Published: May 31, 2025 | Updated July 29, 2025
The Amalfi Coast is postcard perfect-think colorful cliffside villages, turquoise water, lemon everything and endless pasta. But as dreamy as it is, visiting this part of Italy can come with a few surprises if you don’t plan ahead. After exploring the coast myself, I’ve rounded up the most common mistakes travelers make, plus what to do instead so your trip is as smooth and magical as possible.
This post may contain affiliate links that, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Mistake #1: Trying to See Everything in Just A Few Days
Mistake #2: Not Having Coins On Hand For The Bathrooms
You have to pay to use many of the public bathrooms along the Amalfi Coast. The fee is usually between €.50 and €1.00 and they only take coins. Keep a few €.50 and €1.00 coins in your pocket or purse each day to use for the bathrooms.
Mistake #3: Underestimating The Traffic
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you can zip around from town to town easily. If you have dreamy visions of cruising in a convertible along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast cliffside, hair blowing in the breeze, chances are you will be disappointed. The truth is that the traffic on the roads can be unbearable in the height of tourist season. Getting stuck for an hour or more in a traffic back up is quite common.
If you decide to rent a car, be prepared for narrow hair-pin turns and limited parking. There are buses, but they are usually crowded and fill up fast, and you will still be stuck in traffic by bus.
Research your transportation options ahead of time. Ferries are amazing in high season (fast, scenic and stress-free). Whether you go by ferry or a boat tour, getting from town to town by boat is the quickest and easiest form of transportation, and bonus–it gives you stunning views, too!
If you want to visit towns like Ravello, consider doing a driving tour. You will still have to sit in some traffic, but you will be able to sit back comfortably and relax while someone else drives. Plus, the tour drivers know those roads well and can better navigate the traffic.
Mistake #4: Not Booking Hotels Far Enough In Advance
If you wait too long to book a hotel or Airbnb in the Amalfi Coast, you will end up with very limited options.
Book several months in advance–especially in Positano and Amalfi, where the best boutique hotels and Airbnbs get snatched up fast. I highly recommend choosing Sorrento as your home base. Check out my post on the Reasons Sorrento Makes The Perfect Home Base for your Amalfi Coast vacation.
Mistake #5: Wearing The Wrong Shoes
The hills and stairs in the Amalfi Coast are no joke! Don’t make the mistake of wearing flimsy sandals or high heels. Pack comfortable, non-slip shoes, preferably sneakers. Your feet will thank you after climbing through Positano or hiking the Path of the Gods! These sneakers are comfortable and also look cute with a sundress.
Mistake #6: Not Packing Mosquito Repellent
Forgetting to pack mosquito repellent is a big mistake. The mosquitos can be a nuisance along the Amalfi Coast. I made the mistake of going on a lemon grove tour without bug spray and got eaten up.
Bring mosquito repellent and be sure to use it before going out for sunset or any outdoor hikes. If you don’t want to deal with bug spray, these mosquito repellent bracelets are a great option.
Mistake #7: Overpacking
Mistake #8: Not Visiting Capri
Mistake #9: Forgetting to Bring A Voltage Converter
Mistake #10: Not Packing Water Shoes
Mistake #11: Skipping A Boat Tour
Not seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is a major miss. While the views from land are beautiful, they don’t compare to the iconic, postcard-worthy perspective you get from the sea. The best option? A boat tour that includes stops in both Amalfi and Positano for a few hours of exploring. Most tours also take you into hidden grottoes along the coast — perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
In addition to the views, a boat tour is also a great opportunity to avoid the crowds and traffic, and a much cooler alternative in really hot temperatures.
We were there at the end of August/beginning of September and it was incredibly hot. We spent two of our days on a boat (one Amalfi Coast boat tour, one boat tour to Capri) and we were so glad. The boat tours were such a relief to the heat!
Mistake #12: Not Making Dinner Reservations
Mistake #13: Bringing Only Spray Sunscreen
Mistake #14: Not Booking Tours & Ferries In Advance
Don’t make the mistake of not booking your tours and ferries in advance, especially in the height of tourist season. The most popular tours will sell out as will the ferries. Book your ferries in advance on Ferryhopper.com.
From cooking classes, to driving, boat and farm tours–click here to explore the best tours on the Amalfi Coast.
Mistake #15: Getting Upset About the Crowds
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the Amalfi Coast is not expecting the crowds. If you’re visiting in late spring or summer, pack your patience — it will be busy. But it’s still absolutely worth it. Grab a gelato or an Aperol Spritz and soak in the fact that you’re standing in one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
If crowds really bother you, consider staying in Sorrento — it’s much less crowded than Amalfi or Positano, but still offers amazing views and great access to the coast.
Mistake #16: Not Using the Lifts (Elevators)
Navigating the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast can be tricky, but a few funiculars and lifts make it much easier to move between town centers, beaches, and ports. Here’s a quick guide:
Sorrento – Sorrento Lift (Funicolare di Sorrento)
Connects Piazza Tasso in the town center with Marina Piccola.
Saves you from walking steep streets when heading to the ferry or beach.
Runs roughly 7:00 AM – 12:30 AM.
Positano – Funicular di Positano
Connects the main town (Piazza dei Mulini) with Marina Grande beach.
A must if you want to avoid climbing hundreds of steps, especially with luggage or kids.
Tickets available at the station; runs throughout the day.
Amalfi – Ascensore di Amalfi (Amalfi Elevator)
Links Amalfi port with the upper town near Piazza Duomo.
Makes it easy to move between ferries, beaches, and restaurants without a strenuous climb.
Small fee applies; hours may vary seasonally.
Pro Tips:
These lifts are perfect for mobility concerns, families with kids, or travelers with heavy luggage.
During peak season, try to go early or late in the day to avoid long lines.
Some towns, like Ravello, don’t have lifts, so plan for stairs or shuttle buses there.
Final Thoughts
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtaking places to visit, but it’s also a place where a little prep goes a long way! Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll have more time to soak up the Amalfi Coast and fall in love with la dolce vita! 🇮🇹✨
Did You Find This Information Helpful?
Creating detailed travel guides takes time and love-your support helps keep this blog going. Buy me a coffee if you’d like to say thanks!
@postcardsfromcarrie 4 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary ✨ Day 1: Amalfi Coast Boat Tour with stops in Amalfi and Positano . Also includes swimming and snorkeling ✨ Day 2: Explore Sorrento. Eat, drink and shop your way through the Piazza Tasso, sunbathe at the beach clubs or do a limoncello tour. ✨ Day 3: Boat Tour to Capri You can take a ferry to Capri, but the boat tours include exploring the grottos and caves. ✨ Day 4: Drive the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Ravello. The traffic can be bad, so a driving tour is a good option too! 🔗Link in bio for detailed itinerary 📣 Comment Tours for my tour recommendations #amalfi #amalficoast #amalficoastitaly #sorrento #positano #ravello #amalfi #capri #italy🇮🇹 #italytiktok #italytravel #italyitinerary #traveltiktok #traveltips #explore ♬ Island In The Sun - Weezer
PIN IT!
Book Your Amalfi Coast Trip Today!
Check Out My Other Amalfi Coast Posts:
