9 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO THE AMALFI COAST

Let's start right away with a piece of advice that may seem trivial but really is not: wear comfortable shoes! Why, you ask? Well, because on the Amalfi Coast you will be walking a lot! Many villages are built practically on the steep walls of the coast. That means there are stairs, climbs and descents, and surely the last thing you need is sore feet! You would risk not fully enjoying the experience. You'll also need comfortable shoes if you want to take on any hiking trails (from the wild ones to city trails) since it can sometimes take several hours to complete them all.

How many times have you heard that driving in Italy is difficult? Well, while the statement may not be true for small towns and country areas, it is certainly true with regard to the Amalfi Coast: here the coastal towns are connected by a single road, State Road 163, which, in addition to having only one lane in each direction, is also full of hairpin bends and sharp curves, due to the conformation of the land. Moreover, during peak periods it becomes very busy, and unless you are a good driver, driving here can prove to be a very unpleasant adventure. Therefore, always try to get around by public transportation! As I explained in this article, getting around the Coast by public transportation is really easy and, most importantly, it is the cheapest option. And I'll tell you more! Traveling by sea, using fast ferries like Travelmar's, is an added value to your vacation, because it will allow you to admire the famous villages from the sea: it's a unique sight!

Although the Amalfi Coast is primarily a tourist place and English is spoken just about everywhere, albeit at a basic level, learning a few words of the language of the place you visit always makes a nice impact! Italians are delighted when a tourist tries to say a few words in Italian-they appreciate the effort and the desire to try to connect with their culture. So learn some of the most commonly used expressions before you go: it will be fun and you will receive an even warmer welcome!

If you want your experience on the Coast to be as authentic as possible follow these tips. First, try not to order drinks containing milk after 11 a.m. and immediately after lunch: in Italy it is not customary to drink them at those times, and if you were to order them in bars and restaurants you might even risk being amusingly told off! Also, don't ask the waiter for cheese when you order fish entrees and don't abuse ketchup and other savory sauces: you risk covering up the original flavors of the dishes and that would be a shame! What I recommend is to listen to the advice of restaurateurs: trust them, you will not regret it!

When embarking on a trip, it is always a good habit to anticipate expenses to avoid getting into trouble. The same is true if you plan to visit the Amalfi Coast, since of all the tourist destinations in Italy it is probably one of the most expensive. Since the villages are small, a hotel room can often cost more than the average. Also, if you will be taking a rental vehicle, be aware that the prices of the parking lots, which are often full and few in number, can become really exorbitant in high season (as much as 12€ per hour). Not only that: some of the more upscale restaurants and clubs may turn out to be not particularly cheap, especially if they are in a particularly picturesque location. So, I advise you to think well about your budget and choose the most suitable time to visit the Coast based on that!

Tipping is a common practice in many countries. It is usually a voluntary act, which the customer or guest decides to do when he or she particularly appreciates the service received. Know that you are free to tip but that in Italy-and on the Amalfi Coast, too -it is by no means mandatory!

In some European countries, especially Mediterranean ones, there are certain time slots during which businesses close and observe a break. Typically, these are the first hours after lunch, from 1 to 4 p.m., which in Spain are called “siesta”. Moreover, it may happen that stores and boutiques remain closed on holidays such as Sundays and some grocery stores do not open on Thursday afternoons. These are very ingrained habits in Italian society, too; nevertheless, in more touristy cities and during busier times of the year, such as summer, it may happen that stores stay open all day long all week. So, be aware that it is normal for the coastal towns to empty out and calm down for a few hours in the early afternoon: you too, try and take advantage of the break!

This last point is more of a warning: in general, those who come to the Amalfi Coast are so thunderstruck by its beauty and the magic of the moments spent here that it will be very difficult to face the journey home! With its wonderful landscapes, sublime food and the warmth of the people who live there, the Coast will surely remain in your heart. Don't despair, though: after all, you can always come back!