Amalfi Coast With Kids: A Complete Family Holiday Guide

If you’re currently planning an Italian holiday and wondering about visiting the Amalfi Coast with kids, this guide is the one for you. After visiting the Amalfi Coast multiple times, most recently with our children, we have so much useful information to share.

I really think the Amalfi Coast can make a fantastic family holiday destination when planned the right way. The key is slowing things down a little and choosing the right towns for your family’s travel style.

While some parts of the Amalfi Coast can feel busy and overwhelming during peak season, there are also quieter beaches, relaxed seaside promenades and family-friendly bases that work surprisingly well with kids.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I learned from travelling the Amalfi Coast as a family, including the best towns to stay in, how to get around with kids, practical tips for visiting, and the places I personally think are most worth prioritising, so let’s dive in!

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Is the Amalfi Coast Good for Families?

Yes, although it might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family holiday, the Amalfi Coast can be a fantastic destination for families. Especially families like ours that enjoy a mix of sightseeing, beaches and great food. There are plenty of places to explore, from colourful coastal towns and boat trips to relaxed seaside promenades and scenic hikes.

That said, I probably wouldn’t recommend it if you’re just looking for a beach holiday destination. While the beaches are nice, they’re not beautiful golden sands like in places such as the Algarve, Portugal (full guides on The Algarve, here!)

However, if you’re happy to combine beach time with exploring, slower afternoons and a bit of adventure, the Amalfi Coast is an incredible family holiday destination.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Amalfi Coast With Kids?

We visited the Amalfi Coast as part of a 10 day Southern Italy road trip. On this trip, we had 4 days on the Amalfi Coast. While we managed to see a lot, I would have loved one more day. We didn’t take a day trip to Positano as we had planned, as the kids really wanted a beach day.

As my husband and I have been to Positano before, we decided a chilled family day was the best option. I’ve shared an ideal Amalfi Coast itinerary here.

I’d say 5 days is the ideal amount of time for an Amalfi Coast family holiday, although you could easily spend longer. 5 days gives you enough time to explore a few different towns, and still build in slower beach days without feeling rushed or constantly on the move.

Best Places To Stay on the Amalfi Coast With Kids

There are multiple towns along the Amalfi Coast, plus places further away from the coastline. It was quite a challenge to decide where to stay.

The accommodation set a bit further inland was generally more budget-friendly, but I’m so pleased we decided to stay right by the edge of the coast.

I will talk in more detail about getting around the Amalfi Coast below, but driving was terrifying, especially with kids in the car. Staying in a great location allowed us to either walk or use the ferries, which was much more pleasant.

I decided to base ourselves in Maiori for this family trip, and this was without a doubt the best decision.

Maiori has a long, flat seafront promenade and one of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast, which instantly makes life easier when you’re travelling with children. It also feels noticeably more relaxed than some of the more famous cliffside towns. Plus, you don’t have to deal with nearly as many stairs to get around.

Best Places To Stay in Maiori With Kids

As I mentioned, if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast with children, I really recommend basing yourself in Maiori.

When it comes to accommodation, Maiori has a good mix of family-friendly hotels and apartment-style stays, making it easier to find something that suits different budgets and travel styles.

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Residence Hotel Panoramic, which was in such a great location and an affordable option for families. The rooms are clean, comfortable and have amazing sea views. They also come with a small kitchen area, which came in especially handy when my children found lemons and wanted to turn them into lemonade! Residence Hotel Panoramic also has a great rooftop terrace area, with more incredible views and free sun loungers for guests. Finally, it has a room with a washer-dryer. Although we didnt use them, it’s very handy to have this option, as kids often get through more clothes than you plan for!

If Residence Hotel Panoramic isn’t available, I would also consider:

• Luxury: Hotel Club Due Torri – a hotel rather than an apartment, located right on the seafront, and only a short walk to the ferry port. This hotel also has a gorgeous outdoor pool.
• Budget-Friendly: Angelina Apartments Amalfi Coast – another great location, and the rooms here also have small kitchen areas.

👉 Check the latest prices and availability in Maiori here.

See all Accommodation Options on the Amalfi Coast here.

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast With Kids

Getting around the Amalfi Coast can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially with children, as the roads are narrow, the towns are built into the cliffs and distances that look short on a map often take longer than expected in reality. There are a few different ways to travel between towns, each with its own pros and cons depending on your family’s travel style.

