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I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Here are 5 things tourists should do to experience it like a local.

I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Here are 5 things tourists should do to experience it like a local.

Laura Thayer

I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Laura Thayer

After living on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years, I've learned which activities are worth doing.
Instead of buying premade sorbet, I recommend visiting a lemon farm for a locally-made version.

When deciding to vacation on the Amalfi Coast, many travelers hope to experience the area like a local.

About 5 million visitors make their way to the Amalfi Coast every year — which makes running into tourist traps seem inevitable.

However, I've had plenty of time to be a tourist in my own area. Having lived on the Amalfi Coast for the past 17 years, I've learned what's worth visiting and what activities travelers can probably skip.

Here are five alternatives to popular tourist activities for those looking to experience the Amalfi Coast like a local.

Skip the Instagram-famous lemon sorbet and see a real Amalfi lemon farm.

Instead of opting for premade desserts, try Amalfi lemons straight from the source. Laura Thayer

As an important part of the local diet and economy, terraced lemon groves are a common sight along the Amalfi Coast.

Sampling locally-made lemon sorbet is a must, but skip the expensive preprepared lemons filled with sorbet, which make better photos than refreshing treats.

Instead, head to a lemon farm to enjoy Amalfi lemons straight from the source.

I recommend visiting the Amalfi Lemon Experience, which has been family-run for six generations. The farm allows visitors to walk through the gardens on a tour, see traditional farming techniques, and learn about the challenges and benefits of organic farming on the Amalfi Coast.

Learn about local art instead of battling crowds in the bigger towns.

Don't miss out on exploring local art in the smaller towns along the Amalfi Coast. Laura Thayer

Don't just follow the crowds to Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello. Instead, check out smaller villages like Cetara or Minori for some picturesque seaside charm.

Vietri sul Mare was the first town I stayed in on the Amalfi Coast, and it's still one of my favorites. Known for its ceramic tradition, it's a haven for art lovers.

The town is lined with colorful ceramics shops, each one boasting a different style. Some local artists even offer fun ceramic-painting classes.

I also recommend making time to stop to talk to local artisans and see their artwork. I always check in to see what new creations are on display.

Avoid driving on Amalfi Drive and get out on the water instead.

Sailing on the Mediterranean Sea is a great way to see the best views of the Amalfi Coast. Laura Thayer

There's nothing I love more than being out on the Mediterranean Sea on a sunny day. Not only is it the best vantage point for views of the rocky coastline, but it's also an escape from the busy gridlock along the narrow and curvy Amalfi Drive in the summer.

One of my biggest tips for travelers is to avoid driving on the coastline's busy road. Instead, jump on a ferry for an affordable cruise along the Amalfi Coast.

Ferries primarily run during the tourist season from April through October, with only limited service during the offseason.

I also highly recommend taking a private or small-group boat excursion that makes stops to swim and explore little coves.

Check out the local history — not just the beautiful beaches.

The beaches on the Amalfi Coast are beautiful, but there's much more to do. Laura Thayer

With gorgeous beaches that beckon summer travelers, the Amalfi Coast is a popular seasonal tourist destination. But if you're not a beach person, there's still plenty to do.

The Museo della Carta, which is dedicated to Amalfi's paper-making tradition, is a great place to visit to learn more about local history.

I also recommend checking out the ruins of an ancient-Roman villa at the Museo Archeologico Romano.

Skip the hike everyone does and seek out off-the-beaten-path adventures.

I've had great luck using hiking guides on the Amalfi Coast. Laura Thayer

High above the villages of Praiano and Positano, the aptly named Path of the Gods has views that feel otherworldly.

However, as one of the most popular hikes on the Amalfi Coast, it's often crowded, and limited local transport can make it challenging to reach the starting point.

Lesser-known hikes, on the other hand, offer the chance to enjoy panoramic views while focusing on nature rather than the crowds.

For those looking for something less strenuous than the Path of the Gods, the walks connecting the villages of Ravello to Minori and Scala to Amalfi are great options.

Local guides can also help travelers find hikes that are tailored to their specific experience levels and interests.

A guide is an especially good idea if you're visiting outside the summer season since they know the best hikes for each time of year.