Travelling to the Amalfi Coast with a Baby

When you want to enjoy the Amalfi Coast with your new arrival there are lots of things you need to plan for. Travelling with a baby can be a stressful business if you try and holiday in the same way that you did when it was just the two of you. The secret is to spend plenty of time planning and researching so that you can all have the restful and enjoyable holiday that dreams are made of.

To get you off to a fast start we’ve put together a simple to follow guide that will allow you to plan your holiday months in advance. Ideal if you want to enjoy every second from the moment you land.

Choosing where to stay with a baby  

The beauty of travelling to the Amalfi Coast with a family is that it offers something different to choose from in every single town and city. Whilst this gives you plenty of variety and choice, it can make it more difficult to make your first decision: where to stay during your holiday.

When you have a pram or a stroller you want to ensure that your destination is easily accessible and doesn’t involve you trying to navigate long flights of steps down to the sea. This can often rule out some of the smaller and quieter towns which tend to be set back from the shore on top of the stunning clifftops. You might consider a choice between Positano and Sorrento. The former is ideal for young families, whilst the latter will be more your thing if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and take your time. Both have easy access to the nearby airport in Napoli which will make getting to and from your residence nice and easy.  

How to know what to pack for your baby

Packing for a trip away with your new baby can feel like something of a logistical nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The key thing to remember is that you will need all of the same things, and also plenty of light fabrics to keep them nice and cool.

You need to keep your little one out of the sun so they don’t get too hot, which means hats, sunshades, and high SPF sunscreen will be the order of the day. Most flights will allow you to check-in your carseat and stroller at no extra charge which is ideal if you’re travelling with a budget in mind. Just make sure that you pack plenty of nappies and bottles so that you don’t have to head out to the supermarket the moment you land. It would also be worthwhile checking what types of baby foods are available locally if your baby is being weaned onto solids.

Read our updated guide on: The Best Amalfi Coast Beaches

Best types of accommodation when you have a young baby

Travelling with a baby is all about making things as easy as possible, which means you need to find some child-friendly accommodation. Many couples with babies choose to stay in fully catered hotels so they can have a break from the cooking and cleaning that they seem to spend half of their lives doing back home. If you decide to follow suit, then you will need to check a couple of key things before booking.

Stepped entrances might look nice in a brochure, but if you have to carry your pram up them every day then they will become a noticeable inconvenience. Find somewhere with easy access that also offers a range of sleeping options for little ones. Cots, cribs, and even Moses baskets are often available at most hotels, but it would be pragmatic to check before you book.

Entertainment that will keep the parents entertained

The final thing you need to think about is how to amuse yourselves. As young parents you will rarely get a spare minute at home, so you should treat your holiday on the Amalfi Coast as your chance to recharge your batteries and unwind as much as practically possible. Positano offers plenty of evening entertainment near the beach that is geared to young families. The music on offer adds to the ambience but isn’t loud enough to keep your baby awake into the early hours of the morning. This makes it the ideal destination to stay in if you want to go out on a couple of evenings and enjoy some drinks with the benefit of a cooling sea breeze. Or you can head into the centre of Sorrento and find a relaxing cafe for the evening if you want something slightly calmer to do on the Coast.

Next, read: Best things to do on the Amalfi Coast 

The Amalfi Coast for Families – Everything You Need to Know

Heading to the Amalfi Coast with kids is something that thousands of tourists do every single year, and with good reason. There is so much to see and do that the first time you set foot on the Coast you will wonder why you ever went anywhere else.

Whether you want to relax in a villa, stay on a larger holiday site, or just head to the beach, there’s everything you will need to have a great couple of weeks in the sun. To ensure you leave nothing to chance, take a look at everything you need to know about the Amalfi Coast for families.

Positano is a great basecamp for young families

When visiting the Amalfi Coast with a baby the first thing you need to do is choose which town you want to base yourself in. Whilst the two of you will want to get out and enjoy a little bit of the nightlife when you can, you also need to juggle the demands of the little ones. This makes Positano a great destination to choose, and it comes with everything you’ll need to keep you and the kids entertained.

When you read about the Amalfi Coast you’ll hear plenty about some of the steep climbs up and down steps to get to some of the more secluded beaches. Whilst these might be great fun when it’s just the two of you, it’s not something that you’ll want to tackle all that often with the kids in tow. Positano offers a leisurely stroll to the beach, a gentle sea breeze to keep everyone cool, and plenty of eateries and entertainment just behind the beach. Alternatively you could base yourself in Sorrento if you want a slightly calmer and more relaxed stay.

