Sicily vs. Amalfi Coast: Which Should You Visit?

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and wondering, “Sicily vs. Amalfi Coast, which should I visit?” then you’ve come to the right place.

Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are both beautiful destinations full of sights and culture. A trip to either will delight any visitor.

But here’s the deal:

Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are completely different. Which one is right for your next trip depends on many factors.

In this post, I break down what to expect when visiting Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, helping you make the best decision for how best to spend your precious vacation days!

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Sicily vs. Amalfi Coast

How much time do you have?

The island of Sicily is located in the Mediterranean Sea just off the toe of mainland Italy. Because Sicily is larger than the Amalfi Coast, you will need more time to visit the island and get around to the various sights.

If you have a week or more, then Sicily is the best option. We spent 11 days road-tripping around Sicily, and still didn’t get to see everything!

The Amalfi Coast, located just south of Naples, is more compact and requires less time to see. In fact, the Amalfi Coast can be seen in just a few days.

If your time is limited or you plan to visit other parts of Italy, then the Amalfi Coast is a better destination choice. If you have a week or more, consider spending your time visiting Sicily.

What’s your budget?

Between Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily is the more affordable travel destination.

Hotels and meals are considerably cheaper in Sicily vs Amalfi Coast, partly because there are more options. The Amalfi Coast is a smaller area, comprised of a few towns. Fewer accommodations mean higher hotel room costs compared to Sicily.

If you’re looking for a more affordable holiday destination, then travel to Sicily over the Amalfi Coast.

What are your interests?

When choosing between Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, your personal interests can help determine which is better for you.

Active travelers who want to see ancient Roman ruins and beautiful duomos and learn about history from the Phoenicians through WW2 should visit Sicily.

Sicily is home to a shocking 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! One of these is Mount Etna, an active volcano and dominating sight on the western side of the island, where you can actually visit the smoking summit!

The island of Sicily is also a great destination for foodies, who will love exploring the many town markets, tasting wines made in the shadow of Mount Etna, and learning more about the unique regional cuisine (which is distinct from other parts of Italy!).

Some uniquely Sicilian foods include pasta a la norma (pasta with eggplant), arancini (stuffed rice balls), and of course cannoli (deep-fried tubes stuffed with sweet ricotta filling). We couldn’t get enough of the food in Sicily. While the food on the Amalfi Coast is also delicious, it pales in comparison.

By contrast, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its beaches and charming towns, complete with dramatic coastal views and a romantic atmosphere.

However, what the Amalfi Coast has in beautiful beaches, azure blue ocean views, and colorful towns, it lacks in cultural depth. There are no major historic or cultural sites on the Amalfi Coast, especially compared to the abundance found in Sicily.

The Amalfi Coast is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping, and take in beautiful scenery. Travelers looking for more culture and history should opt to visit Sicily for their vacation.

Who are you traveling with?

Who you travel with will also determine if you should visit the Amalfi Coast or Sicily.

Family Travel: Sicily vs. Amalfi Coast

If you travel with your family, including young children, either destination could work for you, but Sicily is probably a better choice.

We traveled as a family to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast (with children ages 3 and 1) and had a great time in both places. However, we found Sicily better equipped for travel with kids.

What we liked about Sicily for family travel was the variety it offered. We could visit local markets, see Roman ruins, and head to the beach all in one day. For our family, this was much more exciting than shopping or spending days at the beach.

Every family is different, so if you’re traveling with kids and searching for a beach destination, the Amalfi Coast is a great choice. Keep in mind that hotel and food prices can be high, and budget-conscious families may have trouble finding reasonable accommodations.

Solo Travel: Sicily or Amalfi Coast

Solo travelers may find it easier to explore the Amalfi Coast versus Sicily. While both are safe for the solo traveler, the Amalfi Coast is better connected via trains and buses.

To visit Sicily you will need to rent a car (more on this further down the page), and driving times can be long. This may be tiring, and also expensive, for the solo traveler.

Romantic Getaway: Sicily or Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is the perfect choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Couples can enjoy fine dining, late-night strolls through town, and romantic evenings watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.

While more active couples can of course have a wonderful trip to Sicily, those looking for a truly romantic escape should head to the Amalfi Coast.

Top Highlights: Sicily vs. Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast highlights

Capri

A day trip to the island of Capri, just a quick ferry ride from the town of Sorrento, is the perfect excursion from the Amalfi Coast. You can take a boat tour circumnavigating the island and see the striking rock formations up close.

Of course, no visit to Capri is complete without a trip inside the Blue Grotto. This small cave is only accessible when sea conditions are favorable, and getting inside can be a slightly harrowing experience. However, once in, the bright blue water is truly spectacular.

Before leaving the island, be sure to take the chairlift up to the top of Monte Solaro for sweeping views of the bay – and an Aperol spritz!

Ravello

The town of Ravello is a must-see stop along the Amalfi Coast. While there, be sure to visit Villa Rufolo with its stunning gardens and gorgeous sea views.

Villa Cimbrone is also a must-see with its Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) lined with marble busts and overlooking the Mediterranean.

Sorrento

While not technically along the Amalfi Coast, nearby Sorrento is larger than the Amalfi Coast towns while still retaining its charm.

The town center is perfect for taking part in the beloved Italian pastime of passeggiatas (evening strolls). Sorrento also boasts great shopping, beaches, and a fresco-adorned Duomo.

Sicily Highlights

Sicily has so many highlights, it’s hard to name just a few! But if I had to pick…

Valley of the Temples

The Valley of Temples is one of Sicily’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Greek and Roman ruins found here, which date back to approximately 600 BCE, are some of the best-preserved ancient ruins in the world.

