amalfi coast travel blog

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Europe , Italy , Travel , Travel Guides · Last Updated: May 26, 2023

A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is by far one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Not only that but it’s the most picturesque place I have ever seen. From the dramatic cliffside views to the pastel homes, it’s easy to fall in love with this part of Italy. Did you know the entire Amalfi coast was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997? It’s for reasons like this that celebrities and royals flock to the coast during summer. In this “A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast, I’m going to outline the best things to do on the Amalfi coast, where to stay, travel tips, and the best ways to get to the coast.

When to Visit the Amalfi Coast Italy

To experience the Amalfi Coast in its glory it’s best to visit the Amalfi Coast during the warmer months. You can take a swim in the Mediterranean, a boat ride along the stunning coastline, and catch a sunset in Positano. Peak tourism for this part of Italy is June through September so prices will be higher during that time, along with very crowded streets. Consider shoulder season for the best months to visit (September/ October or May) when the temperatures are still high enough to swim and the crowds are sparse. Finally, we visited the first week of October, and while the water was a bit cold temperatures we’re perfect beach weather.

While all opinions are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share the best properties, things to do, and items I love!

Best Things to Do on The Amalfi Coast

Boat tour of amalfi (amalfi).

Easily the best money we spent while we were on the Amalfi Coast. Did you know that you miss roughly 80% of the coast’s beauty by staying on land? So because of that, it’s imperative that you get out there and explore The Amalfi Coast by the sea! If you take anything away from this Amalfi Coast Travel Guide, let it be this! This boat tour is the one we chose (departed from Sorrento) and it was fantastic.

Day Trip to Ravello

Ravello is located high atop the Amalfi Coast and it’s more secluded than the rest of the towns. There are no beaches in Ravello however, it doesn’t take away from its charm. Whether you’re strolling around the main piazza or visiting the gorgeous villas you’ll want to dedicate at least a half-day to exploring this little gem.

Visit Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is a cliffside villa with stunning Mediterranean views and a beautifully kept garden. This was such a highlight of our Ravello tour. It costs seven euros to enter and the gorgeous flower displays are year-round. Villa Rufolo also hosts a summer concert series here at dawn. It’s easy to say that this is now a bucket list goal of mine!

Villa Cimbrone

Dating back to the 11th century, Villa Cimbrone has expansive gardens and cliffside views atop Ravello. This villa is also a 5-star hotel but the gardens are open to the public.

Duomo di Sant’Andrea aka Amalfi Cathedral (Amalfi)

The Amalfi Cathedral is a medieval roman catholic church dating back to the 9th century. This beautifully preserved church is well worth the visit and houses the crypt of  St . Andrea, Protector of Amalfi. Walking past the cloisters and looking down on the bustling piazza below is a moment I will never forget! Finally, it is open most days from 10 am-5 pm.

Spend the Day in Positano

We loved Positano so much that we came back for a second day during our stay on The Amalfi Coast. The pastel-colored homes and cliffside views are what drew us back. It’s a fairly small town so you can cover most of it in one day. However, it’s best to relax when you’re visiting Positano. Finally, be prepared to climb a lot of steps when visiting Positano. If you want to capture the best views journey to the top of town and make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

TRAVEL TIP: Spend the day at the Arienzo beach club. It’s a bit pricey but totally worth the cost to be able to use the facilities and relax all day. Also do note the beach is very rocky as opposed to soft sand so make sure to bring water sandals or shoes.

Take a Day Trip to Capri

One of the prettiest islands I have ever laid eyes on is Capri, Italy. You can easily spend a night or two here but if you only have time for a day trip, I highly recommend taking it! We booked our tour through Viator and loved the service and the people we met on this journey.

TRAVEL TIP: take a taxi/cab up to the top of Anacapri as soon as you get there and walk your way down. It’s a bit pricey but waiting for the funicular is a hassle. If you take a day trip here, you only have a limited amount of time so use it wisely!

Walk of the Gods (Positano)

The Walk of the Gods hike is a strenuous hike but the views will take your breath away. The beginning of the trail is at Bomerano and it takes you all the way down to Positano Beach. Make sure to have good walking shoes on and bring your camera to capture the views! To learn more about what to expect, head to this post .

Best Places to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

There are a few options when choosing to stay on the Amalfi Coast. You can stay in Positano, Amalfi, Ravello or Sorrento. Those are the 3 most popular places when choosing a hotel on the Amalfi Coast. For the most budget-friendly option, stay in Sorrento. You can easily visit all the places by booking this private tour or a public van tour . We opted for the van tour (which has over 5k reviews) and enjoyed our guide so much!

If you’re looking to splurge consider these hotels below:

• Le Sirenuse ($$$$) – This patrician house turned luxury hotel boasts one of the prettiest views of Positano. The pool is unlike any other and they have the best sunset in Positano.
• Villa Cimbrone ($$$$) – A small walk from Ravello Center but for the uninterrupted view of the coastline, this hotel is well worth it. This Villa is tranquility at its finest and is a great pick if you want seclusion.
• Villa Lara ($) – Villa Lara is a great budget-friendly option. It’s a quintessential Italian Villa that is within walking distance from everywhere in Amalfi, Italy.
• Hotel Santa Caterina ($$$) – First class hotel with excellent service and a breathtaking terrace view to enjoy a nice Aperol spritz.
• Grand Hotel Ambasciatori ($$$) – A luxurious hotel overlooking the water in Sorrento. We stayed here and loved every minute of it. Sorrento is a great home base if you plan to visit more of the Amalfi Coast. Finally, the spa here is fantastic.
• Hotel Bellevue Syrene ($$$) – Another great option to stay in Sorrento

Best Restaurants Amalfi Coast

• Chez Black (Positano) ($$$) – Chez Black is a restaurant located directly on the beach of Positano. It’s so charming and they have delicious seafood.
• Sensi Restaurant (Amalfi) ($$$) — Chic restaurant with a beautiful setting and delicious seafood. Best to go here for lunch when it’s not crowded and you can take in the gorgeous scenery.
• Rossellini’s (Ravello) ($$$$) — Expensive but delicious. This Michelin-star restaurant has a delicious menu and remarkable views. Make sure to make a reservation, especially during the high season.
• La Taverna dei Briganti (Amalfi) ($) — A hidden gem with a warm atmosphere, welcoming service, and mouth-watering food.
• Ristorante Max (Positano) ($$$) — Located in the middle of town this restaurant is a little off the beaten path but super classy and romantic full of beautiful works of art. Make sure to get the seafood risotto – it’s a favorite.

Ristorante La Sponda ($$$) — This bar has the most stunning views of Positano at night-time. The ambiance is top-notch and the cocktails are delicious.

Bar Al San Domingo ($$) — Located right off Ravello Square this place was frequented by Humphrey Bogart. They even have a room named after him! Great atmosphere to sit and people watch.

What to Pack for the Amalfi Coast

This part of Italy has a warm climate year-round. You’ll want to make sure to have these on hand for your trip:

• Bathing suits! If you overpack anything in your suitcase let it be this. Being that Italy is full of beautiful stretches of coastline you’ll always want to have bathing suits handy! I always find great suits at Summersalt , Cupshe , and Revolve .
• These Madewell Sandals are my favorite since they’re timeless and comfortable. The perfect combo for an Italian vacation. Also, you could use a sturdy pair of flip-flops that you can wear walking through the towns since most of them are steep. These Olukai Sandals are my go-to and have lasted me years and are the most comfortable.
• Sunscreen: Being that you’ll mostly be outdoors, you’ll want to be prepared to protect that skin of yours . I’m obsessed with this sunscreen brush from SUPERGOOP . It’s the easiest way to re-apply throughout the day without messing up your makeup.
• Neutral dresses: all of these neutral dresses are perfect for Italy and can be dressed up or down. Shop them here and here .
• Shorts: Abercrombie has the best shorts for all sizes and shapes. These Levi Shorts are a classic. Also, check my favorite pairs that have lasted multiple seasons here .
• Basics: I always find the best basics at either  Free People  &  Abercrombie . It’s nice to have some neutral tees and tanks handy during your stay.
• A large sun hat. Nothing screams the Amalfi Coast more than pairing an outfit with a large sun hat for the ultimate vacation look. Shop my favorite affordable straw hat here .
• Water Shoes are super helpful especially when visiting the beaches since they are more on the rocky side.

Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Getting Around

It’s extremely hard to get around the Amalfi Coast. For the best option, I would hire a private driver for the day. It will cost you upwards of $200 but believe me it’s worth it. For more affordable options I’ve outlined them all below for you.

Rent a Car or a Vespa ($$$) — If you’re feeling adventurous and want to drive along the dramatic cliffs and windy roads then I highly suggest renting a car or a Vespa. Mostly, the roads are skinny two-lane roads so be sure to keep an eye out for larger vehicles and the crazy Italian drivers.

The Sita bus ($) — 10 euros for an all-day pass. Make sure to catch the early bus out and try to get on a mid-afternoon or late evening (buses run until 9 pm) bus back otherwise you could be waiting hours for a seat! It’s not the most reliable mode of transportation but if you’re patient it’s an affordable way to get around.

Thank you for reading my “A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast”. If I can recommend any place in the world to visit, it’d be the Amalfi Coast. If you need more help planning your trip check out more of my Italy Travel Guide !

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February 9, 2023 at 7:45 am

Thanks for the Information. It’s an interesting guide for Amalfi and some of the great suggestions for the trip.

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Your Perfect 1 Week Italy Itinerary with Amalfi Coast

Kayla D. Martinez

Senior Travel Writer

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel industry. Throughout her career, Kayla has penned countless articles for prestigious travel publications, capturing the essence of cultures, the beauty of landscapes, and the allure of hidden gems. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden treasures, Kayla has a knack for immersing herself in the local culture of the places she visits, forging connections with locals, and uncovering the untold stories that lie beneath the surface. Her commitment to responsible and sustainable travel practices sets a positive example for her readers and fellow travelers.

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel...

Hello World

On the Amalfi Coast, you are sure to fall in love with the sight of steep cliffs dropping into bright blue waters. Those pretty villages are tucked between the mountains and the sea.

There’s so much to see and do, so planning is key . And spending a week around the Amalfi is just the right amount of time to enjoy it all at a relaxed pace.

But how do you plan things, right?

Well, in the following blog, I have put together a 1 week Italy itinerary with Amalfi Coast, featuring Rome (days 1-2), Naples (day 3), and chilling on the Amalfi Coast (days 4-6). Also, see the Colosseum, Vatican City , Positano, and Ravello.

Curious to learn more? Keep scrolling to explore all the details!

Preparing for Your Trip

Preparing for your trip can be exciting and a bit overwhelming, so here’s a short guide to help you get ready:

Best Time to Visit Italy and the Amalfi Coast

The best times to visit Italy and the Amalfi Coast are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is lovely, and there aren’t too many people around.

Also, it’s a great time to explore the towns and relax by the coast without the crowds. Remember, summer can be hot and crowded, while winter might be cooler and rainy. So, for the best experience, try to visit during these shoulder seasons.

Necessary Documents and Packing

Having the right documents and a good backpack is very important when traveling. For those coming to visit the Amalfi Coast from outside Italy, make sure you bring your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary visas.

For packing, include comfortable clothing for different weather, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also, don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a small first-aid kit. With these items, you’ll be ready for a fantastic trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Related Post: Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Italy as a US Citizen?

Transportation Tips to Get Around Rome

Getting around Rome is easy and fun, if you know when to use each mode of transport to explore the city’s famous spots:

• Public Transit: Use buses, trams, and the metro to explore Rome’s famous spots easily.
• Walking : Many attractions are close together, so walking is a great way to see the city.
• By Car : Drive in about 3.5 to 4 hours for stunning coastal views.
• By Train and Ferry: Take a train to Naples, then catch a bus or ferry to Amalfi for a relaxing trip.

From easy public transit in Rome to a scenic drive or train ride to the Amalfi Coast, each way offers a special experience. You just need to pick the best mode aligned with your preferences.

Your 1-Week Italy Itinerary with a Stop in Amalfi Coast

When you visit the Amalfi Coast, you can also explore Rome, Naples, and other amazing spots nearby. That’s why I’ve put together the 1 week Amalfi Coast itinerary for you. Let’s take a quick look:

Here’s a perfect mix of the must-see spots on your Amfali Coast trip. Now, let’s tap into the next part, where you’ll find a detailed daily plan with activities and things to do .

Related Post: Complete 2-Week Italy Itinerary by Train

Day 1: Arrival in Rome & 1st-Day Venture

For a one-week trip, you can start your journey in Rome. This allows you to easily reach your destinations and explore Rome’s top tourist attractions as well.

• Colosseum: The largest ancient amphitheater ever built, where gladiators once fought.
• Roman Forum: An ancient marketplace with impressive ruins of temples, arches, and government buildings.
• Trevi Fountain: A stunning Baroque masterpiece where visitors toss coins to make a wish, symbolizing hope for a return to Rome.
• Piazza Navona: A lively square known for its beautiful fountains, vibrant street artists, and charming cafes.

End your day with tasty food and a fun nightlife. Here you’ll find plenty of great dinner options, like Da Francesco, Ristorante Santa Lucia and Osteria del Pegno.

Day 2: Exploring Rome

Following your one week itinerary, start your second day with a delicious breakfast. Now, get ready to explore some of Rome’s best spots.

Which ones are they? Let’s check them out:

• Vatican City: Home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , it’s a hub of art and history.
• Castel Sant’Angelo : A fortress with panoramic views, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
• Piazza del Popolo: A grand square featuring impressive churches and an ancient Egyptian obelisk.
• Villa Borghese : A beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and the renowned Borghese Gallery.

Wrap up your day tour with a delightful dinner at spots like Ristorante da Fortunato, La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, or Enoteca Corsi, followed by a taste of Rome’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Rome to Naples

On your third day, first grab breakfast at a nice local spot. Today, you’ll head to Naples, which takes about two and a half hours to reach.

Once you arrive in Naples, enjoy exploring the city, including the highlights:

• Naples Cathedral : The city’s main church, known for its Gothic style and the relic of San Gennaro.
• Spaccanapoli Street : A historic street cutting through Naples, famous for its local shops, food, and vibrant culture.
• Piazza del Plebiscito : A large, grand square featuring the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola.

Here, you can also visit the Archaeological Park of Pompeii if you have free time. Plus,  the Bay of Naples is a stunning backdrop for your adventures.

Related Post: Why Is Pompeii Referred to As the Lost City?

Day 4: Naples to Amalfi and Boat Tour to Capri

You can start such a lovely day with a cup of coffee and breakfast. Then take a stroll around Naples before heading to the Amalfi Coast. You can also drive or take a bus ride. Here’s what you can do:

• Amalfi Town: In the town of Amalfi, there is so much to see that you need to spend a day or a few more days. So first, start by spending the day exploring its lively streets, colorful buildings, and coastal views.
• Amalfi Cathedral: You can also visit the Amalfi Cathedral . It’s a historic cathedral with a beautiful façade, an impressive interior, and fascinating medieval art.
• Capri: You can also go on a boat tour to Capri for a more serene experience. It’s a traveler’s favorite thing to do along the Amalfi Coast. 

And at the end of the day, try local spots like La Caravella, Da Gemma, or Taverna degli Apostoli for dinner.

Day 5: Positano and the Path of the Gods

One of my favorite stops on the Amalfi Coast is the town of Positano. No trip is complete without visiting Positano and Amalfi. So, start your day with a tasty breakfast before heading to Positano.

Let’s see what’s in store for today’s trip:

• Positano: A cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi coastline. Also visit Fornillo, a quieter beach in Positano.
• Path of the Gods: Sentiero degli Dei) is a famous hiking trail offering amazing views from Bomerano to Nocelle, high above Positano.

After a day of exploring, you can enjoy a wonderful dinner at Il Capitano, La Pergola, or Da Vincenzo. Many bars and restaurants also feature live music or DJs, offering a lively evening atmosphere.

Day 6: Ravello and Relaxation

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then head to the coastal town of Ravello. Today, there is more to explore. Such as the following:

• Villa Rufolo : A historic villa in Ravello, perfect for a peaceful stroll and photography.
• Villa Cimbrone:  An elegant villa in Ravello with beautiful gardens and the “Terrace of Infinity,” offering amazing views of the Amalfi Coast.

After visiting the villas, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. And take a moment to feel this incredible beauty.

Visit some seaside restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, including Ristorante Marina Grande, Da Adolfo, and Ristorante Torre Normanna. Enjoy your food with nighttime ocean views.

Day 7: Return to Rome and Departure

On your final day here, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful place and the week on the Amalfi Coast.

Finish your tasty breakfast, enjoying one last bite of Italian food. Afterward, pack up and get ready to drive back to Rome. As you travel, take in the views filled with memories.

Once you reach Rome, there’s a bit of time to revisit a favorite spot or grab some last-minute souvenirs. Maybe pop into a cozy café for a final espresso or take a relaxed walk through a piazza to enjoy the vibe one more time.

Finally, head to the airport and say goodbye to Italy, with its endless charm and beauty. This is the time to get ready for your trip back home.

Related Post: Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy

Additional Tips and Recommendations

To make your seven-day trip to the Amalfi Coast enjoyable and safe, it’s important to pay attention to a few things. Here’s a list to help you out:

How to Optimize Your Travel Time?

To make the most of your travel time, start by planning a rough itinerary for each day, but stay flexible so you can adjust if needed.

Here are some handy tips to optimize your travel time:

• Plan a basic itinerary but stay open to changes.
• Use trains or local buses for efficient travel.
• Book tickets for popular sites ahead of time.
• Pack light to move easily between destinations.
• Set priorities for must-see attractions.
• Utilize travel apps for navigation and scheduling.
• Avoid peak travel times to reduce delays and crowds.

Must-Try Local Foods and Drinks

The Amalfi Coast is well-known for its amazing views and tasty food. Food lovers will have a great time here. Below is a list of local foods and drinks you definitely need to try:

• Local Wines: Try regional wines such as Chianti in Tuscany or Prosecco in Veneto.
• Classic Neapolitan Pizza: Enjoy this iconic pizza with its simple yet delicious ingredients.
• Pasta: Try regional favorites like carbonara or bolognese for a true taste of local cuisine.
• Gelato : Don’t miss out on Italian ice cream, available in a variety of flavors.
• Espresso : For a strong and flavorful pick-me-up, grab a shot of espresso.

Shopping Tips and Souvenirs to Buy

When shopping on the Amalfi Coast, there are some great finds to look out for. 

So what to take home that holds memories of this place? Here are some ideas for you:

• Local Crafts: Always check out local crafts like handmade pottery, leather goods, and textiles that showcase the area’s unique style.
• Italian food products: Consider picking up olive oil, pasta, fresh produce or local wines to enjoy or give as gifts.
• Artisanal Items:  Local markets are perfect for finding special artisanal items that you can’t get anywhere else.
• Fashion Acessories: If you’re interested in fashion, Amalfi Coast is known for its stylish clothing and accessories.
• Limoncello : Don’t forget to bring home a bottle of limoncello. A lemon liqueur is a local favorite and makes a wonderful souvenir.

Safety Tips for Traveling in Italy and the Amalfi Coast

When traveling in Italy and the Amalfi Coast, it’s important to stay vigilant and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The region is well-known for its beauty, but like any tourist destination, it’s wise to take some necessary precautions, as listed below:

• Use a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables.
• Stay alert in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets.
• Know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
• Stay hydrated and follow food hygiene practices .
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.
• Use reputable transportation services.
• Secure your accommodation by locking doors and windows.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, it’s important to follow the local customs and traditions. It helps you connect more deeply with the culture.

Below are some cultural etiquette and customs that generally apply across Italy, including the Amalfi Coast:

• Dress modestly, especially at churches (cover shoulders and knees).
• Don’t rush through meals; dining is seen as a leisurely and social activity.
• Greet with a handshake; close friends may kiss on both cheeks.
• Tipping isn’t required but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants).
• Speak quietly in public places; loud behavior is considered rude.
• Use formal titles (Signore/Signora) when addressing older or unfamiliar people.
• Avoid discussing politics, religion, or personal finances.
• Respect local traditions and festivals; join in celebrations if invited.

Closing Notes

As your week in Italy comes to an end, you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a camera roll brimming with photos.

The combination of Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast will undoubtedly make this trip one you’ll cherish forever.

So, when’s your next Italian adventure?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days do you need in Amalfi Coast?

For a fulfilling Amalfi Coast experience, 3 to 5 days are ideal. This allows time to explore towns along the coast and relax on beaches. You can also take an Amalfi drive, take cooking classes and enjoy local cuisine.

When should I avoid Amalfi Coast?

Avoid the Amalfi Coast during peak summer months (July and August), when it’s crowded and hot. Also, winter can be rainy and many attractions are close.

Which is better, Positano or Sorrento?

Positano has beautiful views and charming streets, perfect for romance. A day in Sorrento offers you good shopping, and it’s a great starting point for exploring nearby places. So the choice is yours.

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

Yes, the Amalfi Coast can be quite expensive, especially Spiaggia Beach. Costs for accommodation, dining, and activities are generally high, especially in peak tourist season.

What airport do you fly into on the Amalfi Coast?

The nearest major airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (NAP). You can spend time in Naples. And from there, you can drive, take a bus, or use other transportation to reach Amalfi and Positano.

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The Ultimate 7 to 10-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

This Amalfi Coast itinerary will have you experiencing the iconic images that come to mind when you think of a classic Italian summer. With 7 to 10 days on the Amalfi Coast, you can experience pristine waters, hot pizzas, cold gelati, flower-packed balconies, and morning espresso with outstanding sea views.

The Amalfi Coast is a gem of Italy within the province of Salerno that, with good reason, attracts millions of visitors per year. Read on to unpack your ideal route through this iconic part of Southern Italy.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Amalfi Coast?

With many ideal locations to visit, it’s hard to decide how many days to spend in the Amalfi Coast. If you’re a traveler just looking for a quick getaway to the sea to enjoy some delicious food, 2 to 3 days may be enough time for you. 

With a 2 to 3-day trip, I recommend staying in one town such as Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento , enjoying it thoroughly and also using it as your base to explore other areas. This way you won’t be rushing from accommodation to accommodation and it’ll be easier to fully relax during your trip. If planning a 5-day trip, you can possibly choose two Amalfi Coast towns to split your stay.

If a longer trip and being able to fully experience the region is what you’re interested in, a 7-day trip would be ideal. This way you can visit the majority of the towns and attractions without rushing and be able to get to know the area more in-depth.

With 10 days on the Amalfi Coast, you will have the option to settle into the towns that you stay in and also have more flexibility being closer to other towns for day trips. This would be ideal if you are searching for a full experience and would likely prefer to spend most of your trip in Italy along the Amalfi Coast. 

Getting To & Around the Amalfi Coast

Reaching the Amalfi Coast may seem a bit intimidating. But with a little planning, you will be on your way to a smooth trip with little stress. You’ll likely be arriving at the Amalfi Coast either from Rome or Naples. 

The closest airport operating flights within Europe is the Naples Capodichino Airport and the closest airport to reach the Amalfi Coast internationally is Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino Airport. 

Naples and Rome to the Amalfi Coast

If your starting point is Rome , you will first want to take a train to Naples to connect to your Amalfi destination. Trains run from either Rome’s Termini and Tiburtina stations and you will have the option of either high-speed trains or a more affordable regional train. Depending on which train you decide to take, plan your travel time to Naples to take between 1 ½ hours to 3 ½ hours.

From Naples, you’ll either take a train or bus directly to Sorrento or Salerno depending on the destination of the first town you will be staying in. 

To Sorrento, the train line from Napoli Centrale station is the “Circumvesuviana” with Sorrento being the final stop on the line. Tickets for the train are very affordable with the trip time to Sorrento taking a little over an hour. 

Once reaching Sorrento, SITA bus routes are running throughout the towns along the northern part of the Amalfi coast, if one of these is your final destination. This is going to be the most cost-efficient way of reaching the Amalfi Coast if you’re looking to travel on a budget.

Another option from the Naples Airport is the bus running directly to the train station in Sorrento. The journey is a little over an hour and busses leaving just about every hour. There are also busses running directly from the airport to the town of Vietri Sul Mare with a travel time of 45 minutes. 

The only downside to this mode of transport is that there are only 4 departure times throughout the day. So if your arrival time doesn’t coincide with any of these, it may be more difficult.

If your final destination is a town south of the Amalfi Coast, it’s preferable to take a train from Naples to Salerno with travel time varying depending on the type of train you take. From Salerno, you can take a SITA bus to whichever town you are staying in the southern Amalfi Coast. You can check schedules and book here.

There are also ferries running from the Naples port to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi run by the carrier Alilauro. But keep in mind that depending on the time of your itinerary, these only run in the summertime. You can view schedules here.

Do you need a car on the Amalfi Coast?

Depending on the type of trip you are looking for as well as the cost and comfortability of driving on the narrow winding roads of the Amalfi Coast, you may want to hire a car. It’s not necessary, as there are bus lines running throughout the different towns on the Amalfi Coast . Taxis also aren’t too expensive if you’re going to another town close to the other. 

But if you’re an experienced driver and also looking for flexibility in your trip, as well as amazing panorama photo opportunities, hiring a car for your trip is a great option. Just keep in mind that the roads are an entirely different world in themself and there is only one road for the entire Amalfi coastline!

If you’ve decided that you’d like to rent a car, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com in order to find great deals across a number of major car hire companies. 

The bus company that runs throughout the coastal towns is SITA. The busses are an experience by themselves, with a packed bus in usually high summer temperatures swaying on the hairpin-sized road!

Keep this in mind if you are prone to car sickness. Tickets cannot be purchased on board but can be purchased at any local bar, tabacchi, or train station and busses run from around 6 AM to 10 PM every day of the week.

If you are prone to car sickness and prefer a different mode of transport, ferries run from different towns on various ferry lines. Tickets are more expensive than the bus but are more of an ideal option for many travelers.

If you are feeling adventurous and looking for a physical challenge, many people hike and walk throughout the towns of the Amalfi Coast. 

7 to 10-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary 

Whether you’re someone looking to spend a week at the beach or you’re someone who would like to explore ancient ruins and taste local specialities, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect summer destination for you.

This guide has 4 different locations for accommodation which will also be the base for day trips from those towns.

Day 1 – Positano

Much of where your trip will begin depends mainly on which town you will start your trip in or will be staying throughout the entirety of your trip. 

Positano is likely the most well-known town in the Amalfi Coast for its stunning architecture and beautiful homes lining the mountainous coastline. It is also a great starting point for your trip. Depending on the time of your arrival, the best way to ease into the Amalfi lifestyle is to relax and spend time at a local beach. 

The main beach in Positano is the Spiaggia Marina Grande , which you may recognize from many famous photos! While this is a gorgeous beach to visit, there are also many secret gems nearby. My recommendation is the Fornillo Beach in Fornillo.

While it’s not technically in Positano, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the center of the village in Positano. It’s a lot more of a laid-back atmosphere with locals and will give you much-needed time to relax after your journey to Positano. 

After a day at the beach, I recommend heading back to the town of Positano and grabbing some dinner while taking in the colorful Positano sunset. 

A great restaurant to catch these panoramic sunset views of the Amalfi Coast is La Tagliata . Here you can have anything ranging from local tomato gnocchi, pasta dishes, or their specialty, a juicy steak. Keep in mind in the summertime these restaurants have long lines for a table, so making a reservation in advance is recommended.

Where To Stay in Positano

Villa Celentano – This mid-range hotel is within walking distance of the nearest beach, can accommodate larger groups and has breakfast available each morning.

Albergo Miramare – A perfect option for those looking for a bit of luxury, this hotel has sea views in many of its rooms and is perfectly located in the middle of the town.

Le Nereidi B&B – A great choice if you’re looking to cook some of your own meals, this B&B offers a couple of different apartment options as well as standard double rooms with breakfast included for all.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Positano hotels!

Day 2 – Positano

After what was likely a wonderful first day settling into Positano, you’re going to be ready to explore the area a bit more in-depth. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, I have two main recommendations for your second day. 

If you’re looking for physical activity, make your way to the Path of the Gods, or the Il Sentiero Degli Dei for the most breathtaking scenery and backdrops. The hike is about 7 km long and will take around two hours depending on how often you stop (it’s hard to not keep stopping to take photos!). You can also take an organised tour if you prefer to go with a guide.

If you’re in the mood for something more laid back, spend time exploring the local area and enjoying more local specialties such as the sweet delight of limoncello. 

If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, head to the famous Collina Positano Bakery to savor some of their mouth-watering gelati.

Day 3 – Ravello

One of the best parts of staying in the Amalfi Coast is the close vicinity of the many towns within the area. You’re able to explore many different areas, local tastes and sights, while not going too far from where you are staying. 

Today you will head to the hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello. To reach Ravello from Positano, first, take the Line 5070 bus to Amalfi and then change to the line 5110 bus to Ravello. You can also take a ferry and bus but it’s a bit more complicated and costly. 

Ravello is known as “the balcony of the Amalfi Coast” and with good reason is the perfect escape from the busy tourist hub of Positano. 

A great place to grab some lunch or dinner before going back to Positano is Nino’s Pizza. The main fare is pizza (with good reason) but if you’re keener on a calzone or even roast chicken, this is a must-try location. 

Many artists drew large inspiration from this town and with a day of peace, beauty, and charm, perhaps you will too.

Day 4 – Amalfi

The second location you will be staying in is the town of Amalfi itself. Because of the staggeringly impressive views overlooking the sea on this route, I recommend taking the ferry from Positano to Amalfi. 

It’s only about a 20-minute ferry ride and you can see schedules here . Amalfi is the medieval town that gives the coastal region its famous name and is a must-visit town during your trip to the Amalfi Coast. While being one of the more touristy spots along the coast, it’s still highly recommended to visit. 

Amalfi town was constantly under the threat of invasion due to its place on the sea, and this truly shows in the architecture of the town.  Spend your day wandering through the tiny alleyways and medieval courtyards, the remarkable Duomo di Amalfi, stopping in the local artisanal shops, and of course eating. 

Amalfi is full of taste bud-invoking restaurants but the must-try in the area is Ndunderi , an ancient type of pasta similar to gnocchi originally from the nearby town of Minori. 

Where to Stay in Amalfi

O’Lattariello – A lovely mid-range option in Amalfi, they have a few different room types some of which have sea views. There is a bar at the hotel & breakfast is available.

Hotel Residence – A great choice if you’re after luxury, this grand hotel has plush rooms and an amazing location close to many restaurants and bars.

Amalfitano Apartments – These apartments are perfect if you’re a larger group and is within walking distance of several beaches.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Amalfi hotels!

Day 5 – Vietri Sul Mare

Our next day trip is to the town of Vietri Sul Mare. A town first recorded in the middle ages, it is now mainly known for its unique ceramic pottery and beautifully tiled streets. 

From Amalfi, you can reach Vietri Sul Mare either by ferry or bus. The ferry ride will take you just a short 45 minutes down the southern coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Again, you also have the option of taking the bus for about an hour. Here you can plan to spend a quiet day at the peaceful beach, Spiaggia Della Crestarella and escape the crowds. It’s important to note that this is a private beach and it’s necessary to pay for chairs and umbrellas to have a space.

Vietri Sul Mare is the ceramics capital of Italy and you need to experience the many local ceramic shops for yourself to appreciate this ancient art. 