Read our updated guide on: When to Visit the Amalfi Coast (Best Months)

What to pack when travelling with your family

If you want to know how many days you should stay on the Amalfi Coast then you need to think about how much stuff you will need to bring with you. Staying for a month might mean you take far too much in your suitcase, but going for a weekend won’t allow you to make the most of your time and get settled.

Most families travel for anywhere from 1-2 weeks, and allot a suitcase for each adult, and a smaller bag for each child. Kids will always want to pack lots of toys, but this will soon eat up your luggage allowance. Where possible pack books and tablets that will keep them entertained in a variety of different ways, as well as their favourite cuddly toy so you can all be assured of a good sleep when you arrive. Other than that, you’ll need swimming outfits, hats and sunglasses, and plenty of high SPF suncream.

Best types of accommodation with a family  

When you’re trying to decide where you should stay on the Amalfi Coast you’ll want to think about the accommodation options. We mentioned a little earlier that Positano is the most popular destination for families because of the beach and easily accessible location, but what about the accommodation?

You can choose from a variety of hotels that will all cater for your family’s needs in a child-friendly environment. Many will also have a dedicated kid’s menu that will make exploring new foods that little bit easier. If you’re after a little more privacy then you might want to look at a villa or standalone holiday home. This is also ideal if you want to try cooking some of the local cuisine yourself in the evenings.

Budget Entertainment Options for the Whole Family

The great thing about Amalfi Coast budget holidays is that there’s also plenty for you to go and do on the Coast (Read our detailed guide on: best things to do on the Amalfi Coast). There’s a lot of kid’s clubs in the day time that will allow you to take a breather and enjoy a cold drink by the beach or in the hotel.

If you’re feeling a little more energetic and adventurous then a boat trip is a great way to keep everyone entertained for a few hours. Sailing along the coast and seeing the marine life in action is a memorable experience that you can easily afford if you make use of non peak times and family tickets.

The Best Amalfi Coast Beaches

With so much beautiful scenery right on your doorstep, the Amalfi Coast offers a range of beaches unlike any other. Whether you want blazing sun, a sea breeze, or some cooling shade in the afternoon, the area has everything you could ever wish for.

To give you an idea about which beach would be the best fit for your holiday, we’ve taken a look at the best the region has to offer. All you need to do now is try each of them out, and decide which one you want to make your home away from home.

Read our guide on: Where to Go on the Amalfi Coast

Discover the Beauty of the Marina Grande in Positano

No list of Amalfi Coast beaches would be complete without a mention of the Marina Grande, so where better to start? The sea rolls in and laps gently at the shore whilst a calming sea breeze keeps you nice and cool in the afternoon sun. Take a look behind you and you’ll see the beautiful hills rising straight out of the sea, and the brightly coloured homes that Positano is known for bring everything to life.

If you want to know all there is to know about Amalfi coast holidays, then all you need to do is head down in midmorning and secure your spot on the Marina Grande for the day. Perfect if you want to lie back and relax, whilst knowing you’re only a few steps away from authentic Italian cuisine at its finest.

Vietri sul Mare is Perfect for Families

People will tell you that Amalfi sandy beaches are few and far between, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. People travel from all over Europe to enjoy the diversity and authenticity of life on the Coast, and the unique shoreline is as big a part of that as anything.

If you have a young family then it’s a given that the kids will want to run around on the sand and build sandcastles late into the evening. Vietri sul Mare offers swathes of picture perfect sand for your little ones to run wild on, and is one of the most popular beaches for families. This means you’ll also find plenty of affordable family eateries and kid’s clubs nearby. Ideal for keeping everyone entertained as you rest and relax.

Spiagga of Maria Grande in Amalfi

The best Amalfi Coast towns will of course include Amalfi Town itself, and with it comes a beach that is perfect for tourists. Because of its central location and famous name, it tends to be easily the busiest beach during the peak holiday months of June to September. This makes it ideal for those of you who want to get into the thick of the action and experience a real bustling atmosphere right next to the sea.

There is a large dock that enables ships to come and go throughout the day, and the sightseeing trips they offer are engaging and reasonably priced for groups and families.