Mount Etna

Yet another UNESCO Site, Mount Etna is the focal point of western Sicily. Intrepid travelers can trek or take the cable car up this active volcano, then take a Jeep and guided tour to the summit.

You never know, a visit to Mount Etna may end up being the highlight of your entire Sicily trip.

Mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale

The intricate and amazingly well-preserved floor mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale date back to the Roman Imperial period. While the identity of who owned this villa has been lost to the mystery of time, they must have been extremely wealthy in order to afford such a grand estate!

The entire floor of this large villa is decorated with ornate and finely detailed mosaics, preserving a snapshot of Roman life that we can still enjoy today.

Which is easier to get around, Amalfi Coast or Sicily?

If you have a car, then Sicily is easier to get around than the Amalfi Coast. However, the public transit along the Amalfi Coast is well-connected and better than in Sicily.

Regular buses connect the Amalfi Coast towns. While the buses are convenient and reliable, this does mean you’re beholden to a schedule. However, I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself on the Amalfi Coast as the roads are extremely narrow and winding, and parking is hard to find.

If you don’t want to ride public transit or drive a car along the Amalfi Coast, there are many tour services you can hire to drive you from town to town.

Unlike the Amalfi Coast, you will need to rent a car and drive in Sicily. Sicily is larger than the Amalfi Coast, and the public transit does not serve many top sights on the island. In order to see the many highlights of Sicily, renting a car is a must.

Is Sicily close to the Amalfi Coast?

Many people wonder if Sicily is close to the Amalfi Coast. Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are 343 km (213 miles) apart and are not close to each other. However, it’s easy to travel between Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. Getting between these two regions only takes a few hours.

How do you get from Sicily to the Amalfi Coast?

To get from Sicily to the Amalfi coast you need to travel through Naples.

Flights to Naples depart daily from the Sicilian cities of Palermo and Catania and take approximately one hour.

For a more unique experience, take the train between Palermo and Naples. The train takes about 9 hours, and the overnight option allows you to get some shut-eye in a sleeper car. (Check Tickets Here)

Transportation enthusiasts (like my husband!) will love that the train is decoupled and transported via ferry from Messina to mainland Italy.

From Naples airport take the shuttle to the central train station or ferry terminal.

Once at the Naples ferry stations, you can ride a ferry to Sorrento, which takes approximately 45 minutes. While Sorrento is not along the Amalfi Coast, it is a good town to base yourself and explore the region.

Another option is to take the train from Naples to Salerno. From Salerno, you can board a bus or high-speed ferry to Amalfi or Positano.

Yet another option is to take the train from Naples to Sorrento and travel to other Amalfi Coast towns via public bus.

How to get from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily?

Is there an Amalfi coast to Sicily flight?

The only way to fly from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily is to fly out of Naples Airport. To get to the Naples airport, take the train from Salerno or Sorrento to the main Napoli train station, then take the Airbus direct to the airport.

Is there an Amalfi Coast to Sicily ferry?

There is no direct Amalfi Coast to Sicily ferry. If you want to travel by ferry between the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, you must first take the train to Naples and then board the ferry to Palermo.

Is there an Amalfi coast to Sicily train?

There is no direct train between the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. To get to Sicily via train from the Amalfi Coast, take the train to Naples, then board the train to Palermo.

FAQ: Sicily vs Amalfi Coast

Is Sicily cheaper than the Amalfi Coast?

On average, Sicily is cheaper than the Amalfi Coast. Expect to spend less on hotels and meals in Sicily.

However, you may choose to rent a car in Sicily, which will add to the overall cost of the trip.

So, while Sicily is cheaper than the Amalfi Coast, I recommend comparing the cost of lodging plus car rental between the two to see which comes out higher. This, along with the knowledge that food costs (on average) less in Sicily, will help you estimate which destination best fits your budget.

Is the Amalfi coast worth seeing?

Yes, the Amalfi coast is worth seeing! While the region is more popular with tourists — and more crowded than Sicily! — the Amalfi Coast is worth the hype! Visitors will enjoy strolling through the colorful seaside towns, then relaxing on the beach under a parasol while sipping an Aperol spritz.

Is visiting Sicily worth it?

In short, YES! Visiting Sicily is 100% worth it! Sicily is a culturally and historically rich destination with incredible food and friendly locals. A trip to Sicily may end up being one of the most memorable trips you’ve ever taken (it certainly was for me!)

Do you need to rent a car in Sicily or the Amalfi Coast?

If you’re visiting Sicily, then you should absolutely rent a car. The prospect of driving in Sicily may be a little daunting but, aside from the cities, it’s easy to get around Sicily with a car.

Visiting the Amalfi Coast does not require renting a car. The towns are connected through frequent and reliable public buses. If public transit isn’t for you, another option is to hire a driver or book a day tour around the Amalfi Coast.

What’s there to see in Sicily?

Sicily is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including many ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visitors to the island can eat incredible Sicilian food, learn about ancient Greek and Roman history, view gilded Byzantine mosaics, then relax on some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

What’s there to do on the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast has many charming towns to explore, such as Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi. While visiting the Amalfi Coast you can relax on beautiful beaches, eat sorbetto al limone (lemon sorbet), and overall take it easy in a beautiful place. You can also take day trips to Sorrento, the island of Capri, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and Naples.

Final Thoughts: Which is better, the Amalfi Coast or Sicily?

So, which is better, the Amalfi Coast or Sicily? The short answer is…

They’re both great!

Where you end up depends entirely on your interests, time constraints, travel style, and budget.

So what do you think, would you rather visit Sicily or the Amalfi coast? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time,

Tamar