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!
Contents
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!
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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 11th 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 17th 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 13th-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 18th-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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!