Attending a Wedding on the Amalfi Coast: The Complete Guest Travel Guide

There are wedding invitations, and then there are Amalfi Coast wedding invitations. The moment you open one, your mind leaps straight to the images: pastel-coloured villages clinging to impossible cliffs, terraces dripping with bougainvillea, the Tyrrhenian Sea stretching out in every shade of blue you can name. It is, by any measure, one of the most dramatic and romantic coastlines on earth.

But here is the honest truth that glossy travel photography leaves out: the Amalfi Coast is not the easiest place to get to, and once you are there, getting around requires a bit of forethought. The roads are narrow, winding, and carved into sheer cliff faces. The towns are stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally. Parking is a blood sport. In peak summer, half of Europe seems to be on the same stretch of road as you.

None of this should put you off. It should simply encourage you to plan well. The reward for a little logistical homework is an experience that goes far beyond a single celebration. This is southern Italy at its most theatrical — the kind of place where a simple lunch of fresh anchovies and cold white wine on a seaside terrace becomes a memory you carry for decades. This guide will help you arrive relaxed, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment.

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Getting to the Amalfi Coast

The first thing to understand is that there is no train station on the Amalfi Coast. The coastline is too rugged, the cliffs too steep. You will always need some form of road or sea transfer for the final leg. The question is simply where you fly into and how you cover that last stretch.

Flying into Naples (NAP)

Naples Capodichino is the closest major airport to the Amalfi Coast and the option most guests should choose. From the airport, the coast is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on your destination and traffic. Naples has strong connections across Europe — direct flights from London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and many other cities — and an increasing number of seasonal routes from North America.

Flying into Rome (FCO)

If you cannot find a convenient flight to Naples, Rome Fiumicino is the main alternative. It is a larger hub with more long-haul options, but the Amalfi Coast is 3 to 4 hours south by car. You can also take the high-speed train from Rome Termini to Salerno (about 2 hours on the Frecciarossa) and then transfer to the coast from there. It adds time, but the train journey through the Campania countryside is pleasant, and Salerno is a genuinely underrated city worth a few hours.

Transfer Options to the Coast

• Private car transfer from Naples airport: The most comfortable option. Expect to pay between 120 and 180 euros depending on your final destination. Your driver will know the roads, and you can sit back and watch the scenery unfold. Book in advance, especially in summer.
• SITA bus: The public bus service that connects Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and other towns along the coast. It is cheap (a few euros per journey) but slow, frequently crowded in peak season, and not ideal if you are carrying heavy luggage.
• Ferry from Naples or Salerno: From roughly April to October, ferries run from Naples and Salerno to Positano, Amalfi, and Minori. This is a wonderful way to arrive — your first view of the coast from the sea is unforgettable. Journey times are around 60 to 90 minutes from Naples, shorter from Salerno. Check schedules with TravelMar or Alilauro.
• Train to Salerno, then transfer: Salerno's main station is well connected to Naples and Rome by high-speed rail. From Salerno, you can catch a SITA bus or ferry to the coast. This is a solid budget-friendly combination.

For a complete breakdown of every route into Italy, including airport guides and regional transfers, see our complete transport guide.

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Where to Stay

Accommodation on the Amalfi Coast is not cheap, particularly between June and September when demand is at its highest and supply is inherently limited — you cannot simply build more hotels on a vertical cliff. Booking early is not just advisable, it is essential. For a summer wedding, you should be looking at accommodation at least three to four months in advance, and ideally more.

As a rough guide, here is what to expect:

• Budget (120 to 200 euros per night): Simple B&Bs, guesthouses, and small family-run hotels. Rooms may be compact, but many have terraces or sea views that would cost three times as much elsewhere in Europe. Towns like Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare offer the best value in this range.
• Mid-range (200 to 400 euros per night): Boutique hotels with pools, well-appointed rooms, and that effortlessly stylish Amalfi Coast aesthetic. Praiano and Amalfi town have strong options here.
• Luxury (400 euros and above): Iconic properties with infinity pools overlooking the sea, Michelin-starred dining, and the kind of service where staff remember your name by your second morning. Positano and Ravello dominate this tier.