Hiring a Car on the Amalfi Coast

Self-driving is possible, but I wouldn’t personally recommend it with kids unless you’re a very confident driver. The coastal roads are extremely winding, traffic can be heavy in peak season, and parking is both limited and expensive in most towns. My little one was also extremely travel sick!

While we did have a rental car, as this was part of a longer Southern Italy road trip. After reaching our hotel, we left it in the car park until we left. If you do wan’t have your own car, I always use Discover Cars to find the best rental prices.

Buses Around The Amalfi Coast

Buses are the main public transport option and are very budget-friendly, with single tickets starting at €1.50 or €10 for a day ticket. Children under age 6 can travel for free but may need to sit on an adult’s lap; those aged 6-12 will need a child’s ticket. Purchase tickets from a newsstand displaying the SITA logo before you board.

We didn’t use the bus during our trip, but from previous experience, they can get extremely crowded. Especially in summer, you may find yourself waiting in the heat for more than one bus during busy periods. That said, they are a possible option if you’re travelling light and don’t mind a slower pace.

Ferries: The Best Way to Travel the Amlafi Coast with Kids

Ferries are, in my opinion, the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast with kids. They’re scenic, relatively easy to use, and much less stressful than navigating the roads or buses. The views from the water are incredible, and it feels like part of the experience rather than just transport from A to B.

Many different tour operators run along the coast.We found the website FerryHopper really useful to compare routes and prices during our trip. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as the ferries do get extremely busy.

Children pay a reduced rate on most ferries, but it varies per ferry operator, so check on FerryHopper before you go.

Most providers allow you to take a small stroller on board, but it may need to be folded before getting on and possibly stored with luggage. We didn’t take our stroller, and I’m glad we didnt, but I do highly recommend our Joolz Aer for travel.

Hiking on the Amalfi Coast

There are multiple hikes you can do along the Amlfi Coast. These are a fun activity but can also be a way of getting between towns.

The most famous hike, the Path of the Gods. We did this one on a previous trip, and I wouldn’t recommend this one with young children.

On this trip, we did the Path of the Lemons hike, which connects Maiori and the neighbouring town of Minori. This is a fun, family-friendly hike. We actually continued our hike all the way to Ravello. This is not something I would do again with small children due to the 1000’s of stairs involved. If you’re visiting with older children, it’s a fun option.

Best Things To Do on the Amalfi Coast With Kids

The Amalfi Coast isn’t a destination where you necessarily tick off endless attractions. Instead, it’s about slowing down. Exploring each town at a gentle pace and mixing sightseeing with beach time, boat trips and plenty of gelato stops. With kids, especially, I think it works best when you treat each area as its own little experience rather than trying to see everything in one day.

Amalfi & Atrani

Amalfi is the name of the coast itself, but is also a town situated along the coastline. It is one of the most famous places to visit. I would recommend heading here in the morning before it gets too busy.

Amalfi is a very easy ferry ride from Maiori, taking approximately 10 minutes and costing around €5 per person.

It is one of the easiest towns to explore with children, thanks to its compact centre and good ferry connections. In Amalfi, wander the picturesque town, looking at all the lemon-themed products on sale there.

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew is one of the most famous places on the Amalfi Coast. It is worth visiting, even if it’s just briefly, with kids. Entry tickets are only €4 and include both the Cathedral and gardens. Then wander through the small streets, admiring all the lemon-themed products on sale before stopping for a drink or gelato.

We also rented a paddleboard from a kiosk on the beach. This cost €20 for an hour, my husband and eldest had so much fun doing this!

Just a short walk away, there is a tunnel that connects Amalfi to the lesser-known town of Atrani. It is much quieter and more local, making it a lovely place to escape the crowds. My children loved playing on the beach here.

Maiori & Minori

Maiori was one of our favourite areas for a more relaxed, family-friendly day. The long beachfront and flat promenade make it much easier with kids compared to some of the steeper towns along the coast.

This is a great place to simply slow down. Spend time on the beach and enjoy a more laid-back side of the Amalfi Coast. You can also walk between Maiori and Minori, either along the scenic Path of the Lemons or via the main road (which is shorter but needs a bit more care).

We loved walking the Path of the Lemons as a family. Our children were obsessed with finding lemons; luckily, a couple had fallen from a tree that they took back and turned into lemonade. There is also a lovely cafe along the route called Cuonc Cuonc, selling delicious homemade food and lemon products.