End your day in Vietri before returning to Amalfi by twirling your fork into the most delicious and local pasta with frutti di mare (seafood) at Il Principe e la Civetta.

Day 6 – Capri and the Blue Grotto 

If you are only in the area for 7 days this will be your final stay on the Amalfi Coast. But if you are following the 10-day itinerary, this will be your second-to-last stay with one extra day in Capri.  

With a history dating back to ancient Greece, Capri is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The only way to reach Capri is by a ferry ride.

Not just being one of the main destinations in Italy for the rich and famous, Capri is an ideal destination for anyone searching for a scenic island getaway. With jaw-dropping scenery, naturally rugged beauty, sparkling blue seas, and fresh and delicious food, you’ll discover for yourself why many who first went to Capri decided to never leave.

The most famous thing to do on the island is to visit the Blue Grotto and I recommend heading there right away after dropping off your luggage at your accommodation. 

The Blue Grotto is a wide cave flooded with the bluest water you’ll ever lay your eyes on due to the light reflection into the cave and one of the most stunning natural phenomena. You’ll need to book a tour or private boat to reach the Blue Grotto and reservations in advance are recommended. 

After the Blue Grotto, make your way to Piazza Umberto I and take in all of the sights of the main square on the island. This is the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets. 

Where to Stay on Capri

To Be Capri – It is centrally located in the town of Capri and there are a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from. They are also pet-friendly if you happen to be traveling with a furry friend.

Villa Calypso – A lovely high-end hotel, this place is centrally located to explore all the island has to offer. They have countless beautiful rooms to choose from and tons of other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Villa Castello Apartments – There are a number of apartments available ranging in size and they are poised in an excellent location for exploring all that Capri has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Capri hotels!

Day 7 – Capri 

If you’ve decided to go with a 1-week itinerary, this will be your last day on the Amalfi Coast and in Capri.

For those looking for physical activity, there are many tremendous hikes throughout the island lending unforgettable views. A local and tourist favorite is the hike to the Arco Naturale. The trail takes about 2 and a half hours and leads you down to the Punta Tragara, with beautiful views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. 

For a more relaxed last day on the island, maybe take a boat tour or hire a skipper to take you to the local waters. The beaches on the island are usually mass-packed in the summer with difficulty finding a chair or an open space on the beach. 

With a boat, you can find your own quiet spot in the glistening waters without crowds of people. You can either rent your own boat or hire a company that will take you around the waters of the island. Costs will vary and this is best if you are with a larger group to be able to split the costs of the boat. 

Capri isn’t the cheapest destination on the Amalfi Coast and finding affordable restaurants may be difficult. My recommendation for a delicious meal is Verginiello . Located in the center of the island and north of Marina Piccola, you can try classic Caprese dishes, including Caprese pizza and the famous tricolor Caprese salad.

Day 8 – Capri

Capri has two main towns on the island, the first being Capri, and the other being an entirely different local world of its own, the more affordable Anacapri. On your last day on the island of Capri, you will head to Anacapri and become immersed in the local and rural side of the island away from the tourists, glitz, and glamour. 

The town is on the highest point of the island and offers some of the best views across the island. There are also many beautiful hikes on this part of the island, with a favorite being Mount Solaro. You can either hike up and down to the peak of the slopes or take a chairlift up and down.

Day 9 – Sorrento

On day 9, you will continue to explore the Amalfi Coast by heading back to the mainland of southern Italy and spending your last two days in the famous town of Sorrento. 

Sorrento is known for its abundance of citrus and of course the famous Sorrentinian limoncello. To reach Sorrento, you will have to take a ferry.  Ferries run about every hour from Capri to Sorrento, take about 25 minutes – you can view schedules here.

While it’s not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s a must-see town that is known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and a convenient place to finish your trip to head back to Naples and onwards. 

Known by the Greeks as the land of the sirens, Sorrento still boasts an incredibly romantic and poetic ambiance that can be felt by anyone visiting the town.

It is a city perched upon cliffs so it won’t be easy to find beaches along the town but go from Piazza Tasso to the harbor where you’ll find piers that are perfect for catching some sun or taking a dip in the water. 

The old town is also full of interesting and beautiful sights worth checking out during your time in Sorrento. 

End your day catching the Sorrentinian sunset while eating gnocchi alla Sorrentina at Circolo dei Forestieri on the Terrazza delle Sirene.

Where to Stay in Sorrento

Hotel Leone – Situated within easy walking distance to the beach, this hotel is a fantastic mid-range option in Sorrento. They have a number of rooms available and there is even a delightful swimming pool and bar on site.

Magi House Relais – This luxury hotel is located within a stone’s throw from the beach and situated in a beautiful, 18th-Century building, they have a number of plush rooms available to choose from. There are also plenty of other great amenities to ensure you want for nothing while in Sorrento.

Corso Italia Suites – If you want to option to cook your own meals and have your own space in Sorrento, then these apartments are a great option. They have studios, one and two-bedroom options available and they even allow pets for those traveling with a dog.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sorrento hotels!

Day 10 – Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

Your last day of this itinerary also brings a day trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. To reach the fallen ancient Roman town of Pompeii from Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train from the Sorrento train station and in 20 minutes you’ll arrive at Pompeii. 

The entrance to the site is directly across from the train station and can’t be missed. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or you can pre-book skip-the-line tickets  in advance.

Pompeii is now infamous for finding its end due to a catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius around 70 CE and to this day you can still see the preserved site including the bodies of over 100 people.

If you’re also interested in visiting Mount Vesuvius after Pompeii, take the Busvia del Vesuvio directly to the entrance of the National Park of Vesuvius.

Once within the park, expect about a 20-minute walk along the crater of the Volcano but can be extended if you’re up for a challenge.

It is also possible to book a guided tour to visit both sites from Sorrento if you prefer not to do this day trip independently.

Have More Time?

With many more towns and villages, there is still so much to explore in the Amalfi Coast region if you have more time to spare. The towns of Minori and Maiori are also quaint favorites of Italians going on a local getaway. You could even take a few trips to the other smaller sister Islands of Capri; Ischia, and Procida. 

If you’re interested in exploring more of a city atmosphere after Amalfi, you could spend a few days in the ancient city of Salerno.

With a deep history going back to antiquity, Salerno is a city worth visiting. It is away from the touristy areas of Amalfi but still with beautiful landscapes if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air before heading home. 

The Amalfi coast is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and without a doubt should be on your Italian bucket list. With royal blue waters glistening under the Italian sun, fresh produce on every corner, and fairytale sunsets every night, the Amalfi Coast is waiting for you.

Are you planning to visit the Amalfi Coast? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

I was hoping to do something on those lines from 26th of December 2023 to 6th of January 2024

We are planning a trip to the Amalfi coast after a tour in Northern Italy in July 2024. It is my first time in Italy and my husband’s on the Amalfi coast.

I loved this perfect and through itrinery ! one of the best I came across. is October end good time to visit Amalfi?? any experiences? TIA

One of the most informative and helpful Travel Advice articles I have read. We shall very much base our visit later this year on your itinerary and recommendations (slightly added to as time permits). Thank you so much.

This is a wonderful itinerary and perfect for my family’s trip in June! Thank you!!

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Amalfi coast travel blog — the fullest travel guide & what to do in amalfi coast.

At 6 a.m. one day in mid-August, I excitedly pushed to open out the door, tiptoeing out into the street. It was early dawn and the early morning dew was still cold. The streets were deserted, different from the bustling daytime scene in this Amalfi region. In this article I will share with you my experiences when visiting this legendary coastal region. So, what to do in Amalfi Coast and how to travel around the Amalfi Coast for the first-time? Let’s check out my Amalfi Coast travel blog (Amalfi Coast blog) and Amalfi Coast review with the fullest Amalfi Coast travel guide (Amalfi Coast guide, Amalfi Coast tourist guide) from how to get to Amalfi Coast, best time to come, where to stay, best place to visit on the Amalfi Coast, best way to travel the Amalfi Coast, what to eat and top things to do in Amalfi Coast to find out the answer!

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The Amalfi Coast, more than 25 km long stretching from Positano , passes through the villages of Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello to Vietri sul Mare, which lies entirely in the Gulf of Salerno, south of Naples, the third largest city in Italy. The Amalfi Coast was listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 1997, is one of the most famous and popular holiday destinations in Italy every summer. I often love quiet, tranquil, deserted places, but today, I was here.

People often say “fate is inevitable”. The story is, many years ago, I have been to Amalfi. In those days, I fell in love with the charming little villages nestled on the mountainside, the gently sloping pedestrian streets, the brilliant pottery shops, the gardens on the villa grounds, the sun-drenched and flowers balconies, facing the sea to catch the cool Mediterranean breeze. The Amalfi Coast is truly Italian, romantic, luxurious but vibrant and passionate. Amalfi Coast is also a paradise for mountaineers. When I heard about the hiking trail «Path of the Gods» (Sentiero degli Dei) but never had the opportunity to set foot in, I made a promise to return to Amalfi.

The «Path of the Gods» is a hike of more than 8 km, starting at Bomerano, in Agerola and ending in Nocelle, right above Positano – one of the most beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast. The “Path of the Gods” takes its name from legend. The story goes that the Olympians, wanting to hear the singing of mermaids, often borrowed the way between the sky and the sea, winding along the rocky shores of the Amalfi Coast. From halfway up the mountain, the gods could admire from the island of Capri, the Li Galli islands, the Sorrento peninsula in the west, to the bay of Salerno in the east.

In August, the tourist month, southern Italy is hot as hell, especially on the extreme crowded bus routes connecting Sorrento, Positano , Amalfi and Agerola. After two days of struggling with the sun, I looked at the map and saw that the “Path of the Gods” was located on the southern slopes of Monte Peruso mountain, and there was almost no shade of trees, I chose the only way to avoid the sun heating, departed very early.

From the corner of Piazza Paolo Capasso in Bomerano, a small path leads us to the starting point of the «Path of the Gods» at an altitude of 650 m. The sun has not yet risen, the morning dew still covered the sea surface, creating a thin layer of white clouds floating. Below, small boats are anchored head to head in a narrow cove. Layered on the mountainside, a few beautiful stone houses loom between the pine trees and the ripe grape vines.

After walking a little, a cool mist covered the space. The air warmed up to the rhythm of the rising sun, causing the water vapor to rise higher and higher, and after a while it completely dissipates. The sun drops glittering, melting in rays on the mountainside behind. In front, the deep blue Mediterranean water gradually appeared, the coastline glowed in the morning sun.

The “Path of the Gods” from Agerola to Nocelle gently slopes down, easy to walk like a footpath. One side is a high cliff, the other side is a vast space. About a hundred meters lower, the small yachts had begun to set sail. Seen from here, they are as tiny as grains of rice floating on the water. The sky was high, the sea was vast, who knows where the boundary was?

After about four hours of walking, leisurely taking pictures and enjoying the scenery, the houses of Positano in gentle pastel tones appeared in the distance. Nocelle is a small village located just above Positano , marking the end of the road. From Nocelle down further 3 km, there is a bus every hour from here to the harbor, where you can catch a boat to Amalfi. It was still early, the sun has not yet risen over a pole, we can walk to see the tiny streets, weaving between the typical pure white walls of the coastal villages.

Positano is one of the most beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast. The houses here are arranged in a terraced shape, following the mountain topography. That is fair, every house can enjoy the sea breeze, every balcony can enjoy the cool blue water, and also receive the warm rays of the sun.

Coming to the Amalfi coast and the Central Italian province of Campania, you can’t forget to enjoy its delectable food, dyed in the Mediterranean sun. Everyone knows the most typical flavors of Italian cuisine such as crispy thin crust pizzas, hot plates of spaghetti, soft round mozzarella cheeses or fresh cream (gelato) made from mascarpone sweet cheese.

However, in Campania, each seemingly familiar dish brings more subtle nuances. Italians usually start their meal (primi piatti) with a plate of stir-fried spaghetti with clam or seafood along with a little olive oil to enhance greasy taste. The dish has both the crunchy texture of blanch spaghetti (al dente), it is not too firm it is not too cooked, and the light sweetness of clams and a little spicy to create a perfect taste.

Few people know that Italian pizza, popular around the world today, was born in Naples two centuries ago and has been classified by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage since 2017. Among them, the most famous is pizza Margherita which has three colors representing the Italian national flag: The green of the fragrant basil leaves, the white of the traditional mozzarella cheese made from buffalo milk and the red of ripe tomatoes grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

For dessert, it would be great to sample colorful whipped cream and cool limoncello served in a small, hand-decorated porcelain cup. The name limoncello is reserved for the famous lemon liqueur of the coastal strip from Sorrento to Amalfi. The liquor has a fragrant lemon aroma and a sweet bright yellow color, reminiscent of a sunny sea.

Amalfi Coast travel blog: When is the good time to go to Amalfi Coast?

Amalfi is one of the famous holiday places in Italy and Europe as well. The peak tourist season in Amalfi is in the summer months. In the summer, the prices are often rocket to sky. At this time, the streets filled with crowded of tourists, very hustle and bustle, traveling and moving here is not easy. So you should stay away from the peak tourist months of July, August.

May, June and September and October are the best times to visit the Amalfi Coast. In these months, although it is quite hot, it is suitable for beach tourism and is also less crowded. The prices of restaurants, hotels, tickets are no longer high.

Amalfi Coast guide: How to get to Amalfi Coast?

Public transport.

• The nearest international airport is located in Naples, then take a bus or taxi to Napoli Central station.
• From Napoli Central station to the two big cities located at the 2 ends of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno or Sorrento, there are trains, the fare is €5-7, there are many trips per hour. Train tickets purchased at the station.
• From Napoli Central station to Amalfi (the village is located in the center of Amalfi Coast) or to Agerola (the starting point of the hike «Path of the Gods», there is a bus of SITA, the fare is €5-7. This bus route much deserted than other coastal routes, and it is easy to find a comfortable seat.
• There is also a SITA bus service between the villages of the Amalfi Coast. Bus tickets are purchased at tobaaccoo shops (tabaccheria) near the bus stops. Timetable: http://www.positano.com/en/bus-schedule .
• Among some famous places such as Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri island, there are boats running many times a day. This is a fun way to see the scenery along the coast. Boat tickets are sold at the port or on the website: https://www.positano.com/en/ferry-schedule

No need to worry about finding a parking space. The bus station is usually located in the center, making it easy to visit the villages. Cheaper.

In the high season, SITA’s bus is very crowded, rarely has seats, need to come early to queue. The road here is short but winding, taking a long time to go. If you have to stand on the bus, it will sway, very uncomfortable.

• On summer days, sitting on the bus is also hot because few buses have air conditioning and cannot open the windows.
• Bus density is not much (about 1, 2 hours only with a trip, depending on the route).
• Hotels in the Amalfi are quite expensive compared to other places in Italy, it is difficult to find a cheap price place near the bus station in the high season.

Tips: The train route from Napoli to Sorrento is also the route to Pompei and Herculanum. If you want to visit Naples and these 2 places, you can buy a Campania Arte pass (3 days or 7 days). The 3-day pass costs €21, free / reduced admission tickets to many places in the Campanie region and free of all metro tickets, buses in Naples and a few train lines including the Napoli – Herculanum – Pompei – Sorrento line. This pass is purchased at Naples airport and a few other points of sale (see details on the website: https://www.campaniartecard.it/ ).

Self-driving

• Pros: The Amalfi coastal road is among the most beautiful roadtrips in Italy, with curves along the mountainside, with a spectacular view down to the Mediterranean Sea. Self-driving also helps increase initiative, not being dependent on train or bus time. There are more options when it comes to finding hotels.
• Cons: Narrow road, many sharp turns and traffic jams. Locals drive fast even though the speed limit is only 30 km/h. The center of Sorrento and around the villages of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello are difficult to find a parking lot.

Amalfi Coast review: Must-Try dishes in the Amalfi Coast and the provinces of Campania region.

• Stir-fried spaghetti with mussels or clams.
• Black pasta made from squid and fried with seafood.
• A Napoli pizza spread with buffalo milk mozzarella cheese.
• Italian gelato made from fragrant buffalo milk.
• Sweet limoncello dessert liquor.

Amalfi Coast guide: Where to go, things and what to do in Amalfi Coast?

• Wandering around in the nooks and crannies of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello.
• Positano and Amalfi villages look like the 5 villages a lot in Cinque Terre, Northern Italy, but I personally find this Amalfi Coast more attractive and much more interesting to explore.
• Strolling on small streets, flanked by Italian ice cream shops, pottery shops, and colorful souvenirs.
• Watching sunset in one of the most beautiful sunset places in the world (Sorrento or Positano).
• Boating between Positano and Amalfi and seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea.
• Back to nature, between mountains and sea on treks (Sentiero degli Dei, La Baia di Ieranto,…). More information about these treks can be found at: https://www.positano.com/en/e/footpaths-on-the-amalfi-coast-trekking .
• Spending time strolling around the tranquil gardens in the grounds of the old villas in Ravello (Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo,…).
• Watching the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon from balconies of romantic Italian restaurants and bars.
• Rent a boat to snorkeling, scuba diving or going to Capri, Ischia, and small Li Galli islands.
• Rent a kayak to paddle along the coast, find yourself a small beach far from crowded places.
• In spring, visit the fragrant lemon groves in Sorrento. Limoncello is a specialty of the Campania region.

Amalfi Coast tourist guide: Recommended an Amalfi Coast weekend itinerary 2 days

Afternoon: Fly to Naples, take the evening bus to Agerola, overnight in Agerola.

• Morning: Trekking the Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods) from Agerola (Bomerano bus stop) to Nocello. Walk or bus down to Positano (there is 1 bus every hour, about 1 hour on foot).
• Afternoon: Strolling around Positano, take a ferry from Positano to Amalfi.
• Dinner and overnight in Amalfi.
• Get up early to walk around Amalfi when the street is still deserted tourists.
• Take the Amalfi-Napoli bus (via Agerola), fly home from Naples.

If you have one more day for the Amalfi Coast, from Positano, you can take a boat to Capri Island to sleep one night, the next day trek on the island, return to Amalfi in the evening.

Amalfi Coast blog: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Albergo L’Antico Convitto ( Booking.com )
• NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Santa Caterina Hotel ( Booking.com )
• Hotel Marina Riviera ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Luna Convento ( Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Amalfi on Agoda or Booking .

Read more Positano guide here and Italy here . 

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The Ultimate Amalfi Coast, Italy Travel Guide

Summer vacations in Europe are hardly complete without a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast . A magnet for the jet-set since the Roman times, the Amalfi Coast is easily one of the most beautiful, most desirable, and most charming, coastal regions in the world. And one of my very favorites.

Table of Contents

Where to go in the Amalfi Coast

Many people don’t realize that the Amalfi Coast is actually more than just Amalfi. It’s a group of charming coastal towns that together make up the region. So choosing which part of the Amalfi Coast to stay in isn’t easy! Although it’s possible to get from one to the other via ferry or car (more on that below), you’re not going to want to spend your whole relaxing trip to the Amalfi Coast in a ferry, so I recommend picking your favorite to base out of, and doing one or two day trips to other parts of the coast from there. Here are my top picks for where to base from in the Amalfi Coast:

Is there anywhere in the world more picturesque than Positano? The adorable town is carved into the cliffsides, with bright orange and blue umbrellas covering the beach and winding cobblestone alleys full of family-run pasta restaurants & enotecas (Italian for wine bar). This Mediterranean paradise is the perfect place to spend the day…. or the summer.

I love the Amalfi area of the Amalfi Coast mainly because of the Hotel Santa Caterina . I highly recommend going to Amalfi and staying in this resort!! It is so beautiful and captures the quintessential Amalfi Coast charm. Not to mention their seaside pool and beach club is the perfect place to soak in the Mediterranean sunshine. With its five-star service and food, exclusivity, and beautiful setting in Amalfi, Santa Caterina would also make the absolutely perfect honeymoon resort in the Amalfi Coast if you’re traveling to Italy on your honeymoon!

If you go into Amalfi town (a 10 minute walk from Hotel Santa Caterina, or a 2 minute walk from the port), there’s a very cute village to walk around and grab some food and drink.

Ah, Ravello. This magical, romantic, quiet gem of the Amalfi Coast is tucked 1000 feet up into the cliffsides, with some of the most stunning views  of anywhere I’ve seen in the world. If Positano seems a little busy for you, you’ll love Ravello. The hotels here aren’t cheap during high season, but they are worth it (there are only a few, and each one is absolutely incredible, like Villa Fraulo and  Belmond Caruso ). You’re going to want to spend more than just a day in this bougie and beautiful village, soaking up every second of La Dolce Vita.

If you’re looking for the most beautiful island in Italy, you’ll want to stay in Capri for a few days. While it’s great to go for a day trip, as well, you’re always going to want more time in Capri. You’ll spend your days hiking and strolling around, breaking only for gelato, and soaking in the beautiful views at every turn. My favorite beach club in Capri is the celeb-favorite La Fontelina, and my favorite hiking path is Via Krupp, which takes you all the way from the top of the island down to the beach (so bring your swimsuit), the path was originally laid out on the island in 1902!

If you want to be close, but not too close, to all of the action, you can stay in the quaint Amalfi Coast town of Praiano. It’s a 10-minute drive to Positano and all of its vibrancy, with less of the crowds. If you’re in Praiano, stay at Casa Angelina , a gorgeous modern boutique hotel, where gorgeous Murano glass art decorates every hallway, and the bar has a menu fully dedicated to artful interpretations of the famous Aperol Spritz. It is an ideal spot for Amalfi Coast travelers who prefer an intimate and relaxed experience.

What’s the ideal Amalfi Coast itinerary?

There are SO many ways to do it, but if I were to come up with my ultimate 9-day itinerary, it would be 3 nights in either Amalfi or Positano (more on which you should decide between Amalfi vs. Positano later in the post in the FAQ!), 2 nights in Ravello, 3 nights in Capri. 

The Best Luxury Resorts in the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay in amalfi:, hotel santa caterina , amalfi.

Hotel Santa Caterina is one of my very favorite hotels in the world. It is full of Italian charm, seaside views, and mediterranean magic. You’re not going to want to leave the hotel, especially with their to-die-for seaside beach club. But if you do, you’re just a 10-minute walk away from the center of Amalfi, where you can take ferries anywhere around the Amalfi Coast!

This is the hotel Kenny & I chose for the first leg of our Amalfi Coast honeymoon !

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jetset Christina (@jetsetchristina)

Where to Stay in Positano:

Le sirenuse, positano.

Positano’s most famous (and most beautiful) hotel is the Sirenuse . The stylish, immaculate resort is  the place to be in Positano. It’s popular with honeymooners, celebrities, and the American and European jet-set. The Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant, entirely lit by 400 candles, is worth a visit to this hotel alone.

Il San Pietro Di Positano

Looking for the luxest of the luxe? Check out the breathtaking Il San Pietro Di Positano – one of the few hotels in Positano with sea access! 

Its many rooms have each a private terrace and a wonderful sea view. The interior details include fine terracotta floors with ceramic decoration and doors adorned with frescoes. An elevator built into the rocks leads down to a private beach and to the famous Carlino restaurant. Don’t miss out on the spa and the gorg tennis court between the cliffs.

Photo by ItalyTraveler

Villa Franca, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Modern, upscale and sleek, this gorgeous boutique luxury hotel sits just a 7 minute walk from the beach and town, providing it an oasis just close enough to the action, but far enough to relax away from it all. If you’re after spectacular views and a chic, upscale atmosphere, this is the spot for you.

A charming Airbnb on the Coast

Hotel Marincanto

If you’re looking for luxury and to-die-for views, and dream of waking up each morning to a dreamy Italian breakfast buffet on a picturesque bouganvillea-laced terrace, and wasting the day away sipping bellinis in a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the Amalfi Coast, this is your spot.

Hotel Eden Roc Suites

If you’re looking for some of the best views in Positano, Eden Roc is it. This stunner in Positano is everything your Italian vacation or Italy honeymoon dreams are made of.

Entire loft with stunning view, VRBO

Villa Treville, Positano

A room here will cost upwards of 2K a night, but the views are  insane.  If you’re looking for the celeb experience in Positano, look no further.

Photo via The Amalfi Bride

Shop for Amalfi:

Where to stay in ravello:, hotel belmond caruso, ravello.

Villa Fraulo, Ravello

Villa Fraulo feels more like your personal Italian palace than a hotel. I recommend going just for lunch even if you aren’t staying the night. I mean.. just look at this dreamy setting.

Hotel Piedimonte, Ravello

The Hotel Piediemonte might be the best value of the hotels in Ravello, as it’s price is significantly less than the others – and it gets the same gorgeous views! I loved this hotel, and the breakfasts were extraordinary!

Hotel Palumbo, Ravello

Hotel Palumbo is another one of the better-value spots of the luxury hotels in Ravello, with a surreal setting on the coast!

Where to stay in Capri

Punta tragara.

Loacted at the top of the steps leading down to the Faraglioni rockstacks and Fontelina/Da Luigi beach bars, Punta Tragara is a chic contemporary luxury hotel built right into the cliffs of Capri – with each of incredible balconies featuring unmatched island views. Its beautiful pink architecture exudes romance, and is perfect for couples honeymooning in Capri , or just looking for a chic European getaway.

Punta Tragara was Kenny and my choice for our honeymoon!! 🙂

JK Place 

Another favorite if you’re looking for serenity and luxury in Capri, is the JK Place Capri . The dreamy poolside cabanas, the seaside breakfast views, the magnificent rooms and it’s prime location directly on the waters edge make it one of the most sought-after hotels in the area.

Hotel Weber Ambassador

This darling seaside hotel is in a part of the island called Marina Piccola. They have a hotel shuttle that picks you up from the marina down on the water and brings you all the way up the cliffs to the hotel. The location is hard to beat for exploring around Capri, but you may never leave the hotel given the gorgeous private beach access and pool overlooking the coast.

This tranquil, family-run boutique hotel on a quiet street shaded by lemon trees, is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor, and is pretty darn close to perfect. This hotel only has 18 rooms and is located on a pedestrian area overlooking the sea in the center of Capri. It’s super relaxing, and a great place to base from in Capri.

Where to Stay Near Sorrento

Villa miragalli.

This beautiful Positano house of 240 square meters (2583 sq.ft) that sits on a property of 10,000 square meters (108,000 sq.ft), with stunning views of the sea from your own private infinity pool. 

Where to Eat & Drink in the Amalfi Coast

Wearing this dress in size S

Bellinis on tap please. Ah, the Amalfi Coast has the best cocktail recipes in the world doesn’t it?

The Best Places to Eat in Amalfi

The best dinner I had in the Amalfi Coast. This family-run restaurant was easily a highlight of my trip to Italy, and one of my best dinners of all time. The food is incredible, there is a gorgeous view of the coast (get there before sunset, and have a cocktail or bellini on the terrace before your meal!) and it is run by 4 brothers, who all have a different role within the restaurant (chef, waiters, manager, and one of their wives is the pastry chef!)

My order: the fresh raw fish with avocado mousse and ricotta cannoli, the burrata stuffed pasta, and DEFINITELY their famous clam pasta. And of course limoncello for dessert! Oh my god you guys this place is so good I can’t even write about it. I’m getting too hungry thinking about it. I’ll leave you with these pictures instead. GO HERE!!! 

Sensi Amalfi

For a first-class dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Amalfi, with great views and ambiance, look no further than Sensi Amalfi.

Where to eat in Ravello

Il Flauto di Pan “the gardens of romance”

If you’re looking for fine dining in Ravello, go to Il Flauto Di Pan , located in the historic gardens of Villa Cimbrone Hotel . The hotel is famous for its gardens and the restaurant offers gorgeous views from the terrace.

Pizzeria Vittoria

If a casual dinner in Ravello is more your style, go to  Pizzeria Vittoria,  tucked away on a quiet side street in Ravello. The traditional Italian eatery makes delicious seafood dishes like baby squid in a tomato and garlic sauce (Polipetti alla Luciana) as well as the best pizza in Ravello!!

Where to Eat in Positano

It’s a bit of a hike up the steps from the beach (about 10-15 min), but the views from this restaurant are worth it. The pasta is great, the sauv blanc is ice cold, and it makes for a perfect lunch or sunset dinner in Positano.

La Sponda at Le Sirenuse

A splurge but the views make it soooo worth it. Reservations required – we booked through our hotel for lunch and had the best time!

Ristorante Da Constantino

A super charming restaurant overlooking the town of Positano with UNREAL Italian food and beautiful views. So good! You need to drive to get up there, though, versus you can walk to Da Gabrisa. 

Franco’s Bar at Le Sirenuse

If you’re looking for the best place for drinks and a view in Positano, look no further. Franco’s al fresco seaside bar is it! 

Where to eat in Capri

The food in Capri is all delicious. After all, it is Italy. When have you ever had bad Italian food? The center of the island is very small and definitely full of eager italian waiters who would love to have you sit outside of their restaurant, so take your pick. We ate at a few different delicious local eateries, each time just walking around, looking at menus and meeting people until we found one we decided on.

Pizza Aurora.   One pizza place in particular sticks out to me that we went to in Capri – I still dream of their pizza and truffle pasta. It’s right off the square so if you’re in Capri, eat here and think of me!

18-20 Via Fuorlovado, Island of Capri

Terraza Brunella

Spectacular views and a delish selection of local dishes and seafood made with high quality ingredients. Love this spot.

In Anacapri:

Da Emilia alla Curtiglia

Go to Anacapri for the sunset! This homey place is everything you want in an Italian restaurant. It feels like you’re eating at someone’s home (no really, our waiter’s mom was the chef!) Food was delicious and atmosphere even better.

Shop this dress

Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

The beach in positano.

This picture-perfect beach is a beautiful way to spend a day in Positano. Get there early if you want a good spot during high season.

Wearing our matching Positano swimsuits from Kenny Flowers

JETSET TIP: Head past the main public beach to Scogliera Beach Club , a super-chic beach club at the end of Positano Beach, offering up the BEST views in Positano. Make a reservation ahead of time, because it does sell out. Ask for seat 210 (where we sat – the best views in the house!) and tell them @JetsetChristina sent you!

Hike the Path of the Gods

This beautiful 2 hour hike leads you on a beautiful stroll straight to Positano. You can start the trail head at either Bomerano or Nocelle (we had a taxi drop us at the beginning of the trail), and follow signs to Positano, taking in the breathtaking views of the sea, villages, and vineyards along the way.

Day trip to Capri!

Even if you’re not staying in Capri in one of their incredible hotels like JK place , this idyllic island, located just 19 miles off the coast, is definitely worth a day trip. You’ll ferry to the marina, and then take a funicular up to the top of the island, where you can walk around, shop, get lunch, or go for a coastal hike. It’s a small town, so not much planning is required before you get there.

Capri ‘s Blue Grotto

While you’re in Capri, the blue grotto is a can’t-miss.  It looks pretty in pictures, but absolutely surreal in real life. Tours will take you on a gondola into the cave. But if you go early in the morning (and in the summer!!) and you can even swim in the unbelievably-blue water!

Hire a photographer!

Hire a photographer with Flytographer ! It’s an easy way to have some absolutely epic photos from your trip! And you can get a discount if you book through this link with the code JETSET.