Choosing Your Town

Each town on the coast has its own character, and where you stay will shape your experience:

• Positano — The most photographed and most glamorous town on the coast. Steep, cascading, pastel-coloured houses tumble down to a grey-sand beach. It is also the most expensive and the most crowded. Beautiful, but not for those who dislike steep stairs or large crowds.
• Amalfi — The central town and historical heart of the coast. A good base with a wider range of restaurants, shops, and ferry connections. The cathedral square is one of the great piazzas of southern Italy.
• Ravello — Perched high above the coast with commanding views over the sea. Quieter, more refined, and home to the famous gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Ravello is a popular wedding venue location, so if the ceremony is here, staying nearby removes all transport stress.
• Praiano — Sits between Positano and Amalfi and offers a more local, less tourist-heavy atmosphere. Excellent value for boutique stays, and sunsets from here are arguably the best on the coast.
• Maiori and Minori — Further east along the coast, these twin towns have a more authentically Italian feel, wider beaches (relatively speaking), and significantly lower prices. Minori is known for its food — the pasta here is exceptional.
• Vietri sul Mare — The gateway town at the eastern end of the coast, famous for its hand-painted ceramics. The most affordable option and well connected to Salerno by bus.

Our strongest recommendation: if you know which town the wedding venue is in, try to stay there. Getting around the coast on a wedding day — in your best clothes, potentially in heels, in summer heat — is not something you want to leave to chance. Being able to walk to the venue, or at most take a five-minute taxi, will make the day immeasurably more relaxed.

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Getting Around the Coast

The SS163 Amalfitana — the road that threads along the entire coastline — is one of the most famous drives in the world. It is also one of the most demanding. The road is narrow, frequently just two lanes squeezed between a rock wall and a sheer drop to the sea. Coaches, scooters, and local drivers who know every centimetre of the route will pass you with what feels like millimetres to spare. If you are not genuinely confident behind the wheel in challenging conditions, do not rent a car.

Even if you are a competent driver, parking is a serious problem. Spaces in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are extremely limited and expensive — 5 to 8 euros per hour, or 25 to 40 euros for a full day, and in summer you may circle for an hour without finding anything.

Better Alternatives

• SITA buses: Regular services connect all the major towns along the coast. A single ticket costs a couple of euros and the views from the bus windows are spectacular. The downside: in July and August, buses can be standing-room only, and timetables are not always rigidly observed. Buy tickets from a tabacchi (tobacconist) in advance.
• Ferries: This is the way to travel the coast if you can. Ferry services run between Positano, Amalfi, and Minori (and onward to Salerno and the islands) from spring through autumn. They are faster than the road, you avoid traffic entirely, and arriving by sea is a pleasure in itself. Check schedules the day before, as services can be cancelled in rough weather.
• Water taxis: More expensive but available on demand. A private water taxi between towns is a genuine treat — particularly if you are heading to a wedding venue that has sea access. Expect to pay 80 to 150 euros for a short coastal hop.
• Private transfers: For the wedding day itself, a pre-booked private car with a local driver who knows the roads is worth every euro. Your hotel can almost certainly arrange this. Agree a price in advance.

The golden rule: plan your wedding-day transport first, and figure out the rest of the trip around it.

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What to Wear

Dressing for an Amalfi Coast wedding requires a specific kind of thinking. You want elegance and coastal ease in equal measure, but above all you need to respect the terrain. This is not flat ground. Every town on the coast is built vertically — Positano alone has more than 1,500 steps from its highest point to the beach. Cobblestones, uneven paths, and narrow stairways are the norm, not the exception.

