Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Not sure which destination is better for you, the Amalfi Coast or Puglia? If you don’t have the time to visit both, I’ll help you decide and plan your vacation.

I’ve visited both, and I understand your difficulty in choosing.

While both destinations are incredibly beautiful, they are also different and might target various types of travelers.

We’ll cover all that in this article.

This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.

Where to go next: Amalfi Coast or Puglia?

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

Located 40 kilometers outside Naples, the Amalfi Coast is easily accessible whether you land at Naples International Airport or Fiumicino Airport in Rome.

You can always rent a car, pick it up from the airport, and drive to the coast, or you can quickly get there by public transportation—trains, buses, or boats. 

Read here everything you must know on how to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.

While driving on the coastline is not for everyone, you can easily book a private transfer and get there without any worries. 

From Naples airport, it will take roughly 1 hour, depending on where you stay on the coast and how you get around.

You can travel from Rome to Naples by fast train in about one hour and then by ferry, bus, or car to Sorrento, Positano, or other places on the Amalfi Coast.

Check out ferry schedules and prices here!

Read here everything you need to know about how to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast or Puglia

How to get to Puglia

Weekend in Puglia_day 1

If you are wondering which airport you should fly to for Puglia, the answer is simple: You will find the main airport in the Puglia region located in Bari.

From there, you can choose your base camp for the vacation in one of the charming smaller villages such as Alberobello, Martina Franca, or Polignano a Mare. Of course, you can also choose to stay in Bari and travel around by car or train.

On our second visit to the region, we stayed for one month in Puglia. We decided to go further south to visit the less explored places, such as Gallipoli, Brindisi, Nardo’ or Taranto.

Of course, you can also travel from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia by car, bus, or train, and I have written a comprehensive itinerary here.

How far is Puglia from Rome?

It is not impossible to create an itinerary for Rome and Puglia. However, it is a bit more challenging than seeing Rome and the Amalfi Coast together.

The distance by car between Rome and Bari is roughly 500 kilometers (depending on the itinerary you choose), and depending on the traffic, you can get there in around 5 hours.

By high-speed train, a few daily options can take you from Roma Termini to Bari Centrale in roughly 4 hours.

I encourage you to buy your fast train ticket ahead of time when you want to save money.

Getting around

THE AMALFI COAST

As you might expect from one of the most popular destinations in Italy, the Amalfi Coast is served by many means of transportation.

You can travel from Sorrento to Salerno by SITA bus – the public transportation option. You can get on or off anywhere. The only downside to using the bus during the peak season is that it can get crowded and the timetables aren’t always reliable.

Another option is to take a boat from one town to the other. This is my favorite way of traveling on the Amalfi Coast, but it won’t take you everywhere, and it’s also a pricier option.

The last option is to rent a car and drive yourself from one town to the other. While this will offer you the most flexibility, you will find it hard to find a place to park during the peak season. And when you do, the parking fees are quite pricey.

Another downside to driving on the Amalfi Coast is the narrow, winding roads suitable only for the most experienced drivers.

However, if you choose to rent a car, check out Discover Cars, an aggregator that will help you find the best offer out there and save you up to 70%.

PUGLIA

Unlike the Amalfi Coast, the public transportation options for traveling around Puglia are limited.

When it comes to buses, you won’t find many options, and timetables won’t be very friendly to your schedule.

Trains are an option; however, the train infrastructure is way less developed in Southern Italy than in Northern Italy. Check timetables on Trenitalia, Ferrovie Appulo Lucane or Omio.

For us, the best way to travel around Puglia and get to Matera is by car. Towns aren’t too far away, so you won’t have to spend too much time behind the wheel, but you will have the flexibility to stay wherever you want.

Accommodation options

THE BEST PLACE TO STAY ON THE AMALFI COAST

Vacanta in Positano Italia: 5 days in Amalfi Coast

Regarding accommodation on the Amalfi Coast, there is something for everyone. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking the Amalfi Coast is only Positano. Yes, that’s the most popular destination (particularly for Americans), with luxury boutique hotels and breathtaking views, but there are plenty of other places to choose from. In my where to stay in Positano guide, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options for any budget and request. 