What time of year is best to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The highest season is Summer (June, July and August), and although the weather is beautiful, it can get very crowded! It’s still magical, and I don’t think the crowds deter from the experience too much, but I definitely recommend traveling during “shoulder seasons” if you can! My favorite times to visit the Amalfi Coast are mid-late September (the weather and the water are still warm and the crowds have left), as well as May (a little colder water, but you can still get some beautiful warm weather and very few crowds!)

How to get to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

You’ll fly into Naples International Airport, and then you’ll need to make your way to the coast from there. It’s about an hour and a half to Amalfi or Positano by car. The best way to reach the Amalfi Coast from the airport is by private car (around 100-150 euros total), the cheapest is by bus (about 10 euros each person). I personally love splurging on a private driver in instances like this, because after a long flight to Europe from the states, with all of my bags, the last thing I want to do is navigate bus schedules and find my way around a foreign place.

I recommend using Jack the Driver to get you to your hotel from the airport. It is premium company that also offers day tours around the Amalfi Coast as well as private airport transfers. I found them to be extremely professional, fair-priced and have beautiful , spacious cars to take you, your loved ones, and your bags to your destination. 

Should I stay in Positano or Amalfi?

This is a question I got a ton on our honeymoon in the Amalfi Coast – because Kenny and I decided to stay in Amalfi over Positano, but visit Positano for the day! Why we did this was because we personally love the Amalfi vibe over the Positano vibe for staying a long period. Amalfi is a little more of a hideaway, versus Positano is the HEART of the action and can get very crowded with a lot of hustle and bustle. Sometimes it can seem like Disneyland. But it’s still MAGICAL, and if you’re in the right hotel in Positano, it can be a fabulous experience. I also would recommend ANYONE going to the Amalfi Coast to always, always do at least a day in Positano – it was one of our favorite days on the entire honeymoon. But when it came to where to stay, we both LOVE being on the water, and Hotel Santa Caterina is right on the water and has the best little beach club. Not many hotels in Positano have sea access – with the exception of the luxe seaside experience at Il San Pietro in Positano, but its rooms are over $3.3K a night! ( Hotel Santa Caterina is also very expensive, but a little less than that). So,for us it came down to choosing our location for the hotel we wanted to stay in – the other benefit of staying in Amalfi is you’re very close to Ravello (it’s just up the hill!) so if you’re planning on going to Ravello either for the day or for a couple nights, it’s a great choice.

How do you rent a boat in Positano?

We rented one way through our hotel, and the way back we just grabbed a water taxi from the port! It was super easy. Don’t feel like this is something you have to plan in advance, but if you want to, you definitely can do that, too!

How to get from Amalfi to Positano, from Positano to Capri, and the best ways to get around the Amalfi Coast

The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast, once you’re in the area, is by sea! There are ferries leaving all the time during the high season, so whether you want to ferry from Amalfi to Positano for the day, from Positano to Capri for the day, or anywhere else around, it’s a quick 20-30 minute boat ride away. If you don’t want to wait around for the ferry, you can also do a private water taxi, which can be a great option if you’re staying somewhere like the Hotel Santa Caterina and want to jet over to Positano for the day (just ask the hotel or someone at the tourism offices at the pier to set you up with one!)

Here are the Capri ferry schedules

Here are the Positano and Amalfi Coast ferry schedules

What to wear in the Amalfi Coast:

Amalfi coast packing guide.

Dreaming about the Amalfi Coast means dreaming about all of the amazing outfits you’ll get to wear! These are some of my favorites for a trip to the Amalfi Coast this summer! Click on any of the below to shop!

This chic matching couples look for Italy is a must. Don’t forget to add the Fontelina Italian beach linen for him (that we know you’ll steal, because WOW) and a matching lemon print long kimono !

PS – have more questions on the Amalfi Coast, or any other destination? Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other #JSCJetsetters!

Pin this post.

Check out these other posts:

Sailing the Amalfi Coast

All of Jetset Christina’s favorite jewelry

The best cocktail recipes from around the world 

The best beachwear brands

The Ultimate Jetset Guide to Barcelona

The Ultimate Guide to Booking a Bassinet for Your Baby on a Plane

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Henry Collins

Wow, this scenery looks stunningly beautiful. Adding the Amalfi Coast to my bucket list.

Going to the amalfi coast in may and I’m so excited! thanks for the italy tips

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The Perfect Amalfi Coast Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal (1 or 5 – 7 Day Stay Ideas)

Last Updated on 1st August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

The gorgeous and dramatic stretch of the Amalfi Coast is like no other place in Italy, or indeed the world. Best explored over several days to truly soak up the area’s ambience, sample a smattering of local dishes, and enjoy several gorgeous sunsets, here’s your ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary .

I have created a one-day in the Amalfi Coast suggested itinerary (see below), but if you’re staying longer, there are suggestions for 5 days or 7 days on the Costiera Amalfitana .

The first five days will concentrate solely on the Amalfi Coast, while day six and seven will be spent at nearby attractions and destinations. If you don’t have a full week available, then you can follow just the first five days of this itinerary.

Where is the Amalfi Coast?

What if you only have one day on the amalfi coast, day 1 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: positano and the path of the gods , day 2 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: furore, praiano & san michele , day 3 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: amalfi, atrani, ravello & pontone , day 4 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: minori, maiori, vietri sul mare & cetara, day 5 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: capri or boat ride & dinner in sorrento, day 6 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: pompeii and herculaneum, day 7 on the amalfi coast suggested itinerary: naples.

The Amalfi Coast is in Southern Italy, just south of the city of Naples (the 4th largest metropolitan area in Italy). Located in the Province of Salerno (which is one of the largest towns on the stretch of coastline), Amalfi is a particular length of coastline of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Amalfi Coast draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its dramatic coastal towns, stunning turquoise blue waters, and winding narrow streets. Please note that the name Amalfi is not only used to designate the stretch of coastline but is also the name of one of the most prominent towns on the coastal stretch.

If you only have one day to spend on the Amalfi Coast then I recommend focusing on the major sites that the area has to offer: Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. I would personally start by heading to Ravello, where hilltop villas overlook the mountainous sea cliffs that the region is so famous for.

Then, you’ll want to head on to Amalfi where the glitzy glamour of the town soon becomes apparent. Some of the must-see things to do in town include a visit to the Paper Museum , sipping on limoncello at the Amalfi Lemon Experience and wandering through the Cloisters of Paradise .

If you would prefer for all of the transport details to be taken care of for you, then I would opt for a boat cruise (cruises depart from Salento regularly, but typically a full-day one begins first thing in the morning).

Amalfi Coast suggested itinerary

For this itinerary, you’ll want to have access to your own vehicle. I recommend renting the smallest car possible (which is typically a Fiat 500) so that you can complete this suggested driving route at your leisure.

Start your travels by visiting undoubtedly the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano. Nestled between an enclave of mountainous hills, the town is famed for its splash of colourful pastel-hued houses that are dreamily painted across the jagged coastline.

Positano is abundant with things to do , however, the town itself is quite small so can easily be seen in a day, still leaving time for you to explore the Path of Gods hiking trail and soak up breathtaking views.

Begin your day by simply wandering around and getting lost in Positano’s winding maze of narrow streets, from here you are likely to come across a cosy café where you can start by indulging in a  traditional Italian breakfast .

After breakfast head to see the little miniature village models (generally small shrines to honour the Virgin Mary), which can be found scattered across the towns of the Amalfi Coastline and are often tucked away in a roadside.

Then, head to the beach! Of course, one of the greatest joys of visiting coastal towns is their abundance of beautiful beaches. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach of Positano, but there are four beaches in total to choose from. Generally, Arienzo Beach Club is the quietest as it’s only reachable by boat or a steep set of stairs.

Enjoy a seaside lunch, thanks to the obvious proximity to the sea, here is where you’ll find some of the finest and freshest seafood you can imagine! Although, it’s worth noting that if you wish to have a sit-down meal in the town be sure to book in advance, particularly during the peak season.

Spend the afternoon doing one of the most popular activities in the town, shopping. Positano is particularly well-known for its clothing boutiques, handmade sandals, and colourful ceramics which feature local motifs such as lemons and olives.

Once the temperatures have cooled a little in the late afternoon, take yourself on the Amalfi Coast’s most popular hiking route and marvel at stunning views that are sure to take your breath away! The Path of Gods is considered to be a moderately challenging route so wear comfy shoes and bring lots of water.

End your day with a limoncello spritz, a sunset view and a delicious dinner! Many people say that the best time to see Positano is after dark when the pastel houses are illuminated and moonlight is reflected across the water…and to be honest, I couldn’t agree more.

Travel to a “town that doesn’t exist” thanks to the fjord-like gorge that sits bang in the middle of it. As there’s no main square, or town for that matter, your visit to Furore will be centred around visiting the natural landscape and beach.

Furore is famed for its impressive huge stone arch that connects over a magnificent sparkling gorge. Spend the morning here hiking, exploring the hidden coves and taking a dip in the warming waters of the Mediterranean Sea on the hidden pebble beach below the arch.

Next, head to another quiet town which is perched high above on the cliffs, Praiano. Find somewhere to grab lunch, Ristorante Il Pino offers spectacular views overlooking the azure sea, or you could head to a shop and pick up some local delights to enjoy on the main beach Marina di Praia tucked between two looming cliff faces.

Spend a little time exploring Praiano, the village is pretty small so you’ll only need 2-3 hours depending on how long you choose to sit and soak up the leisurely pace of life here. A particular highlight not to be missed when visiting is the beautiful Church of St. Gennaro, which stands as the only building of baroque architecture along the Amalfi Coast. 

Head over to the neighbouring town, San Michele ******

What you may not know is that the Amalfi Coast takes its name from the jewel town, Amalfi itself. According to legends, the Roman god Hercules fell in love with a nymph called Amalfi. When she died, Hercules wanted to bury her in the most beautiful place on earth and thus decided on this town.

First, stop for coffee and a sweet pastry and enjoy breakfast like a local! Then, start exploring Amalfi town by visiting some of its most unique sights. You’ll likely need to set aside 2-3 hours to see the town, possibly more time if you want to relax on the beach as well.

See centuries-old machinery at work for yourself at The Paper Museum, then learn and taste sun-kissed  lemons  at the Amalfi Lemon Experience. Also not to be missed is the small pocket of peace, The Cloister of Paradise, which is set within the town’s Duomo and was built between 1266 and 1268. 

On the street,  Ruga Nova Mercatorum , you’ll find shops selling treasures such as  traditional homemade ceramics , which make for the perfect souvenir to bring home and remember your trip!

Next, take a short ten-minute walk through a not-so-obvious pedestrian tunnel  (as if walking through a secret passageway)  and you’ll find the charming fishing village, Atrani. This tiny village is attached to that of Amalfi, so many people often think of it as the same place. 

Here you can spend some time relaxing on the beach, which is often quieter than that of the bustling Amalfi Town and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants by the waterfront. Le Palme serves mouthwatering Italian pizza and offers vegan options.

After filling up with delicious Italian food, you can either hike to the next town or drive (the hike from Amalfi to Ravello takes approximately 50 minutes one-way).

Walking along paths rich with history which boast spectacular views is truly an enchanting way to reach the beautiful town of Ravello . However, the route can be quite challenging, with quite a few steep inclines at points, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Once in Ravello, you will be able to explore treasures such as the immaculate gardens of a historic villa which dates back to the 11th century and is a beautiful example of Italianate architecture. Here, you will also find the Terrace of Infinity, which is as romantic as the name suggests, offering views overlooking the picture-perfect town and beyond.

Ravello is full of charm and ideally, you’ll want to set aside 3-4 hours for your visit. Particularly if you happen to be visiting during July and August as the town comes to live with a two-month-long festival celebrating all things music!

End your day in the hilltop village of Pontone, the oldest settlement of the Amalfi Coast. Thanks to its position atop the hillside of Mount Pontone, the village boasts stunning views as well as being an idyllic spot for (even more) hiking in the surrounding nature trails!

The village can be reached by foot from Amalfi if you are willing to climb the steep ascent of 750 steps (which may be a lot considering the amount of hiking already). The picturesque medieval village is the prime spot to watch the sunset, and there are a few local restaurants where you can have dinner.

Begin another delightful day on the Amalfi Coast in the charming town of Minori. This small town is a little lesser known so start the day off wandering the narrow maze of streets and soaking up the tranquility of the town as you sip on morning coffee.

One of the must-see sights in the quaint town is the lemon-coloured cathedral, Basilica of Saint Trofimena which is dedicated to the female saint, Trofimena. Then, book yourself on a ‘Lemon Tour’ and immerse yourself in the old rural life, learning all about the cultivation and importance of lemons to the coastline heritage.

You can walk from Minori to Maiori via the Path of Lemons, which is one of the most evocative trails that takes you through an abundance of lemon groves (the walk takes 1.5 hours and is moderately challenging).

In Maiori stop for lunch and soak up the views, then head to the beach, which is the biggest stretch of beach in the whole of the Amalfi Coast! A historic Norman Tower looms over the beach. Here you can relax, go for a dip and explore Grotta del Pandora , which are hidden coves only reachable by sea.

Spend the afternoon in the ‘Ceramic Capital of the Coast’ , Vietri sul Mare . You’ll want to set aside at least 2-3 hours minimum to fully experience the charm of this town. And, the best way to experience Vietri sul Mare is to simply wander around and get lost down the narrow winding streets.

A highlight, of course, is a visit to the Vietri Ceramics Museum which is dedicated to the heritage and history of all things ceramic. And, if time allows, this town is one of the best places to get your hands deep in some clay and make your very own ceramics!

Before leaving the ceramic haven, shop for a souvenir or two and head to the viewpoint of the town where you can take in panoramic views of Vietri sul Mare before heading over to the final stop of the day.

End your day in the delightful fishing town of Cetara , which is most famous for its seafood and is known as the ‘World Tuna Capital’ . Of course no trip to Cetara would be complete without a visit to a tuna shop, where you can taste the delights and learn more about the importance of the town’s maritime heritage.

Full of character and charm, there’s only one main street that runs along the town, where you’ll find an abundance of vibrant and colourful restaurants, shops and cosy cafes and here you will also see the beautiful Saint Peter’s Church.

You can also visit the 16th-century defensive tower which houses a small museum dedicated to the fishing roots of Cetara as well as Anchovy Colatura  (where you can see the ancient barrels in which the amber liquid was once stored) .

Find a restaurant to have dinner in by Cetara’s beautiful port area and enjoy dinner by the sea eating some of the freshest Italian cuisine!

Opt to take a boat ride and spend the day visiting the beautiful island of Capri! Simply hop on a ferry from Sorrento to Capri. The island is famed for its fascinating rock formations, stretches of dramatic coastlines and crystal clear waters, its natural beauty alone is enough reason to visit!

Aside from its breathtaking natural beauty, the island is scattered with churches, museums, delicious cuisine and world-class shopping. Start here by watching the world go by at the main Piazzetta and grab a coffee and pastry to fuel up for a day of exploring.

Next, head to the luscious green oasis, the Garden of Augustus , which is a terraced garden sprinkled with statues, overlooking breathtaking views. Then hike up the steep trail to see (and photograph) the iconic view overlooking Via Krupp .

Another popular attraction to visit while in Capri is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave which illuminates blue when the sun shines through. Spend a long and lazy afternoon at one of the many beaches, boasting sparkling blue waters that are dreamy to take a dip in.

Once you’ve got your fill of sunshine and swimming, go back into town and find a spot to have lunch before heading to the main shopping street, Via Camerelle . This elegant street might just be for window shopping as it’s quite a high end strip, but well worth a visit!

Take the ferry back to Sorrento , you’ll want to get there a little before dinner time so that you have enough time to explore the town. Sunny Sorrento is filled with treasures and is best known for its abundance of sun-kissed citrus fruits , namely lemons.

Wander around Sorrento’s historic old town which is known as Centro Storico , and find somewhere to enjoy a refreshing pre-dinner drink, I recommend a limoncello spritz!

Then you can head down to the Marina Grande and soak up views of the pastel-hued houses at the waterfront, before going down the narrow cobbled lanes to the main square Piazza Tasso and stopping at one of the many terraced cafés for a delicious and hearty Italian dinner.

For even more Sorrento inspiration, check out our guide on how to spend one day in Sorrento .

Coming to the end of your trip, spend your penultimate day stepping in time and exploring some of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. Both ancient Roman cities are easily reached via public transport and the best place to take the train from is Sorrento.

It has to be said that the sheer size of Pompeii alone can seem vast and overwhelming, so you could either spend a whole day there or prioritise the main things to see before you visit. Herculaneum is much less visited and only a fraction of the site has been excavated so far, so there is much less to see, but it’s still worth the trip if you have time.

We’ve put together a guide on how to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum , including advice on the best way to get there as well as options for self-guided and guided tours to take.

If you have a final day to spend in the south of Italy, then I highly recommend taking the time to visit the wonderful and vibrant city of Naples . A gritty city with a lot of character and heaps of charm, Napoli (as it’s known in Italian) is one destination that you’ll remember for years to come. 

Filled with an array of historic monuments, churches, museums and galleries, Naples is brimming with cultural delights. A trip to this charming Italian city would be remiss without sampling the famed Neapolitan pizza ! Naples is indeed the birthplace and origin of one of the world’s most popular and comforting foods.

One day is sufficient time to see Naples, although it has to be said that it will be quite a packed day as there’s a lot to see and enjoy. Luckily we’ve already made a one-day in Naples itinerary you’ll want to steal , to make your travels that bit easier and get the most out of your trip.

Enjoyed reading this perfect Amalfi Coast Itinerary? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!

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My Complete Guide to the Amalfi Coast

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After ten weeks of traveling , we settled in for a long stay at my favorite spot in Italy : the Amalfi Coast.  The landscape of zig-zagging cliffs dropping into the sea stretches from the Gulf of Naples to the Gulf of Salerno. Even after days of sailing along the coastline it seems like a mythical place – so it’s not surprising to learn that the fabled Sirens of the Odyssey sang here, on a set of rocky islands just off the coast of Positano.

Visiting in August, we found ourselves among a crush of vacationers, both foreign and Italian. While we wouldn’t take back a day of our stay, we would plan a return trip for September – when the sea is still warm from summer and the vacationers are slowly clearing out for the season.

Any time of year, you’ll find that getting to the Amalfi Coast takes a bit more time and planning than other destinations. Depending where you’re coming from, fly or take a train into Naples. From there, I recommend booking a private car and driver for the hour-long journey to Positano – it’s possible to take a series of buses and/or ferries instead, but after an already-long day of travel with your luggage in tow, it’s worth the €100 in my book. Plus, your driver will make a stop or two for photos as you take in that captivating landscape for the first time.

We chose this colourful town as our base for the trip, like many travelers do. Its central location, enchanting atmosphere, and great restaurants make it well worth the prices. If you’re looking for a less expensive town with a more local feel, try nearby Praiano. You could also spend a few nights in Capri or Ravello to really soak in each place. Wherever you stay, try to pack lightly. Between all the great shopping you’ll find and all the stairs you’ll climb, it’s worth the effort to whittle down what’s in your suitcase . 

While you could rent a scooter or ride the public buses from town to town during your stay, being based in Positano means easy access to the summer ferry boats that run all along the coast each day. Even when a ferry gets full, the ride is still beautiful, relaxing, and cheap. And I’d much rather be relaxing with a cool breeze than navigating all those hairpin turns. 

In Positano, it’s hard to find any particular place that doesn’t have a pretty view of colorful houses stacked up the cliffside, down to the tiled duomo and the sea below. Our wonderful vacation rental,  Casa Gabi , had the sort of view no one would ever be ready to leave. Click here to read my full guide to Positano including favorite beaches, restaurants, and aperitivo spots. 

Sorrento makes an incredible first impression, with the city built up to the very edge of the cliffs that drop sharply into the harbour. While it’s probably the first town you’ll see on the Amalfi Coast, most visitors just pass through on their way to Positano or Capri. Instead, make the time for a day trip here, catching the 40-minute ferry from Positano (your boat might stop in Capri along the way). If you want to spend four or five hours exploring Pompeii, it’s just a 30-minute train ride from the center of Sorrento.

A bit more modern and metropolitain than the other towns on this list, Sorrento has plenty to see and eat that you won’t find elsewhere along the coast. Make your way into the main town square, Piazza Tasso, and spend a while people watching from a cafe. When you’re ready to move on, wander the maze of narrow back streets in Old Sorrento, where you’ll stumble upon all kinds of restaurants, private homes, artisans’ shops, and luxury hotels. And don’t skip the street food – from limoncello gelato to Queen’s Chips (yes, fries in Italy!), it’s not to be missed. After exploring the city for a couple hours, I was surprised to turn around and see this abandoned mill than I had saved on Pinterest years before. 

Evening in Sorrento has its own sort of magic, with incredible sunset views and no shortage of wine bars and restaurants. My choice would be the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria ‘s vine-covered champagne bar La Pergola , followed by dinner at Ristorante Donna Sofia (named for Sofia Loren) – or maybe just a cone of fries from Queen’s Chips . Because the ferry boats don’t run at night, plan to take a taxi for the 25-minute ride back to Positano. 

From Positano, catch a 45-minute ferry out to this stylish island – and don’t worry about the long commute, because the views along the way are stunning. After watching the colorful vintage cars scooting around the harbor, make your way up to Capri town and promptly buy a lemon granita from the stand in the square (you won’t regret it). Catch an open-air taxi up to Anacapri, and take the Monte Solaro chairlift   to the top of the mountain   for fantastic views over the island and the Sorrento peninsula. In the afternoon, take a gozzo boat tour around the island, or lounge Slim Aarons-style at La Fontelina Beach Club . For more to do, see, and eat on the island of Capri, read my travel guide here . 

The namesake of the Amalfi Coastline, this city was once a bustling maritime republic and home to a celebrated paper-making industry. Today it thrives on tourism, and being a 30-minute ferry ride from Positano makes it a perfect day trip.

Amalfi can quickly feel more crowded than its neighboring towns, as everyone is funneled into the the main square, Piazza del Duomo. Admire the striped cathedral and its magnificent bronze doors (though Siena ‘s duomo is still my favorite), then weave your way into the quieter back streets to wander for a while. Stop for a famous lemon-cream cake ( delizie al limone) at   Pasticceria Panza , and honor Amalfi’s tradition of handcrafted papers with a visit to the stationery shop La Scuderia del Duca . 

When you need a break from the crowds, walk the footpath over to the neighboring fishing village Atrani. From the handful of pastel buildings to the umbrella-lined beach, it covers less than .08 miles, making it the smallest community in Italy. Between its size and its picturesque appeal, it’s a perfect candidate for a postage stamp – and the perfect spot for a long, late lunch at A’ Pranza . 

Perched high above the Amalfi coastline,  Ravello is incredibly romantic. After a 30-minute ferry ride from Positano to Amalfi, catch a bus or taxi to reach this hilltop town. It has the charm and beauty of other coastal towns, but with breathtaking views at every turn and far less tourists. Add in the Italian castles-turned-luxury-hotels, and it’s little wonder that this place was the setting for several famous 20th century affairs. Even if you’re not on a honeymoon, a day trip here is a must. Find my guide to Ravello’s castle gardens and delicious food right here .

‘star’ the map below to access it from the google maps app on your phone.

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Visiting Amalfi Coast (Italy): 17 Travel Tips & Tricks for a Better Experience

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 25, 2024

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy . It’s also an extremely popular vacation destination, for locals as well as international travelers. Come summer and this stunning coastal area in the Campania region in southern Italy sees millions (yes, millions) of visitors in just a few months.

If you know that this tiny area is built against steep cliffs and has just one major road, you can easily imagine that visiting the Amalfi Coast can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are planning a trip to the most popular towns between May and October.

The best way to enjoy your trip to the Amalfi Coast is to know what to expect and to travel well prepared.

In this guide, we share some useful tips and tricks that should help you plan your trip to the Amalfi Coast and make the most out of your visit. Find out!

Here are some essential tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast:

1. Book everything in advance

I cannot stress this enough – the first and most important tip for Amalfi Coast is to book as much as possible in advance. This counts for pretty much everything you can think of – from airport transfers, private transportation, and accommodation, to boat tours, ferry tickets, and even restaurants (especially for dinner).

While you might be able to book and arrange everything last-minute in the quieter months, if you are visiting the Amalfi Coast in the high season , booking your transfers and accommodations in advance is absolutely essential.

In the summer, most accommodations are sold out, especially those that are well-located, easily accessible, and somewhat affordable. But even the most luxurious hotels are often fully booked in the high season.

In summer, many restaurants in Positano and Amalfi are booked up for dinner days – if not weeks – in advance. And you can’t even count on being able to rent a boat or take a boat tour if you didn’t think of booking it in advance. Also, ferries for traveling between different towns are best booked in advance.

Even things like an airport transfer or hiring a private driver for a day are best planned well ahead.

While researching and booking everything upfront might look like a hassle, this is really the only way to actually enjoy your Amalfi vacation . Not even to mention the fact that by booking in advance, you can compare prices and choose the best deals. It’s also just as important to research the essential information in advance (such as the location of your accommodation). This brings us to the next few points – see below.

2. Compare prices before you book

While booking in advance is important, it’s just as important to compare different offers before you book. This is quite easy to do for accommodations where you can see most options in one place on websites like Booking.com or Expedia. However, it’s a bit trickier for transportation, transfers, or tours.

To give you an idea of what I mean, here’s just one example based on our recent experience. When looking for a transfer from Naples Airport to Positano, we checked various tour websites and contacted several local agencies directly. The prices for the exact same service – a one-way private transfer for 5 people and luggage – varied from 90 to 190 EUR, depending on the company. We ended up booking this private transfer .

Furthermore, as fuel prices rose and the travel season was picking up, the rates went up as well. The same companies that charged 190 EUR when we first inquired were asking 250 EUR in the summer…

We also inquired about various transfers on the Amalfi Coast itself. On a few occasions, the price difference between various providers was ‘just’ 20-30 EUR. However, on a few occasions, the difference was over 100 EUR – for the exact same service.

Needless to say, doing some research and booking in advance will not just save you from stress, but can also save you a lot of money.

! Please note that these amounts are indicated just for your reference and the prices might be totally different when you travel. Everything is getting more and more expensive and such a popular destination like the Amalfi Coast is not an exception.

LEARN MORE: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples

3. Pay attention to the location of your accommodation

Since the towns of the Amalfi Coast are perched between the sea and the mountains, most houses are built against the cliffs. This makes it so picturesque, but it also means that – depending on where you are staying – you may have to do a lot of stairs .

And while it may not look like a big deal at first, you’ll quickly realize that you might have to climb hundreds of stairs every time you want to go anywhere. So be sure to pay good attention to the location of the place you are thinking of staying at. Read the reviews and see what other customers say, check the map to see if there are any restaurants or food stores nearby, or how far the bus stop is.

Also, not every town on the Amalfi Coast is the same, of course. While Positano is extremely hilly, many accommodations in Amalfi town are actually located closer to the water and there are no stairs at all. Located high on the hill, Ravello town is surprisingly flat, so – as long as you stay in the town center – you won’t have to worry about stairs too much.

How hilly it is or how many stairs you’ll have to do really depends on the specific accommodation you choose. So be sure that you know exactly what to expect before you book a place.

In addition, you should take into account the accessibility of the place – by car, public transport, or boat. For more details about each town and our tips on where to stay, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

4. Consider staying in Sorrento or Salerno

If you are planning to do lots of sightseeing and day trips , it might actually be more convenient to stay in Sorrento and not on the Amalfi Coast… Also, Salerno on the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast is a good and budget-friendlier alternative to the Amalfi Coast towns.

One of the main advantages of staying in these towns is that you can easily reach them by train. Furthermore, they have good transport connections to the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento would be my top choice for a longer stay in the region. You can easily visit the Amalfi Coast from here (by boat, bus, or tour). In addition, you can easily visit Capri from Sorrento . Pompeii is just a short train ride away, and also Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius , and Naples can be easily visited from Sorrento by train.

Furthermore, accommodation prices are somewhat lower in Sorrento than on the Amalfi Coast and you get more value for your money here. In addition, Sorrento also has amazing views and you’ll find lots of local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy some delicious meals, often at much more reasonable prices than on the Amalfi Coast.

There are also lots of great tours that you can take from Sorrento to all the most popular places – by boat, bus, train, with a private driver, etc.

5. Think twice before you rent a car

While it might look like exploring the Amalfi Coast is best done by car, think twice before renting a car here! I highly discourage visiting Amalfi Coast by car if you are traveling between June and September, but also May and October are extremely busy.

As already said before, there is just ONE MAIN ROAD that connects all the main towns on the Amalfi Coast. This is a narrow cliffside road with lots of switchbacks and turns, and crazy traffic. In fact, the traffic on the Amalfi Coast has gotten so bad that the local authorities have recently introduced new restrictions as to who can drive where and when.

There’s now an alternating license place system for driving on the Amalfi Coast in the high season. And I am not at all convinced that this measure will be sufficient to make the area ‘liveable’ for the locals again. Some people we met told us that they cannot use their cars in summer. Not only because of the busy traffic and the fact that it takes hours to get anywhere but also because of the lack of parking.

Parking on the Amalfi Coast is extremely limited and very expensive. Even if you’ll be able to find a parking spot, be prepared to pay 10 EUR per hour for a small car.

So I really cannot stress this enough – we do not recommend visiting the Amalfi Coast by car in the high season. I would even think twice before renting a car here in April or beginning of November too.

Also, keep in mind, that many areas in Italy (and not just on the Amalfi Coast) have limited traffic zones (ZTL) . Only local traffic is allowed in these areas. They are monitored by cameras and if you enter a zone of restricted circulation, you can be sure that you’ll be fined per violation.

So if you are driving around looking for a place to park your car and enter a restricted traffic area a few times, you’ll get fined for each time you entered. It’s just not worth the stress!

Instead, book car transfers and ferries for the bigger distances or use public transportation for traveling between the towns that don’t have a harbor. Renting a scooter can also be an option, but driving on the Amalfi Coast in the busiest season is not for the faint-hearted. So this is not the best place to rent a scooter if you have no previous experience.

If you don’t mind doing lots of stairs and hiking, you can also walk between various places along the Amalfi Coast on foot. But this would only be a good option for those who have plenty of time and want to explore the area deeper beyond the most popular tourist spots.

PRO TIP: If you decide to rent a car, use this website . Not only they have some of the best deals on the market, but you can also take their very affordable full insurance option. Many local car hire agencies that offer “full” insurance, add in the tiniest letters that in the Campania region (to which Amalfi Coast belongs), they only cover 50% of the costs.

6. Visiting Amalfi Coast for a day? Take a tour

If you are only coming to the Amalfi Coast for one day , do yourself a favor and book a tour . It will save you so much time on research, money on transfers or time wasted on public transport, and headaches trying to arrange everything and still keep it enjoyable!

There are hundreds of tours that can bring you to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, Sorrento, or even Rome. So you can definitely find something that suits your interests and budget. Most tours include a visit to the most popular towns and some also give you an option to take a boat and see the coast from the water. There are also tours that foresee some extra time for a swim.

Here is our hand-picked selection of some of the best day tours to the Amalfi Coast:

From Sorrento. This popular boat tour avoids the busy traffic on the Amalfi Coast and brings you to the nicest places, giving you lots of free time in Amalfi which means you could also visit Ravello if you want to. It’s also one of the most affordable day trips to the Amalfi Coast.

