Ah, the Amalfi Coast – a slice of paradise where the mountains meet the sea in the most dramatic and beautiful way imaginable. This stretch of Italian coastline isn’t just a destination- it’s a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Whether you have a short 3 days or a luxurious 10, you can craft the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary!
I’ve recently returned from an incredible bucket list family vacation to the Amalfi Coast. And we did a lot of exploring! From wandering through clifftop villages, dining on fresh seafood, and sipping on limoncello, we enjoyed every minute of our time on this beautiful stretch of coastline. But planning this trip was a big task! There are just so… many… options.
So I’ve put together some grab-and-go itineraries to help you get started planning your own Amalfi Coast vacation. I’ve done my best to strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, allowing you to soak in the iconic sights, indulge in the local cuisine, and uncover the culture of this unforgettable region.
Ready to explore the Amalfi Coast? Let’s get started!
Map of the Amalfi Coast
First things first – you need to get a lay of the land. Above is a quick map I put together showing the major towns in and around the Amalfi Coast. A few things to be aware of:
Naples – Most visitors enter and leave the Amalfi Coast by way of Naples, either by air or train. From there you can connect to Sorrento by train or ferry. Few tourists choose to stay in Naples, although it is a good location for visiting the famous Mt, Vesuvius, Pompeii, or the islands of Procida and Ischia.
Sorrento – Sorrento is often lumped in with the Amalfi Coast, but is technically on the Sorrentine Coast. It is nevertheless a great place to stay for visiting the Amalfi Coast towns, island of Capri, and the ancient city of Pompeii.
Amalfi Coast Towns – The actual Amalfi Coast is the stretch of coastline where you see the famous Positano and Amalfi town. There are many smaller towns along the coast as well – check out my guide to the Amalfi Coast towns for more details and a map of them all!
Capri – Capri is a very famous and very popular island off the coast, which is known for its beautiful blue seas and stunning rocky landscape. It’s a must see tourist destination!
Now that you understand the key areas and attractions in the Amalfi Coast, let’s talk about those itineraries!
3 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
If you have just three days to spend on the Amalfi Coast, I recommend making Sorrento your home base. It’s the most convenient city for transportation in and out of the area, as it connects to the surrounding areas by train and ferry routes. And it also makes for the easiest jumping off point for exploring both the island of Capri and ancient Pompeii.
With such limited time in the region, you will likely only have one full day for exploring the Amalfi Coast towns themselves, it doesn’t make sense to relocate there – just make that a day trip. Here is my suggested itinerary for three days:
Day 1 – Capri
In my opinion, the lovely island of Capri is a can’t miss destination. This little island is a hotspot for the rich and famous, but its even more famous for its crystal blue water and dramatic rocky landscape. Take the ferry from Sorrento to Capri in the early morning. From there, you can explore the island on your own or take a boat tour to see the Blue Grotto, gaze at the famous Faraglioni Rocks, and swim in the crystal clear water.
I recommend planning Capri for your first full day in town, because if the weather doesn’t cooperate you can swap the itinerary around without missing out on anything. The ferries will not run if the water becomes too rough – this is rare in the summer season but can happen.
Day 2 – Pompei and Sorrento
I suggest using the next morning to visit the ancient city of Pompeii. I strongly recommend taking a guided tour here, as the ruins are quite expansive. You could easily wander there all day and not have a clue what you saw. We took a two hour guided tour of the highlights and it was just the right amount of time for us. If you are very interested in the historical sites, you could also combine Pompeii with a visit to the Herculaneum and/or a hike up Mount Vesuvius!
Reserve the afternoon and evening for exploring the town of Sorrento itself. It’s a charming little city with pretty cobblestone streets, lots of great restaurants and shops, and a beautiful waterfront dotted with upscale beach clubs. It’s worth reserving a little time to wander here.
Day 3 – Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Finally, explore the Amalfi Coast itself. With limited time, you can either choose a single town to focus on or you can hit the top three highlights which include the towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Enjoy the beautiful views and do a little shopping in Positano. Then visit Amalfi town to see the Duomo, the paper museum, and the lemon farm. And then wander the quaint streets of Ravello with their magnificent views, and tour the beautiful villas there.
The best way to hit the highlights in a single day will be to join an organized tour, so they can handle the logistics of whisking you around the coastline. You can choose a driving tour or a boat tour!
5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
if you have at least five days, then I recommend utilizing two different cities as home bases. (You can read about the pros/cons of each Amalfi Coast town here.) Sorrento makes the best home base for exploring Capri and Pompeii, while a town like Amalfi makes a better base for exploring the towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Day 1 – Capri
I recommend starting off your trip with the island of Capri, just as in the three day itinerary above. Capri is a beautiful island just off the Amalfi Coast, which is best known for its jaw-dropping rocky landscapes and turquoise waters. You can take the ferry over to Capri from Sorrento in the early morning. Then take a boat tour to explore the Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks, and swim and snorkel in the blue water. Or explore the island by land on your own – be sure to visit Anacapri and ride the chair lift to the top of Mt. Solaro!