If you are traveling on a budget, I suggest you check out my comprehensive guide for where to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a budget.  There are destinations for families, couples, and even larger groups of friends in places like Cetara, Vietri, Maiori, or even Sorrento

You can stay in an authentic Italian apartment, a hilltop villa with an infinity pool, a historical palazzo in the middle of lush gardens, and whatnot. 

Which one is better?

I see this question asked so often that it needs to be addressed. While both villages are extremely charming, I would choose to stay in Positano for a special occasion, or when I want to splurge, and for all the other vacation types, I would choose Amalfi.

Both villages offer excellent accommodation options, have a small beach, are connected to the rest of the coast by bus or boat, and are great starting points for day trips.

Positano gets extremely busy during the peak season, while Amalfi could be more laid back. Also, budget-wise, Amalfi offers more affordable options.

THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN PUGLIA

Staying in Puglia means staying by the sea or in one of the authentic houses you can only find in the region: the Trulli.

The white stone houses with unique architecture have been transformed into guesthouses and even luxury hotels boasting swimming pools and SPA facilities.

Another great option would be to stay in the middle of vineyards in a local Masseria.

Although Puglia does not have big resorts or 5-star hotels, it offers the authentic vibes of Southern Italy.

Here are a few beautiful accommodation options in Puglia:

  • Stay in a trullo in Alberobello – there are many options, and the best area is Rione Monti. See the best options here!
  • Stay in a trullo with a swimming pool, in the countryside close to Martina Franca or Locorotondo. I Cinque Trulli and Trulli D’Autore are both stunning options.
  • Choose to stay between olive trees at Masseria Alchimia.
  • Go for an elegant bio resort and SPA in the Puglia countryside – a farm transformed into a heavenly place for nature lovers, set in between fields of aloe vera, pomegranate trees, and vineyards. The resort has indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and charming terraces, and is the perfect place for a relaxing escape. See more here!

Budget

THE AMALFI COAST

It would be an understatement to say that the Amalfi Coast is one of the most expensive destinations in Italy. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot plan a vacation on a budget – I even have a comprehensive guide here.

That being said, depending on the time you have available for your vacation and the month you visit, it might be challenging to fit your trip into a budget.

Positano, in particular, is expensive in terms of accommodation, restaurants, parking, and beach stays. However, as you move further away from the colorful village, prices decrease.

PUGLIA

Puglia is a much more affordable region than the province of Salerno, where the Amalfi Coast is located. Everything from food to wine and accommodation is cheaper when you know where to look for it.

Of course, Polignano a Mare has a famous restaurant in a grotto where you can expect to pay a lot for dinner (and don’t forget to book in advance), but that’s the exception, not the norm.

Regarding expenses in Puglia, you should expect to spend most of your budget on accommodation, especially when you want something more luxurious.

coffee in Porto Cesareo
Coffee in Porto Cesareo / Ingrid

For example, by the sea, we had two cappuccinos, two bottles of mineral water, and cookies for our daughter in Ponte Cesareo, and we paid only 7 EUR for everything.

Activities

BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON THE AMALFI COAST

how to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

With countless villages to see, old villas, hikes with breathless panoramic views, historic sites perfect for day trips (such as Herculaneum or Pompei), and lovely islands to sail to, it is impossible to get bored on the Amalfi Coast. 

While I never seem to have enough of those Positano views, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that, the Amalfi Coast has much more in store. 

You’ll find everything from day trips to luxurious Capri Island to the intense turquoise of the Blue Grotto or the stunning views from Villa Rufolo. Schedule day trips to Pompeii or Sorrento and learn about the history of these places.

Plan your vacation with my 7 days Amalfi Coast itinerary, and you will have a step-by-step guide filled with activities, places to see, hikes to go on, and restaurants to try.

You can easily spend even two weeks on the Amalfi Coast without getting bored. 

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PUGLIA

weekend in Puglia

Puglia is still a hidden gem. Whether you are spending a weekend or a longer vacation, you will be surprised by all the activities the region has to offer.