From Naples or Sorrento. This day tour by bus & (optional) boat is one of the most popular tours from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. It includes all the transport and brings you to ALL the best places (including Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello). Plus, you get an option to do a boat ride as well.

From Naples. This day tour by boat/bus is one of the most complete Amalfi Coast tours from Naples. You can choose different options and group sizes according to your budget and interests.

TIP: Depending on where you are staying and what you plan to do, you can even take several day tours to the Amalfi Coast area. So, for example, if you are staying in Sorrento, you could take a boat tour that covers all the highlights of the Amalfi Coast on one day, and then a guided tour to the Path of Gods on the other day.

7. Prepare for motion sickness

Whether you are traveling on the Amalfi Coast by car, bus, or boat, consider taking something for motion sickness .

Some roads on the Amalfi Coast are really winding and traveling here will upset even the strongest stomach. This is especially the case for the road east of Positano and almost all the way to Amalfi town.

We didn’t experience any problems on the boat, but all of us were really glad to get out of the car/van/ bus every time we drove even for just 15-20 minutes.

8. Avoid weekends and visit in the shoulder season

If you think that the Amalfi Coast is busy in May or June, just try to imagine it on a weekend in July or August. So even if you are just coming to the area for a few days, try to avoid the weekends !

If you have to catch a flight from Naples on a Sunday evening in summer, it’s probably best to leave the coast in the morning already… Some companies don’t even offer transfers out of the Amalfi Coast on Sunday afternoons in summer because the roads are jam-packed.

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in May or late September – October. That’s when the weather should be at its best, everything is open, and it’s not as crowded as in the summer. However, these months are becoming increasingly popular, and almost just as busy as in the peak summer season… And it does happen that it rains on the Amalfi Coast for days in a row in May too, so you really never know.

If you don’t absolutely need to be at the beach or go swimming, one of the best times to visit the Amalfi Coast without the crowds is the shoulder season – the first half of April or late October – beginning of November. However, you have to take a chance that the weather might not be optimal for everything and that the boats/ferries might not be running.

The best way to avoid the crowds at the Amalfi Coast altogether is to visit in the quiet season – November to March. However, it also means that you won’t be able to experience the area the same way as in summer. Many businesses are closed in winter, public transport doesn’t run as frequently, and there are no boat tours/transfers because of the rough seas.

As you can see, each season has its challenges… So how do you enjoy the Amalfi Coast no matter when you visit? See below!

9. Stay longer and get a bit off the beaten path

One of the best ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast and experience its true charm is to avoid the crowds (as if that’s easy to do, right?!). Unless you visit off-season, the only way to do this is by staying in the area longer and avoiding the most popular places during the busiest times.

Staying on the Amalfi Coast in the evenings will give you an opportunity to see the most popular towns without the huge crowds of day-trippers. It will still be busy, especially in Positano or Amalfi, but incomparable to what it looks like during the day.

Also, if you have more time, you can head to some less-visited places that most day tourists never visit. There are 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast, but most people only see 2 or 3 of them.

There are also lots of other hiking trails beyond the most popular Path of Gods hike … For example, check out Valle delle Ferriere and Pontone close to Amalfi! Also not completely unknown, but definitely quieter.

10. Start your days early

No matter what you are planning to do – go hiking, spend a day at the beach, or do some sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast, starting early in the morning will give you a head-start.

Most vacationers don’t start their days before 9-10 am and most day-trippers don’t arrive on the Amalfi Coast before 10 am either. This gives you a few quieter hours to enjoy the nicest places without the crowds.

Of course, the earlier you start, the better. So if you don’t mind getting up early and exploring at 6-9 am, you’ll experience a very different Amalfi Coast than during the day. Furthermore, if you are planning any physical activities and hiking, the temperatures in the morning will be much more bearable than later in the day. You really don’t want to hike on an exposed trail such as the Path of Gods in the afternoon in July!

11. Rent a beach chair & pack water shoes

If you are planning to spend a day on the beach, be sure to arrive early so that you can rent a beach chair.

The beaches of the Amalfi Coast are mostly pebble beaches , and it’s much more comfortable to sit on a chair. Furthermore, beach chairs usually come with the extras, such as access to bathroom facilities or changing rooms. And if you can get a chair with an umbrella to give you some shade, you’re set for a day!

Because of the stones, we also highly recommend bringing water shoes for the Amalfi Coast beaches.

12. Try regional food

You can’t visit the Amalfi Coast without enjoying some of the local food and drinks typical to the Campania region . Well, you probably can, but you shouldn’t!

Food is such an essential part of any trip to Italy and it’s no different on the Amalfi Coast. A few good meals in a local restaurant can make your entire trip so much more memorable, whereas a bad meal can ruin an entire day.

Try to do some research for the best local restaurants (and reserve if needed). Reading a bit in advance will help you to avoid the really touristy places and find some gems that might be located just a bit off the main tourist routes.

Be sure to also check the prices on the menu! While you can have a perfectly good seafood dish for 15 EUR at one restaurant, it’s not unthinkable that you’ll pay twice as much for a similar meal at another place nearby (and not necessarily get a better meal or service).

TIP: Some of the things to try on the Amalfi Coast include limoncello (alcoholic lemon drink), lemon slush, all kinds of lemon-based desserts, baba’ al rum cake, sfogliatelle pastry, and – of course – all kinds of seafood-pasta dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), scialatielli all’Amalfitana (regional pasta with seafood), or seafood risotto. Locals are also very proud of locally-produced mozzarella and wines from the Campania region.

READ ALSO: Traditional Italian Food by Region

13. Wear comfortable shoes

The Amalfi Coast might be a coastal destination known for its flat-sole leather sandals, but if you are planning to actually do some sightseeing here, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Walking down a couple of hundred stairs in flip-flops is probably not the best idea.

Depending on the season, the weather, and the activities planned, we recommend either comfortable walking sandals, sneakers, or hiking shoes.

If you are just visiting the Amalfi Coast for a day and focusing on the most popular towns, in summer, you’ll be ok with flat-bottomed leather sandals too.

You don’t absolutely need hiking boots even for the most strenuous hikes, but hiking shoes or sporty sneakers with a very good grip are essential if you are planning to do any hiking on the Amalfi Coast.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Hiking the Path of the Gods

14. Take a refillable water bottle

Many places in Italy have public drinking fountains and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. Water at these places is perfectly safe to drink and is usually surprisingly cold as well.

So be sure to pack a refillable bottle with you and look out for drinking fountains.

If you are visiting Amalfi Coast in the summer months, it’s usually very warm, so be prepared for that.

15. Don’t miss Ravello

Most people visiting the Amalfi Coast go to Positano and Amalfi. Both are absolutely beautiful towns and each has its charms – Positano its cliffside location and Amalfi its historic center with a beautiful cathedral (not to be missed!). But even if you just have one day in the area, try to also get to Ravello .

Located high on the hill above the town of Amalfi, Ravello is somewhat less crowded and offers stunning vistas over the Amalfi Coast. It’s by no means a hidden gem, and lots of tourists (including big groups) visit here, but Ravello sure has its charms and is absolutely worth it.

If you are looking for a quieter place to stay on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find some charming accommodations and some of the most exclusive hotels here. And as the day tourists leave, Ravello can be really charming in the evenings.

Good to know: The must-sees in Ravello include Villa Rufolo and the gardens of Villa Cimbrone. The latter is actually a luxury hotel, but the gardens are open to the public during the day (you can get a ticket at the entrance). If you have the time to visit just one of the two, Villa Rufolo is worth it more (and is located right in the town center).

16. Take a day trip to Capri (or better – stay a few days)

One of the most beautiful islands of Italy – Capri – is located just near the Amalfi Coast. So if you are already in the region, be sure to plan at least a day to visit Capri. However, if you want to experience the island without the biggest crowds of day tourists, we highly recommend staying longer (see our guide on where to stay in Capri for more info).

In high season, Capri can be easily reached by boat from Positano and some other places on the Amalfi Coast. Capri is also just a short boat ride from Sorrento, and there’s a direct ferry from there the whole year round (see how to visit Capri from Sorrento ).

Depending on how much time you have on the island, here are some of the must-sees: Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro in Anacapri, Giardini di Augusto, and the town center of Capri. If you have more time, be sure not to miss the Natural Arch in Capri and the stunning coastal walk on Via del Pizzolungo.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Capri & What to See in Anacapri

17. Explore beyond the Amalfi Coast

There is one more thing I want to add to our Amalfi Coast travel tips – if you can, plan some extra time to explore this part of Italy more.

As beautiful as the Amalfi Coast is, there are so many other amazing places to see nearby . Many of them are worth a trip even if you are coming from the other side of the world, so do not miss them when traveling in the area!

Some of the must-sees in the area include the archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum , but also several Roman villas that were also buried by the same volcanic eruption in 79 AD. And of course, you have to visit Mount Vesuvius too – see our guide to visiting Vesuvius for more info.

The city of Naples is a destination in itself and you could easily spend at least a few days in the city alone. But you could also just visit for a day – it’s totally worth it. See our suggested 1-day Naples itinerary for ‘the musts’. Here you can also find our detailed guides to all the best things to do in Naples and the best areas to stay in Naples .

If you have another half a day to spare, the Royal Palace of Caserta and its gardens are breathtaking too!

Closer to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento town is not to be missed as well.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Napoli & Itinerary for Amalfi Coast, Naples, Capri & more

So, this is our guide with some tips and things you may want to know before visiting the Amalfi Coast. I hope that our experience-based advice will help you plan a fun and memorable trip and avoid any disappointment.

Yes, the Amalfi Coast is crowded in the high season and yes, you really should plan in advance in order to enjoy your visit.

But it’s popular for a good reason! If you can avoid some of the biggest mistakes that many first-time visitors make, stay longer, and explore deeper, I’m sure that you’ll love this beautiful part of Italy just as much as we did.

Have a wonderful trip!

READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast vs. Cinque Terre

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for your trip to Italy:

• Where to go: Best cities to visit in Italy
• How to plan your time: Italy Itinerary for 2 Weeks
• Rome: Best things to do in Rome & Hidden Gems of Rome & Rome in 1 day & 4 days in Rome
• Venice: Best things to do in Venice & Tips for Venice Gondola Ride & Venice in 1 day & 3 days in Venice
• Florence: Best things to do in Florence & Florence Rooftops & Florence in 1 day
• Tuscany: Best towns in Tuscany & Tuscany 1-week itinerary & Siena & Montepulciano
• Cinque Terre: Info for Visiting Cinque Terre & Cinque Terre in 1 day & Where to stay in Cinque Terre
• Milan: Milan in 1 day & Best things to do in Milano
• Lakes: Best of Lake Garda & Best of Lake Como
• Lake Como: Best Places to See in Lake Como & Bellagio & Varenna & Como & Villa Balbianello & Where to Stay on Lake Como
• Mountains: Best places in the Dolomites & Best hikes in the Dolomites
• … for more information and inspiration for a big variety of destinations, please check our Italy travel guide .

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Monday 30th of January 2023

nice tips! I'm staying in Caserta this July and plan to drive 1-1.5 hours to the coast on a couple of days. Places like Ravello and Vietri Sul Mare can be driven to without drive the AC highway. I know parking could be a little difficult, but do you think this sounds like a good plan to see a few towns without having the drive the AC?

Hi Devin, it's definitely possible, but the roads everywhere in that area are crazy busy in the summer. If you drive, I think I would only do it once and not on a few days... In that case, you better just spend a night at the Amalfi Coast. You could try to get to Ravello as early in the morning as possible. From Ravello, you can take a bus or even hike down to Amalfi town. From Amalfi, you can take a boat to explore more of the coast. Alternatively, you could also look into the possibility of taking a train to Sorrento and then a boat from there. From Sorrento (or from Naples), you can also take a boat to Capri which is also a great day trip in that area. Hope this helps.

Sandy Grushcow

Sunday 31st of July 2022

I am really impressed with your posts. I am going to the Ravenna area in September and read your post and you had some great ideas. I have travelled extensively in Italy and lived in the Rome (Castelli Romani area) for 2 years about twenty years ago and have found both your posts that I read very informative. I have stayed in the Amalfi/Ravello area a number of times but really liked your comments. This September I will be going to Rome, the Adriatic (near Cattolica) and Tuscany and will definitely go to some of your suggested places. In the Amalfi area I stayed in Maiori and loved the town. It was super easy to take the ferry and explore Amalfi and Positano without the crowds and crazy traffic. I am looking forward to reading your other posts. Thanks, Sandy

Monday 1st of August 2022

Thank you for your kind feedback, Sandy. Appreciate it. Enjoy your trip to Italy!

jou jou travels

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Ultimate Guide: Amalfi Coast Itinerary 10 Days

The Amalfi Coast is one of my favorite places to visit in Italy – in fact, I’ve been 4 times so I know it really well! This Amalfi Coast itinerary of 10 Days will be your complete travel guide to this beautiful coastal destination in Italy. In fact, it is on the UNESECO world heritage site for a very good reason!

Look no further than this post to learn all the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast . This guide is a bit different because it will also share some hidden gems you should add to your itinerary so you aren’t just visiting the most touristy spots! There are 12 days planned in this Amalfi Coast Itinerary but feel free to pick and choose your favorite places to visit to shorten your trip to 5 days, 7 days , 10 days , or how many ever days works for you!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure  here .

Before you go: 🚪The season opens in April and closes in October . Outside these periods, sun beds will be gone and many things will be closed. The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast without the crowds is May or September. ⛴️ Download the Ferry Hopper app to book ferry tickets so you can easily get around the Amalfi Coast. 🚗 Driving is not recommended due to tiny scary roads and taxis are expensive! 🤐 Hidden Gems in the Amalfi Coast: These include my absolute favorite, Vietri sul Mare , a creative town known for making ceramics . Another favorite is the colorful island of Procida. 🏨 Top choice luxury hotel: Staying in Positano is an absolute dream! However, it is much more expensive . It is definitely worth the splurge for a day or two. My top choice is Hotel Marincanto or Buca di Bacco which is more affordable and is where I stayed the first time I came to Positano. It is right near the pier and has a great restaurant. 🏨 Top choice affordable boutique hotel: Zi’Ntonio , located in Scala ( Check prices & book here ). Scala is the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast and nearly no tourists come here. This means it is super affordable. You can get a beautiful hotel at a fraction of the cost with a private terrace overlooking the stunning town of Ravello . You can get to Ravello by walking only 30 minutes too! 🗺️ How to plan to get to Amalfi Coast: I have some advice in this post, but I always use the Rome2Rio website or app. It’s super helpful in finding the best way to get to a destination.

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast

Traveling by Ferry ⛴️

If you can travel by ferry, this is the way to go. It is the most reliable and quickest way to get around to the best spots along the Amalfi Coast. You should download the Ferry Hopper app or use their website to book your tickets easily. However, tickets generally never sell out and you can buy tickets at the ferry terminal easily.

Traveling by bus 🚌

This is a less reliable way to get around, especially during the peak tourist season in busy towns like Positano. The buses are not that frequent , and when they come, you may not get on the bus because it’s already full. This happened to me a few times in Positano and Sorrento. However, when I stayed in the quiet town of Scala ( hotel here ) I had no issue at all because there are no tourists here! And, it’s a great budget-friendly place to stay.

Sometimes you will have no choice and need to take a bus. For example, to get to Praiano, Ravello, or Scala you have to take the bus because these towns do not have a ferry port.

Bus tickets must be purchased ahead of time at tabacchi shops which are tobacco shops. You will find them all around the town and near bus stops. You can’t purchase tickets on the bus itself.

Timetables for the bus can be found here. The timetable can be a little confusing to read so I recommend checking with your hotel concierge for help.

If you get car sick, then the bus may not be for you because it travels down tiny winding roads – watch my TikTok video here to see what it’s like!

I am not going to say I didn’t find traveling by bus good – it was a good way to get around but you need to arrive early and sometimes be patient in case the bus is already full. During off-peak times you won’t have these issues.

Travel by car or taxi 🚗

I do not recommend driving along the Amalfi Coast. The roads are absolutely tiny and there are cliffside views all along making it terrifying to drive. Also, the buses whip through and there is often no space to pass, meaning cars have to stop or back up along curvy areas. It can be a bit dangerous.

Taxis are extremely expensive. To go even a short distance, the minimum is around €40. If you are a group and can share a cab, this will be the most cost-efficient way to use the taxi system on the Amalfi Coast.

Check out my content on Instagram @joujoutravels to help plan your trip: Instagram saved posts and reels for the Amalfi Coast Mini Guidebook to the Amalfi Cost My Story Highlights from the Trip

Map of 100+ Amalfi Coast Recommendations

Amalfi Coast Itinerary 10 Days

Summary of Amalfi Coast Itinerary

(Add 2 extra days if time allows to see the hidden gems of Atrani and Vietri sul Mare).

• Day 1-2: Arrival in Rome or Naples

Day 3-5: Procida & Capri

Day 6-8: positano & praiano, day 9: ravello.

• Day 10: Amalfi
• Day 11: Atrani
• Day 12: Vietri sul Mare

Day 1 and 2: Arrive in Rome or Naples

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples Airport. If you fly to Naples, you can take a train or a ferry to any of the places along the Amalfi Coast. I actually don’t recommend staying in Naples. People either hate or love Naples and if you ask me I don’t prefer Naples! Not to discourage you to go of course but to me, it lacks the beauty of all the other places in Italy I’ve been to. It is a bit rough around the edges and is known to be a little unsafe . This is why I usually fly to Naples and go straight to Amalfi Coast!

However, if you decide to stay in Naples as you may need to before traveling to the coast, I can recommend trying some of the great food they have to offer including the famous Neapolitan pizza. Naples is known as the “pizza capital of the world” so you can’t really come here without trying it. Gino Sorbillo or L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele are the two most popular choices but there are so many places to choose from.

Here are the top specialty foods you should try while in Naples:

• Fried Pizza: try it at Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo
• Neapolitan Pizza : try it at Gino Sorbillo
• Sfogliatelle: a flaky pastry. Try it at Sfogliatella Mary
• Pasta Alla Genovese: a traditional pasta. Try it at Tandem Steak

You can also read my full post on all the must-try foods in Naples

If you opt to fly into the Rome Airport , it’s a little bit further away but a great city to see if you haven’t already been!

You can’t miss seeing the main sites in Rome like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain , and Piazza Navona. One of my favorite places to eat dinner i s at Rimessa Roscioli. They have a lot of presence around Rome and also own a great bakery called Antico Forno Roscioli. You must try the suppli here, which is a rice-filled ball with tomato sauce similar to arancini.

The Trastevere neighborhood is a wonderful place to explore at night as it’s super lively and a fun going-out scene with great restaurant options too. If you want to see some lesser explored sides of Rome then check out the Testaccio neighborhood home to a great market known as the Testaccio Market.

The easiest way to get to Amalfi Coast from Rome is by taking the train to Naples or Salerno and then taking a ferry to any of the places you choose. It will be around 4 hours travel time.

On day 3 and 4 you can base yourself in Sorrento, Procida, or Capri for 2 nights. Then you can explore both Procida and Capri by taking day trips from where you decide to stay. If you wish to extend your Almalfi Coast Itinerary you can stay 4 nights and also check out Sorrento or Ischia (another off-the-radar island). There are many things to do in Sorrento and my favorite was taking a boat tour !

Here are the perfect hotels to base yourself during this part of the Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

Capri hotel option: Villa Silia is right next to the beach in Capri. While it is expensive to stay in Capri, it would be a nice splurge to stay here.

Sorrento hotel option: Hotel Capri is located within easy distance of the bus and ferry to get you to other Amalfi Coast towns or islands.

Procida hotel option: San Michele Boutique Hotel  is located in the center of the action in the midst of the colorful buildings and pretty sunset of this cute island.

Not hugely known by tourists , Procida is worth going for the sunset alone! I saw one of the prettiest sunsets here with the colorful houses all dotted along the skyline. It was truly magical. Procida was named the capital of culture in 2022 – the first island to be awarded this since it was established 8 years ago.

🌈 Read the full blog post on Procida here

Here are the top things to do in Procida for day 3 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• See the most gorgeous sunset at Terra Murata. You will see the colorful pastel buildings in the backdrop and the sky turns such a pretty orangey red color.
• Explore Marina Corricella. This is the main area of the town and where you will find the rainbow-colored buildings all around.
• You can enjoy the perfect seafood dinner at Ristorante La Lampara which is located in the Marina Corricella area. You will have fantastic views at sunset here too.

Capri might be one of the most visited spots on the Amalfi Coast. Here you will find amazing shopping, delicious food, and the most insane views ever.

Here are the top things to do in Capri for days 4 and 5 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• Lounge at the beach. There are a few to choose from but try Marina Piccola or Marina Grande.
• Do some shopping. Capri is known for its luxurious and high-end shopping.
• Ride the chair lift in Anacapri for stunning views overlooking Capri. It is not as scary as you think and was actually pretty relaxing. You can watch my Instagram video here of how it went for me!
• Visit the Gardens of Augustus, a gorgeous botanical garden with lovely views of the island. You have to pre-book your tickets online.
• Do some hiking and soak in all the views!
• Have dinner at Ristorante Panorama Capri with a view.
• Take a boat tour and optionally visit the famous Blue Grotto. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Blue Grotto. Some say it’s not worth it because the line to get in can be hours if you arrive after 10am by boat. A workaround is to join the line by land instead. This line is much shorter. Here’s a wonderful boat tour from Sorrento to Capri if coming from Sorrento.

For days 6 to 12 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary, I recommend moving your base a bit and exploring the other side of the Amalfi Coast. You can stay in either Positano for a splurge, or Scala or Vietri sul Mare to avoid tourists and save money.

Read my full blog post on where to stay in Positano

Positano hotel option: Hotel Marincanto has incredible views of Positano and staying here is an absolute dream! However, it is much more expensive to stay in Positano. It is definitely worth the splurge for a day or two though. Scala hotel option: Zi’Ntonio , is located in Scala , the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast and nearly no tourists come here. This means it is super affordable. You can get a beautiful hotel at a fraction of the cost with a private terrace overlooking the stunning town of Ravello . You can get to Ravello by walking only 30 minutes too!

Vietri sul Mare hotel option: B&B Sogno  is really central and has spectacular views of Vietri sul Mare.

Here are the top things to do in Positano for day 6 to 8 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• Lay on the beach. You can choose from the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, or go a bit further to Fornillo Beach . One of the beaches that is way off the radar is Arienzo Beach Club . Here you take a short boat ride to get there and you must reserve ahead of time. They also have great food while you’re there! All of the beaches mentioned cost at least €25.
• At lunch, you can have heart pizza at Chez Black, one of Positano’s most popular places to dine. The food is great even though it’s situated right in the middle of all the action. Read my full post for even more restaurant recommendations in Positano .
• Go shopping, there are many cute boutiques.
• Have lemon granita in an actual lemon from Covo dei Saraceni. This is one of Italy’s best desserts .  
• Admire the views at sunset at Franco’s Bar. It is one of the best views you can find and I’m obsessed!
• Visit the cute fruit stand situated on a street next to Il San Pietro Hotel. It’s one of the most instagrammable places on the Amalfi Coast. While you’re here stop at the hotel for a drink and a snack with a view.
• Check out the Furore di Fiordo, a unique spot famous for its arched stone bridge tha t crosses this impressive gorge. It is not easy to get to but this boat tour will take you there and you can get pictures from the boat with the arch behind you!
• On one of your days, take a short bus ride or taxi to Praiano. This charming hidden gem has spectacular views of Positano. You can enjoy an unforgettable sunset dinner with no tourists at Voce ‘e Notte Restaurant & Bar . It looks like the below photos.

🍋 Read the full blog post on Positano here for more things to do.

💡 Useful tip: In Positano, at the Ferry port, there will be guys in blue shirts who are porters. They will take your luggage for only €10 to your hotel or anywhere you’d like really. They will also store your luggage and bring it to where you want when you’re ready for it. It is a super convenient service. If you need to phone them the number is +39 089 811496. Positano can be a LOT of walking so it can be helpful to get a porter if your hotel is far up the winding pathways.

Ravello is a picturesque medieval town on the Amalfi Coast not too far from Positano. Ravello is on a hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea  and offers jaw-dropping views, terraced gardens, and historic villas.

Here are the top things to do in Ravello for day 8 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• Enjoy the views from the Terrazza dell’Infinito , which is an incredible viewpoint. You will find the terrace decorated with Roman-style statues.
• Visit the Chiesa dell’Annunziata , a small church overlooking more stunning views.
• Wander the streets of Ravello. You will find yourself lost in the many charming and winding pathways.
• Have dinner at Da Mimí or Giuliana’s View for some incredible pizza.

Day 10-11: Amalfi & Atrani

Amalfi might be the first place you think of when you hear about the Amalfi Coast as it’s part of the name after all! It is situated right on the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers a scenic coastline and is always bustling with many tourists.

Here are the top things to do in Amalfi for days 10 and 11 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• Have a pastry at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi , the oldest pastry shop in Amalfi.
• Climb to see the view of Amalfi at Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale . After climbing many stairs, you will be rewarded with views of Amalfi.
• Eat at Da Gemma for pizza or nice seafood.
• Shop at the many wonderful shops. I picked up a beautiful dress with lemons on it here. Lemons are the Amalfi Coast symbol because you will find many vineyards for growing lemons in this region of Italy.
• Visit the nearby undiscovered town of Atrani , moments away from Amalfi. Here you can visit the pristine beach and wander the picturesque streets.

Day 12: Vietri Sul Mare

Last but not least, Vietri sul Mare is a hidden gem known for making ceramics.  I adored this creative town and loved walking the vibrant streets full of tiles on every corner. It is one of my favorite spots along the Amalfi Coast. Best part is, you will find no tourists around!

Here are the top things to do in Vietri Sul Mare for day 12 of your Amalfi Coast Itinerary:

• Enjoy a Panoramic View of Vietri sul Mare from the exit near the main train station.
• Relax at Spiaggia della Crestarella , a quiet and gorgeous beach.
• Go ceramics shopping! Every store is full of ornate and handmade ceramics.
• Visit the colorful street by Marina Di Vietri. The exact location can be found  here on Google Maps.
• Have dinner with a view at   Pane & Panorama  during  sunset .

♥ Read the full blog post on Vietri Sul Mare here for more things to do.

For more reading, you might also like these posts! 🏖️ 20+ Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast 📸 Most Instagrammable Places on the Amalfi Coast 🍋 What to see in Positano, Italy in One Day ♥ Things to do in Vietri sul Mare, the hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast 🌈 Procida – the most colorful island on the Amalfi Coast 🍷 Best Wine Tours on the Amalfi Coast 🏖️ 10 Beautiful Seaside Towns along the Coast in Italy 👩 Solo Female Travel Guide to Italy For more Italy travel, visit my  Italy Section!

Meet Jackie Rezk, the London-based explorer behind Jou Jou Travels. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Jackie's travel blog captures the charm of undiscovered places through pretty architecture and bursts of color. Featured in Yahoo News, Tripadvisor, Niche Pursuits, and GetYourGuide, Jackie has been blogging for four years and solo-traveled to over 20 countries. In 2023, she made the leap to full-time blogging, sharing her passion for travel and unique finds with readers worldwide.

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Thank you vry much for this guide I will for sure use it when I’m there

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: How to Spend From 3 to 10 EPIC Days in Amalfi Coast, Italy!

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

Need help planning the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined a detailed day-by-day Amalfi Coast itinerary for a minimum of three days, and a maximum of ten. Including helpful logistics tips like where to stay, how to get around and more.

From the picture perfect Positano, to the hidden coves of Capri Island, there is so much to see and do here, and it makes Amalfi Coast one of the most incredible and beautiful places in Italy.

Despite being Italian, I have to admit I didn’t fully explore this part of Italy until last year. I visited on school trip when I was 11, but I’m very glad I could go back and remind myself of how stunning Amalfi Coast is.

This article will also help you decide how many days you should spend in Amalfi Coast, based on your interests, budget and travel mood.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary for you!

• 1.1 How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?
• 1.2 How to get around the Amalfi Coast
• 1.3 Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast 
• 1.4 Where to stay for this Amalfi Coast itinerary
• 1.5 Do you need travel insurance to visit Amalfi Coast?
• 1.6 What to pack for your Amalfi Coast itinerary
• 2.1 Discover Amalfi Town
• 2.2 Go for a dip in the sea
• 2.3 Visit historical villas in Ravello
• 3.1 Visit the iconic Fiordo di Furore
• 3.2 Visit the Pearl of the Amalfi Coast: Positano
• 3.3 Go for a sunset boat tour in Positano
• 4.1 Go on a day trip to Capri
• 5.1 Hike the Path of the Gods
• 6.1 Go on a day trip to Pompeii
• 7 Extend your Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Days 6 – 10

Enjoying a swim at the main beach of Positano in the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Logistical tips for your Amalfi Coast itinerary

Before we dive into the details of by day-by-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, I wanted to give you an overview of useful things to know, so that you can make the most of your time in Amalfi.

How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?

You need to spend at least a few days in Amalfi Coast. Even though you can book yourself on a day trip from Rome to see the main Amalfi Coast highlights in one day, I’d say it’s very rushed.

In my opinion, three days is the bare minimum you need in Amalfi Coast, so that you don’t find yourself rushing around to see the best bits.  

Five days is obviously better, and seven days is ideal – it allows you to take your time and to really embrace la dolce vita.

Realistically, you could even spend 10 days here and never want to leave!

Enjoying my private boat trip in Positano at sunset

In this article, I’ve outlined a core itinerary for 3 days on the Amalfi Coast. I’ll then be building on that, adding things to do for 5 days on the Amalfi Coast, and finally for a 7-day itinerary on the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

It’s worth mentioning that this Amalfi Coast itinerary is based on my own experience. I have outlined what I recommend you do if you only have three days, and then what else you can add on if you have five, seven or ten.

While some of the sights I talk about are undoubtedly must-see sights in Amalfi Coast, others are based on personal preference.

As you read this itinerary, you might find yourself more interested in some of the activities outlined on day 5 as opposed to day 3. In that case, you can obviously switch days and activities around.

After all, what features on my Italy bucket list might not be the same as what features on yours! Especially if you’re visiting Amalfi Coast as part of a wider Italy itinerary , you will have to assess what else you want to see.

The view over Positano from the second viewpoint

The iconic view over Positano, Marina Grande Beach and the Amalfi Coast coastline

How to get around the Amalfi Coast

Whether you’re in Amalfi Coast for a 7-day itinerary or if you’re just here for the weekend, working out how to get around should be a top priority. If you’re a confident driver, I would recommend renting a scooter.  

It’s the easiest way to get around, but the roads are very winding. I wouldn’t recommend a car unless you’re visiting in low season, as you’ll be stuck in traffic (or looking for parking) the whole time.

There’s also public transport. High season means buses will be packed, but it’s pretty extensive and you can use buses and trains to get to pretty much anywhere you’ll want to go.

Ferries also connect the main towns; plus, if you book in advance, you get a guaranteed seat. I’d recommend downloading an app like Ferryhopper, which can help you navigate the ferries with ease.  