Furore is Ideal For Those Looking For Peace and Quiet

If you want to be able to enjoy a lie in, feast on some Italian brunch, and then stroll to the beach and still have plenty of space, Furore beach could be for you. Forged out of a stunning fjord, it is one of the most secluded and peaceful areas on the entire Amalfi Coast.

The views and scenery that it offers make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and keen photographers looking to capture some stunning images.

Cavallo Morto is For the More Adventurous Amongst You

The great thing about the Amalfi Coast for families is that there’s also plenty for the adults to go and do. If you’re able to persuade your partner to look after the kids for a couple of hours, then you might want to spend your time getting to know Cavallo Morto beach.

It’s accessible only by boat which adds to the idyllic feel, and allows you to get away from the crowds and recharge your batteries for a couple of hours. With a combination of crystal clear water and fine white sand, it’s fast becoming the home of snorkelling on the Amalfi Coast.

All You Need to Know About the Amalfi Coast in Italy

When you want to rest and relax so that you can get away from it all, there’s no substitute for packing your bags, grabbing a flight, and unwinding in the sun. The Amalfi Coast is one of southern Italy’s most desirable destinations, and with good reason. With a gentle sea breeze helping to take the edge off the beating sun, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights along the coast as you sit back and savour some authentic fresh food.

To give yourself plenty of food for thought, take a look at a few of the questions that your fellow travellers have asked about this stunning corner of the world.

Where is the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy. It runs along the northern coast of the Salerno Gulf, situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea and is nestled in the Province of Salerno.

The warm climate and beautiful surroundings have lead it becoming one of Italy’s prime tourist destinations, with the majority of travellers reaching it via Naples International Airport.

What cities are on the Amalfi Coast?

There are so many different places to stay along the Amalfi Coast, all of which will give a warm welcome to tourists and travellers. Positano is near the top of the list of attractions, and has been a city of great renown since the Middle Ages. The hillsides are certainly a view that you will never forget.

Ravello is also worth a closer look, and was once a safe harbour from the hordes of barbarian invaders who sought to conquer Italy. Now it plays host to tourists from all over Europe who come to enjoy the breathtaking gardens which overlook the sea.

Other notable towns and cities include: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, and of course Sorrento. They each have their own history and character, and provide plenty of things to do in the Amalfi Coast.

Check the detailed guide: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast?

There are many ways to get to the Amalfi Coast once you decide where are you going. The nearest city and airport is Naples. However, other travelers would start their holiday at Rome first. The best way to avoid hassling around with you luggage and enjoy a quick, comfortable ride is to book a private car transfer like Daytrip.

There are several options like traveling from Naples to Positano or Naples to Sorrento. To help you plan your trip smoothly, we prepared a detailed guide on how to get to the Amalfi Coast.

What’s the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The best month to visit is anytime between June and September as the weather is at its best when the kids are out of school. Nevertheless, the coast provides something for everyone all year long. You can have quiet autumnal breaks, weeks on end relaxing under the beating sun, and even New Year’s Eve on the beach.

The choice is very much up to you, so to give you plenty of food for thought we’ve condensed the key points about every month on the Amalfi Coast down into this handy 5 minutes guide: the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast

Why is the Amalfi Coast so famous?

The Amalfi Coast preserves the old Italy; one rich with unique architecture, culinary influences, and stunning landscapes. For this reason it has fast become one of Europe’s premier destinations for tourists who want to experience genuine culture in some of the most stunning settings.

As well as being a prime destination for cuisine, it also allows you a chance to experience a calmer and slower way of life than you will find in the great cities of Rome and Milan. Ideal if you want to enjoy an approach to life that has captured the hearts of some of the world’s greatest creatives — such as Gore Vidal.

How long is the Amalfi Coast drive?

The Amalfi Coast measures 37 miles, or 60 km, from end to end which means you can easily drive it in an afternoon. It runs from Salerno to Sorrento, and is positioned south of the iconic Bay of Naples.  

It is often said that the most breathtaking part of the journey occurs between Vietri sul Mare and Positano. Here you will be able to take in the coastal charm of the area without the interruptions and distractions of heavy traffic or complex road networks. Perfect if you’re looking for a chance to get away from it all, and admire some of the best beaches the Amalfi Coast has to offer..

Which city is closest to the Amalfi Coast?