I suggest scheduling your Capri excursion for your first full day on the coast, because it allows you flexibility to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Day 2 – Pompeii and Sorrento
And just as in the three day itinerary, I would also plant to spend the second day exploring the ancient city of Pompeii. You can reach Pompeii via local train from Sorrento or you can hire a driver to bring you there (about 30 minutes drive). I do recommend a guided tour of Pompeii to help you get the most out of a short visit. If you are very into history, you may also enjoy visiting the Herculaneum or hiking the iconic Mt. Vesuvius.
Spend the remainder of the day soaking up all of the charm in Sorrento. This would be a great time to visit one of the many beach clubs or simply enjoy the restaurants and shopping in town.
Day 3 – Amalfi and Ravello
Here is where the itinerary starts to differ from the 3-day version. I suggest you use the extra time to enjoy more days on the Amalfi Coast proper.
In the morning, transfer from Sorrento to your new hotel in the town of Amalfi. (We loved our stay at Hotel Luna Convento there!) After dropping off your bags, you can spend a few hours exploring the town center and waterfront. Some of the popular sites in Amalfi town are the Duomo in the town square, the lemon farm which offers guided tours, and the Amalfi Paper Museum which also offers a tour and paper making demonstration.
Grab a taxi and head up to Ravello in the later afternoon and evening hours. Spend some time wandering the streets here (or take a guided walking tour) and enjoying the incredible vistas. You can visit the famous Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo with their terraced gardens, and grab a pizza for dinner at Mimi’s before heading back down to Amalfi for the night.
Day 4 – Hike Path of the Gods
Hiking the Path of the Gods was one of my personal favorite activities on the Amalfi Coast, so I highly recommend you prioritize including it in your plans. The hike is absolutely stunning and can be tackled by most people in average shape (we are certainly not athletes).
You’ll need to take either a bus or taxi to the start of the hike in Bomerano and then follow the trail along the cliffs all the way to the town of Nocelle. It took us about 2 hours!
From Nocelle, you can either continue hiking to Montepertusso or Positano for additional sightseeing. Or you can head back to further explore Amalfi town. If hiking isn’t your jam, you can easily replace this activity with one of the additional suggestions in the 7-day itinerary below.
Day 5 – Positano & Beach Club Day
Positano is the quintessential Amalfi Coast town – the one you see on all the postcards. So you can hardly have an Amalfi Coast vacation without dedicating a little time for this gem. And the thing they do best – beach clubs. Take the ferry from Amalfi – a quick 20 minute journey.
It’s totally worth spending a day at one of the many beach clubs that dot the coastline here. Soak up the vibe, drink some Prosecco, and just enjoy the people watching on the colorful coast. We spent the day at La Scogliera Beach Club on our own trip, and I highly recommend it.
7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
If you have a full week to spend on the Amalfi Coast, follow the 5-day itinerary above but add in one or more of the following activities:
Maori/Minori and the Path of Lemons
From Amalfi, you can easily visit the neighboring towns of Maiori and Minori via ferry. These smaller towns have a much more local vibe and attract fewer crowds.
You can walk the famous Path of Lemons that connects the two towns and enjoy some time at the less crowded beach area here. This is a favorite for families with young kids as it tends to be a quieter area – and flatter!
Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
The water is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the sheer beauty of the Amalfi Coast, so a boat tour makes a great addition to your plans. Yes, even if you already did a boat tour in Capri. They are very different experiences and both totally worthwhile. We did both on our Amalfi Coast trip, and they were both highlights.
We did this half day small group tour from Amalfi that we really enjoyed. We visited several beautiful spots for swimming and snorkeling, cliff jumping from rocks near the beach, and got some great photos from the water in front of Positano!
Farm Tour or Cooking Class
Italy is all about the food, right? So one of the best things you can do is explore the local cuisine with either a farm tour or a cooking class. Or both if you have the time!
Cooking classes abound throughout Italy, but some of my favorites are the Amalfi Heaven Gardens class in Amalfi town (we did this one recently!), the Instagram-famous La Tagliata in Positano, and this pizza making class in Sorrento.
For a farm tour, the La Masseria farm tour from Sorrento is a reader favorite! You get to tur the farm and enjoy a meal there as well. We also did a short lemon farm tour in Amalfi town.
Atrani
If you’re staying in Amalfi, you can actually just walk over to the neighboring town of Atrani for a quick visit. It’s just about a 15 minute walk from the city center.
Atrani is a very tiny, very local town with few tourists. It has its own small beach area which is a great place to escape the more crowded beaches in Amalfi and Positano.
Hike Mt. Vesuvius
I gave Mt. Vesuvius a passing mention in the shorter itineraries, but it’s worth including a visit here if you have enough wiggle room in your schedule.
It takes at least a half day to visit the volcano, which is about a one hour drive from Sorrento. The hike itself takes most people around 45 minutes to reach the crater at the top, and then of course you have to hike back down again. But the views are pretty spectacular!
There are a variety of full day tours (like this highly rated one) that will combine Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius, and even include lunch at a local winery.
Slow it all Down.
Or you can just simply stretch out your days a bit more, and enjoy a more relaxing pace. It is vacation after all, right?