Enjoying the scenic scooter drives along Amalfi Coast

It’s also worth noting that you might not always need a car or scooter. For example we only rented a scooter for two days, as on the other days we either took ferries or joined organised tours with transfers.

So once you’ve read my Amalfi Coast itinerary, it’s worth deciding how much of it you want to follow, and whether you will need your own wheels or not.

If you’re wondering how to actually get to Amalfi Coast, the nearest airport is Naples International Airport.

It’s not a huge airport, but you can fly there from most European cities, and then either get a private transfer or public transit to the Amalfi Coast towns.

It’s more expensive, but the best way to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples Airport is to get a taxi, as it’s considerably quicker (1 hour vs 2.5 hours via train).

Our ride for our time in Amalfi Coast, Italy

Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast  

Not in peak season! Summer is way too hot and super busy.

On the other hand, winter is cold and rainy, and many cafes, restaurants and hotels will be shut for the season. That leaves spring and autumn; the shoulder season.

The weather is still pleasant in spring and autumn, the beaches and towns are less crowded, and you won’t get stuck in traffic trying to get around.

The closer to summer you go, the nicer the weather will be, and the busier it will be on the Amalfi Coast. Early spring or late autumn is best for fewer people, but the weather won’t always be amazing.

For example, I was there in mid-September, and it was still very crowded, hot and sunny!

Enjoying drives along the beautiful Amalfi Coast, with Positano behind me

Where to stay for this Amalfi Coast itinerary

Deciding where to stay in Amalfi Coast can be tricky. There are so many cute towns, how do you pick one? Personally, I always suggest either Amalfi or Positano, as you’ll be easily connected with ferries and buses.

Here are some great places to stay in Amalfi Coast for every budget.

Budget: Holidays Baia D’Amalfi –  While the words “budget” and “Amalfi Coast” don’t often go together, this affordable hotel won’t wreck your Italy travel budget , and is located right by the harbour.

Click here to book your stay at Holidays Baia D’Amalfi!

Mid-range: Albergo S. Andrea   – This hotel has beautiful views over the Duomo of Amalfi. For an affordable mid-range choice, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Check out prices & availability at Albergo S. Andrea in Amalfi here!

Luxury: Le Sirenuse   – This is the luxury hotel in Positano by definition. With its gorgeous design, impeccable service, stunning views and central position, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself.

Click here to book your stay at Le Sirenuse in Positano!

Enjoying our private boat cruise in Capri, with the iconic Faraglioni Rocks behind us

Do you need travel insurance to visit Amalfi Coast?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Italy travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Enjoying the views during our Path of the Gods hike in Amalfi Coast, Italy

What to pack for your Amalfi Coast itinerary

Besides your usual Italy packing list , there aren’t really any specific items I would say are essential for Amalfi Coast. I listed below some things I always recommend, which you don’t want to have to go out and hunt for last minute once you’ve arrived in Italy.

Refillable water bottle – You can drink tap water in most places in Italy, so save money and plastic by refilling your own water bottle.

Sunblock / sunscreen – You could buy this in Italy, but rocking up on day one without having to buy overpriced suncream in Amalfi Coast is much better! 

Sunglasses – Protects your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes – There’s a lot of walking around to do in Amalfi Coast, and with uneven cobbled roads everywhere, you’ll want some comfortable, sturdy shoes. 

International adapter – Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might need one of these to charge your electronics in Italy.

Magical Positano at sunset

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day 1

Discover amalfi town.

Your Amalfi Coast adventure begins in the town of Amalfi itself. Head out bright and early to explore the sights of this charming coastal enclave, which forms a part of the Amalfi Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First up, there’s the Duomo. Amalfi’s very own cathedral (Saint Andrew’s), which was built in the 11 th century, looks out across the Piazza Duomo. It’s open every day from 10AM to 6PM every day.

Take a while to admire the black and white Byzantine-style façade, take in the frescoes inside and be amazed by the golden ceiling.

In the piazza, you’ll find the Fountain of Andrea, which dates back to the 17 th century. It’s a nice spot to stop for a breather before heading down Amalfi’s warren of picturesque narrow streets.

These alleyways are designed almost like a labyrinth. They say they were intended to protect the city against attacks by pirates.

My boyfriend enjoying the views over the main beach of Amalfi in Italy

The iconic Duomo of Amalfi in Italy

Go for a dip in the sea

After walking around Amalfi you’ll probably be warm, so it’s time to head to the beach! I’d suggest either Spiaggia di Atrani or Lido di Ravello (the main beach in Amalfi is very crowded, whilst these are a little less busy).

Both of them are beautiful spots to soak up some sunshine and splash in the sea.

If you haven’t eaten yet, there are kiosks and beach clubs where you can grab a bite to eat (and/or a drink); you can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas from many of them.

We went to Lido di Ravello and really liked it. Since you have to walk down loads of steps to reach the beach, it was less busy than the others. Plus the water was super turquoise and clear!

Enjoying the crystal clear water of Lido di Ravello in Amalfi Coast, Italy

Visit historical villas in Ravello

After lunch by the sea, head to see some of the stunning villas in Ravello (this is even easier if you’re at Lido di Ravello, it’s just a 15-minute drive).

Ravello is one of the most popular towns in Amalfi Coast, even though it’s not directly on the coast. Located higher up in the cliffs, from here you can see stunning views over the coastline.

The town centre of Ravello is incredibly charming, with cobbled streets and picturesque alleyways, but it’s especially famous for its historical villas.

Villa Rufolo is particularly resplendent, with lovely gardens to wander in the afternoon light.

Exploring the picturesque streets of Ravello in Amalfi Coast, Italy

For sunset, however, head to the 900-year-old Villa Cimbrone and its famous Terrazza dell’Infinito.

There is also a hotel in Villa Cimbrone, and access to its gardens is free for hotel guests or 10 EUR for other visitors. The gardens are vast, with lots of different spots to visit, like the Tempietto di Bacco or Rose Terrace.

But the highlight is without a doubt the Terrazza dell’Infinito. This terrace is lined with unique statues, and has the best views over the Italian coastline. It’s the perfect place to end your first day in Amalfi Coast.

Taking in the beautiful views from the Terrazza del Infinito in Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Wandering around the gardens of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day 2

Visit the iconic fiordo di furore.

Now that you’ve settled into life on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be ready for a day lapping up the beauty of the area. Start your second day in the area with a trip to the epic Fiordo di Furore.

Located around 6 kilometres from Amalfi, this stunning natural gorge is billed as the only fjord in Italy, but apparently it’s a river valley (fjords are formed by glacial movement).

Slicing into the rock itself, the Fiordo di Furore has its own little portion of beach, which can be accessed via stone steps.

In the summer months, it’s super popular for locals and visitors alike, with lots of colourful boats bobbing in the bay. There’s also an international cliff diving competition held each July here.

There’s no services at this beach (no sun beds, umbrellas or restaurants). But when we visited there was a man selling (over prices) snacks and drinks. I suggest bringing your own nibbles and drinks for the morning.

Exploring the famous Fiordo di Furore near Positano in Amalfi Coast, Italy

Visit the Pearl of the Amalfi Coast: Positano

Day two on your Amalfi Coast itinerary continues on to Positano. The drive from Fiordo di Furore to Positano is incredibly scenic, so take your time enjoying it as you go!

This polished portion of the coast is well known for its high-end hotels, sea-view eateries and designer boutiques. But despite the glitz and glamour, it remains a charming and picturesque place to spend some time wandering.

There are lots of great things to do in Positano . Start by seeking out the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, with its colourful domed roof.

Inside, the main altar hosts a 13 th -century Byzantine artwork; the Black Madonna and Child. On weekends you may even be lucky enough to see a wedding take place here.   There’s also the 18 th -century Palazzo Murat.

Steps from the church, this historic palace has been turned into a high-end hotel, but even non-guests can visit to take a look around – or have a drink in its lush, sun-dappled patio.

Enjoying the beautiful views in Positano, Italy

Go for a sunset boat tour in Positano

To round up day two, embark on a sunset boat trip from Positano . You’ll get to see the sun dip below the horizon on your very own private yacht, with the option to accompany your romantic cruise with champagne.

We did this private sunset tour from Positano and really enjoyed it. It’s quite expensive for what it is, as it literally just cruises up and down the coast for 1.5 hours, waiting for the sun to go down.

You get served some prosecco and nibbles, but nothing fancy. Still, it’s a very unique experience, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastline of Amalfi and perched houses of Positano from a different perspective.

Plus, if you’re travelling to Italy for a special occasion (a honeymoon maybe?) it’s undoubtedly a very romantic and special experience!

Click here to see prices & availability for your sunset boat tour in Positano!

My boyfriend enjoying the view over Positano during our private sunset cruise

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day 3

Go on a day trip to capri.

For those who only have 3 days in Amalfi Coast, your final day has come already. So finish up in style and go on a day trip to the iconic isle of Capri .

Located across the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Amalfi Coast, this storied island has played host to Roman emperors and Hollywood royalty alike over the centuries.

It’s easy to make your own way from the Amalfi Coast to Capri. There are a number of fast ferry connections that run throughout the day either from Positano or Amalfi.

Tickets cost around 20 EUR, and journeys take between 30 minutes and 1 hour (depending on where you’re catching the ferry from). There are around 7 ferries per day.

The iconic “Faraglioni” rocks of Capri in Italy

Cruising along the coast of Capri during our boat tour

Make sure to catch the ferry early – this will give you plenty of time to arrive at Capri’s Marine Grande and make the most of your day.  

Start with a boat tour of Capri island itself, and take in the top sights from the coast.

This will include the Faraglioni Rocks, the Green, White and Red Grottoes, with chances to swim and stop off at hidden coves. A trip to the beautiful Blue Grotto is often an optional extra (18 EUR for entry).

Back on Capri, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the highlights of the island.

These include the Piazzetta of Capri town, the botanical Giardini di Augusto (entry is 1.50 EUR), and marvelling at sweeping views from the viewpoint of Monte Solaro.

Jumping into the crystal-clear water of Marina Piccola in Capri, Italy

Personally, we did our Capri day trip independently. We took the ferry to Capri, joined a boat tour once there and then explored the island and towns alone.

Alternatively, you could also take a tour of Capri if you don’t want to have to worry about transfers and logistics. Here are some of the most popular Capri day trips.

Day trip to Capri from Positano : Starting from Positano, this boat tour includes all of the main attractions on the way cruising to Capri, as well as free time to explore Capri alone.

Click here to book your day trip to Capri from Positano!

Day trip to Capri from Amalfi : This tour is done with a traditional “gozzo” boat and also includes lunch. It’s a great option for those who want a more traditional Capri experience.

Click here to book your day trip from Amalfi to Capri!

The iconic bends of Via Krupp, with the Faraglioni Rocks of Capri in the distance

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day 4

Hike the path of the gods.

Our 3 day itinerary in the Amalfi Coast covered all of the must-see attractions, from now on we will go over other beautiful sights in the area that you can include if you have more time.

For those taking longer trips, it’s the start of day 4 on your Amalfi Coast itinerary. Your morning begins with an adventure along the Path of Gods.

This hiking trail is a famous route in the area, and an iconic activity on the Amalfi Coast. It reminded me of hiking the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre .

Running between the towns of Bomerano and Nocelle, many people also choose to continue walking on from Nocelle and ending up in Positano.

The Path of the Gods hike is around 5.5 kilometres in total, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. It can be a little bit tricky to work out the logistics as it’s not a loop.

For example, I took the bus to Bomerano and then hopped on a ferry from Positano back to Amalfi, and afterwards took a bus back to the town where I was staying.

But logistics aside, it’s totally worth it! The trail is easy to follow and well marked and, along the way, you get treated to amazing views of the coastline from high above (over 600 metres) the sea.

You could opt to go with a guide, which will make the day run smoothly and give you historical insight and legends surrounding the famous trail.

The added benefit of joining a guided tour is that you won’t have to worry about logistics, organising transfers or fighting your way onto crowded buses.

Click here to book your guided Path of the Gods hike!

My boyfriend hiking along the Path of the Gods in the Amalfi Coast, Italy

View of Positano from the Path of the Gods trail

One thing to note is the steps on the way down – there are over a thousand, and it can be tough on the knees by the end, so take it easy.

Arriving in Positano you should head to the beach for a well deserved chill. The main beach is Spiaggia Grande, often seen as the most scenic, but in my opinion, Fornillo Beach is prettier and it’s also a quieter spot to relax.

There are a few beach bars here that are good for sunset. But for the quintessential Positano experience, go for dinner with a sunset view.

Ristorante Don Giovanni has an amazing vine-covered terrace with views of the sea from up high. Closer to the coast is the more down-to-earth La Cambusa, which features delectable seafood platters and sea views.

My boyfriend enjoying the views while hiking the Path of the Gods in Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day 5

Go on a day trip to pompeii.

If you want something amazing to do on your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, look no further than the ancient ruins of Pompeii ; the jewel the crown of Italy’s ancient marvels.

History fans will be pleased to know they can visit this bucket-list destination on an easy day trip from Amalfi.

To get there, you can either drive (40 kilometres by road) or take the train (21 kilometres by rail). Driving takes around an hour, but there’s parking and navigating to bear in mind.

By rail, catch the train from Vietri Sul Mare Amalfi Train Station. It takes about 30 minutes (price per ticket is around 3-4 EUR). There’s also the potential to get a tour, which means you won’t have to think about transport at all.

Unique views of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in Italy

The Foro di Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background

I recommend joining a tour of Pompeii, either as an organised Pompeii day tour from Amalfi so you won’t have to worry about public transportation, or just a guided tour of the ruins once you get there.

This will ensure you can get to grips with what you’re looking at, and get a deeper insight into the history and human stories of the ancient ruined city.

Pompeii: Small Group Tour with an Archeologist – This is one is great if you plan to make your own way to Pompeii, and just want an experienced guide to take you around the archeological site.

Click here to book your guided tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist!

Amalfi Coast: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch – Besides the transfers from/to the Amalfi Coast, this guided tour also includes Mount Vesuvius, lunch and a wine tasting! What more could you ask for?

Click here to book your day trip to Pompeii & Vesuvius from Amalfi Coast!

Tourist mode on while exploring Pompeii in Italy

Extend your Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Days 6 – 10

If you have the time and budget, extending your stay on the Amalfi Coast past 5 days is definitely worth it.

The area has so many little towns and other gems to discover, and there are plenty of day trips you can take from here, too.

For 7 days in the Amalfi Coast, for example, I would say you can hit up the local towns of Maiori and Minori. These tiny enclaves are less touristy, still beautiful, and boast a whole host of history between them.

In fact, they’ve been popular getaways since the Roman era.

The beautiful Lido di Ravello beach as seen from the road above

Enjoying the sunset during our private Positano boat tour

Building on the core Amalfi Coast itinerary above, you can also use these extra two days to go on more boat trips.

Set in the Gulf of Naples, the islands of Ischia and Procida are less visited compared to Capri, for instance, but offer up no less stunning coastal scenery and charming towns.

Ischia features Roman ruins, while the tiny Procida has some extremely photogenic pastel-coloured houses.

Enjoying the views over the main beach of Amalfi in Italy

If you’re wondering what to do on a 10-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, you can explore further afield. While not actually on the Amalfi Coast, Salerno deserves some time put aside to explore it.

It’s a lively port city with its own university, the ruins of Roman temples, plenty of places to eat and drink, and an impressive cathedral.

Another town that is definitely worth a visit is Sorrento, which lies on the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the opposite side to the Amalfi Coast proper.

Here you can enjoy sipping a coffee in its bustling piazzas, wander along its majestic marina, and stroll its history-laden streets.

Positano at sunset

The famous Fiordo di Furore beach in Amalfi Coast, Italy

Final thoughts on the best Amalfi Coast itinerary

And that’s a wrap on the ultimate Amalfi Coast itinerary! Have you been to Amalfi Coast in Italy before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Amalfi Coast is one of the most iconic destinations in Southern Italy, which features on almost every Italy itinerary , and it’s easy to see why. With its iconic perched houses, crystal clear waters and sweeping views, it’s simply stunning.

I hope that this article has helped you plan your perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary. While there are some must-see spots like Positano, Amalfi, the Island of Capri and Ravello, the rest is up to personal preference.

That’s why I left this itinerary quite free, with space for you to shuffle around days and activities. After all, it’s not like Rome , Florence , Venice or Milan , which are must-sees for everyone.

What you decide to spend more time exploring in Amalfi Coast will depend on your personal preference. If you have any questions about planning your perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary, let me know in the comments below!

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Travel, Hiking, Food

One Week Amalfi Coast Itinerary: How to Spend 5 to 7 days on the Amalfi Coast

Wondering what to do for 5 to 7 days on the Amalfi Coast in Italy? I spent a week on the Amalfi Coast and had a blast. My itinerary will show you the best activities and viewpoints on the Amalfi Coast as well as other practical information.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy and should be on any Italy itinerary ! I always wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast after seeing photos of it and I am glad to say it is not hyped up. Amalfi Coast indeed is beautiful and fun, with its wide array of things to do and see.

From the historical Naples and Pompeii to the beaches of Positano to the hillside of Ravello, Amalfi Coast offers a little bit of everything to everyone. While many people know Amalfi Coast as Positano, I learned that there is a lot more to the area!

My 1 week Amalfi Coast itinerary is perfect for someone who is intending on spending 5 days to 7 days in the area and someone who just wants to relax, see the beautiful sites, and eat great food. This itinerary is based on our personal experience, so you bet you can find some useful tips throughout this blog.

Planning a trip to Italy?

Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit.

From the Dolomites to Florence to Rome to Sicily , I have a number of blogs that can help you plan your perfect Italian vacation.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Amalfi Coast Travel General Information

• Currency in Italy : Euros
• Language: Italian, but you can get by with English since it’s so touristy
• Power Adapter : 220V electric sockets with converter C (2 holes), some older sockets also have 3 holes (type L). If you are from the EU, you don’t need to buy a new converter. But if you are traveling from outside of the EU, you should buy a converter.
• Best Time to Visit : May, September & October
• Best Way to Get Around : Public bus, train, ferry, private driver.
• Most Famous Towns on the Amalfi Coast : Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Sorrento, Atrani, Capri
• Credit Cards are widely accepted on the Amalfi Coast. But you should always have cash with you to pay for buses and other miscellaneous things.
• How to get internet on the Amalfi Coast : I recommend this eSim (so you don’t have to swap out your physical sim card)
• Best Italy train booking sites : Omio , Trainline , and Trenitalia .
• Best Italy tour booking sites : GetyourGuide , Viator
• Best Italy hotel booking sites : Booking , Expedia

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for 1 Week

This is a quick summary of all the places we stayed on the Amalfi Coast for 5-6 nights. Since we did a lot of day trips, we stayed in Naples and Sorrento.

You don’t necessarily need to stay in Positano since it’s super expensive. Sorrento is a good base to explore the towns on the Amalfi Coast while Naples is a good base to explore Capri, Pompeii and other day trips nearby.

Naples : South Hands in the historical center near the train station Sorrento : The Night Guest House , within walking distance to the train station and restaurants. It’s a more budget option but rooms were clean and spacious.

We didn’t stay in Positano since it was so expensive, but if you are going to the Amalfi Coast on honeymoon or just want to splurge on a hotel in Positano, then you should check out Villa Yiara (9.6 rating on Booking), Il Barilotto (9.4 rating on Booking), Hotel Poseidon (9.3 rating on Booking).

One Week in Amalfi Coast: Itinerary Overview

My one week Amalfi Coast itinerary includes some of the most popular cities and towns and it is an exact copy of what I did personally.

My itinerary starts in Naples, with day trips to Capri and other towns before moving onto Sorrento, with trips to other famous towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 1 : Arrival in Naples, half day trip to Caserta Day 2 : Day Trip to Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Day 3 : Day Trip to Ischia and train to Sorrento Day 4 : Explore Capri Day 5 : Ravello & Amalfi Day 6-7 : Positano

If you only have 5 days on the Amalfi Coast, you will need to take off a day trip from Naples and only spend one day in Positano. If you have 7 days then you can do everything on this itinerary.

Best Tours for the Amalfi Coast

Outside of taking public transportation, I found the best option to visit Amalfi Coast is to take tours. Tours made things so much easier for us and allowed us to see a lot of things we didn’t know how to see ourselves.

• Capri & Blue Grotto Tour : This full day tour picks you up from either Naples or Sorrento, takes you around the island of Capri and takes you on the water to see the blue Grotto. If you want to see all of Capri in one day, this would be your best option. Otherwise, you will need to find your own way to Anacapri and hire a separate boat to go on the water. Book the tour here .
• Path of the Gods Hiking Tour : Path of the Gods is the best hike on the Amalfi Coast and takes you to different viewpoints along the beautiful coast. The logistics of getting to the trailhead can be complex and requires buses, but with this tour pickups are included. The guide will also tell you a lot on the hike, making this a really fun experience. Book the tour here . Alternatively if you rather hike by yourself but want transfer to the trailhead, you can book a private transfer instead.
• Amalfi Coast Photoshoot with Fiat : If you love those cute photos on Instagram with a small Fiat 500, then you cannot miss this photoshoot opportunity. The photographer will pick you up, take you to good photo spots, help you pose and take your photos for you. If you are an influencer or simply looking for some photoshoots, you definitely don’t want to miss this. Book the photoshoot here .
• Positano Boat Rental : If you are into photos, another fun option is to rent a private boat for 90 minutes around sunset. This allows you to cruise around the Amalfi Coast, admire the view from water, and take the best photos. Book your boat rental here .
• Amalfi Coast Highlights Tour : If you are short on time and only have one day to see the most famous towns on the Amalfi Coast, then this is the tour for you. This small group tour provides transportation to Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and gives you a few hours to explore each place. Book the tour here (or this option from Naples ).

One Week (5 to 7 days) on the Amalfi Coast: Itinerary in Detail

Now let’s dive right into this super detailed Amalfi Coast itinerary for 5 to 7 days. The reason I put 5 to 7 days is because there are a number of day trips you can take on the Amalfi Coast, especially from Naples.

So depending on how much time you have for your trip, you can choose to do all the suggested day trips or just do one or two.

This one week itinerary for the Amalfi Coast is super flexible since you can certainly customize this to your liking. This itinerary is also family friendly, since it is mostly sightseeing with little hiking.

Day 1: Naples + Caserta Afternoon Trip

Arriving in Naples

Today is travel day! If you are arriving on the Amalfi Coast anytime before noon, this itinerary would work for you. If not, you can always push back the Caserta half day trip to the next day, since it is super close to Naples.

Assuming you landed in Naples by noon and are able to make it to your hotel in the Naples Historic Center (close to the train station), drop off your luggage, freshen up and get some food.

Where to stay in Naples: There are several areas you can stay in Naples, with the best ones being Chiaia, Vomero and the historic center . We stayed at the historic center in a cute B&B called South Hands . It had an excellent view of the city, but the main reason we chose this place is because of its proximity to the train station. It’s also only a few minutes walk to the piers for day trips to the islands.

Pizza Lunch in Naples

In case you didn’t know, Naples is where pizza was born! So you can imagine that you can get the best pizza in Naples. If you are staying near the train station like we did, then I would highly recommend pizza from Pizzeria Pellone . We were recommended to this restaurant by our hotel and we are super glad they told us about it. The portion is big and there are a lot of options.

Another pizza place you can try is Insolito , but it was kinda far for us so we didn’t get to go.

After getting a taste of Napoli pizza, it is time to do your half day trip to Caserta.

Afternoon Trip to Caserta

What’s in Caserta? That is probably the first question that crosses your mind. Caserta is not a super well known day trip, especially when everyone focuses on Pompeii (don’t get me wrong, Pompeii is important and famous for a reason).

Caserta is a city about 40 km (24 miles) north of Naples, and it only takes about 40 minutes to get to Caserta from Naples by train.

Caserta is famous for its royal palace, a former royal residence for Charles VII of Naples (even though he never actually stayed there). The construction of the royal residence started in 1752, and it was actually modeled after the world renowned Palace of Versailles outside of Paris .

Although it doesn’t exactly look like the Palace of Versailles, there are definitely elements of it that reminded me of Versailles, especially with its beautiful gardens and fountains.

Unlike Versailles, the Royal Palace of Caserta is not overrun by tourists; in fact it was super empty when we visited on a July afternoon.

Tickets only cost 18 Euros and you can just buy it on site or online ahead of time. If you want to fully explore the palace and the garden, you will need at least 3 to 4 hours, making it the perfect half day trip from Naples. The great thing about this palace is that it also opens till 7:30pm, so you have plenty of time to explore even if you arrive in Naples that same day.

Keep in mind that the Royal Palace of Caserta is closed every Tuesday.

Dinner in Naples

After you come back to Naples, it’s time for dinner. Since you already had pizza for lunch, I would recommend trying some other food for dinner.

If you are staying in the historical center, then consider Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant (with a nice rooftop) or Mimì alla Ferrovia , a more traditional Italian restaurant.

Day 2: Day Trip to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius <Optional>

Pompeii is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Italy and the top day trip from Naples due to its proximity.

Located only about 25 km (15 miles) from Naples, Pompeii is a must-visit site for anyone interested in history and seeing the ruins of an ancient Roman town.

The history of Pompeii is a tragic one, with thousands of people perishing almost overnight due to the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Pompeii was a thriving city before the eruption, and although most people evacuated Pompeii, many decided to stay and died.

The Pompeii archaeological site provides you with a fascinating insight into the various aspects of ancient Roman lives as you walk through the ruined town.

Some of the most noteworthy sites you should not miss in Pompeii include the Amphitheatre , the House of the Tragic Poet , the House of Venus , the Stabian Baths , the Garden of the Fugitives , the House of Lovers , etc.

Do You Need a Tour for Pompeii

While you can totally visit Pompeii by yourself (take a local train and walk around the ruin by yourself), I would highly recommend taking at least a guided tour with an archaeologist , which is what we did.

There aren’t many signs that explain the story and history behind everything you see in Pompeii and the area is quite large. A guided tour with an archaeologist can give you a lot of insights into what you are seeing, making the visit a lot more meaningful.

This tour also includes tickets, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for tickets under the burning sun. In addition there are a lot of scammers trying to sell you tickets and tours once you get off the train, so you can avoid all that with a tour already booked.

A visit to Pompeii takes at least 2-3 hours, depending on how much you want to see and wander.

This means you still have the afternoon to explore somewhere else. You can always go back to Naples and explore more of Naples, but another cool option is to go to Mount Vesuvius .

Mount Vesuvius

Located at the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano (yes still active) that is responsible for destroying Pompeii and killing tens of thousands of people in the Bay of Naples area. The most recent eruption was in 1944.

Although active, there hasn’t been too much activity so tourists are allowed to visit the ridge of its craters. Given its history and its proximity to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius is often visited together with Pompeii.

How to get to Mount Vesuvius

There are public buses that take you from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius, but you will need to really watch out for the return time and sometimes public buses leave earlier than their scheduled time.

Other options to visit Mt. Vesuvius include:

• Tour bus transfer from Pompeii <– you need to buy your own tickets to enter Mt. Vesuvius
• Full day tour to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Naples
• Hire private transfer
• Rent a car and drive to Mt. Vesuvius. From the parking lot you can take a shuttle (cost 3 Euros) to the ticket office or you can walk 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that tickets do get sold out, so if you are planning to visit Mt. Vesuvius by yourself (without a tour), you should definitely buy tickets online ahead of time. This is the official site for purchasing tickets. There are also other third party sellers if you have a coupon or something.

Things to do at Mount Vesuvius

You don’t need that long to visit the rim of the crater, as there is an established trail that takes 20 minutes from the entrance.

From that point you can follow the Gran Cono trail to walk along the rim. Know that currently (as of 2024) this trail does not loop around the entire crater, you can only go around 1/3 of the way before turning back.

If you are planning to visit Mt. Vesuvius, you should wear proper footwear as the trail can be slippery and steep at parts. Do not wear sandals and bring water and a hat since there is no shade.

Day 3: Naples Day Trip to Ischia and train to Sorrento

Ischia island.

There are two small islands in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia and Procida. Both of these islands can be reached by ferry from Naples, making them ideal for a half day trip.

Ischia is the bigger of the two islands, and that’s the one I visited during my trip to the Amalfi Coast. But if you like, you can visit Procida instead (or together with Ischia), as it is smaller and less crowded.

You may have never heard of Ischia Island and that’s ok! Ischia Island remains off radar for most international tourists as most people just visit Pompeii and Capri instead. This means the island is way less crowded and a lot more authentic.

You can either visit Ischia island by yourself or do a boat tour that serves food and shows you many different spots of the island from the sea. The advantage of the boat tour is that you can see a lot more, especially from water, than if you were to visit on your own.

If you were to visit Ischia by yourself, you can take the slow ferry or a faster (and more expensive) hydrofoils from Naples. There are 3 ports in Naples that you can take the ferry from:

• Porto di Pozzuoli: slow ferries only (1.5 hours)
• Calata Porta di Massa: slow ferries only (1.5 hours)
• Molo Beverello: hydrofoils only (1 hour)

Both Calata Porta di Massa and Molo Beverello are about 20-35 minute walk from the train station.

Things to do on Ischia Island

The most significant structure on Ischia that you cannot miss is Castello Aragonese , a castle that dates back to 474 BC and it was a fortress by the Byzantines and other cultures. The castle does not sit on Ischia itself, but it is on a rocky islet, connected to Ischia only by a stone bridge.

To get to the castle you will need to walk 20-30 minutes from Porto di Ischia or take the No.7 bus. You can spend an hour or two at the castle, exploring its grounds or even do a guided tour.

After visiting the castle, you can grab an early lunch (depending on the time), and head to the beach! The two closest beaches to Aragonese Castle include Miramare e Castello and Spiaggia dei Pescatori .

Spiaggia di San Pietro is another beach that’s very close to the port (Porto d’Ischia) if you want to do that before you head back to Naples. If you do plan on going to the beach, be sure to bring a beach towel and bathing suit!

Other things you can do on Ischia include a kayaking tour , vineyard tour , distillery tour , and even a tour to the island of Procida .

Personally, we only went to the castle and the beach, grabbed lunch and headed back to Naples because we wanted to get to Sorrento in the afternoon.

Naples to Sorrento

After getting back to Naples and getting your luggage, it’s time to head to Sorrento, the gateway of Amalfi Coast.

What’s so special about Sorrento you may ask. Well, Sorrento is actually technically not even on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s a large city that is used as the base to explore the various towns of the Amalfi Coast.

Compared to the famous towns of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a lot bigger and a lot cheaper. It is also super well connected to the rest of Italy as well as the towns on the Amalfi Coast.

I used Sorrento as a base for our Amalfi Coast trip and did different day trips, and it worked out well. It saved us quite a lot of money, and there were so many restaurants and places to shop at, making it a very convenient place to stay.

The train from Naples (Napoli) to Sorrento takes about an hour and there are multiple trains everyday. You can use Omio , Trainline , and Trenitalia to book the train tickets ahead of time, or you can just buy them at the station. We went in July and there were no issues getting train tickets in person.

Once you arrive at Sorrento, you can literally walk to your hotel. We stayed at The Night Guest House and it was about a 13 minute walk (1 km) from the train station. But you can stay even closer!

Dinner in Sorrento

There are a ton of restaurants and shops in Sorrento, since it is quite a large city. The area towards the north near the water is lively at night, with a ton of bars, restaurants, and shops.

