Why the Quiet Side of the Amalfi Coast is Best with Teens

With dramatic cliffs dropping into the sparkling Mediterranean, pastel-hued fishing villages, and lemon-lavished seafood dishes, the Amalfi Coast of Italy sounds like the dolce vita to me. However, I was a little concerned my opinionated teenagers would find the scenic views and medieval churches a little snore-worthy. Instead, this famous coast captured our hearts primarily because we chose to stay in an uncrowded town, where we could stroll cobblestone streets, and allow the teens to take on some independence. Here’s how you can do it too.

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I worked with Perillo Custom Vacations, a third-generation, family-owned Italian-American tour company to plan this trip, as it was my family’s first to Italy. Perillo helped us feel comfortable and confident that we could uncover authentic experiences and travel seamlessly. While they also sell group tours, we opted for a bespoke vacation.

The most important choice was where we anchored ourselves on the Amalfi Coast. While the towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are stunning, they also clog with tourists during the key summer season. Therefore, we opted to overnight in Minori, a neighboring beach town with a ferry terminal and excellent restaurants.

Where to Stay in Minori

My family of four stayed at Villa Romana Hotel & Spa, a comfortable accommodation just steps to the town square, shops, and local restaurants.

We booked two rooms next to each other, providing space for the teenagers to spread out, but within close proximity to us parents. The pink flower-lined pool was dreamy and the bountiful breakfast (included with our stay) kept our bellies full with pastries, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and yogurt. 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT VILLA ROMANA

Day Trips on the Amalfi Coast

While we loved establishing our home base in Minori, we certainly wanted to visit the marquee towns to see what all the hype was about. We hired drivers to navigate the “Mama Mia” hairpin turns to Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, so we could instead cast our gazes into the shimmering sea. 

Amalfi

Amalfi is the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast, and therefore, bustling with people. We enjoyed strolling the Pizza Duomo and browsing the surrounding artisanal shops.

Sweet Amalfi lemons are the lifeblood of the Amalfi Coast. You can see canary-colored citrus dangling from terraces all over the coast. They also decorate souvenirs, clothing, and local cuisine.

We savored sorbet served in hollowed-out Amalfi lemons. Limoncello and lemon granita shaved ice are other signature treats you’ll want to try. 

Positano

Positano is an adorable, vertical village with steep, pedestrian-only streets perfect for shopping and wandering.

Via dei Mulini boutiques sell breezy linen clothing and leather sandals formed to your feet. Pop in to Artigianato Rallo, no appointment needed, and select the straps, colors, and hardware of your preference. The craftsmen will fit sandals to your feet while you wait, providing a unique, useful souvenir. 

Ravello

Artsy, refined Ravello is known for the clifftop gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. While the elevated views across the coast are lovely, my teens preferred perusing the ceramic shops and eating gelato. We purchased a ceramic lemon holiday ornament that we’ll always treasure.

More Authentic Smaller Towns on the Amalfi Coast

Much like Minori, Praiano and Maiori are among the lesser-known towns that are less-crowded and easier for teens to navigate. Positioned between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano offers a quiet glimpse into more local life on the Amalfi Coast.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch on the charming terrace of Costa Diva. Sunny lemons dangled overhead like twinkle lights, while we dined on lemon risotto and grilled calamari.

We also foraged and cooked our own lunch with Cook Eat Square, lounged at a beach club, and hiked the Path of Lemons. Read on for more on teen-friendly activities on the Amalfi Coast. 

Activities Teens Will Enjoy on the Amalfi Coast

1. Rent a private boat with skipper

Cruising to Capri is a popular activity on the Amalfi Coast. While we had secured a private boat with captain from Exclusive Cruises to do this, the weather that day was not cooperative.

We waited the storms out and instead glided along the coast, dipping into turquoise coves and colorful grottos. Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, and White Grotto are three caves not to miss for their exotic beauty. Our teens were enthralled when they found a large rock where other teens were jumping into the refreshing waters. 

2. Take a culinary hike and cook your own lunch

Gather wild herbs around Praiano while you learn about local cuisine with Luisa or Giacomo from Cook Eat Square.

After gathering your provisions, you’ll prepare your own pasta and learn how to roll cavatelli with your thumbs. They’ll show you how to mash pesto in a mortar, fry fresh squash blossoms, and stuff your own sweet ravioli for dessert. Drink in the exquisite coastline views while you impress yourself with your new-found cooking capabilities. 

3. Sunbathe at a beach club

The Amalfi Coast is dotted with pebbly beaches accessed by steep flights of stairs. While picturesque, we found the flatter beaches of Minori and Maiori to be more accessible with teens and all our stuff.

Beach clubs are the name of the game on the Amalfi Coast, where you pay to enter and enjoy lounge chairs, umbrellas, and restaurant service. Minori features a mix of free beach access and private beach clubs. Maiori boasts the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast and was a sure winner with our family.

4. Hike the Path of Lemons

This 2.4-mile trail through citrus groves from Minori to Maiori is a workout with steep steps, yet rewards with plentiful views of the coast and sea. Stop at family-run orchards for fresh lemonade or lemon spritzes. Go early or later in the day to avoid the heat. It was fun to see mules hauling lemons on the ancient path.

5. Take family photos with a professional photographer

OK, admittedly this might have been more for me and our holiday cards, but our shoot with The Photo Experiences was fun because our photographer, Maurizio, and his assistant were both local Italians with big personalities.

Book a time to meet and receive a link to a digital album full of photos that would be difficult to take of the whole family together on your trip.

Where to Eat in Minori, Italy

A few minutes east of the town of Amalfi by boat or coastal road, Minori is a local gem, known amongst Italians for exceptional pastries, handmade pastas, and of course, lemons. Could teens be more blissed out by menus featuring pizza, pasta, and pastries? Plus parents appreciate the fresh seafood and serene atmosphere.

We wandered to whichever restaurant lulled us in that evening, then strolled the palm-lined promenade or pier at twilight, often with a pastry in-hand. 

Sal De Riso Costa d’Amalfi 

A world-renowned pastry shop helmed by Master Pastry Chef Salvatore De Riso, Sal de Riso’s long cases of delectable treats are enough to woo anyone.

The most recommended to us restaurant in Minori was one we visited several times, to try the famous lemon cream and ricotta pear cakes, among other sublime desserts.

De Riso Sede Storica

This cozy cafe with patio service dishes out Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta, and fresh seafood. Run by Sal’s brother, Alessandro, De Riso Sede Storica’s casual style, gluten-free options, and creamy gelato beckoned us back multiple times. 

Ristorante Pizzeria Giardiniello Minori

Giardiniello will still satisfy the teens with wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta, but plusses up the atmosphere with romantic, lemon vine vibes. A bit pricier and can require reservations, but worth it for a lovely evening.

About the author: Cortney Fries is an award-winning, Chicago-based travel journalist and mom to two teens. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and U.S. News & World Report. She writes for Kids Are A Trip about traveling with teens, demonstrating that even the pickiest teenager can be won over by good food and unique finds.