Shoes

This is the single most important decision you will make. Stilettos are a terrible idea. They will catch in cobblestones, slide on polished marble, and leave you exhausted before the aperitivo is served. Instead, opt for block heels, elegant wedges, or smart flat sandals. If you cannot bear to abandon your heels entirely, bring a pair of comfortable flats for the walk to and from the venue and change when you arrive.

Clothing

Summer on the Amalfi Coast is hot — often above 30 degrees Celsius — and humid thanks to the sea. Choose light, breathable fabrics: linen, cotton, silk. If the ceremony is in a church, shoulders must be covered. A light shawl or pashmina solves this neatly and doubles as warmth for later in the evening when the sea breeze picks up.

The dress code at an Amalfi Coast wedding tends to be a shade less formal than a Tuscan countryside estate affair. The setting itself is so inherently glamorous that you do not need to overdo it. Think relaxed elegance: a flowing midi dress, a well-cut linen suit, clean lines, and unfussy accessories. Sunglasses are non-negotiable — bring a good pair.

For men, a lightweight suit without a tie is the sweet spot. Linen trousers with a smart shirt and loafers will also work for most celebrations. Save the dark three-piece for a London winter wedding.

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Italian Wedding Etiquette and Customs

Italian weddings are long, lavish, and deeply social events. If you are used to a five-hour affair with a buffet and a first dance at 9pm, recalibrate your expectations. An Italian wedding is a marathon of eating, drinking, toasting, and celebrating — and you will love every minute of it.

The Meal

The wedding meal is the centrepiece of the day and will typically run for four to five hours. Multiple courses — antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci — arrive in a procession that feels endless in the best possible way. Pace yourself. The Italians around you will be eating steadily and with pleasure, not rushing. Follow their lead. There will almost certainly be a break between courses for mingling, and the couple may circulate between tables rather than staying seated throughout.

Gifts

Cash gifts are entirely normal and welcome in Italy. In fact, many couples prefer them to physical gifts — a busta (envelope) with cash is the traditional approach. There is no set amount, but 100 to 200 euros per person is a common guideline for guests. Some couples will set up a registry or contribute-to-honeymoon fund, which makes things simpler. If in doubt, ask the couple or someone close to them.

Timing

Italian weddings run late. Ceremonies in the early afternoon, cocktails stretching into the golden hour, dinner starting at 9pm, and dancing well past midnight is entirely standard. Plan accordingly — have a proper lunch, rest if you can in the afternoon, and do not book an early flight the next morning.

Amalfi Coast Specifics

Many Amalfi Coast wedding venues make spectacular use of outdoor terraces overlooking the sea. If the ceremony is outside, be aware that the coastal breeze can pick up in the late afternoon — have a wrap handy and ensure anything loose is secured. Sunset on the coast is magical, particularly in high summer when the light turns the cliffs amber and gold (in August, sunset falls around 8pm). Arrive at the venue early if you can; the views alone are worth the extra time.

You may receive bomboniere — small wedding favours traditional in Italian celebrations. These are typically sugared almonds (confetti) in a decorative pouch or box, sometimes accompanied by a small ceramic item reflecting the coast's artisan heritage.

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Extending Your Trip

Flying to southern Italy for a single day feels like a missed opportunity. The Amalfi Coast sits at the heart of one of the richest regions in Europe for history, food, and natural beauty. Even two or three extra days will repay the effort of getting here many times over.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

The preserved Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are roughly an hour from the coast by car or a combination of bus and Circumvesuviana train. Pompeii is the larger and more famous site, but Herculaneum is better preserved, less crowded, and arguably more moving. You can visit either in a half day, or combine both in a full day. Book tickets online to skip the queues.

Capri

The island of Capri is just 30 minutes by fast ferry from Positano and around 50 minutes from Amalfi. It is expensive and touristy in parts, but undeniably beautiful. Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views, visit the Villa San Michele in Anacapri, and swim at one of the smaller beach clubs rather than the crowded Marina Piccola. The Blue Grotto is a tourist trap best avoided unless you arrive very early.