We ate at Trattoria Da Emilia by the water, and it was very tasty. There was a bit of a wait when we went since we didn’t have any reservations but we finally got a table. But there are a ton of other restaurants there, such as Porta Marina Seafood , O’ Puledrone , Ristorante , Nonna Emilia , etc.

After dinner, grab some gelato and just walk around the streets north of Corso Italia and you will be pleasantly surprised by how lively and happening the area is.

Day 4: Ravello & Amalfi

Ravello and Amalfi are two of the most popular villages on the actual Amalfi Coast and luckily there are buses from Sorrento that will take you there.

I would recommend visiting Ravello first as it is the furthest, then visit Amalfi after since it is on the way back to Sorrento.

There is no direct bus or ferry to Ravello, so first you will need to take either a SITA bus or a ferry to Amalfi, then switch to another bus from Amalfi to Ravello .

It takes about 2 hours from Sorrento to Ravello by bus, and I highly suggest you go as early as possible to avoid traffic. The earliest bus from Sorrento is at 6:30am (check the time as it may change during different seasons).

What to do in Ravello

Ravello is about 360 meters above sea level. Since it is high up, you can get sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast and Tyrrhenian Sea from the various viewpoints in Ravello.

Because it does take some time to get to Ravello, it is not nearly as crowded as Amalfi or Positano, making it the perfect romantic getaway.

You can spend half a day in Ravello since it really is a tiny town. Based on our experience, you would need at least 2-3 hours (if not more) in Ravello to explore the various villas and eat lunch.

Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone is the most famous villa (now a hotel) in Ravello. It used to be private property but has been converted to a hotel. You can stay there and as you can expect, it is very expensive. Even though it’s a hotel, you can pay to visit the garden (open from 9 to 6), the best part of the villa grounds in my opinion.

The best view of Ravello is no other than the view from the villa’s Terrace of Infinity ( Terrazza dell’Infinito ). This terrace has many statues, making them a signature feature of the villa.

Besides the terrace, you can also explore the garden, take photos of the main walkway and see other statues and sculptures while you are there.

Villa Rufolo

Another beautiful villa and garden that you need to see in Ravello is Villa Rufolo. It was once the most expensive villa on the Amalfi Coast so you can imagine how grand the place is.

Its garden is beautifully groomed, with tons of flower arrangement. There is also a cloister at the villa as well as many other structures. Some of the towers actually remind me of the buildings in Andalusia in Spain.

You can also get a beautiful view of the coastline and the rugged cliffs from Villa Rufolo and believe it or not, my favorite photo of the Amalfi Coast is from this villa.

Besides these two villas, you can check out Giardini Principessa di Piemonte , a community garden, Duomo di Ravello , the town square , do a cooking class , and just explore the beautiful side streets.

Things to do in Amalfi

After you grab lunch in Ravello and finish exploring, take the bus back down to Amalfi.

Amalfi is a very busy town and as the name Amalfi Coast takes after Amalfi, it’s not hard to guess that this town is popular with lots to do, eat, and buy.

Once a powerful maritime republic during the Middle Ages, Amalfi retains remnants of its glorious past in its quaint streets, ancient architecture, and historic landmarks.

Depending on what time you get to Amalfi and what time you want to take the bus back to Sorrento, you may only have a couple of hours in Amalfi.

The main sight in Amalfi is Duomo di Amalfi , the famous church right in the middle of town. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate this cathedral, as its beauty can be seen even from the outside, and of course the interior also does not disappoint.

Right outside of the steps of the Amalfi Cathedral is Saint Andrew’s Fountain , built in 1760. There are a ton of cafes surrounding the fountain, and you will see many people hanging around the fountain.

You can spend the rest of the afternoon walking around Amalfi, check out the shops, stop by the Antico Arsenale della Repubblica di Amalfi museum if you have time and just enjoy the atmosphere of this lively town.

When you take the bus back to Sorrento, expect the bus to be very crowded and you might even need to wait for the next bus. Another option is to take a ferry, so be sure to check the ferry time.

Day 5: Capri Day Trip From Sorrento

Capri is one of the most visited islands on the Amalfi Coast and it is not hard to see why. Only a short ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri offers amazing views, fun activities, beautiful gardens, cute towns and nice hiking trails.

You can spend a day or two (and overnight) on Capri but for the purpose of this 7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary, you will just do a day trip to Capri from Sorrento.

It is super easy to get to Capri from Sorrento, as there are numerous ferries daily and the ride only takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

I would recommend booking the ferry tickets online ahead of time, especially during peak summer months since they could potentially sell out. You can use this or this website to book (and compare prices).

Things to do in Capri

There are a lot of things to do in Capri, and there are two major towns on this large island: Capri and Anacapri, separated by Monte Solaro in the middle. With only one day in Capri, your itinerary will probably look something like this:

• Take the earliest boat from Sorrento and arrive at the port in Marina Grande
• Take the bus from Marina Grande to Monte Solaro Chair Lift in Anacapri (opens at 9:30am)
• Take photos from the top then go back down and explore Anacapri
• Walk down from Anacapri to the port for a boat tou r (and potentially see the blue grotto)
• Take the bus to Capri to explore, then bus back to the port and go back to Sorrento

I always recommend people to go to the Monte Solaro Chair Lift first because it is the single most popular thing to do in Capri. We got there really early so we didn’t really need to wait, but I heard from friends that if you go mid day in the summer, you will have to wait 2 hours to get on, so people end up walking up in the heat.

Since the chair lift is not near the port, you will need to take a bus to get there. From the top of the chair lift there are several viewpoints, with the most classic postcard view of Capri that you see everywhere.

You can take the chair lift back down, check out the small town, especially the beautiful Villa San Michele , and walk down the Scala Fenicia stairway back to the port for a boat tour.

We enjoyed this walk a lot because we really got to see a lot of Anacapri and explored a bit. But if you don’t want to walk, you can always take the bus back to the port at Marina Grande for your boat tour.

There are a couple of boat tour companies at the port, and you don’t really need to book tickets ahead of time. The boat tours will take you around Capri, see the Faraglioni Rocks and the Blue Grotto .

Blue Grotto is not always accessible . The boat tour people will check every morning at 9am to see if the water is calm enough to enter the Blue Grotto. If you were to go to the Blue Grotto, you need to transfer to a small row boat to enter the cave, and the wait can be long for a short visit to the grotto.

Unfortunately when we visited we did not get to go to the Blue Grotto, but fortunately I had seen a similar blue grotto in Croatia before so it wasn’t a big loss for me.

If you have time after the boat tour, take the bus to the town of Capri and explore more.

In Capri, instead of chairlifts, there is a funicular ( Funicolare di Capri ) that can take you to the top for a nice view. You can also walk along Via Camerelle , a luxury shopping street, visit the beautiful Giardini di Augusto for a view of Via Krupp and the south side of Capri.

Day 6 & 7: Positano

On the last day or 2 of your week long Amalfi Coast trip, you will be visiting Positano, the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast.

I always like to save the best for last and in this case, Positano!

Positano is a postcard perfect hillside village that almost everyone knows about when they think of Positano. From the beaches to the colorful seaside buildings on the hills to the fancy hotels and restaurants, Positano is the perfect place for honeymoons, babymoons, and a romantic vacation.

If you are limited on time, you can just spend a day in Positano as a day trip from Sorrento and explore the town itself. But if you have the full week on the Amalfi Coast, then you can do more around Positano, like hiking and a cooking class.

If you do plan to hike, you should spend the night in Positano or in Amalfi, otherwise it would take you way too long to get to the trailhead from Sorrento.

Traveling to and from Positano

In terms of logistics and geography, Positano is closer to Sorrento than Amalfi or Ravello, and there are buses that will take you to Positano in the morning.

There are 2 bus stops in Positano , Chiesa Nuova and Sponda . Chiesa Nuova is more west and Sponda is more east. I would highly recommend that you get off at Sponda as this is where you can get that postcard view of Positano .

If you want to get on the bus from Positano to go back to Sorrento , you need to walk east to the next stop, Orticelli-via Arienzo , to get on the bus. Otherwise, you will be stuck waiting for that bus in Positano with 50 other people for hours because the bus gets so packed.

Things to do in Positano

Before I get into what you can do in Positano, keep in mind that Positano is very hilly ! There are stairs everywhere and you probably will end up hiking up the hills just to eat at specific restaurants (like the ones with the views).

If you are only planning to spend one day in Positano (without hiking), then you can just do the following:

• Check out Positano Spiaggia , the “main” beach of Positano against the backdrop of colorful houses on the hill
• Chill on Fornillo Beach , a more quiet beach west of Positano Spiaggia
• Walk around the hilly steps and make your way to the main town center , see Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta , the Catholic church in Positano and check out all the shops.
• Have a romantic meal at La Sponda , the instagram famous restaurant in the luxury hotel, Le Sirenuse. Another option is Il Tridente, located in Hotel Poseidon .
• Do a kayaking tour and see Positano from the water or do a photoshoot session in a Fiat.

If you have two days in Positano, you can add the following to your itinerary:

You won’t have time to do both things, so depending on your preference (and also your ability to get a reservation for the cooking class), these will be something you can do on your second day in Positano.

• Hiking the Path of Gods : Sentiero degli Dei is the best hike in Positano. It’s a 5-6 km (3-4 mile) walk that gives you an amazing view of the coast. The trail starts in Bomerano, and you will need to take a bus to get there. You can always hire a private transfer to avoid taking the bus.
• Do the cooking class at La Tagliata and have a meal there. You need to make a reservation for the cooking class monthS in advance. They have a shuttle that would take you from Positano to the restaurant, but also need to be arranged ahead of time. The class is from 10am to 3pm.

Once you are done with Positano, you will need to travel back to Sorrento and from there, you can take a train back to Naples and that will conclude your 5 to 7 days on the Amalfi Coast!

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP). Although there is a smaller airport in Salerno , that is opening in July of 2024, with limited airlines flying into there. But for the sake of summer travel to Amalfi Coast in 2024, most likely you will have to fly into Naples.

From Naples, you will need to take a train to the large town of Sorrento , which takes about an hour only. You can also take a private transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. In my eyes, Sorrento is the true gateway to the Amalfi Coast and a great base to explore the different towns on the coast.

How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast for a Week

The best ways to get around the Amalfi Coast include: public bus, ferry, tours, private driver .

Public SITA bus

The public SITA bus is a cheap way to get around the Amalfi Coast. Departing from Sorrento train station, the SITA bus usually costs between 1 to 3 Euros one way, starting around 6:30 am, and can take you directly to Amalfi, Positano and other towns. You can also switch buses at Amalfi to get to Ravello.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling during peak summer months to the Amalfi Coast, the SITA bus can often be delayed due to heavy traffic, and it can be full.

If the bus is full and the driver refuses to take you, you will need to wait for the next bus , which can take any time from 30 minutes to an hour. My advice would be to try to catch a very early bus for your day trip on the Amalfi Coast if you can, and be prepared to wait.

Amalfi Coast Ferries

Ferry rides are the best way to get to islands such as Capri on the Amalfi Coast. Keep in mind that ferry schedules are seasonal, with many ferries suspended in the winter months.

You can buy at the ferry terminal or online ahead of time, but you cannot buy tickets on the ferries themselves. The most reputable ferry companies that operate in the Amalfi Coast include TravelMar , AliCost or NGL . Avoid buying ferry tickets from random sellers on the streets as many are scams or charge way higher prices.

If you do not want to take public transportation on the Amalfi Coast, your other options would be to take a tour, hire a driver (very expensive, like 80 – 120 Euro one way), or rent a car yourself.

If you really want to rent a car and drive around yourself, I suggest looking at Discover Cars . I used them for car rentals all over Europe and really liked the selections. 

Best (and Worst) Months to Visit the Amalfi Coast

Late April, May, late September and October are the best months to visit the Amalfi Coast. The weather is warm but not insanely hot during these shoulder seasons, making the experience of visiting the Amalfi Coast a lot more pleasant. You will also see fewer visitors during these months, so hotel prices are cheaper and buses won’t be as crowded.

June, July, and August are peak summer months on the Amalfi Coast, with temperatures as high as the 90s F (33 C) during the day and high humidity. I visited in July and I was drenched in sweat everyday under the burning sun.

Unless you are planning to just lie on the beach all day everyday, I would not recommend visiting the Amalfi Coast during the peak summer months.

November to March are when many hotels and restaurants are closed on the Amalfi Coast, therefore I would not recommend visiting during these months. 

Read My Other Italy Blogs

• 10 Days in Italy: 4 Alternative Itineraries
• 1 Day in Florence
• 3 Days in the Dolomites
• Things to do at Lago di Braies
• Best Rome Attraction Pass
• Things to do in Trapani
• Things to do in Marsala
• Other Dolomites Blogs

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An Efficient 3-day Amalfi Coast Itinerary for 2024

For my 29th birthday, I booked a trip with my sister and my boyfriend to the Amalfi Coast, Italy – completely unaware I was on my way to Europe’s most expensive destination at the start of the high tourist season 😱 Is it my fault I was born in June, and therefore have to take ALL my birthday trips during high season? Still, I can’t say I intended to splurge on the world’s most expensive pasta or spontaneous boat tours while I was there. But I did. And it was worth it.

Whether you know about the Amalfi Coast from ancient Roman history, or from watching Under the Tuscan Sun , I’m the last to judge. It doesn’t matter because this slice of Italy is one of its most popular places to visit for a very. good. reason.

Read on for a detailed Amalfi Coast itinerary for 3 days, including where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, budget tips (and my most expensive mistakes), how to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples, and loads of things to do while you’re here. I’ll also cover the best restaurants we ate at, because as we all know – when in Italy, throw your diet out the window, because it’s time for carbs 🍝 🍷

Quick tips: What to book in advance on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is set for a surge of visitors this Summer as everyone gets back in the swing of traveling. And those of us who love Italy feel we’ve been away for far too long, and are set on returning as soon as possible.

The first time I went to the Amalfi Coast in 2019, it was already pretty packed despite June not being the highest month of travel. Travel demand in April this year are already 41% higher than they were pre-pandemic at the same time.

In short: traveling this Summer is going to be more intense than pre-Covid. Here are my suggested Amalfi Coast activities and services to book in advance (especially this year):

How to spend 3 days on the Amalfi Coast: An itinerary

Three days is just enough to dip your toes in the water, as it were. This itinerary visits the three most famous towns on the Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. We’ll drive along Amalfi Drive, the road the winds around the coast and connects all these pretty places together. You might want to mix and match the order of these days depending on where you base yourself on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 1: Sorrento and Ravello

Day 2: atrani and amalfi, day 3: positano and boat tour.

Sorrento is the first town on the Amalfi Coast you’ll pass through when driving from Naples, and the largest town. A lot of people opt to stay here and then make day trips along the coast. While not particularly picturesque compared to its little sisters, it’s worth getting out, stretching your legs, and potentially grabbing a bite to eat.

You can also get started with your shopping! One of the most popular things to buy on the Amalfi Coast is limoncello , a lemon-based liquor and popular Italian aperitif. If you behave better than the typical American tourist in Amalfi, you might just get a complimentary limoncello during your trip regardless 😏

One important thing about Sorrento is that it’s one of the few places on the coast that has a supermarket. If you’re looking to visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget, don’t miss stopping at the Conad and stocking up on snacks before you continue driving onwards! Even though it is a supermarket, it’s still really tiny by typical standards.

In terms of things to do in Sorrento , apart from shopping, you’ll also want to visit the Church of St. Francesco , look out over the marina, and perhaps grab lunch on the Piazza Tasso (more expensive owing to the central location, but easy to reach and plenty of covered parking lots nearby). Otherwise, if you’d like to stick to a budget, go down Corso Italia for something more moderately priced.

Unlike most of the towns on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello doesn’t have its center on the beach, but rather high up in the hills. When you look over the ledge on a Ravello balcony, you’ll see layered terraces where people are growing lemon and olive trees. Ravello is also a lot less crowded than Amalfi or Positano, making it a great place to base yourself if you don’t want to be elbow-to-elbow with fellow tourists.

Here are a few of the best things to do while you’re in Ravello.

Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are the two most famous villas on the Amalfi Coast (besides those on Capri), and they’re both located in Ravello.

Villa Cimbrone dates back to at least the 11th century AD, and is most famous for its so-called “Infinity Terrace”, called the Terrazzo dell’lnfinito in Italian. There’s a specific balcony you can step onto and get perhaps the broadest panoramic view on the Amalfi Coast. What’s better, you can be surrounded by fabulous Roman busts who might just be keen on appearing in your selfie 😏

Apart from the Infinity Terrace, there are also expansive gardens to explore, which may be in bloom depending on the time of year you visit. You can learn more about the Villa Cimbrone gardens on their official website .

Opening hours and pricing: Villa Cimbrone’s gardens are open year round, from 9AM until sunset. Tickets cost 7€ with discounts for groups and children under the age of 12.

Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is the other famous villa in Ravello, most known for its manicured and colorful gardens. The views are similar to Villa Cimbrone, but the gardens are more compact and will take less time to traverse. You can also go into the museum, though it does involve a good amount of stairs. We missed visiting Villa Rufolo owing to limited time, but I’d love to check it out next time.

Being based in Ravello, we decided to leave our parked car (too much of a pain to move it!) and take the 850 meter walk from Ravello to Antrani , and ultimately Amalfi. For the Americans, 850 meters is less than half a mile. Sounds easy, right? The important thing to know about this decision is that these 850m are PURE STAIRS. If you’re in better shape than me, you’ll probably just think it’s a good workout for your bum. But I was literally taking stairs backwards for the rest of the trip 😂

If you don’t want to walk, you can also easily take the bus between Ravello, Atrani, and Amalfi. Be sure to check the schedule, and give yourself time to figure out where to buy tickets (you can’t buy them on the bus itself, but usually from a nearby shop offering SITA tickets). Most busses go about every half hour, but again, check the time table!

TIP : In the Summer, you absolutely want to be packing water along with you, as well as drenching yourself in sunscreen. Good walking shoes are also a must! For more tips on what to pack, scroll down to my Amalfi Coast packing list .

Atrani isn’t one of the main attractions on the Amalfi Coast per se, but it has a great stretch of beach and is a perfectly lovely place to catch some sun. It’s also really close to Amalfi, so there’s hardly a reason to pass it up. Probably the main things to do in Atrani include visiting the church, Church of San Salvatore de Birecto , a Byzantine-style church that dates back to 940 AD.

Otherwise, the main area of Atrani is shaped like a C, with arches surrounding the beach from all sides. There are several beach bars you can stop at and down an Aperol Spritz (or, you know, water) and cool down in the shade.

The beach bar we ended up with had so much ice cold water, I’m pretty sure we drank about four liters of it between the three of us. The prices were surprisingly fair given how expensive the Amalfi Coast is on whole.

From Atrani, it’s possible to walk to Amalfi, or you can take a bus to get there. The walk is pretty easy to follow via Google Maps, so long as you keep an eye and make sure you’re still on the intended path. We had a little bit of backtracking to do, thanks to some wrong turns. The unfortunate part there is that since there are so many stairs, it feels like such a waste go up the wrong path and then have to come back down 😂

The eponymous Amalfi is quite a bit larger than Atrani, and is home to the most famous cathedral on the coast: Duomo di Sant’Andrea . This impressive church has multiple areas you can enter, which I’ll talk about later.

In terms of walking around, there are some shopping streets where you’ll find sellers hawking more lemon-derived products, swimsuits and hats, olive oil, as well as ceramics. I’m pretty sure the ice cream I had in Amalfi is probably the most expensive ice cream of my life , costing something like 9€ each?! There’s a reason they call it Europe’s most expensive Summer destination – it’s definitely the ice cream.

You can also walk along the promenade, where you’ll find plenty of private beaches and places to grab a drink in the shade. Amalfi is one of the pricer spots on the Amalfi Coast, so keep that in mind when you’re consuming food or drinks along the main tourist areas. Not just ice cream, though that’s expensive too.

Amalfi Cathedral

The Amalfi Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Andrew, is one of the main draws of Amalfi. There are a number of different areas to visit inside the Cathedral, such as the main area of the cloister with all the reliquaries and statues and busts. You can also go deeper in the church and see the crypt, where the relics of St. Andrew are stored. There’s also an area called the Cloister of Paradise, which is an inner courtyard with a garden inside.

If you’re a lady like me, and it’s hot as the sun outside, chances are you won’t be wearing the attire the Italians would like you to wear when you enter a church. Luckily that’s no issue as they provide paper scarves (first time I’ve seen this in Italy, I think? Usually they’re made of an inexpensive fabric). Of course, the men have are allowed to have bare shoulders 🙄

You don’t need a ton of time to explore the Cathedral, perhaps 45 minutes depending on how much you like to read all the signs and examine the artifacts.

Opening times: From March to June, the cathedral is open from 9AM to 6:45PM. From June to September, from 9AM to 7:45PM. And during the Winter, it has more limited hours, from 10:00-1:00, and then 2:30-4:30PM. You can learn more about the current hours on the Duomo di Sant'Andrea on TripAdvisor .

Dreaming of visiting Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast on a budget? Here are seven practical Amalfi Coast budget tips you can use to bring down the cost of your trip and still enjoy all the highlights!

Museum of Paper

We didn’t get a chance to visit, but the Museo della Carta (or, the Museum of Paper) is one of the most popular things to do in Amalfi after visiting the Cathedral. Tickets are just 7€ per person to enter.

If you’re driving yourself, you need to arrive in Positano early in order to get a parking spot . There is parking available outside the town, but you need to both arrive early and be OK with spending 20-30 minutes walking into town, depending on where you park (again, including stairs!).

When we arrived around 11AM and still ended up using the paid parking deal offered to us by the team at Blue Star boat tours (20€ for parking for the whole day). It was a real journey to drive through town to reach the garage, for the privilege of parking it 😂

Here are some of the best things to do while you visit Positano, one of the absolute most scenic towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Take a boat tour

Seeing the Amalfi Coast by boat feels like the ultimate luxury. We took private half-day tour, which was the perfect way to not only see the coastline by boat, but a few special places like Fiordo Di Furore and the Grotta dello Smeraldo . These are places you can only really see properly by boat, which also means they’re less busy than the rest of the Amalfi Coast.

Fiordo Di Furore , for example, is actually currently (as of 2019) not accessible by the pathway because of fear of falling rocks. Which means the only way you can properly access the area is by boat. Technically the beach itself is also closed, though we did see people swimming. Regardless, it’s a beautiful area to see from the water.

Book a boat tour with Blue Star Blue Star is the most popular boat tour company operating from Positano on TripAdvisor. Booking in advance is highly recommended, we watched people try to reserve same-day and get turned away! This recommendation is NOT sponsored in any way, we paid for our own tour 100% and it was the highlight of our trip.

Hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)

The Path of the Gods is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the Amalfi Coast. Most people depart from Sorrento, and the hike itself takes about 4 hours. You get to see the Amalfi Coast from a perspective that frankly most tourists never get to see.

The trail itself is easy to follow, so you don’t need a guide if you just want to enjoy a quiet hike. But if you’re like me, you could very well enjoy having a guide who can give you more information about the nature and civilization you’re traversing on this ancient path. You might just appreciate having some company, or if you’re traveling solo, you probably know that hiking alone is not safe!

Check prices for a small-group guided hike along the Path of Gods that has a maximum of 8 participants and has a 4.9/5 rating based on almost 50 reviews.

Visit the best beaches in Positano

The most known beaches in Positano are the Spiaggia Grande (also referred to as Marina Grande ) and the Fornillo Beach . If you’re looking to take some of those famous Positano pictures, the former is probably where you want to be. The sand is VERY HOT so make sure you bring some sandals with you!

Pop by the Delicatessen for lunch and a photo

One of the most popular spots for a photo in Positano, if you’re gathering snaps for your instagram feed, you’ll pass this spot. If you’re hungry, Delicatessen actually offers an affordable lunch you can eat on the balcony in the middle of town.

Buy a locally-made sun hat

I bought my hat at Carpineto Positano . This hat shop is right along the Via Marina Grande. Outside you’ll see a number of less expensive hats, and inside they have more handmade hats. My hat wasn’t cheap (about $60) from real straw, and has an adjustable band inside which helps the hat stay on despite serious wind!

Where to eat on the Amalfi Coast

La tagliata, positano.

Our experience eating at La Tagliata was pretty funny. One of my boyfriend’s colleagues recommended it to us, but when we arrived we were a little surprised to find that there were not only no prices, but also no menu at all . Cue panic? The restaurant is family-owned, and everything is home-made. Supposedly our server is the son of the chefs, and I’m just guessing that the surly-looking guy manning the barbecue is somebody’s uncle 😁

You get several courses: fresh vegetables, bread, meat, potatoes, and a medley of desserts. It’s the kind of place you spend the entire evening eating, because it’s so much food you’ll have a hard time doing anything afterwards. The funnier thing was looking around the restaurant and seeing couples that weren’t struggling, and wondering how on earth they managed!

At the end of everything, we learned the price: 45€ each. It includes multiple courses and unlimited drinks, including unlimited wine 😏 Frankly we were expecting it to cost a lot more, and ultimately felt like it was a great value.

But perhaps the main draw of La Tagliata isn’t even the food, no matter how great it was. But take a look at this view over Positano:

Make sure you reserve super early if you want a window seat! They are in limited supply, and easily the highlight of this restaurant. I would definitely go again, only I’d probably have to prepare myself specially in order to eat that much food 😂

Ristorante Salvatore, Ravello

Since Ravello was our home base, we tried a few different places in Ravello. The best was Ristorante Salvatore , which had an awesome traditional menu with an emphasis on seafood.

Next to Ristorante Salvatore is Pizzeria Salvatore, which we also tried. Their house special is a pizza with potato on it. It sounds weird. It is weird. But hey, when in Rome?

Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast

According to Fabio, our awesome boat tour guide, the Amalfi Coast shuts down for the most part after the end of September . While you can still visit, you may find a lot of the shops tend to take the Winter off. For that reason, visiting at the early shoulder season (May) or at the end of the season (mid-October) will grant you warm temperatures and lighter (but still moderate) crowds.

For instance, boat tours typically stop running around mid-October because the sea becomes rougher and it’s harder to run tours on it.

We visited in the middle of June, supposedly before the peak season in July and August, and towns like Positano were still completely packed with visitors, leading to bumper-to-bumper traffic and a whole lot of stress! That’s why, again, I don’t recommend renting a car and instead going for public transit and private transfer from the airport.

In terms of weather, you should be aware that Summer is hot in Italy . Sun protection and ample water are both musts. Read on for more tips on what to pack for the Amalfi Coast in the Summer.

What to pack for the Amalfi Coast

The most important thing to remember is that the Southern Italian sun is INTENSE, so you want to make sure you’re both ready-to-sweat and also that you have proper sun protection. Makes sure you bring and regularly re-supply sunscreen!

Buying a swimsuit on the Amalfi Coast will definitely cost you a pretty penny, but if you shop around you’ll be able to find something for around $70-80. Obviously you’ll save money if you come prepared!

Here are a few essentials I’d recommend being sure you bring with you:

• Beach sandals
• Hiking boots if you plan to hike
• Summer hiking socks
• Reusable water bottle
• Shorts, tank tops, breezy dresses
• Good walking shoes for all those stairs!

Traveling more in Italy? Check out my other posts!

Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world, and I’ve been numerous time since moving to Europe. Here are a few of my most popular articles on Italy travel , with an emphasis on Northern Italy:

• 5 travel hacks for visiting Venice
• The best photography locations in Venice
• 15 prettiest towns to visit on Lake Garda
• A 3-day Lake Como itinerary
• The best (and affordable!) places to say in Lake Como, Italy
• How to plan an epic road trip through Tuscany, Italy
• An instagram guide to Tuscany
• Florence in 24 hours
• A guide to Lucca, Italy
• Wine tasting in Montepulciano

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

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Visiting the Amalfi Coast was like stepping into a storybook. The colorful and charming small towns nestled along the winding coastal cliffside were beyond beautiful. If you follow a lot of bloggers on Instagram , I’m sure you’ve seen more than one person recently travel to Positano (the most recognizable town of the Amalfi Coast.) Similar to Tulum or Cartagena, I feel like the Amalfi Coast is having a moment as a travel “hot spot” especially with those of us who are #allaboutthegram .

If you’re skeptical of the dreamy photos and rave reviews from folks like myself– please don’t be! Believe it or not the Amalfi Coast is even more breathtaking in person. Each morning stepping out on our balcony and seeing the water and views of Positano, I felt like I had to pinch myself because it didn’t seem real. Everything from the food, to the kind local people and beautiful scenery contributed to this being our favorite trip to date.

I went back and forth debating how to best reveal our 7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Originally I thought I would chronicle our trip by day in separate posts since we did so much and I have so many photos. While I do plan on sharing some more in-depth reviews about our hotel, every restaurant and bar where we dined and the activities we did, I thought it would be helpful to first share our overall itinerary so you can see everything in one place. Can I go back now?

7 DAY AMALFI COAST ITINERARY & TRAVEL GUIDE

Days 1-4 // POSITANO (& MORE!)

Positano is the perfect home base for any Amalfi Coast getaway. It’s where the action is– beautiful beaches, shopping, tons of restaurants, lots of tour options and easy ferry or water taxi service to many coastal destinations. Using Positano as a starting point you can easily spend an entire week or more exploring neighboring towns like Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello and Praiano + the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia.

Originally when we started planning we had wanted stay in Positano, but since we booked just two months in advance many hotels were completely full or the only rooms still available were either subpar or insanely expensive. That’s when I discovered the neighboring little town of Praiano, located just 10 minutes from Positano via car or water taxi. I’ll discuss this more when I post a review of our hotel, but I’ll say now that I’m so happy we stayed in Praiano. The views were incredible, it was much quieter and getting back and forth to Positano was a breeze thanks to our hotel’s complimentary shuttle service. It was also much easier visiting neighboring towns from Praiano vs Positano where traffic and crowds can get a little crazy.

STAY Hotel Review | Casa Angelina in Praiano (4-night stay)

Explore & shop the towns of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi & Ravello Visit private beach clubs like Da Adolfo and One Fire Beach Club in Positano and Praiano Day trip to Amalfi & Ravello with private tour guide (wine tasting, garden tour & authentic home-cooked lunch) Hit the water on a sunset boat tour, Capri day trip or travel to & from towns via water taxi (separate blog posts on these topics linked above!)

EAT & DRINK

Restaurant recommendations in Positano & Praiano Positano hotel bar crawl + best drink spots with a view Indulge in sweet treats like gelato and granita di limone (lemon ice) (separate blog posts on these topics linked above!)

Days 5-7 // ISLAND OF ISCHIA

Most Amalfi Coast travel guides mention the island of Capri, but we decided to spend the final three days of our trip on lesser-known Ischia . Never heard of it? Well that’s because little Capri gets all the attention thanks to it being a celeb hotspot and the luxury shopping and famous grottos found on the island.

Ischia caught our attention for a few reasons: much smaller crowds, sleepy colorful towns and beach clubs, authentic food not tailored to the tastes of American tourists, mineral-rich thermal waters (Ischia is a volcanic island!) and the easy ability to explore on your own with a car or scooter rental. Oh and prices in Ischia are  significantly less expensive than Capri or anywhere else on the Amalfi Coast.

