Summer might still be a few months away, but right now is the perfect time to start planning your European summer getaway.
And there’s one destination that’s more iconic than any other for summer in Europe: Italy.
And in particular, Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast.
Charming towns filled with colorful buildings, boat rides and days at the beach, lemon trees and fresh pasta by the sea… there’s no place that encapsulates “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) quite like the Amalfi Coast during summer.
It’s now easier than ever for Americans to get to the Amalfi Coast thanks to nonstop flights from three U.S. cities to Naples, Italy this summer.
Why Fly To Naples?
Naples is much closer to the Amalfi Coast than Rome. From the airport in Naples, it’s just a 1 hour and 10 minute drive to Sorrento, 1 hour and 15 minutes to Amalfi, and 1 hour and 20 minutes to Positano.
From the airport in Rome, it takes 3.5 to 4 hours to drive to the Amalfi Coast. The other time-consuming option you have is taking the train from Rome to Naples, then transferring to the Naples to Sorrento train, then continuing on by car if your final destination is one of the smaller Amalfi Coast towns.
Flying directly to Naples saves you several hours of travel time and makes getting to the Amalfi Coast less of a hassle.
Which Cities Have Flights To Naples?
Three U.S. airlines are offering nonstop service to Naples this summer from three different cities.
Delta Air Lines will fly from New York (JFK) to Naples for the first time ever beginning May 23, 2024. Flights will be daily and continue until October.
United Airlines is bringing back its seasonal nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) to Naples this summer. But due to increased demand, the airline will begin service earlier this year, with twice-daily flights launching on April 15, 2024, and lasting through the end of September.
Another airline offering a new flight to Naples is American Airlines. For the first time, the airline will offer daily nonstop flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples beginning June 5, 2024, and lasting until October.
Want a tip? One of the best way to fly to Naples with any of these airlines is to snag a credit card that can earn you points to fly with them.
When Is The Best Time To Go?
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Amalfi Coast, but the best time to go is actually very early in the season or very late in the season.
The months of July and August are the most crowded, most expensive, and hottest months to visit.
May and late September are an ideal time to travel because you can enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices on hotels, and better weather.
Typically, May tends to be much quieter, while September is increasing in popularity because it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea since the water has been heated by the sun all summer.
Alternatives To The Amalfi Coast
While the Amalfi Coast is iconic and absolutely worth a visit, you might not want to spend your whole vacation there (especially if you’re conscious about your budget!)
There are actually several great alternatives to the Amalfi Coast that are also very close to Naples.
Ischia is my favorite hidden gem destination in Italy. It’s always been quite popular with Italians, but still remains undiscovered by the majority of American tourists.
This island is just a one-hour ferry ride away from Naples, and it’s truly a paradise. The island of Procida, which is smaller than Ischia and impossibly charming, is another option. It’s just a 40-minute ferry ride from Naples.
And if you’re on a tight budget? Stay in Naples! Many travelers skip right past the city, but it’s actually a great place to stay if you’re on a budget.
Yes, it’s gritty and chaotic, but there’s plenty of charm underneath that.
Naples is also a good place to stay if you want to make day trips around the Amalfi Coast and the islands.
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