Getting to the Amalfi Coast, especially in the summer, can be very difficult: if you travel by private transport, be prepared for kilometre-long queues under the sun.
The car can become a sheet-metal hell, and proceeding at a walking pace along the Amalfi State Road is quite stressful.
The connection by sea not only allows you to avoid long queues, but also provides a different and exciting experience, immersing you immediately in the Amalfi dolce vita.
Whether your starting point is Naples, Salerno or Cilento, in this article you will find all the information you need to reach all the towns on the Amalfi Coast by sea.
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Arriving on the Amalfi Coast by sea from Salerno
If we say Amalfi Coast, it is practically impossible not to immediately think of Amalfi and Positano: the Ancient Maritime Republic and the vertical city have always been the most popular destinations.
Precisely for this reason, at certain times of the year, especially close to summer, travelling by car or bus can be stressful, not only because of the traffic, but also because of the particular conformation of the road, which is quite winding for those who do not usually travel it.
Not to mention that at certain times of the day and in some towns on the Coast it can be difficult to find parking. The ferries connecting Salerno’s capital city with the towns along the Coast are a very good alternative to State Road 163, which when taken by tourist buses, themselves unaccustomed to the difficulty of the road, inevitably weighs down with long queues, paralysing traffic.
The Travelmar company was founded in 1998 and today is one of the most viable projects in terms of maritime transport and a valid alternative for conscious tourism.
From Salerno, there are dozens of ferries to the Amalfi Coast that connect the capital with Maiori, Amalfi and Positano with great efficiency: fast boats with all the comforts that make it easy to reach the main attractions of the Amalfi Coast.
From Salerno to the Path of Gods: a tip for getting there without stress
The vertical city is not only the sea, but also the starting point of numerous trekking trails. The best known of all is the Path of the Gods, which starts from Agerola and reaches, in the hills of Positano, the beautiful village of Nocelle with its characteristic little square in front of the church of S. Croce.
The normal way to reach the Path of the Gods would be to use the car as far as Amalfi, and then take the buses to Bomerano and San Lazzaro, the starting points of the excursion.
This mode can be stressful, especially if one is in high season and not used to driving on the Amalfi Coast. In addition, waiting for public transport can considerably lengthen the time it takes to reach the coveted destination, as well as being uncomfortable, during the peak tourist season, when buses are much more crowded and often so full that it is impossible to pick up other passengers, for safety reasons.
Travelmar offers a very convenient solution: sea connections from Salerno, which, combined with a shuttle service from Amalfi, take hikers directly to Bomerano and San Lazzaro. Arriving in Piazza Capasso in Bomerano, travellers are given information sheets provided by the experienced hikers of the Monti Lattari Regional Park.
This is where the small road leading to the Path of Gods starts: your unforgettable experience begins here.
Arriving on the Amalfi Coast by sea from Agropoli and San Marco di Castellabate
Over the years, connections by sea have gradually expanded their services and the routes covered.
As of 2 August 2021, the Salerno/Amalfi Coast line is in fact active, connecting Agropoli and San Marco di Castellabate with Positano and Amalfi.
The service operates from Monday to Friday.
Destination Capri? Here’s how you reach it!
Those who decide to stay on the Amalfi Coast for a longer period of time usually add other unmissable stops to their travel itinerary, such as Capri and Sorrento.
If you, too, are thinking of organising a day trip to Capri or exploring the splendid Sorrento, you’ll be pleased to know that the Alicost company, born from the merger of Alilauro S.p.A. with Coast Lines S.r.L, has modern and safe boats, which will allow you to reach your destinations comfortably and quickly.
The hydrofoils to Capri that depart from Salerno’s Molo Manfredi stop at Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori and Minori.
Ticket prices vary depending on the port of departure, but do not exceed €40 per person per round trip.
Hydrofoils land at the Port of Marina Grande, which is a 4-minute funicular ride from the famous square from which to take the iconic photo of Capri with its spectacular landscape.
It may be useful to know that wifi is available on the Alicost ships: very useful if you want to share in real time some video of your trip along the most spectacular coast in the World.
“Yes, but I also want to go to Sorrento!”
Don’t worry! Two Alicost ferries leave from Amalfi and Positano in the direction of Sorrento.
Set sail with us! Book your ticket!
A few small recommendations before leaving
The ferry services operate from late spring until October.
Remember to always check the weather conditions before leaving. In the event of bad weather or rough seas, companies may suspend the service. If in doubt, make sure by telephone that everything is in order.
Buying tickets online allows you to avoid the queue, especially if you are one of those travellers who take their tickets at the last second.
Lastly, if you have never travelled by boat, if you are travelling with children, or if you think you might be seasick, remember to take an anti-emetic with you. This is very useful for reducing the nausea caused by the journey, but also for negotiating the curves of the coast if you decide to visit by car or bus during your stay.
If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or bulky luggage, remember that suitcases, travel bags, rucksacks and the like of a maximum size of 45x35x20 cm and containing only belongings for personal use are generally allowed free of charge. A fee may be charged for excess baggage.