Naples

Naples is chaotic, electric, and utterly compelling. It has world-class museums (the National Archaeological Museum alone is worth the trip), extraordinary street food, baroque churches on every corner, and — yes — the best pizza on the planet. This is where pizza was invented, and the difference between a margherita from a Naples pizzeria and one from anywhere else is not subtle. Allow at least a full day, ideally two.

Sorrento

Perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento makes an easy day trip from the coast or a pleasant base for exploring the wider area. It is more polished and accessible than the Amalfi Coast towns, with good shopping, lemon groves, and frequent ferries to Capri and Naples.

The Path of the Gods

For the adventurous: the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is a cliffside hiking trail from Bomerano to Nocelle, high above the coast. The walk takes roughly 2 to 3 hours and the views are staggering — the entire coastline unfolds beneath you. Wear proper shoes, carry water, and start early to avoid the midday heat. From Nocelle, a long staircase (or a local bus) takes you down into Positano.

Puglia

If you have time for a longer extension, the region of Puglia lies 3 to 4 hours south and east. It is a complete contrast to the Amalfi Coast — flat, agricultural, dotted with whitewashed trulli houses and baroque towns like Lecce and Ostuni. The beaches of the Salento peninsula rival anything in Greece, and prices are significantly lower than the coast. It pairs beautifully with a few days on the Amalfi Coast for a two-part Italian trip.

For more on what makes the Amalfi Coast such a special wedding destination, explore our Amalfi Coast destination guide. And if you are looking for wider travel inspiration across Italy, we have you covered.

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Practical Tips

• Carry cash. While most restaurants and hotels accept cards, many smaller shops, cafes, water taxis, and street vendors along the coast are cash-only. Have euros on hand at all times.
• Wear sunscreen, and reapply it. The reflected light from the sea intensifies UV exposure significantly. Even on overcast days, you can burn quickly. A good SPF 50 and a hat are wise investments.
• Accept the limoncello. The Amalfi Coast is the heartland of lemon cultivation, and limoncello made from the local sfusato amalfitano lemons is a point of regional pride. It will be offered after virtually every meal. It is typically served ice-cold and is far better than the syrupy commercial versions you may have tried elsewhere. Sip it slowly.
• Budget for the coperto. Most sit-down restaurants in Italy charge a coperto (cover charge) of 2 to 4 euros per person, listed at the bottom of the menu. This is standard, not a scam. Tipping on top is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent is generous by local standards.
• Learn a few words of Italian. Even basic greetings — buongiorno, grazie, per favore, scusi — go a long way. Italians appreciate the effort enormously, and it opens doors that English alone sometimes does not.
• Travel light but smart. You will be hauling your luggage up and down steps more than you expect. Many hotels on the coast do not have direct road access — a porter may carry your bags, or you may need to manage stairs yourself. A single well-packed carry-on beats two large suitcases every time.
• Time your activities wisely. The coast is busiest between 10am and 4pm in summer. Ferries and buses are less crowded early morning and late afternoon. Restaurants serve lunch from roughly 12:30 to 2:30pm and dinner from 7:30pm onward — arriving outside these windows may mean limited options.
• Emergency number: 112. This is the pan-European emergency number and works for police, fire, and medical services throughout Italy.

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A Note for the Couple

If you have landed on this page while still in the planning stages of your own Amalfi Coast wedding, welcome. The fact that you are thinking about your guests' experience speaks well of you. The Amalfi Coast is an extraordinary place to celebrate, but it does ask a little more of your guests in terms of travel and logistics. Sharing a guide like this with your invitees — or including key practical details in your wedding website — will make a real difference.

If you are still searching for the right venue, browse our curated collection of Italian wedding venues, including stunning properties along the Amalfi Coast. And if you would like expert help pulling it all together, our wedding planning services are designed to take the stress out of organising a celebration abroad.