Visiting the Amalfi Coast in August is like stepping into a sun-baked postcard: lemon groves, shimmering seas, dizzying cliffs, and towns brimming with both world travelers and Italian families on holiday. Our base was Sorrento, which proved to be the perfect jumping-off point for adventures (even if the crowds and heat kept us constantly reaching for lemon sorbet). Here’s a practical guide, with a dash of my favorite moments.

Where to Stay

Sorrento:

  • Conca Park Hotel: We stayed here for its solid amenities, eco-friendly approach, and prime location minutes from the town center and marina. The rooms were bright and comfortable, breakfast abundant, and the terrace was a lovely place to start each day. The only drawback? The pool gets crowded fast—classic August—but it was still a refreshing option after hot excursions. In the evenings, we’d stroll from the hotel to Sorrento’s lively old streets, soaking in the hustle of locals and visitors alike.

Why Sorrento? Positano and Amalfi are beautiful but often overwhelmed in the high season. Sorrento is bigger, somewhat less crowded, and makes for easy logistics with tours and ferries headed in every direction.

Where to Eat & Drink

Sorrento Favorites:

  • Dry Martini Sorrento: Don’t miss this rooftop at sunset. We took a taxi here for a round of cocktails overlooking the sea and lemon groves. The views (and drinks) were magical, and it quickly became our favorite sundowner stop.
  • Pizzeria Da Franco: A casual, bustling pizzeria where the locals line up. Given the August crowds, we loved its unfussy vibe and that classic Neapolitan pizza—crispy-edged, generous with cheese, and perfect for sharing after a long day.
  • Raki Artisanal Gelato: Every night in Sorrento seemed to end with us joining the line at Raki. Their lemon and basil gelato were cooling lifesavers, and the variety is outstanding.

Capri:

  • Ristorante Pizzeria Panorama: For lunch with a wow-factor view, this spot above the funicular delivered perfectly—fresh burrata, excellent pizza, aperol spritz  and a breeze even on the hottest day.

Positano:

  • Franco’s Bar: Arguably the most beautiful bar view on the coast. Popular for a reason—plan to queue for seats at sunset and expect only drinks (but what drinks!).
  • Avoid: Adam and Eve in Positano felt overpriced and tourist-focused, a reminder that the best meals are often found in simpler places. 

What to Do

Amalfi Boat Tour

All-Day Boat Tour from Sorrento: Right away, we jumped on a full-day cruise that gave us one breezy hour in both Positano and Amalfi. Admittedly, the towns were jam-packed; August isn’t for the faint of heart. Still, having a boat to escape to—with stops for ocean swims was a magical experience. The captain also took us to a lesser-known grotto – like the famous Blue Grotto without the crowds which was a highlight of the trip.  

E-Bike Tour with Enjoy Bike Sorrento: This was a great way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of town. Our guide took us outside of Sorrento to see some cliffside views and enjoy the breeze in our hair.  We continued on to a mozzarella making demo and rustic olive oil tasting; where we got to taste, enjoy (and later purchase!) the local delicacies.

Ferry to Capri: Ferries from Sorrento get you to Capri in about 30 minutes (we booked in advance using Ferryhopper). After riding the funicular up to Capri Town, we wandered boutiques, caught spectacular viewpoints, and enjoyed our scenic lunch. Although we didn’t have time for the famous chairlift to Monte Solaro, it’s a must for a return visit.

Beach Day at Maya Beach Experience: Reserving a lounger meant no scrambling for a spot. There’s nothing like letting a whole afternoon drift by with alternating dips in the ocean and pool while listening to a DJ’s tunes. The views are classic European cliffside beaches and the drinks are of course Aperol spritzes.

Sorrento Cooking Class via Viator – One evening we joined this small-group cooking class. We were picked up in town on a tuk-tuk and driven (at a frightening pace!) up a windy path to a farmhouse where a warm and welcoming host awaited us. Hands-on pasta making, lively stories, and pacing were perfect for a fun, relaxed night. Nothing brings out Italian hospitality like sharing a kitchen & wine!

Vineyard Tour at Cantina del Vesuvio: For our final day, a jaunt to a vineyard near Pompeii was the perfect wind-down. Sipping volcanic wines on the terrace, with Vesuvius looming in the distance, reminded us just how much history and flavor this region packs into every moment.

Travel Tips for Amalfi Coast in August

  • Book everything in advance. Ferries, taxis, and restaurants fill up quickly—in high season, even beach club loungers go fast.
  • Plan your evenings carefully. Ferries stop running surprisingly early (around 5–6 PM). If you’re out late in Positano or Capri, arrange a taxi ahead of time because ride-hailing apps simply don’t work here.
  • Dress for the hills. Positano and much of the coast mean stairs, stairs, and more stairs—comfortable shoes are essential.
  • Stay cool and hydrated. It gets HOT in August—beach breaks and lemon sorbet are your best allies.
  • Give yourself time to just wander. Sorrento’s old town lanes are full of surprises, and an aimless evening stroll with gelato often brings the day’s best moments.

While the crowds and the heat of summer can’t be escaped, neither can the beauty, the food, and the sun-soaked magic of the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento gave us the best balance—easy travel, excellent eats, and unforgettable days on the sea.