STAY Albergo Della Regina Isabella in Lacco Ameno (3-night stay)

Explore towns of Lacco Ameno, Forio, Casamicciola Terme, Ischia & Sant’Angelo via scooter rental Tour Aragonese Castle Visit one of Ischia’s famous volcanic thermal spas (we went to Negombo Thermal Park & Spa) CLICK HERE TO READ MY ISCHIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Lots of traditional & authentic local dining   ( much cheaper than mainland Amalfi Coast towns)

Getting To The Amalfi Coast

There were multiple legs involved in our journey to and from the Amalfi Coast. Naples is the nearest major airport to the area (about a 1.5 hour drive from Positano) however direct options from NYC to Naples were just too expensive for us to justify so we booked roundtrip tickets to and from Rome (about a 3+ hour drive to Positano.)  This worked out perfectly because we were able to spend the first two days of our trip in Rome doing the typical tourist grind and adjusting to the time change.

If flying to Naples isn’t an option for you, don’t be intimidated about flying in to Rome. Taking a direct high speed train from Roma Termini station to the Amalfi Coast town of Salerno (you could also take a direct train to Sorrento too– I’d Google map where you’re staying & choose what makes most sense location-wise!) was incredibly simple. We bought our tickets online ahead of time, but it seemed like purchasing day-of at a kiosk in the train station was an easy option too.

The train to Salerno took only 1.5 hours and from there we had a taxi pick us up (we used SeaHorse Car Service) to take us to our hotel in Praiano. We paid 125 Euro for the 1.5 hour one way drive and had no complaints!

Things To Know

You don’t need to speak Italian. Positano and the coastal towns are very American-friendly. I would say the majority of fellow tourists that we noticed were American, British or Asian. Lots of American honeymooners too! The concierge at our hotel, the waitstaff at every restaurant and our tour guide from our day trip to Amalfi and Ravello all spoke fluent English. Ischia was a different story. I wouldn’t say fluent English was the norm, but we never had a moment where communication was a major issue.

Get ready to walk. I don’t know why I even bothered to pack heels to wear to dinner. By the end of everyday my feet were  beat even when wearing sneakers. Positano and the surrounding towns are built into cliffs and  very hilly. Anywhere you go is going to involve somewhat of a hike– either to or from. Our hotel shuttle would always drop us off in the middle of town in Positano and from there it was either a 10+ min walk uphill or downhill to whatever restaurant or place we were headed. When choosing a hotel or Air BnB I’d make sure to check if it’s accessible via car– some aren’t which then means you’re lugging suitcases uphill by foot.

The Amalfi Coast is expensive. The price of eating and drinking in Positano and the coastal towns was similar to dining in New York, if not more expensive. This wasn’t too shocking to us because we’re used to Manhattan prices, but just prepare yourself to see cocktails for 20 Euros and a dinner bill for two to be 150+ Euros. Our hotel in Praiano was also the most expensive hotel we’ve ever stayed at. Even a 10 min car or water taxi ride can cost upwards of 30 Euros, which is why a hotel with shuttle service is key if you’re not staying directly in Positano. Of course there are ways you can pinch your pennies by utilizing the public bus (only 2 Euros) and purchasing your own food & wine for a beach picnic (something I would’ve liked to do if we had more time) but since this was a vacation we went in knowing we’d be splurging. It was also comforting spending our last three days in Ischia because everything there was a fraction of the price (all our dinner bills were under 100 Euros) compared to the insane cost of Positano.

Andddd I think that’s it for now! Please let me know if you have any specific questions and I’ll make sure to answer them in my blog posts to come 🙂

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19 comments

7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Travel Guide

June 6, 2018

June 6, 2018 at 11:03 AM

I can see why it’s so popular – it’s just gorgeous! I read the book Beautiful Ruins and it describes these beaches so beautifully, xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

MyBubsBub says

February 3, 2020 at 7:54 AM

I agree the Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, and this is a very helpful post. However, not to be unkind to the reader who replied but to be helpful in case another reader decides to base a vacation on inspiration from the book Beautiful Ruins … the coastal town in that book is “the fictitious Porto Vergogna on the Italian coast south of Genoa”. It is clearly referring to the Cinque Terre, another pretty / touristy area along the western coast of Italy about an hour south of Genoa by train. The Amalfi Coast is about 8 hours south of Genoa by train.

June 6, 2018 at 2:07 PM

This guide is so helpful! We are planning to go to the Amalfi Coast in the future. It looks stunning there!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

Nicole says

June 6, 2018 at 7:12 PM

Looking forward to hearing more on Ischia! My parents visited there a few years ago and loved it. And the Amalfi coast is my dream vacation! Congrats on your engagement!

Christina says

June 7, 2018 at 2:10 PM

These pictures are so dreamy! I’ve been many times to Tuscany but never managed to visit Amalfi Coast! It’s top of my bucket list!

http://www.chrissabella.co.uk

Ariana Voyer says

June 12, 2018 at 6:47 PM

I am dying to visit the Amalfi Coast and will definitely be saving your travel guides! I even gave it a shout out on my blog here: https://adventuresingourmet.com/links-to-look-at-volume-1/

Alicia says

June 19, 2018 at 8:00 AM

Thank you for sharing!! My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to the Almafi Coast and your insight is SO helpful!! Please let me know if you have any tips and tricks we could use going in 🙂 Love your blog!

Rebecca Louise says

July 5, 2018 at 5:22 PM

Thank you for sharing! Really enjoyed your photos and post 🙂

jackie says

July 8, 2018 at 9:14 PM

Hello! Your pictures are amazing and are making super excited for my trip next week to the coast. I was wondering about water taxis. Are they easy to get and do they go to all of the towns? Thanks!

Chantal Sauvignon says

July 9, 2018 at 9:06 PM

Hi! Can you tell me which private tour guide company you used? Thanks!!

Natalie Redman says

October 15, 2018 at 7:17 AM

What a beautiful location!

October 20, 2018 at 4:45 AM

Ciao I absolutely adore your blog and your photography. It’s amazing how you’ve been able to capture the Coast as if in a dream. I live on the Amalfi coast and agree with your recommendations. If I could add something, it would be that the Amalfi coast is expensive however it depends where you go! Also living here is an expense in itself. In terms of dining however, I would encourage your readers and you ( next time you visit the coast ☺️) to go exploring off the main strip because restaurants tend to be more expensive not to mention there are many traps you could easily fall into. Try a family owned restaurant up the Via Mulini ( Da Vincenzo is the best!) or try somewhere where the locals go and eat because that is always a good sign that it is a great restaurant!

Vegemite Spaghetti says

October 20, 2018 at 4:47 AM

You can find me @Vegemitespaghetti on Instagram and I would be happy to show you around the Amalfi coast the way I see it everyday 🙂

January 1, 2019 at 3:35 PM

We are planning a trip to the Almafi coast in late summer! I have read and re-read your post, thank you for all the tips and recommendations! Did you ever do a day trip to Capri? I have read some people loved it and some people say it’s not worth it. Thanks!

February 28, 2019 at 5:04 AM

Great post! I visited Amalfi last October and it was magnificent :)) Although, it can be expensive you can also find cheaper and very good options a bit further from the coast. All in all, I loved the experience and I would repeat it again. 😉

February 28, 2019 at 5:06 AM

If anyone needs recommendations for restaurants I add it here: https://longwelive.com/why-amalfi-coast-is-the-most-memorable-destination-in-italy/

May 5, 2019 at 11:26 AM

Wonderful blog! We’re currently planning our trip with a home base in Sorrento. Thoughts on taking the bus from Amalfi at night? I read about the terrible traffic so I’d appreciate your thoughts on bus vs. ferry. Thanks!

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Home » Europe » Italy » Amalfi Coast

EPIC 3-DAY AMALFI COAST ITINERARY (2024)

The legendary Amalfi Coast is on the northern shoreline of the province of Salerno, in Italy. This gorgeous stretch of coastline is famous for its stunning seaside towns, breathtaking views, outrageous hikes and sheer beauty!  The region welcomes thousands of excited travelers each year!

Our 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary will help you to fill your days with exciting adventures and new ways to experience this magnificent haven of wonder and enchantment!

This complete Amalfi Coast travel guide will share with you the best itinerary full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, unforgettable adventure and day trips that will blow you away, making it the ideal travel companion! Prepare to embark on one of the (if not, the) most exquisite travel experiences of your life!

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

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Every place found in the Amalfi Coast is laden with beauty, architecture, history, prestige and absolute wonder. Don’t believe us? Just try walking around the cities by foot, and you will be spoilt with views of boutiques, seaside mountains, and even pastel colored houses, as well as old buildings galore.

There are plenty of buses moving around the Amafali coast between town and villages. However, the buses can get crowded, so expect to make a few friends along your way!

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The best way to get around the Amafali coast is by taking to the seas and hopping on a ferry. Not only is this more scenic, but it is often more convenient and cheaper…talk about a bonus! Skim the shimmering waters and gaze at the insurmountable landscapes that pass you by.

There are a few train stations to consider using, The Napoli Centrale and Vietri Sul Mare are two of the most popular railways and are functioning around the clock.

If you want to rent a car, that is also an option should you want to keep your travels more private. You can even hire your own personal driver! You’ll have no worries when traveling to and from the many attractions of the Amalfi Coast!

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3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Amalfi Cathedral , Museum Of Paper , Villa Rufolo , Coral Museum , Terrazza dell’Infinito

Day 2: Castello di Arechi , Salerno Cathedral , Archaeological Museum of Salerno , Monte Faito

Day 3: Capri , Church of Santa Maria Assunta , Arienzo Beach

Extra Days on the Almafi Coast: Lattari Mountains , Riserva Statale Valle Delle Ferriere , Grotta Dello Smeraldo

When you travel to Amalfi Coast you will find quaint and picturesque towns, as well as lively and historical ones, each of the towns that make up the Amalfi Coast, has something unique to share and a distinct atmosphere of its own!

The Amalfi Coast sweeps more than 110 square kilometers and is comprised of 13 unique municipalities that lie between Sorrento and Salerno. When traveling this gorgeous slice of Italian wonderland, it is good to know where to stay on the Amalfi Coast , so you can choose the best spot for you!

Positano is glamorous and picturesque, best known for having iconic pastel-colored houses that spill down its sheer craggy cliffs straight into the sea! However, they don’t call Positano the ‘vertical town’ for nothing, and there can be some steep hikes up the hills.

It is perfect for those seeking a place full of adventure, and amazing places to stay . Complete with upscale shopping, a bustling nightlife, a peaceful sandy beach, and spotting famous Italian actors in the upbeat seaside bars!

Praiano one of the most romantic Amalfi Coast towns, featuring astounding views that extend from the Bay of Positano to the island of Capri, and divine sunsets! The beach is also second to none, boasting full sunlight from sunrise until sunset (perfect if you’re working on your tan!). The cherry on top is that Praiano is also a great base for those who love hiking, as the famous trail called the Sentiero Degli Dei starts from here.

Amalfi Town has a little something special for each and every kind of soul, with sweet pebble sometimes sandy beaches, as well as richly interesting culture and history. The town has been this region’s main maritime powers since the 6th century so it’s full to the brim with historical landmarks and beautiful medieval structures! It’s also smack bang in the middle of the coast, only around 40 minutes from Sorrento in one direction and Salerno the other, making the perfect base for relaxed day trips!

Once you have chosen your base, you need to work out what kind of digs you want. There are hotels, apartments, and hostels on the Amalfi Coast , and where you end up it will largely depend on your budget. You can find some decently priced hostels in Sorrento (though they’re still pricey).

Best Hostel in Amalfi Coast – Ave Gratia Plena

You will be welcomed with open arms into this unique 17th-century convent, nestled in one of the oldest streets of Amalfi Town, still hosting it’s original architectural structure and providing modern services. Enjoy a wonderful stay, comfortable and set with areas for you to meet and mingle with other enthusiastic travelers!

 The Ave Gratia Plena is the first hostel in Italy to receive the Hi-Quality Certification from the International Youth Hostel Federation.

Best Airbnb in Amalfi Coast: Villa Amazing View Peaceful Location

Enjoy an authentic stay on the Amalfi Coast at this charming two-bedroom apartment. Featuring five beds and two baths, this flat is perfect for couples, small families or groups of friends exploring the coast – it’s truly one of the best Airbnbs on the Amalfi Coas t thanks to the massive value you’re getting.

Enjoy unbeatable views, a private terrace and your very own lemon tree at this fantastic Airbnb in Positano.

 Best Budget Hotel in  Amalfi Coast – Hotel Plaza

The Hotel Plaza has rooms that are complete with flat screen TVs, air-conditioning for those hot days, private bathrooms, and some even include their own private balcony! Expect quality and comfort. Laze out on the furnished deck and have a dip in the pool after a long day of adventure, the Hotel Plaza is set in the center of Sorrento. Making it an ideal place to stay in Sorrento .

Best Luxury Hotel in Amalfi Coast – Santa Caterina Hotel

Get 5-star treatment and world-class service at the Santa Caterina Hotel, complete with an award-winning restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and delicious local wines! Have your breath taken away by the most amazing views of the Amalfi Coast, and enjoy this Art Nouveau villa built on a rock that overlooks the sea!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

We kick of this 3-day itinerary for the Amalfi Coast by checking out the center of the region, which consists of the towns of Amalfi and Ravello. These are among the most popular coastal towns in the area and feature some of the most quintessential scenery as well. 

10:00 AM – Amalfi Cathedral

Italy as a whole offers the world some of the most divine and revolutionary artwork, architecture and grandeur! The Amalfi Cathedral is no exception to that standard and is one remarkably brilliant building. The medieval Roman Catholic cathedral is found within the famous Piazza del Duomo.

 All of the most spectacular cathedrals within Amalfi Coast are all dedicated to an important saint, and this graceful structure pays homage to the Apostle Saint Andrew, whose beautiful relics are kept and displayed here.

The rich religious history of the Amalfi Coast is all hidden within the walls of this cathedral, and experiencing the extensive beauty of the pillars and artwork is something that stays with the soul.

The value of this church to the Amalfi Coast is immense, and it was formerly the archiepiscopal seat of the Diocese of Amalfi, and it has been since 1986. Explore and learn about what makes this part of Italy so special, and how much of the Italian culture and roots were founded within this province.

• Cost –  Cathedral is free. Inner cloister costs €3.
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour. Longer if you visit the cloisters.
• Getting there –  The cathedral is located in the heart of Amalfi village. A train station, bus stop, and parking are all less than 5 minutes away.

12:00 PM – Museum Of Paper

Normally, a museum dedicated to paper would sound pretty lame. But this one, housed in a rugged, cave-like 13th-century paper mill, happens to be the oldest in the whole of Europe!

The Musem of Paper is situated among the first handful of towns where the existence of the paper was originally discovered in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Visit and you’ll learn about the surprisingly in-depth and diverse history of paper, a substance used every day, and found in almost every household or establishment!

The idea of the museum is to be a concrete and interesting reality aimed to preserve the vast historical heritage of paper, as well as the recovery of ancient arts such as the manufacturing of handmade paper. It is an insightful look into this long-forgotten world, very different from how we do things now with the digital revolution underway. You can find curious and creatively designed paper made decor within the museum’s gift shop, which is well worth having a peek at.

When you’re finished, there’s a good restaurant right across the street: Ristorante Il Mulino. Make a reservation before you enter the museum and then drop by afterward for a bite to eat.

• Cost –  €4.
• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour.
• Getting there –  There’s parking next to the museum but if you already have a good spot it might be best to leave your car there. You can walk to the museum from Amalfi Cathedral in 10 minutes.

3:00 PM – Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is a  building in the historic center of Ravello that overlooks the main square of the city. Built by an exceedingly wealthy family in the 13th century, the villa captures a rich and interesting legacy.

When this villa was in its prime, it was considered to be the most exquisite villa in all of the Amalfi Coast, which is extremely impressive. Legends began to be told about hidden treasure on the premises, you might even be walking on stored jewels and gold whilst you stroll the astoundingly scenic and tranquil gardens

The villa is influenced by Moorish architecture and style, with its cascading gardens and noble terraces overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea. Step into a world fit for royalty and experience some of the most extravagant structures and landscaping known to this phenomenal part of Italy’s coastline.

Be sure to venture up the two massive and graceful towers within the grounds, as they offer magnificent views of the sky, seas, and the decadently colorful garden.

• Cost –  €5.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there –  There are two ways to get from Amalfi to Ravello: by vehicle or foot. If you go by bus or car, the journey takes around 20-30 minutes (the road is very winding). By foot is at least 2-3 hours walk and the path is quite steep in places; the  hike is very cool  though and worthwhile.

5:00 PM – The Coral Museum

 The Coral Museum was originally founded in 1986 by Giorgio Filocamo, based on his innate generosity, he happily constructed the museum as he wanted to preserve the precious wealth of antiques handed down from his family. The museum celebrates the venerable tradition of Italian workmanship in coral. This is a sublime experience and certainly not the kind that can be found anywhere else but on the Amalfi Coast.

Enjoy the host of artwork created with the irresistible charm of this precious gift from the seas and allow yourself to become inspired by the devotion displayed. There are plenty of symbolic and sacred coral relics to be admired, one of which is a coral horn.

You will be astounded by the magnificence of the museum, there is so much to experience and incredible beauty to be enjoyed. If you are lucky, you can get away with a sprig of coral in your hands, as Giorgio Filocamo stands by the tradition that coral material should be broken, red, and gifted.

Experience the diversity of the artisan world of coral! The museum is bursting with stunning creations that are waiting for you to be discovered while you visit Amalfi Coast!

• Cost –  Free.
• How long should I stay here?  Less than an hour.
• Getting there –  The museum is just next to the Villa Rufolo.

7:00 PM – The Terrazza dell’Infinito

Imagine a setting that is so highly beautifully and gloriously atmospheric than any words to try and somewhat describe this miracle of nature is somehow ineffective… This is that kind of place.

The Terrazza Dell’Infinito – the “Terrace of Infinity” in English – has been said to be one of the most heavenly views in the area. Just go there and see it for yourself, you will appreciate every moment spent gazing into the horizon.

Walk along this incomparable majestic jewel, you will easily understand how so many are simply awe-struck by the cliff-edge panoramic vista.

It may be one of the most beautiful views in the world, but it’s hard to test that 🙂

Completing this heart-stoppingly beautiful terrace are marble busts of Roman statues that are located high up on the sheer cliff, facing the ocean at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. It is fascinating that this is considered to be one of the most prestigious interpretations of a Roman villa known to the entire Mediterranean. In fact, the villa’s structure dates all the way back to the 11th century.

The magnificent charm and absolute serene splendor of Terrazzo dell’Infinito have proven irresistible to so many visitors, and it will capture your soul in a way you didn’t know was possible. You will find yourself literally spending hours gazing across the great divide between the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea and azure Mediterranean sky! Enjoy the most immeasurable, enticing, and exhilaratingly infinite views right before you as time stands still.

• Cost –  €7.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you like.
• Getting there –  Best to walk down to the Terraza from the Coral Museum. It’s less than a kilometer away and you’ll get to see more of the village. When you’re finished, walk back to Ravello and catch the bus back to Amalfi.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

We’re heading to the mountains today but not before we spend the morning in Salerno and the local castle.

If you’d like to spend more time hiking later in the day, then consider skipping stops two and three on this day.

9:00 AM – Castello di Arechi

This ancient castle was first constructed in the medieval era, 1100 AD. Castello di Arechi has truly stood the test of time and remains to this day a noble and beautiful sight to behold. Take a step back in time to the Medieval era and feel like a King or Queen as you stroll the halls.

The castle features multimedia and archaeological museums on the grounds, so if you feel like expanding your knowledge of history and the renowned medieval architecture, this is the perfect place to do it!

Also discovered within the bountiful walls of the castle grounds is a scenic park full with beautiful flowers, hedges, and nature trails. Get lost in the mystical garden and then find your way to a peak that provides enchanting Amalfi Coast sea views.

Insider Tip:  At night, the castle is turned into a disco! Talk about a 360.

• Cost –  4€.
• How long should I stay here?  Around 2 hours.
• Getting there –  The castle is located above Salerno. There is a bus stop and parking lot located next to it.

12:00 PM – Salerno Cathedral

Salerno’s Cathedral is very significant to the religious history of the city and Italy as a whole.

It’s also a major tourist attraction, and we can see why. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the flawless architecture, the violet colors, and the renaissance style frescoes? Complete with a magnificent and storied past, this is a must-see stop.

This beautiful church is dedicated to Saint Matthew, and you can find plenty of his relics within the church crypt. Complete with golden and innately detailed touches, the church has a unique grandeur to be shared with all those who visit. Visit and you will learn heaps about this fascinating history of ancient Italy and the politics of Salerno.

Afterward, we suggest stopping by Ristorante Lulì, where you will find exceptional food and a vital cup of coffee. You’re going to the energy to complete the rest of the day.

• Cost –  €2.
• Getting there –  Take bus 19 back to Salerno or drive. Avoid parking in the center of Salerno.

2:00 PM – Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno

Before departing from Salerno, we’re going to stop by a local museum. It’s a humble institution but still fascinating.

The Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno first opened on October 28th, 1928. The museum has had several locations over the years until finally, in 1939, it was moved to the complex of St. Benedict as a permanent location.

This museum is mostly dedicated to the main cultural trends that have emerged in Campania, right from the prehistoric to the Roman times.

There is a distinct focus on the aspects of the male and female costumes and attire. You can also admire ancient artwork and artifacts that have been found in the area, like a celebrated bronze head of Apollo himself.

The garden at the front of the museum has a stunning lapidary with Roman remains in particular statues, figures, and honorary bases. On the inside, you will find the most important finds from the whole province of Salerno. A place not to be missed when traveling the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

• How long should I stay here?  1 hour.
• Getting there –  It’s a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.

4:00 PM – Monte Faito

Monte Faito is a glorious mountain in the Monti Lattari, a small mountain range chain in the Campanian pre-Apennines. The famous mountain towers over the picturesque countryside of Campania whilst also overlooking the whole of the charming Sorrento Peninsula. It’s a real showcase of the majesty of the Amalfi Coast landscape.

Faito is a popular place to hike and features many scenic trails.

All of these are beautiful and crucially provide the opportunity to escape from the crowds often found along the coastline. Along the routes, you will meander past ancient cisterns, churches, cafes, as well as pine and beech forests.

Whilst hiking is a common way to reach the top of the mountain, there is also a cable car that takes you there as well. The base of the cable car is found in Castellammare di Stabia and if you’re short on time we suggest taking it instead of hiking from the bottom.

Fun fact:  Faito Mountain was named because of the plentiful of beech trees that blanket its splendid slopes.

• Cost –  Cable car is between €6-8.
• How long should I stay here?  3-4 hours.
• Getting there –  From Salerno to Castellammare di Stabia at the base of Monte Faito, it’s around 45 minutes by car and 90 minutes by bus.

The last day of our Amalfi coast itinerary is going to be a long one. Besides making the day trip out to Capri, which in itself could be a whole day. But calling it a day, we’ll also be stopping by one of the prettiest coastal towns on Amalfi: Positano. We’ve saved the best for last so hope you still have some strength left!

8:00 AM – Day Trip to Capri

Escape the mainland crowds and book yourself a private boat tour to Capri. This remarkable, glamorous island has so much to share with you, and the memories you create along this journey will stay with you forever.

Most boat tours start from the Sorrento and proper ones usually last around 6-8 hours although you can find shorter ones that only last 4.

That’s a half-day of ocean breezes, sunbathing, and leisure as you sail forth to discover Capri’s outstanding beauty and the seductive charm. If you had more time in Amalfi, perhaps you could even  stay a few nights on Capri  but alas, we don’t have much more time here. Enjoy it whilst it lasts!

• Cost –  Trips start at around €100.
• How long should I stay here?  4-8 hours.
• Getting there –  You’ll need to arrive at the port in Sorrento first to catch the boat.

6:00 PM –  Church of Santa Maria Assunta

You’re probably a bit beat from the day trip to Capri, but there are only a couple of places left to see around the Amalfi Coast. If you have the energy, here is a quickie.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is famous for its innovative fashion design and practically vertical setting, complete with colorful villas that are stacked one on top of another up the craggy cliffside. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the space, and so does ancient history, as the church is an important part of Positano’s cultural, religious, and architectural landscape.

As one of the town’s most prominent and photographed sights, you can imagine the kind of magnificence you will behold whilst strolling the church’s grounds. The church also features a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary and was once part of a monastery.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta has a lively and colorful majolica tiled dome, which has become one of the town’s most iconic symbols, with its intricate pattern of yellow, green, and blue tiles shining against the clear blue sky and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

• Cost –  €1.
• How long should I stay here?  Less than an hour.
• Getting there –  It’s 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus to Positano from Sorrento.

7:00 PM – Arienzo Beach

You’re exhausted by now, I’m sure. So let’s end this last day of our Amalfi Coast itinerary on a lazy note.

Arienzo Beach, located in the picturesque Positano, has the best of both worlds: it is famously scenic and also quite. Stroll lazily down a long flight of steps, gaze out at the paradise before you and the tan bodies as far as the eye can see, order a cocktail, and just…chill. Watch the sunset over the sea horizon, with the warm colors dancing on the flowing ocean surface and waves lap onto the shore.

Feel free to go for a swim after such a long trip. You’ve certainly earned it.

This is heaven on earth, and most certainly the most beautiful beach along the Amalfi Coast. What better way to end your trip than to soak in the evening light with a sundowner, letting all of the wonderful memories set in.

If you want to stay longer into the night, the Arienzo Beach Club has a good range of meals and drinks. It’ll be an expensive meal and it’ll get progressively louder as the night goes on but it’s your last day in Amalfi:  make it a good one.

• Cost –  €12,50 for entrance, a beach chair, and an umbrella.
• Getting there –  It’s a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the beach from Santa Maria Assunta.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Amalfi Coast

Located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is a town along the Amalfi Coast famous for its architecture, beaches, and cultural attractions, making it the best place to stay in Amalfi Coast for first-timers.

• Take a splash in the shimmering turquoise waters of Naples Bay.
• Explore Punta Campanella nature reserve – one of the top day trips in the region.
• Hop aboard the ferry or hydrofoil and explore Capri.

Planning on spending more than 3 days around the Amalfi Coast? No worries, there is plenty more to do. 🙂

Lattari Mountains Regional Park

This mountainous area rides over the exquisite Sorrento and the Amalfi peninsula. The park owes its name to the breed of sheep that enjoy the pasture there, and who provide luxurious delicacies for the locals, such as the provolone del Monaco, fiordilatte, burrino, caciocavallo and many more incredible kinds of cheese.

The entirety of the park spreads between Naples and Salerno, including 27 towns and 160 square kilometers. The area is full of historical centers and prestigious locations that will have you mystified for hours on end.

The intimate connection between sea and mountains can be felt here whilst walking one of the many winding paths and adds to the character of the park.

If you’re a lover of hikes, this beauty offers some of the best on the Amalfi Coast. Monte Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi and Monte Faito are the highest peaks, then Monte Finestra and Monte dell’Avvocato which ends the southern Lattari mountain chain. By far the most famous of the trail is “The Path of the Gods”, starting from Bomerano and leading to Positano through magnificent ancient paths that offer mysterious caves, ancient ruins from old houses, woods, and natural bluff terraces over the sea.

Experience the best of the Amalfi Coast’s nature trails and ocean views from the gorgeous haven of this wild paradise.

• Cost –  €20.
• How long should I stay here?  A half-day.
• Getting there –  Castellammare di Stabia is a good place to start hiking.

Riserva Statale Valle Delle Ferriere

The Valle Delle Ferriere offers serene wildlife, awe-inspiring waterfalls and placid streams running its length. You can even download a map to make sure you don’t get lost although getting lost in this kind of beauty wouldn’t be such a bad thing!

Thanks to Valle Delle Ferriere’s geographical position, the area benefits from the specific physical and biological characteristics of the environment.

High rocky ridges on either side of the valley protect this astounding natural wonderland from the cold north winds.

Take a break from the tourist masses and escape into this peaceful sanctuary of thriving vegetation and wildlife. Meander and connect with this pristine and untouched plethora of wild plants and fresh air.

• How long should I stay here?  A half-day.
• Getting there –  Depends on which trailhead you start at but most if not all of them will require a car to reach

Grotta Dello Smeraldo

The Grotta Dello Smeraldo is also known as “The Emerald Cave”; do we need to say more?

Cruise the turquoise sea waters of the Amalfi Coast with a trained guide who will take you on a boat ride that you will never forget. Slide under the limestone cliffs of the mountainside and slip into a world of splendor.

You will find yourself on top of the surface of ocean waters that seem too beautiful to be real.

Shimmering blue and green water that radiates light and fills this cave with a mystical atmosphere. Due to the sunlight reflecting off the water at a certain angle, the sea waters within the Grotta Dello Smeraldo are illuminated and sparkle.

• Cost –  €5.
• How long should I stay here?  An hour or two.
• Getting there –  The cave is located near the town of Conca dei Marini.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

This spectacular stretch of a beachside dream come true has an amazing climate all year round. The Amalfi weather is remarkably inviting! Even visiting during Winter is fun, as the sun shines most days and there is still so much to do. It’s good to keep in mind though, that during Winter most of the hotels and restaurants are shut down as it is considered Amalfi Coast’s ‘offseason’.

The Amalfi Coast is enjoying its peak and most popular seasons between April and October. The high tourist season begins in Easter to September, and this is when the weather is magnificent, especially during the spring when gorgeous indigenous flowers bloom and share their vibrant beauty all around the towns!  During May and June, all of the prices are lower than during July and August.

 All of this in mind, every month is a good month for a getaway to The Amalfi Coast! However, the very best time to visit is by far is in May. Temperatures are perfect, the plants are lush and colorful, and you can experience the vibrancy of the notoriously beautiful coastline! Other than that we also feel it’s a great place to visit in September if you’re looking for some late summer sun.

Your trip to Amalfi Coast will be just that much more relaxing if you keep in mind some safety tips. Keeping yourself well informed about the unique problems in Italy and of your belongings is a good start.

Firstly, let’s start with the usual. Things like, do not leave your belongings unattended (especially at popular tourist destinations), keep your bag on your stomach when in busy streets and do not walk alone at night in quieter alleyways.

We also suggest that you hike with caution, as some of the mountains can be especially rocky and steep. It is well worth the journey, but pack a small medical kit with you in case of injuries and keep your wits about you!

Other than these simple tips, the Amalfi Coast will provide remarkable safety and is especially known for being a safe place for solo female travelers, which is wonderful! We suspect you will have no problems during your adventure, but keep this information in mind.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Amalfi Coast

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Amalfi Coast itinerary.

What should you include on a 10 day Amalfi Coast itinerary?

You can’t miss these top places to visit in the Amalfi Coast! – Amalfi Cathedral – Terrazza dell’Infinito – Monte Faito – Capri

What is the best way to travel around the Amalfi Coast?

Ferry services offer an efficient and picturesque way of exploring the Amalfi Coast. There are also options to travel by train, but having your own car is the most convenient.

What are the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is made up of various towns and villages. Sorrento and Positano are the two most popular, offering numerous attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.

What are the best day trips from the Amalfi Coast?

