Camping by the Amalfi Coast

Spectacular panoramas, dreamlike landscapes, romantic bays and numerous hiking trails characterise camping on the Amalfi Coast.

Camping on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, probably the most breathtaking cliffs in Italy, stretches south of Naples. Bizarrely shaped cliffs frame small bathing spots on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is bordered by the picturesque mountain world of the Lattari Mountains. The region as a whole is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is recommended for camping with dogs, on the beach and in the mountains.

The 3 most beautiful campsites on the Amalfi Coast

The campsites on the Amalfi Coast are located between the towns of Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento and Salerno, in close proximity to the sea. Below we present 3 campsites in Campania.

Camping Villaggio Santa Fortunata

Beautifully situated on the cliffs of Sorrento, this family-friendly campsite impresses with its panoramic view of the sea and proximity to the centre.

Camping International Nube d'Argento

Around ten minutes' walk from the historic centre of Sorrento, the site is surrounded by numerous olive and eucalyptus trees. The terraced site is situated above a bay with a wonderful view over the Gulf of Naples.

Camping Sant'Antonio

A multitude of olive, walnut and lemon trees adorn the grassy site near Vico Equense, which is ideal for relaxing by the sea and as a starting point for excursions to Pompeii and Naples.

How to get there

The unique natural beauty of southern Italy begins just under 1,200 kilometres south of Munich, in the heart of the province of Campania. The campsites on the Amalfi Coast are located on the Sorrento Peninsula, around 50 km from the metropolis of Naples.

The Amalfi Coast measures 40 kilometres in length. The main arteries are the national road 145 to Pompeii and the A3 motorway from Naples to Salerno. Travellers from the north take the European route E45 via Innsbruck and Bolzano to Verona. The journey then continues on the E35, past Bologna and Rome.

The region is famous not only for its marvellous scenery of sea, cliffs and mountains, but also for the Amalfitana serpentine road carved into the rock. The famous coastal road 163 offers fantastic views, even if many sections are closed to motorhomes and camper vans due to the narrowness. If you want to take a relaxed approach to your road trip, plan a detour to the small state of San Marino, the city of flavours in Parma or Lake Garda.

Destinations on the Amalfi Coast

The region between Naples and Salerno with the offshore island of Capri has always been the epitome of sun, sea and romance - combined with a typically Mediterranean atmosphere in the towns and villages.

Amalfi

The town lies dreamily between two mountain slopes, from the centre of which the impressive cathedral rises. Excursion boats to the island of Capri depart from the harbour. The landscape is best explored on foot. The paths lead through forests and farmland with olive groves and lemon trees and offer marvellous views time and again.

Vico Equense

The varied coastal landscape has great stretches of beach for families, but also hidden bays for romantics. Trekking fans, hikers and climbers will want to discover the cliffs and the idyllic surrounding countryside. The sunken city of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and lively Naples are further highlights in the area.

Positano

The car-free streets are ideal for discovering the town on a stroll. With the sea always in view, a refreshing dip in the water is a tempting option afterwards. The beautiful beaches in the town itself, as well as the coastal stretches in the surrounding area, are perfect for a relaxing break. The mountains around the town await all hiking enthusiasts.

Top 5 sights

• Duomo di Sant'Andrea: The magnificent Baroque church with its majestic staircase was built in 937 and was dedicated to the patron saint of the town of Amalfi.
• Torre di Cetara: The ancient tower with viewing platform has been enthroned on the beach of Cetara since the 15th century.
• Torre dello Ziro: The medieval fortress above Amalfi is surrounded by a marvellous landscape.
• Villa Rufolo: Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the museum impresses with its interesting mix of history and contemporary art.
• Valle delle Ferriere: The hiking trail leads through the densely wooded nature park in the mountains of Scala, past wild and romantic waterfalls.

Top 3 insider tips

• Vietri: The picturesque town of Vietri at the foot of Monte Liberatore specialises in the production of handmade ceramics. After a shopping spree or a visit to the ceramics museum, the wide sandy beach of Marina di Vietri guarantees pure bathing pleasure.
• Maiori: The longest sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast stretches along here. If you don't want to swim, dive or windsurf, you can explore the neighbouring mountains by mountain bike or on foot.
• Ravello: The path down to Scala, which is lined with numerous churches, is well worth the effort. Many years ago, a wide variety of artists were inspired by the townscape and landscape, including the German composer Richard Wagner.

Activities and excursions

Dreamy landscapes, idyllic villages, romantic bays and the azure blue sea tempt you to enjoy outdoor activities. Hikers and nature lovers are drawn to the rugged mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula, as are culture vultures and water sports enthusiasts.

Hiking through nature and villages

Many sections of the route are characterised by solitude in the midst of magnificent nature, followed by fantastic views of picturesque villages and the endless expanse of the sea. One of the most spectacular paths is the CAI-300 hiking trail, which leads from Salerno to Sorrento.

Water sports - action and natural wonders

Divers appreciate the rugged rock formations on the coast. Above all, the Punta Campanella nature and marine reserve at the southern tip will delight you with its colourful underwater world and impressive caves. The towns of Cetara and Erchie are a popular hotspot for surfers and kiters.

Pompeii - an excursion into the past

The mighty volcano Vesuvius, which buried ancient Pompeii under a thick layer of lava in 79 AD, rises aristocratically in the hinterland. The uncovered ruins not only reflect this historic event, they are also considered to be the best preserved artefacts of antiquity.

Events

A camping holiday on the Amalfi Coast will not leave you bored even after the sun goes down. The choice ranges from quaint bars and modern discos to traditional festivities.

February

• Carnevale: In many towns, such as Salerno and Sorrento, people celebrate carnival. The Amalfi Coast in particular is known for its colourful parades.

April

• Incontri del Cinema: Films from all over the world are shown at the international film festival in Sorrento.

June

• Festa di Montecastello: Legends surround the parade, which has been organised regularly since a plague miracle in Cava de' Tirreni in 1656.

June to September

• Ravello Festival: The music town of Ravello hosts national and international stars of the classical music and culture scene.

July

• La Festa di Sant'Anna: In honour of the patron saint of Naples, one of the most important events in the region takes place every year at the port of Sorrento with processions and fireworks.
• Baronissi Jazz: The small community of Baronissi is a meeting place for all jazz and blues fans.

August

• Ferragosto: On the Amalfi Coast, the feast day of Emperor Augustus is celebrated in Positano and Maiori with a convivial atmosphere and a spectacular firework display.

Gastronomy

Espresso and grappa have made their way around the world, as have the regional wines Taurasi, Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino. The fertile soils on the sun-drenched coast not only provide the Italians with a successful wine-growing culture, but also offer the best ingredients for the kitchen. The finest olive oil, fragrant herbs and sun-ripened tomatoes give many regional delicacies their flavour.

Pasta dishes, which are often garnished with seafood, are particularly popular around the Gulf of Naples. Risotto, grilled fish and mussels are also high on the menus. Babà, a Neapolitan yeast pastry of Polish origin, is recommended as a sweet finish to a meal.

Best time to travel

The best time to travel depends on your personal preferences and plans. While hikers and excursionists prefer the mild Mediterranean climate in spring and autumn, beach holidaymakers appreciate the warm temperatures in summer. Sun worshippers are particularly drawn to the Tyrrhenian Sea in the high season from June to September, when the average temperature is 22 degrees.

While the air warms up to 29 degrees and more in July and August, the thermometer reads between 18 and 26 degrees in the early and late summer. For nature lovers, we recommend travelling from April to June, when the landscape on the Amalfi Coast is transformed into a sea of flowers.