a bad decision there.
• Pharmacies are reliable for minor issues, but hours can be limited in smaller villages.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.