Minori is smaller and quieter, with not a lot to do there, but perfect for a relaxed lunch or a slower wander before heading back to Maiori for the afternoon.

Both these towns had playgrounds, which my kids were so happy about. Maiori also had a small set-up with small fairground rides that cost €2 per ride or €5 to go on all three (cash only).

Ravello

Perched high above the coastline, Ravello feels completely different from the seaside towns below. It’s quieter, more relaxed and known for its incredible views.

The main highlights here are Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, both of which have beautiful gardens and panoramic viewpoints. As we hiked to Ravello, we only had time to visit Villa Rufolo on this trip, and it was very beautiful. We then enjoyed a late lunch in the main square.

It’s a great place to slow down, escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful afternoon.

Positano

Positano is the most iconic town on the Amalfi Coast and is absolutely worth seeing, even if just for a day. Arriving by ferry is part of the experience in itself, with the colourful buildings rising dramatically from the cliffs as you approach the harbour.

Once there, you can spend time on Spiaggia Grande beach, explore the shops and wander through the narrow streets. Just be prepared for lots of steps; getting around Positano involves a lot of walking up and down, so I’d recommend taking things slowly, especially with younger children.

Capri

Capri is the one place on the Amalfi Coast that remains on our bucket list. If you can, a day trip to Capri would be wonderful. Ferries run regularly from most towns, and the journey across the water is beautiful in itself.

Once on the island, you can explore Marina Grande, take the funicular up to Capri Town or head further to Anacapri for viewpoints and quieter streets. The island is busy, especially in peak season, so I’d recommend focusing on just a few key areas rather than trying to see everything in one day.

Optional: Pompeii Day Trip

If you have time, Pompeii makes an incredible addition to your Amalfi Coast itinerary. It’s easily reachable on the way back towards Naples and gives a fascinating glimpse into Roman history.

We visited Naples and Pompeii (full guides linked) at the start of our trip and I am so pleased we added those locations to our itinerary. With kids, I’d recommend focusing on a smaller section of the site rather than trying to see everything, as it’s much bigger than most people expect and can get very hot in summer. Read more in our full guide to enjoying Pompeii with kids, here.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast With Kids

A trip to the Amalfi Coast with kids can be an incredible experience, but a few practical tips really do make a big difference when it comes to keeping things smooth and stress-free.

• Don’t try to see too much. – This is probably my biggest tip. The Amalfi Coast looks small on a map, but travel between towns can take longer than expected. We found it worked much better to focus on a few key places each day rather than constantly moving from town to town.
• Choose your base carefully. – Where you stay makes a huge difference to your experience. In my opinion, near the seafront in Maiori is the most practical option for families, thanks to its flat promenade, beach and more relaxed feel compared to the cliffside towns.
• Ferries are your best friend – Whenever possible, use ferries instead of buses or driving. While they are more expensive, they’re easier, more comfortable and enjoyable with kids. Use FerryHopper to compare routes and prices.
• Be prepared for stairs everywhere. – Many of the towns are built into cliffs, especially Positano and Ravello. Comfortable shoes are essential, and I’d avoid bringing anything too heavy, like large pushchairs.
• Built in beach time and downtime. – Some of our favourite moments were the simplest ones, afternoons on the beach in Maiori and Antrani.
• Consider skipping a “must-see” if needed. – We actually skipped Positano on our recent trip and opted for a beach day instead, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of our holiday. Don’t feel like you need to tick everything off.
• Travel in shoulder season if you can. – We visited in April, and the weather was good without being too crowded, which makes a big difference with children. Late spring and early autumn are ideal.

FAQ About Visiting the Amalfi Coast With Kids

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Amalfi Coast With Kids

The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that feels almost unreal when you first arrive, with its colourful cliffside towns, turquoise sea and dramatic mountain scenery. While it may not be the simplest place in Italy to explore with children, it can absolutely make for an incredible family holiday if you plan it in the right way.

For us, the key was slowing everything down, choosing a more practical base like Maiori and accepting that we wouldn’t see everything in one trip. Some of our favourite moments were the simplest ones. Beach time, ferry rides between towns and family hikes overlooking the sea.

If you’re considering an Amalfi Coast family holiday, I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels realistic, enjoyable and not too overwhelming. It’s a destination that really rewards taking your time, and even with kids, it’s still one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.

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Thank you so much for reading our guide on visiting the Amalfi Coast with kids. We hope you have a wonderful family holiday in Italy.