The largest major city to the Amalfi Coast is the city of Naples. For centuries it has been an important hub of economic activity, and currently plays host to one of Italy’s largest airports. Transport to and from the airport is reasonably priced and convenient, which makes it easy decide how long to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

What is the name of the sea that surrounds Italy?

The Amalfi Coast is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, with nearby Naples residing beside the Gulf of Naples. The seas are generally calm and tranquil, and provide rich fishing waters for a number of the local trawlers.

This makes it an ideal destination to visit if you want to experience fresh and authentic Italy country cooking at its best. With small eateries and restaurants dotted all along the coast, you should never have to venture too far for something tasty to eat when you decide the best month to visit the Amalfi Coast..

Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast

When you want to get away from it all and lie back and enjoy the sun, nothing beats a trip to the Amalfi Coast. As a coastal area rich in heritage and charm, it preserves plenty of the old Italy that people are still in love with after all these years. It’s a calm and tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of Rome, and it’s certainly not something to be missed if you get the chance to go.

With so many little towns and charming cities dotted along the coast, it can be hard to know where to base yourself once you decide how long to stay in the Amalfi Coast. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular destinations, and see what they each have to offer you.

What cities are along the Amalfi coast?

The Almalfi Coast stretches for 37 miles, and takes in a number of villages, towns and cities along the way. Some of the most popular are Amalfi Town, Atrani, Cetara, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, and of course Sorrento. When deciding which one you want to stay in, there is far more to it than simply checking the room rates online. Each offers plenty of things to do in the Amalfi Coast, so all you need to do is decide where you want to base yourself.

1- Sorrento is the beating heart of the Coast all year round  

Not only is Sorrento a direct train ride from the  large international airport in Naples, it’s also one of the largest places on the Coast. It’s frequented all year round by the locals who love to shop and eat there — particularly the espressos and sweet pastries the region is known for!

The great thing about Sorrento is that it allows you to avoid the peak tourist crowds in the summer months, and go off and explore the winding side streets and famous central square. It’s also the place to be at Easter and Christmas if you decide you want to holiday out of season. Check our guide on how to get from Naples to Sorrento

2- Is Amalfi Town worth visiting?

If you like a little bit of hustle and bustle, and the option of immersing yourself in Italian life by meeting dozens of the locals, then Amalfi Town is the place to be. It is known for its glistening white stone buildings which catch the sun as it comes up in the morning. The most notable example of which is the stunning cathedral at the heart of the town which dates back as far as the 9th century.

From there it’s also only a short trip up to the cliff tops of Ravello. The cascading flower gardens built right along the cliff lines make it a nature lover’s dream, and the famous Villa Cimbrone gardens are the ideal place to spend the afternoon on a sunny day.

3- Will I think Positano is too touristy?

Not only does Positano have one of the best best beaches in the Amalfi Coast, it’s also the perfect place to go if you have a young family. There are beach clubs all over the place that will help you keep the little ones entertained, ideal if you want a chance to recharge your batteries. It will get very crowded between June and September, so if you want to beat the crowds you might think about holidaying between mid September and the end of October. This is when the local kids go back to school, and the town empties out just enough. Despite its popularity, the only direct way to get to from Naples to Positano is to book a private transfer.

4- What are the smaller villages like?

Atrani offers a quaint and cosy experience, with its population of just 855 making it Italy’s smallest municipality by some distance. The unique architecture and close position to the shoreline make it a one of a kind destination. If you fancy staying in the heart of the old Italy you could also head to Cetara — a traditional fishing village where everyone knows everybody, and you can sit on the shore and watch the catch of the day come fresh off the boats.

If you feel like you still want to sun yourself on the beach, but you want to beat the tourist crowds during those peak summer months, Minori is the place to be. Its beach can only be accessed by steep steps down the cliff face, and it’s a great place to get away from it all for a few hours.

Which is right for me?

Deciding the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is all about seeing what each place offers throughout the year. If you want sun, sea, and sand with the family, the Positano is the place to go. If you want a quieter summer break then you might look into stunning views in Praiano, or the traditional fishing village of Cetara. And if you want easy access to Pompeii and Napoli, and the chance to celebrate Easter or New Year’s in style, then Sorrento is the place to be. There’s plenty of options for you to pick from. Sounds like the perfect problem doesn’t it!