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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.
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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 Amalfi Coast itinerary 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 for your Amalfi Coast itinerary, 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 another fantastic option for your trip to the Amalfi Coast. Conveniently located in Positano, this hotel is only a few hundred metres away from the beach. They have a number of lovely rooms available and some rooms are even equipped with a full kitchen.
Albergo Miramare – If you’re after luxury while on the Amalfi Coast, then look no further than this plush boutique Positano hotel. Boasting extraordinary views overlooking the sea, an excellent location, and plenty of luxe rooms to choose from (among many other amenities), this hotel is an excellent choice.
Le Nereidi B&B – For those after comfortable and convenient accommodation but would like to have a self-catering option, then this B&B is a great option. They have a couple of furnished apartments available with your own private terrace and an excellent location for exploring Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Click here to see their availability
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 – An excellent mid-range choice in Amalfi, this B&B is the perfect choice for those looking fora delightful stay. They have a fantastic location for exploring the town and they offer a hearty breakfast each morning.
Hotel Residence – If it’s the high life and luxury you’re looking for in Amalfi town, then you cannot go wrong with this plush hotel. They have countless luxe rooms with private terraces and a number of wonderful amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay. They are also well-located for exploring all of the highlights of Amalfi and beyond.
Amalfitano Apartments – For those looking for their own place while in Amalfi, these apartments are a fantastic option. There are a number of different apartments to choose from (including some with a sea view!) that can suit however large a party you’re traveling with.
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 co*cktail as the sun sets.
Where to Stay on Capri
To Be Capri – If you’re looking for a good mid-range option in Capri, then this is a great choice. 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 a great option for those looking for a splurge in Capri. 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 – Located in the town of Capri, these apartments are a great choice for those who would like to have a self-catering option while on the island. 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 ticketsin 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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