If you’ve got extra time to spare, make sure to explore the Lattari Mountains Regional Park, Grotto Dello Smeraldo, and Riserva Statale Valle Delle Ferriere.

The Amalfi Coast is one of those precious places that you can visit and tell stories of to your grandchildren! With romantic, historical and simply mind-blowing spots, as well as dreamlike beaches. It’s one of the most incredible places for you to travel and should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you intend of backpacking through Italy on a budget .

 We hope to have provided you with the best way to see the Amalfi Coast. Explore the superb cities, enjoy the alluring seas and dive into this world of ecstatic and graceful beauty.

 You will be forgiven for shedding a tear when you leave!

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Travel Blog

The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: EVERYTHING You Need to Know!

Blog , Italy / March 5, 2024 by David & Cayleigh / Leave a Comment

Nestled along the southern coastline of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for travellers seeking a blend of stunning landscapes and thrilling activities. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know including how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and things to do in each town.

With its dramatic cliffs, seaside villages, and crystal-clear waters, the Amalfi Coast offers postcard-worthy views everywhere you look. The charming towns dotted along the coastline act as perfect home bases for exploring the surrounding areas.

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back couple of days or an action-packed trip, the Amalfi Coast has got you covered. Adventure lovers can revel in the region’s diverse activities, from hiking along ancient trails to exploring hidden coves accessible only by boat.

For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!

On the other hand, the Amalfi Coast exudes a laid-back ambiance that captures the essence of Italian hospitality. Savour the local cuisine, relax on a white sand beach, browse the colourful shops or spend the day lounging at a luxurious hotel pool.

In this guide, we will cover the 6 main areas people typically visit along the Amalfi Coast.

If you are interested in visiting Capri, a small island off the coast, we have a separate blog post outlining our wonderful experience there.

Self Guided Boat Tour in Capri, Italy: How to Save Money + Ditch The Crowds!

How to Get to The Amalfi Coast

The most popular way to reach the Amalfi Coast is to arrive first in Naples. Travellers either get to Naples via high-speed train from other large cities or via plane at the international airport.

From Naples, you have a few different options depending on which town you would like to visit. You can get to Positano, Sorrento, or Amalfi by ferry, bus, or private transport. If you are staying somewhere a bit more remote like Ravello, you can either take a combination of public transportation and walking or hire a private driver to get you to your hotel.

Where to Stay on The Amalfi Coast

Sorrento: This is the largest town in the area with an Amalfi Coast feel but still accessible by train. It is convenient to get here, but it will take effort to branch out for day trips. This is a great option for those looking for the Amalfi feel without time to see the whole coast.

Positano: Is the most popular place on the Amalfi Coast with a great beach, tons of shops, and killer views. It is full of boutique hotels that come with a high price tag. This is the most luxurious option.

Praiano: Is a cliffside town with a birds-eye vantage point of the coast, a local feel, and lower prices. This is the best budget option.

Amalfi: This gorgeous town is the area’s namesake. It feels less fancy than Positano and is full of shops, restaurants, and things to do. This is a good all around place to stay for travellers without a vehicle.

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Ravello: This is where we stayed and we LOVED it. It boasts a luxurious landscape and feels secluded from the crowds. It is located up in the hills, so getting here can be less convenient if you do not rent a motorcycle or have access to a vehicle. This is the most secluded and romantic place to stay for couples.

Maiori and Minori: These two small towns, connected by the 400-step ”Path of the Lemons” have an authentic feel, great food, and inexpensive accommodation. This is a great place to stay with kids.

Getting Around The Amalfi Coast

Each town along this beautiful stretch of coastline is accessible via public bus. It is possible to rent a vehicle, but because of the small, busy, cliffside roads and the price of parking, we would not recommend it. Seaside villages including Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, are also easily accessible by public ferry or private boat.

Our favourite way to explore is by motorcycle. It is much easier to find parking and maneuver the streets, plus there is nothing like cruising along the coast with the ocean breeze in your hair. We would ONLY recommend this if you have previous experience. If you feel comfortable, there are several rental shops to choose from in each town.

How Long Do You Need on The Amalfi Coast

3-7 days is perfect for the Amalfi Coast. Because it takes some effort to get here, we don’t think it’s worth the trip for under 3 days. How long you spend depends on how many towns you want to explore, your budget, and what you would like to do. We came to the coast after 3 weeks of hiking and spent 6 days relishing in the tasty food, incredible views, and laid-back atmosphere.

Now that we’ve got the housekeeping items out of the way, let’s get into the 6 major towns !

Sorrento is a picturesque town that effortlessly combines the charm of historic architecture with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its inviting atmosphere, Sorrento is warm and welcoming, making it a favoured destination for travellers seeking a relaxed Italian escape.

The town’s pastel-coloured buildings cascade down the cliffs, painting a striking picture with a vibrant blue ocean backdrop. Visitors can wander through the narrow, winding streets, stopping in at family-run cafés and enjoying local shops. Although Sorrento is a little farther from the rest of the Amalfi Coast, it offers frequent connections by ferry and bus.

Places to Eat

• Enjoy the Little Things Bistrot: Fantastic food in Sorrento. Try the spinach raviolini with lemon and sage and the pistachio cannoli. You can thank us later.
• A’Marenna: This little bakery will likely be lined up down the street at lunchtime but their sandwiches are well worth the wait.

Things to Do

Explore the Old Town

The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with shops showcasing local crafts, ceramics, and lemon-themed souvenirs. A stroll down to Marina Grande offers a serene escape, where colourful fishing boats bob on the crystal-clear waters.

For those with a culinary curiosity, Sorrento is an excellent place to take a cooking class, taste wine, or embark on a self-guided food tour. Local delicacies include freshly made limoncello, pesto, pastries, seafood, and of course, pasta.

Have a Beach Day

If the weather is nice and you are craving a relaxing day of swimming and sun tanning, Sorrento has several beach options for every type of traveller. The most unique is the Bagni Regina Giovanna, AKA Queen Giovaana Bath. This turquoise swimming hole is within walking distance of Sorrento and is also home to the ruins of a Roman villa.

Other public beaches include Marina Grande Beach and Puolo Beach. If you are looking for a private beach with upscale amenities, try Spiaggia La Marinella.

Hike Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is located about 1 hour north of Sorrento and several tour companies will take you here for half or full-day adventures. The hiking trail is approximately 2.5 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes to complete. From the top of the trail, you can see the volcanic crater and striking views over the Bay of Naples.

Visit Pompeii

If you are making the trip to Mount Vesuvius, we would highly recommend stopping to see the city that it destroyed in 79AD, Pompeii. While a guide is not necessary for the Mount Vesuvius hike, you will get way more out of Pompeii with someone who can explain what you are seeing.

A popular option is to book a day trip that combines both of these destinations. This trip through Viator is highly rated with pick up and drop off in Sorrento.

Positano is one of the most mesmerizing and popular towns along the Amalfi Coast. The enchanting atmosphere is characterized by its narrow, winding streets where each step reveals breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can immerse themselves in Positano’s charming boutiques, art galleries, and seaside cafes.

Positano’s allure extends far beyond its stunning backdrop. Adventurous souls can embark on scenic hikes along the rugged coastal trails, while others may choose to take a boat tour and witness the town’s beauty from the sea. The culinary scene in Positano is fantastic, with endless seafood trattorias serving up fresh catches and cliffside restaurants offering panoramic views.

• La Zagara: We grabbed a pizza to go and a few cannolis from this restaurant on our way down to the beach! They also have a little terrace where you can sit down and order a number of Italian dishes.
• Lo Guarracino: Here you can savour regional pasta and fish dishes with wine and a coastal view.

Things to do

Explore the Town

Positano is known for its shop-lined streets and the sensational views from every angle. Spend some time perusing local vendors while you take in everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. Our favourite view in Positano is from Via Cristoforo Colombo, just in front of Ristorante Bruno.

Relax at the Beach

Positano Spiaggia Grande is the most famous beach along the Amalfi Coast, and for good reason! There is a public section where you can lounge for free if you bring your towel or several chair rentals available from different restaurants. We brought a box of pizza and a bottle of champagne down to the beach, laid out our towels and enjoyed the afternoon sun while admiring the coastline.

Perched gracefully between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano offers a more tranquil and authentic escape for travellers seeking a serene coastal retreat. The town boasts a laid-back and intimate feel, with pastel-coloured houses clinging to the cliffs. Narrow alleyways lead visitors to discover historic churches, local shops, and family-run restaurants that embody the genuine spirit of Southern Italy.

Praiano distinguishes itself by providing a more relaxed alternative to the bustling environment in Positano or Amalfi. The town’s quieter atmosphere allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast without the crowds, offering a more immersive experience.

• Trattoria Da Armandino: Incredible oceanfront dining with a ton of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the best-ever pistachio cheesecake.
• Che Bontà: Really good pizza, fried fish, and cannolis!
• Saghir Ristorante Wine Bar: A hidden gem in Praiano. The owner, Saghir, does the cooking, waiting, and bartending himself. The food is to die for!

Fiordo di Furore

This hidden beach is a must-stop if you have a motorcycle along the Amalfi Coast! Just a few minute’s drive from Praiano, you’ll get a prime view of this little lagoon from the Amalfi Highway bridge. We parked on the west side of the bridge and made our way down several steps built into the cliff. At the bottom, you can swim, explore along the rocks, or sit and enjoy the view.

The Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods (AKA Sentiero degli Dei) is a clifftop trail above the Amalfi Coast. The main section of the hike is 6.5 kilometres and stretches between the small villages of Bomerano (in Agerola) and Nocelle (above Positano). Along the way, you can admire dazzling views of the sea and coastal towns. Both of these villages are located above sea level, so there isn’t a huge change in elevation between them.

To get to the trailhead, either take a taxi or a SITA bus from Praiano to Bomerano. You will also need to get transportation back to Praiano from Nocelle once you have finished.

Being the namesake for this entire coastline, the town of Amalfi captivates visitors with its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant coastal atmosphere. With its iconic cathedral dominating the skyline, Amalfi boasts a blend of Moorish and Italian architectural influences. The main street cascades down the cliffs to the sea, full of shops, cafes, and hidden courtyards.

While Positano boasts enchanting luxury and Praiano offers a quieter retreat, Amalfi feels somewhere in the middle in the best way possible. It invites travellers to embrace the coastal lifestyle, with opportunities to take boat tours along the rugged shoreline or embark on scenic hikes in the surrounding hills. Amalfi’s central location makes it an ideal home base for exploring other nearby gems.

• Pizzeria Donna Stella: This was one of the best meals of our entire trip! Order the lemon ravioli and a pizza in the charming courtyard covered with lemon trees.
• Da Maria: Incredible Italian food with great service.
• Marina Grande: A bit pricey, but they serve a delicious 8-course tasting menu and you can’t beat the ocean views!

Amalfi is one of the most historic towns in the region. Along the water’s edge, there’s a beautiful promenade and a marina full of colourful boats. Plan a morning stroll around the town, see the cathedral, and then wander the shops. The Piazza del Duomo is a picturesque square dotted with sidewalk cafes and boutiques. Get a scoop of lemon gelato at one of the shops here and enjoy.

Spiaggia di Atrani

Spiaggia di Atrani AKA Atrani Beach is one of the most breathtaking places along the entire coast. Less known than other beaches in the area, it is dotted with colourful boats and offers a quintessential Amalfi Coast view.

To get here, you can either take a bus from Amalfi or walk 10 minutes through the pedestrian tunnel. We arrived for sunrise and had the entire place to ourselves. If you’re up for it, you will not regret the early morning wake-up call.

Situated high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a captivating hilltop town that enchants visitors with its serene beauty and panoramic views. The town’s charm lies in its quiet, local feel and well-preserved medieval architecture . We stayed here and LOVED it! We found it much more relaxing than other towns on the coast.

With that being said, prepare to walk a lot if you choose to stay in Ravello. You can either walk or take the public bus, a taxi, or a motorbike to get down to the coast. From its elevated position, Ravello offers mind-blowing views of the Amalfi Coast and the sunsets are remarkable. We would highly recommend the VRBO we stayed at , it even has a private pool!

• Da Nonno Alfonso: Fantastic and inexpensive pizza.
• Ristorante Vittoria: Tasty Italian food with top-notch service. Reservations are recommended as they get very busy!
• Babel Wine Bar: A tiny cafe and art gallery with great food.
• Baffone Gelateria Artigianale: The best gelato we had on the Amalfi Coast.
• Osteria Ravello: A small, family-run restaurant with good food and a view!

Enjoy the Views

One of our favourite things about Ravello was that it felt like our own little slice of paradise. It seems secluded in comparison to the rest of this coastline and is the perfect place to unwind for a few days. We spent our days walking to the local bakery to get bread, drinking coffee on our patio, and cooling off in our private pool when the sun came out. If you get the chance, stay at this awesome VRBO. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it!

Ravello is well known on the coast for its laid-back, authentic atmosphere and medieval architecture. You could easily spend a day browsing shops and galleries, enjoying live music in the square, and popping in and out of little cafes.

Villa Cimbrone, the crown jewel of Ravello, and the accompanying Terrazzo dell’lnfinito (Terrace of Infinity) gardens showcase a breathtaking vantage point of the entire coast. The garden is filled with lovely plants and sculptures, making it a great place for a walk.

Maiori + Minori

Maiori and Minori, twin coastal gems, offer a delightful blend of history, culture, and seaside charm. Here, visitors can explore the narrow streets, sample traditional cuisine in family-run trattorias, or embark on a boat trip to discover hidden coves along the coastline.

Maiori, the larger of the two, has a lively waterfront with a large sandy beach. The town’s colourful seafront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. In contrast, Minori exudes a more tranquil ambiance, characterized by its quaint fishing harbour and endless lemon groves.

Both towns, connected by a 400-step pathway, share a common thread in their historic roots. Maiori showcases the grandeur of the Amalfi Coast’s largest medieval tower while Minori boasts the archaeological ruins of a Roman villa.

• Cico’s RistoPub: Fantastic local food in Maiori, try the lemon pasta!
• Donna Maria Pizza: A hidden gem in Maiori serving inexpensive pizza and pasta.
• Pizzeria O’ Sarracino: A simple place in Minori with great pizza and local dishes.
• Ristorante Garum: Really tasty Italian food in Minori with excellent service.

Sentiero dei Limoni

Sentiero dei Limoni AKA The Path of the Lemons is a scenic 2-kilometre walking path that connects Minori and Maiori. This picturesque trail winds through terraced lemon groves showcasing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coastal cliffs. It’s a terrific way to get between the villages if you are up for a bit of exercise. Along the way, hikers can stop in at local lemonade stands to quench their thirst for a classic Amalfi experience .

Wine Tasting

If you like wine, we would highly recommend Le Vigne di Raito. Located about 30 minutes from Maiori, you can get here via public bus or taxi. They offer a wine tasting and 4-course lunch on their remarkable terrace (by appointment only). There are a few other vineyards near Pucara, 15 minutes inland from Maiori.

We hope you enjoy your time in Italy. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your favourite stop on the Amalfi Coast. We would love to hear from you!

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16 tips for planning your trip to the Amalfi Coast

Apr 2, 2022 • 6 min read

Italy's Amalfi Coast lures visitors from around the world © MNStudio / Shutterstock

The vertiginous and craggy Amalfi Coast and its three island outposts of Capri, Ischia and Procida have been a magnet for visitors since Roman times.

Hemmed in by high mountains, the coastal towns on this seafront stretch are physically unspoiled, and they retain an evergreen appeal despite the inevitable tour groups. If you avoid high summer, when visitors arrive in peak numbers, a trip here will be a scenic, artistic and culinary delight.

From where to visit and when to enjoy the best weather to how to get around, here’s all you need to know as you plan your fantasy trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast

Feel the timeless pull of sorrento.

A small resort with a big reputation, Sorrento is a town of lemons, high-pedigree hotels and plunging cliffs that cut through the heart of its historical core. Tourism has a long history here: Sorrento was a compulsory stop on the 19th-century “Grand Tour,” interest in the town having first been sparked by the poet Byron. A long line of vacationing literary geniuses followed in his footsteps to take the warm Sorrentine air. The romance still persists.

Savor the photogenic drama of Positano

Dramatic, deluxe and more than a little dashing, Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s front-cover splash, with vertiginous houses tumbling down to the sea in a cascade of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta. No less photo-worthy are its steep streets and steps, flanked by wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants and fashionable retailers.

Visit Capri for timeless and beautiful luxury

Capri is beautiful – seriously beautiful. Steep cliffs rise majestically from an impossibly blue sea; elegant villas drip with wisteria and bougainvillea; and even the trees seem to be carefully manicured. Long a preserve of celebrities and the super-rich, this small, precipitous island off the west end of the Sorrento Peninsula has a tangibly deluxe feel.

Enjoy some of Europe’s best hotels at Ravello

A hilltop garden paradise, Ravello is famous for its music festival and incomparably swish hotels. Founded in the 5th century as a sanctuary from barbarian invaders fresh from sacking Rome, this lofty Amalfi town was built, in contrast to other Amalfi settlements, at the top of a hill rather than down on the coast. It’s second only to Positano in its style and glamour.

Get a taste of ancient life at Pompeii

The ruins of Pompeii are a veritable time machine, hurling visitors back to the time of emperors and Latin chatter. Here, time remains paused at 79 CE, the city's frescoed homes, businesses and baths still waiting for their occupants to return. Few archaeological sites offer such an intimate connection to the past, and few are as deeply haunting and evocative.

When to go to the Amalfi Coast

On the Amalfi Coast (as everywhere), picking the perfect time to visit makes any trip better. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of what it’s like to visit the Amalfi Coast in each season.

Expect wildflowers and fewer crowds in spring

Spring is wonderful in this region, as swaths of bright wildflowers dot the landscape. June generally delivers summer heat without the August crowds and traffic.

Summer is peak season for culture – and crowds

This is a great time for cultural events, but high summer sees narrow coastal roads clogged, soaring temperatures and the occasional frayed temper. It’s best to avoid July and August, which is the month that many Italians take for their annual vacations.

Consider fall for optimal hiking and swimming

You can find decent deals on accommodations in fall after school starts and many people are back to work. It’s a great time for hiking and swimming, as the weather and water remain pleasantly temperate. Bountiful seasonal produce includes mushrooms, black truffles and chestnuts.

Things get sleepy come winter

Many hotels, restaurants and attractions are firmly closed from November until Easter. Boat and ferry services are limited.

When is the best time to go to Italy?

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

The Italian region of Campania has been looking after visitors for centuries. Competition is fierce, and standards of service are high. Whether you’re honeymooning or backpacking, you’re likely to find a warm welcome, enhanced by a room decked out with local tiles and maybe even a lush garden.

With five days, you can take in the highlights of the Amalfi Coast. Consider a night or two on the volcanic garden island of Ischia , then spending the rest of your time at one of the coastal gems – Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi – with day trips to explore the splendors of Pompeii, Ravello’s gardens and some mountain scenery. At any time of year, it’s best to book ahead; bear in mind that demand for rooms is sky high in the summer.

The region does high-end tourism like nowhere else. Some of our favorite posh accommodation options include the venerable Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento and Capri’s opulent Grand Hotel Quisisana . Midrange B&Bs also excel: we’ve happily laid our heads at Casa Giovanni da Procida , La Fenice in Positano and hillside Ercole di Amalfi . There are some great hostel and camping options too: try Positano’s Hostel Brikette or beachside Camping Mirage on Ischia.

Best things to do on the Amalfi Coast

Nothing beats renting a boat.

Nothing makes you feel more like a millionaire than having your own boat, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Try Banana Sport if you’d like to make a sea circuit of Capri.

Go swimming in the azure Mediterranean

From Ischia’s thermal beaches to Positano’s Spiaggia di Fornillo, the Amalfi Coast is perfect for water babies. Just be careful how deep you dip your toes into the hot spring at Baia di Sorgeto  – the water is thermally heated.

Walk the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

You need strong legs and a head for heights to walk the legendary Path of the Gods , which offers dizzying sea views.

Feast on just-caught seafood

You’ll find spaghetti alle vongole (with fresh clams) on practically every menu in the region. Another seafood special is tuna, best eaten in Cetara , which hosts an annual tuna festival.

How to get to and around the Amalfi Coast

While most visitors fly into Naples , taking an overnight train is a romantic and eco-friendly alternative from many European cities. 

Driving through the region can be a hectic experience. It’s best to get around by public transport or hiring a driver –  unless you have a penchant for zigzag bends, cavalier passing and buses swinging at you from the opposite direction.  A network of ferries connects the coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast with Salerno, Sorrento and Capri. Connections to Naples, Ischia and Procida can be made via Sorrento or Capri.

The Circumvesuviana train line connects Naples with Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento – it’s scruffy but fairly efficient and extremely cheap. As an alternative, take the Campania Express train. It is a bit more expensive and runs less frequently, but as it stops only in Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento it makes for a much more pleasant journey. Nipping up and down the coast, circling Ischia and linking Capri’s towns, buses are a bargain – although some travelers might find the local driving style and crowds a little hard to stomach.

You might also like: Valleys, villages and vertiginous views: the Amalfi Coast's best hikes Forget Capri: the undiscovered island of Procida awaits Why Trieste will be Italy’s next big destination

This article was first published May 24, 2019 and updated Apr 2, 2022.

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Influencers hyped the Amalfi Coast for years. Now it’s a ‘theme park.’

POSITANO, Italy — Ivan Stefanovik set up his tripod in the middle of the sidewalk, parting the crowd that had gathered to admire the sweeping cliffside views of the Amalfi Coast. After pressing record on his phone, he twirled and dipped his partner, who teetered in chunky-heeled sandals as her dark, wavy hair cascaded toward the ground. She laughed, and he whispered some pointers in her ear — strut more, wobble less.

When the digital nomad posted scenes of his trip on Instagram, his followers would see a stylish gadabout soaking up the natural beauty in one of Italy’s most-admired vistas.

What they wouldn’t glimpse was the ugliness outside the frame: The long queue at the Via Cristoforo Colombo overlook, where selfie-takers posed with their arms high in the air and their backs to the pedestrians struggling to get around the hordes. The endless parade of buses, cars and Vespas rumbling past, blowing plumes of exhaust. The dismayed expressions of residents who watched overtourism devour their beloved villages.

“Social media has a lot to answer for,” said Lara Capraro, a Positano local whose late father ran a tour boat operation. “People treat the Amalfi Coast like a theme park. I don’t know how much longer it can go on like this.”

The causes of overtourism are complex, but affected destinations can point to at least one overriding factor. Santorini, Greece, has a crush of cruise ships; Dubrovnik, Croatia, attracts rabid “Game of Throne” fans. The Amalfi Coast suffers from overexposure on social media. Search “Amalfi Coast” on TikTok, and you will be bombarded with serene videos of pastel-colored villages wedged into the cliffside like Jenga pieces.

“It’s a mixed bag,” said Mikaela Howell, a Philadelphia-based wedding photographer who was scouting out locations with her videographer husband. “It’s fun to have all the energy of people being here, but everyone wanting to see the same thing makes it a little less magical.”

Even Stefanovic, who says he mines TikTok and Instagram for inspiration, started to wilt in the heat and crowds.

“It’s getting hot,” Stefanovic said, as he paused the shoot to take refuge under a patterned black umbrella.

To prepare for my four-day trip to this scenic stretch of the Campania region, I consumed a steady diet of TikTok videos and Instagram posts. It didn’t take long to discover that the paradise depicted on social media omitted a trove of unpleasant details.

The Amalfi you don’t see on TikTok

The 34-mile-long Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site , is pinned between the Lattari Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, an arrangement that is easy on the eyes but tough on urban planners. To attain la dolce vita, you need to climb countless steep steps in punishing heat.

The region can be difficult to access, which few influencers will tell you. (One memorable exception: Lexi Jordan , who slammed her compatriots for not providing “disclaimers.”) Most travelers fly into Naples and catch a train or ferry to the southern coast. Because of the impossible traffic and limited parking, renting a car is not recommended. The fashionable people cruising around in vintage Fiats are not showing us the harrowing crawl along SS163 or their futile attempts at finding a parking spot.

No influencers warned me that the ferries often sell out by early morning and that the only other reasonable option is the public bus. (Hiring a private boat was not my world.) After I huffed and puffed up a hill and several flights of stairs to the station in Sorrento, I spent an hour waiting for a bus to Positano. On the return, a coach crammed with passengers flew by our group waiting at a bus stop on the side of a dark road. The next one had more space. For nearly an hour, the children in the back sang Miley Cyrus songs at the top of their lungs.

“Influencers just show the good parts, but they don’t know about the transportation problems or how it’s not possible for us to rent a house because they’re all Airbnbs,” said Francesca Grammatico, a 20-year-old student who works at her family’s cafe, Il Panino, in Ravello. “I think in 30, 40 years, it’s going to be a tourist town. People my age just want to leave, because the quality of life is not very good.”

In Amalfi, I stepped around bodies splayed on the steps of the Roman Catholic cathedral and was nearly swept away by a mob trying to board a bus to Ravello. I had more room to move at Villa Cimbrone, a garden with the much-liked Terrace of Infinity.

Every influencer feed I watched featured a selfie on the Spiaggia Grande in Positano, but the beach attendants asked me to leave: once, because I was not a resident; the second time, because I had not paid 40 euros to enter the private strand.

At Le Sirenuse, a Positano hotel adored by influencers and celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, who celebrated her birthday there in 2019, a stern man in a trim suit informed me that the hotel was closed to the public till 6 p.m. Next door, Franco’s Bar opened at the same hour, though people dressed for an evening of cocktailing were already queuing up.

I took a detour from my itinerary and stopped at Hotel Marincanto, where the waitstaff was racing around the patio bar preparing for the sunset crowd. After downing a roughly $9 (with tip) glass of lemon water, I returned to Franco’s. The line had fully subsumed the sidewalk.

Italian officials envision the Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport as one possible salvation . The facility — which has operated as a military airport, flying school, private airport, and firefighter and parachuter training center — reopened to commercial air in July, more than a dozen years after the last scheduled flight landed here.

Tourism and transportation authorities hope the revived airport will alleviate the pressure on the international airport in Naples, which handled nearly 12.4 million travelers last year, and disperse people to less congested parts of the Campania region. The intended effect is to extend the region’s season, which typically runs from April through October.

“Salerno, which is very popular among Italians, is not popular abroad,” said Margherita Chiaramonte, the commercial director of aviation at the Naples and Salerno airports for GESAC, the airports management company. “But it really deserves to be, because it has stunning, unspoiled villages and well-preserved traditional places.”

However, tourism experts and locals say the officials are deluding themselves. People will still flock to the Amalfi Coast. An unfamiliar destination with no social media bona fides is a tougher sell.

“We need to have that thing that everyone else has,” said Jonathon Day, a sustainable tourism expert and associate professor in Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, “or it’s like we’ve lost out.”

Traffic jams and no parking spots

For many influencers who make content as a career, chasing down followers and sponsorships takes precedent over painting a nuanced picture of a destination. They need to keep up appearances — and promote their brand — even at the expense of a destination’s quality of life.

“They have this idea or opinion of the best places and why, and the people who follow them are going to say, ‘Oh, I’m going to go here because so-and-so told me that,’” said Marla Royne Stafford, a professor of marketing and international business at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. “That makes them incredibly powerful.”

Day, the Purdue professor, doesn’t blame influencers for the chaos that overtourism has wrought. He faults government officials for being blindsided by the surge in visitors.

He said legislators should have proactively created a tourism management plan. Instead, they are scrambling to fix the problems with regulations that locals say aren’t working. For example, they introduced in 2019 an alternating license plate system for nonresidents that was supposed to tackle traffic and parking woes. Five years later, both issues are as bad as ever.

During a lull in serving visitors panini and lemony drinks in Ravello, Grammatico described her commute to school. She said the drive to the town of Amalfi typically takes 15 minutes in the offseason — but hours during peak months.

“I usually get out of school at 1 p.m. but won’t get home till 3 p.m.,” she said. She can’t wait to leave for medical school in Rome this fall.

Many locals do not use their cars during the tourist invasion for fear of never finding a parking spot. On foot , they avoid the crowded main pedestrian routes and follow a secret passageway through back alleys.

On a Saturday afternoon, Capraro sat on her patio near the Spiaggia Grande, the beach strip where hundreds of bodies were browning under the broiling sun. Tourists stopped by to ask for directions — “Really, up those stairs?” they would gulp.

Demanding and impatient tourists

Tourism is an economic dynamo in Italy, which U.N. Tourism ranked as the fifth most-visited destination by international travelers last year.

The sector poured about $238 billion into Italy’s coffers, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council , which translates to nearly 11 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. This year’s forecast is even higher.

The Amalfi Coast has been a longtime magnet for travelers and creative types, including film stars, writers and artists seeking a muse or an Aperol spritz by the sea. The sharp rise in mass tourism is more recent.

The number of visitors started ticking upward a few years before the coronavirus pandemic and boomed after the global health crisis subsided. For the Amalfi Coast’s 13 villages, the Agenzia Regionale Campania Turismo registered 564,981 lodging check-ins in 2023, a 9 percent rise compared with 2019. A decade earlier, fewer than 400,000 people stayed here.

“Social media makes everyone feel like they can afford to visit Amalfi or Positano, and it has become super crowded,” said Debra Levinson, founder and chief executive of Mr. & Mrs. Italy , a tour operator. “They don’t necessarily need us, because their rooms fill up a year in advance or more.”

Levinson said the average daily rate on the Amalfi Coast has risen nearly 40 percent from pre-pandemic hotel prices, forcing budget travelers to spend beyond their means or find accommodations in less pricey cities and day trip to the coastal villages. She said that unless a client has a strong reason for visiting the area — say, their deceased mother once painted landscapes of the Amalfi Coast — then she will send them to alternatives such as the Italian Riviera, farther north on the Ligurian Sea, or Ischia, an island about 20 miles west of Naples.

“True luxury is being able to separate yourself from the masses of people,” Levinson said.

Shopkeepers in Amalfi and Capri complain about day-trippers much like the folks who lament the invasion cruisers to their shores. They, too, arrive en masse on ferries or buses, spend minimally and clog the streets monumentally, especially at photogenic sites on influencers’ lists.

“Basically, people don’t spend money,” said Paola Savinelli, who runs an Italian street food restaurant in the town of Amalfi. “They take pictures of the Duomo, buy a gelato or the cheapest thing they can buy, and then go.”

At a neighboring pottery store, a couple pawed through bins filled with four-euro souvenirs. They snapped a photo of themselves with ceramic plates decorated in lemons and left empty-handed.

“Before covid, it was calmer and the quality of people was better. They were more respectful,” Grammatico said. “They are demanding and impatient now.”

At a public bathroom in Ravello, an attendant’s smile was mostly greeted with grimaces or no expression at all. Anna, who collects the 1 euro bathroom fee and checks the supplies, said summer is “a mess of tourists.” Though the region relies on tourism dollars, that arrangement doesn’t mean she has to like her benefactors. “Sometimes they are rude,” she said in Italian, “but that’s life.”

Capraro said social media has unleashed a new wave of visitors who are younger and rowdier than their predecessors. They stay in Positano after the last ferries have departed — and party deep into the night.

She often waits till midnight to feed the cats who live on the beach. The boisterous tourists scare the strays, who hide until it’s safe to come out.