Just about everyone dreams of visiting Italy.
Whether wandering amid Roman ruins or exploring the reach of the Republic of Venice, it’s a rite of passage for many travelers from around the world.
Unfortunately, Italy is home to more than a few tourist traps.
Venice is renowned for being overrun, while Rome also has a reputation for scams and crowds. Given the cultural relevance and popularity of its cities, this isn’t going to change anytime soon.
And it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your time in Italy.
If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path a tiny bit more, you can find dozens of memorable villages, scenic drives, delicious meals, and other adventures dotting the countryside.
Two popular regions for similar travels are Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. The former is its own region in Italy’s central-west mainland, while the latter is a small coastal zone in the Campania Region.
You’ve likely heard of Tuscany before. From movies like Eat, Pray, Love to Under the Tuscan Sun, it’s regularly mentioned in pop culture.
The Amalfi Coast, on the other hand, you may have seen thanks to trending villages like Cinque Terre. (Also, the Amalfi Coast is blowing up on TikTok.) The fact that the entire Amalfi Coast is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site doesn’t hurt its image, either.
But which should you visit if you’ve got a trip to Italy scheduled? Is there a major difference between Tuscany vs Amalfi Coast?
Let’s explore the key differences between these distinct areas.
Amalfi is smaller than you think
As I outlined above, Amalfi is one small coastal portion of the Campagna region. It runs along a small peninsula, defined to the west by the cliffside town of Positano and to the east by Vietri sul Mare.
It’s only 25 miles long. That’s right—all that social media hype covers a tiny stretch of coast that incorporates a total of thirteen towns.
If you didn’t face any traffic on its coastal roads, you could clear the entire Amalfi Coast in just over two hours.
What does that mean for travelers? You might not be able to milk a full seven-day trip on the Amalfi Coast if you’re a busybody. But if you want to hike up your legs and unwind with beautiful coastal views, you’ve found your answer.
Tuscany puts a strong emphasis on ‘High Culture‘
Amalfi has a flashy reputation for hosting the rich and famous—starting as early as the 1400s. (More on this below.)
But Tuscany is more renowned for its impact on culture. Not just any culture, but what anthropologists and historians call ‘High Culture’.
High Culture usually refers to works of art and intellectual pursuits, specifically those that were influenced and sponsored by Europe’s upper aristocratic classes. In Tuscany, that’s a callback to the Renaissance and the highly impactful thinkers who came from cities like Florence.
Remember the Médicis, the family that basically funded modern European thought? Tuscans. Leonardo da Vinci? Also from the region and a town called Anchiano. Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer whose surname bore the term America? Tuscan.
Galileo Galilei, the scientist who discovered the earth was round? Tuscan.
Michealangelo? Tuscan.
Pinocchio, beloved doll and liar? You guessed it. Tuscan.
I could keep going, but I think you get the point.
Tuscany is home to award-winning wineries
Tuscany’s impact on art and science can’t be understated. But you might find that locals are more likely to delve into a conversation about fine wines, instead.
Wine is treated just as carefully and respectfully as art and science around Tuscany. There are a total of 52 local wines with DOC and DOCG verifications from this region.
Tuscan wines are made from Sangiovese grapes and Vernaccia grapes, creating delectable wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and dessert wines like Vin Santo.
But don’t forget to try the new ‘Super Tuscan’ wines, a new breed born in the 1970s. Unlike the official DOC/DOCG wines, these are made outside the label previews. In the industry, they’re known as ‘cult wines’.
Amalfi beaches are world-class
No, you won’t find any sprawling white-sand beaches in Amalfi.
That being said, they’re renowned for their clear and blue-tinted waters and rocky shorelines. So long as you’re okay sharing space with other beach-goers, you’ll be able to soak up the sun on some of Europe’s best beaches.
If you’re worried about dropping off the map, head to Maiori Beach, which has plenty of tourist amenities, from bathrooms to rented cabanas. If you want to skip away from the crowds, check out Minori Beach, Erchie Beach, or Duoglio Beach.
Amalfi was part of Europe’s ‘Grand Tour’
Overwhelmingly, Amalfi is associated with luxury and fine living.
If you’ve seen this area shouted out on social media recently, there’s no surprise why. It’s a highly picturesque stretch of coastline—and, more importantly, it’s been on the radar for the ultra-elite for centuries.
From the 1600s to the 1800s, European dynasties regularly sent their ‘of age’ young men on Grand Tours. These Grand Tours served as rites of passage for men before entering adulthood when they would marry and inherit the family business. (I also imagine they involved a lot of riff-raff.)
The Amalfi Coast was a prime ground for Grand Tour travelers, particularly those from Northern Europe. Though most Grand Tours ended during the mid-1800s, Amalfi retained its reputation and association with the upper classes.
If you travel there, you’ll notice that ongoing legacy.
FAQs
Which is more expensive?
Generally speaking, you can find deals on hotels and tours in both areas. However, given its longstanding association with the upper classes, Amalfi’s baseline tends to be quite a bit higher. Remember, Tuscany is larger, meaning you can find tourist amenities that suit your needs more readily than in Amalfi.
When is it best to go to Tuscany vs Amalfi Coast?
April and May, along with September and October, are considered Italy’s shoulder seasons. That means that you’ll have better weather and encounter fewer crowds during these months. Keep in mind that Tuscany and Amalfi are both subject to extreme summer heat when temperatures might climb into the 90s (without air conditioning at many establishments).
Can you do both on the same trip?
Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast are located close by, meaning those who are renting cars, taking trains, or even flying around Italy can easily get from one to the other. In short: yes, you can do both on the same trip. But it’s best to do both on longer vacations instead of weekend trips.
How much time should you spend in Tuscany vs Amalfi Coast?
The answer depends entirely on what you want to do. As outlined above, the Amalfi Coast is better for those who want to lounge around the beach and enjoy the scenery. Tuscany, on the other hand, might involve a lot of museum visits and cultural tours.
If you want to see all that both regions have to offer, you’ll need to put more time aside to explore Tuscany, especially considering you might spend a handful of days in Florence, Pisa, and Lucca alone. Amalfi, on the other hand, can be experienced in a few days.