Alberobello with its charming streets and trulli houses shouldn’t be missed, Polignano a Mare is set on the top of cliffs and has a joyful vibe perfect for a vacation. Martina Franca and the white town of Ostuni are put on the top of hills and will catch your attention as you drive towards them.

Go further south towards the heel of the boot, and beaches with clear blue water, delicious food, and local wine will welcome you. Towns like Gallipoli, Taranto, Otranto, or Lecce are as charming and unique as those located north.

From Bari or Alberobello, you can easily cross the border to the region of Basilicata and take a day trip to Matera, a unique town built of stone.

Overall, Puglia won’t disappoint and offers many activities and things to do on a shoestring budget.

Beach and water sports

THE AMALFI COAST

Amalfi beach
Beach on the Amalfi Coast / Ingrid

Sure, you will be on the coastline, by the sea, but the beaches aren’t an essential attraction for this area. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t get to swim in the sea or spend a day or two under the sun. 

Plenty of small beaches are along the coast, and almost every village has its own. Maiori or Vietri sul Mare has larger beach strips, but Positano or Amalfi have small beaches. 

Don’t expect sand and wild nature; they are all pebble beaches where you can find and rent sunbeds and umbrellas. 

PUGLIA

4 days in Puglia

It is true that not everywhere around Puglia you’ll find perfect beaches; some are rocky and not very friendly.

However, as you go further to the south in places like Gallipoli, Taranto, or Brindisi, you’ll discover more sandy beaches perfect for family vacations.

Punta Prosciutto is famous among locals, and Santa Maria di Leuca is in the Italian Maldives.

Add to this the various caves with natural sinkholes from which you can dive, and you’ll understand why Puglia is much better for swimming and beach activities. Puglia is also better when you choose to spend your vacation with kids.

Driving around

THE AMALFI COAST

Driving on the Amalfi Coast is difficult because of all the winding roads. Moreover, during the peak season, finding parking is challenging and expensive.

Depending on the time of the year, we suggest traveling by public transportation – bus or boat, which are easy to use.

PUGLIA

Traffic signs in Puglia / Ingrid

Traffic in Puglia can be crazy, especially in the big towns such as Bari or Lecce.

Based on our experiences, we created a guide for renting a car and driving around Puglia.

You should not be discouraged by the way locals drive. Unfortunately, this southern part of Italy is not well-serviced by public transportation. So, driving is the only option to see the best places.

Food and restaurants

THE AMALFI COAST

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, which are used in all its dishes. You can taste limoncello at almost every meal, and you should go for the freshest fish and seafood.

On the Amalfi Coast, you can find plenty of Michelin-star restaurants, luxury places, and authentic ones, all serving fresh food made with local products. Don’t be afraid to go inside some of the most basic-looking places, because that’s where locals go, and food is the best. 

PUGLIA

Southern cuisine is simple, made with few ingredients, yet extremely delicious. At our hotel in Alberobello, we had one of the most amazing breakfasts, and dinner in the old town was quite as tasty.

Some local dishes to try in Puglia:

  • some vegetarian antipasti – grilled, deep-fried, you name it
  • lots of fresh fish dishes
  • caciocavallo cheese
  • hand-made pasta
  • taralli pugliesi – some local kind of pretzels
  • puccia – a sandwich made of pizza dough with lots of delicious flavors

Why should you choose the Amalfi Coast?

A vacation on the Amalfi Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience anyone should have.

Whether it’s for your birthday or another special occasion, try to make the most of your time here, no matter how long or short.

Amalfi Coast is about luxury and sophistication in a fairytale-like setting.

Why should you choose Puglia?

Choose to visit Puglia when you have more time to spend in Italy and want to live the authentic Italian life.

Even though you can definitely do that in other regions of Italy, by choosing a smaller village in Puglia, you will win the lottery.

Streets of Lecce in March
Streets of Lecce in March

If you go outside of the peak season, you and a few other tourists will be the only ones exploring the small towns on Italy’s hills.


One response to “Amalfi Coast or Puglia? Which one to visit?”

  1. […] you visit Amalfi Coast or Puglia? Or better yet see both with these itinerary […]

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