You can easily make an entire day out of visiting Ravello all on its own. You can make good use of an extra day in Sorrento to enjoy the town and waterfront, and maybe add a farm tour or cooking class there. Or add in more time to lounge at the beach clubs or relax at your hotel pool. You get the idea.
10+ Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
If you have 10 or more days to spend on the Amalfi Coast, lucky you! Seriously, I am jealous. Here are some ideas for putting that extra time to good use.
Stay Overnight on Capri
If you have ample time, it can be really fun to spend a night or two actually staying on the island of Capri. That will give you a chance to see all that the island has to offer – both in and out of the water. A day tour simply isn’t enough time to see everything there.
Besides taking a boat trip around the island (a must do!), you will have time to explore the town of Anacapri, ride the chairlift to the top of Mt. Solaro, lounge at a beach club, or enjoy the high end shopping and dining in Capri town.
Some folks make an entire vacation out of Capri itself, without visiting anywhere else on the coast. So you can easily fill a few days here!
Vietri Sul Mare
Spend a couple nights in the charming city of Vietri Sul Mare, that sits just west of Salerno. It doesn’t get included in too many Amalfi Coast itineraries because it’s a bit too distant from the more popular sites. But it sure is worth a trek if you have the time.
In my opinion, this town is every bit as picturesque as the famous Positano with a beautiful beach and some great shops and restaurants. It’s perfect for a few days of slow paced relaxation!
Naples
If you’re arriving on the Amalfi Coast via Naples, it can be fun to spend a night or two in this bustling city. Frankly, it doesn’t have any of the charm of Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast. In fact, it’s a bit rough around the edges. But Naples is a real Italian city and it has some incredibly good food. It’s the birthplace of pizza, after all.
Naples is also a good home base for visiting Mt. Vesuvius or the islands of Ischia and Procida, which are popular destinations on their own and can be reached by ferry from there.
Ischia and Procida
Now that we mention Ischia and Procida, it’s worth considering these islands for a day trip or overnight visit as well. Ischia and Procida are part of the Phlegrean Islands off the coast of Naples. Both offer unique experiences that make them excellent tourist spots, yet they remain somewhat under the radar compared to their famous neighbor, Capri.
Ischia is the larger of the two islands and is renowned for its rich history, thermal springs, and lush landscapes. And Procida, the smaller sibling, is famed for its colorful marina, quiet beaches, and authentic Italian village life.
Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). These periods offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the coastline, hiking, and enjoying outdoor dining with stunning views.
Spring (April to early June)
Spring on the Amalfi Coast is a time of renewal and vibrancy. The weather starts to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C), making it comfortable for exploring the picturesque towns, gardens, and beaches. The landscape is particularly beautiful, with wildflowers and the famous lemon groves in full bloom. This season also sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the area’s attractions, cafes, and restaurants.
Fall (September to October)
Fall is magical on the Amalfi Coast, with the lush vegetation taking on golden and red hues. The weather remains warm and sunny, with temperatures similar to those in spring, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, especially in early fall. Like spring, the fall season experiences fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful experience.
Summer (late June to August)
While the hot summer months (July and August) offer sunny days and warm seas, it’s also the peak tourist season, leading to crowded spots, higher prices, and potentially sweltering heat, with temperatures often climbing above 86°F (30°C). But if you can’t avoid travelling in the summer, you will be in good company! We took our own Amalfi Coast vacation in July.
Winter (November to March)
Winter is the least crowded time to visit the Amalfi Coast, but many hotels, restaurants, and shops may be closed. And the weather can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to cool, with occasional rain. For those reasons, it’s best to avoid winter season as a tourist. Many of the service you need will just not be available.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
From Naples
From Naples, you can reach the Amalfi Coast in three ways:
Train. You can take the local train from Naples to Sorrento. Note that the local Circumvesuviana train is not a high speed train, and it can be crowded and lacks air conditioning. It’s not the most pleasant, frankly, but it is inexpensive. Once you reach Sorrento, you will need to get a car service or use the ferry to reach the other Amalfi Coast towns.
Ferry. You can take a ferry from Naples to Sorrento, where you connect via ferry to other Amalfi Coast towns as well. This is a bit cumbersome with luggage, but many tourists do it every day.
Car Service. The most convenient option when arriving with luggage is to schedule a car service to transfer you from Naples to your home base on the Amalfi Coast.
From Rome
From Rome, you can reach the Amalfi Coast in four ways:
Fly from Rome to Naples. From there, you will need to transfer to your Amalfi Coast destination via one of the methods above. When you factor in airport time, this doesn’t really save you much time.
Train from Rome to Naples. From there, you will need to transfer to your Amalfi Coast destination via one of the methods above.
Train from Rome to Salerno. From there, you will need to hire a car service or use the ferry system to reach your final destination on the Amalfi Coast.
Car Service. You can hire a car service to transfer you directly to your Amalfi Coast hotel from Rome. Depending on the number of people in your group, this can actually be a more affordable option than the high speed train.
More Amalfi Coast Trip Planning Resources
If you’re planning an epic trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out these other helpful resources: