One of the most magical destinations I’ve visited is the Amalfi Coast Italy. This Italian coastline and UNESCO World Heritage site had been on my bucket list for the longest time. Over the years I saved many wonderful tips and tricks to visit for when I eventually would! This Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary contains the best of the Amalfi Coast and outlines how to plan your trip, all the best places to visit, things to do, and even the most incredible places to stay. If it’s your first time visiting the Amalfi Coast and you want to plan an unforgettable itinerary, don’t click away! Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to visit this magical destination.

7 Day Amalfi Coast Italy Itinerary

Everything you need to know before visiting the Amalfi Coast Italy

When’s the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast Italy

Plan to pack for varying temperatures when planning your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary. Even in the summer, it can be warm during the day and cooler at night. The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is from April to May or late September to October, with the season closing in November. The Mediterranean climate of the Amalfi coast brings hot temperatures in the summer and milder temperatures and rainy weather in the winter. Summer can be very hot on the Amalfi Coast but also very crowded. The spring and fall weather will be perfect for exploring or a boat ride, and warm enough to enjoy the beach!

Meliss Meets World uses affiliate links and earns a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our affiliate links. This is at no additional cost to you, for more information please refer to our policies.

How many days do you need for the Amalfi Coast?

5-7 days are essential to explore the Amalfi Coast Italy. Something important to note about the Amalfi Coast is where you choose to stay. This will determine how extensive you can explore the coast and your itinerary. The main harbors and ferry ports/terminals on the coast are in Positano, Amalfi town, and Sorrento.

These three towns would be best to stay in because of their easy access by ferry. My husband and I also spent two nights in Capri even though it’s possible to take a day trip instead. The best place to base yourself would be Positano. Positano has the most beautiful accommodations, a large beach, and even epic hike options. Amalfi Town and Sorrento are more affordable, Sorrento being a bit larger than Positano and livelier, and Amalfi Town is popular with its access to Ravello via bus.

Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to Italy? Contact me since I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

7 Day Amalfi Coast Italy Itinerary Overview

1: Naples to Capri, Explore Capri Town and Anacapri, dinner at La Zagara

2: Capri Beach or Beach Club Day, Capri Blue Grotto Kayak tour

3: Capri to Positano, explore Positano, Sunset boat ride

4: Hike the ‘Path of the Gods’, Relax at the Beach, Dinner at Le Sirenuse

5: Explore the towns on the Amalfi Coast

6: Positano to Ravello, Explore Ravello, Villa Cimbrone, Dinner at Villa Maria

7: Ravello to Pompeii, Explore Pompeii with Get Your Guide, Pompeii to Naples

the beautiful views of Positano, Amalfi Coast

Best Places to Stay Amalfi Coast Italy

Luxury Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Capri and Positano offer the most luxurious accommodations along the Amalfi Coast, here are some recommendations to make your trip unforgettable!

Capri J.K. Place • Capri Tiberio Palace • Positano Le Sirenuse • Positano Villa Treville • Positano Villa Franca • Sorrento Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria • Ravello Palazzo Avino

Is it expensive to stay in the Amalfi Coast?

It is expensive to stay on the Amalfi Coast, but some towns are more budget-friendly than others. Sorrento is the best budget-friendly town for accommodations. You could also stay in other small towns that might not have the best transport options, or in Naples. If you’re staying in Naples or elsewhere, it’s possible to do a day trip to Positano, Amalfi, or Capri. As you’ve read above, Capri and Positano are the most expensive towns to stay in along the Amalfi Coast.

Budget-friendly Accommodations on the Amalfi Coast

Capri B&B Punta Vivara Capri • Positano Hotel Bougainville • Positano Alcione Residence • Sorrento Imperial Hotel Tramontano • Ravello Hotel Villa Maria • Ravello Hotel Rufolo

This is one of the BEST places to stay on the Amalfi Coast in Positano. It already has limited dates for the season so book it now! My husband and I loved our stay here and made our trip unforgettable!

Is it better to stay in Positano or Amalfi?

If you’re wondering if it is better to stay in Positano or Amalfi it depends entirely on your budget. Positano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, making it the most expensive. Amalfi and Sorrento are great towns to base yourself along the coast. Amalfi and Sorrento offer picturesque views similar to Positano but are better for budget-friendly travelers.

Day 1: Explore Capri Town and Anacapri

Take a ferry from Naples to Capri

After taking a train to Naples from Rome, we spent the morning at Gran Caffe Gambrinus before boarding a ferry to Capri. We adored the cafe, and enjoyed the most delicious coffee drinks and tiramisu! Galleria Umberto I is one of the most beautiful places in Naples and is close to the cafe and ferry terminal. The Naples Molo Beverello port wasn’t far from the cafe but make sure to use Google Maps to help with directions since it’s quite an elevation down and you will need to cross a large, busy street.

Explore Capri Town

After arriving in Capri, check into your hotel. We chose to stay close to the main ferry terminal and funicular which is the best way to get to Capri Town and Anacapri. The bed and breakfast we booked was called B&B Punta Vivara, and I would highly recommend it! After settling in, take the funicular to Capri Town. After arriving in Capri Town we explored

The photos don’t even do this bed and breakfast justice; book it now before it sells out for the season!

Augustus Gardens in Capri should be on your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary

Wander around the Gardens of Augustus

On our first night in Capri, we explored Capri Town using the funicular and visited the Gardens of Augustus. This is one of the most beautiful places in Capri and I highly recommend it. These gardens offer incredible views of Capri, Capri’s Via Krupp, and Faraglioni rocks. The gardens are located close to Villa Camerelle, which is a lovely area to explore. Make sure to stop at the popular perfume shop Carthusia. If your legs need a break, enjoy a drink at Capri Rooftop. It’s very close to this area and the Gardens of Augustus!

Have dinner in Anacapri

While spending time on Capri during our Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary we wanted to explore both Capri and Anacapri. Anacapri is much smaller than Capri town, and there isn’t much to see or do. I’m glad we booked a reservation in Anacapri, which gave us a reason to explore this area. We wanted to enjoy dinner amongst the lemon trees and booked a reservation for Ristorante La Zagara. The food was delicious and the ambiance was so romantic. Because we had to take a bus back to Capri Town to board the funicular back to our B&B, we enjoyed dessert at Buonocore in Capri Town. This gelato shop is so popular; their watermelon flavor was the best!

Don’t forget to stop at the Church of San Michele

One of the best things to do in Anacapri is visit the Church of San Michele. We stopped before our dinner reservation at Ristorante La Zagara to see the unique mosaic tiles. It was perfect timing since we made it here just before they closed for the evening, and it was wonderful because we had the whole place to ourselves! We even left with a poster souvenir of the beautiful tile mosaic, it is so special!

Day 2: Enjoy a day at the beach or a Capri beach club, take a kayak tour of the famous Blue Grotto

If you want to have a relaxing beach day Spiaggia Marina Grande near Capri’s marina is free to visit but small. You can also book a reservation at one of Capri’s many beach clubs like Bagni Internazionali at Marina Piccola, Da Gioia, La Canzone del Mareor, or the iconic La Fontelina.

Day 3: Head to Positano, make sure to book a sunset boat ride!

The next stop and my personal favorite on your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary is Positano. Take a ferry from Capri to Positano, and spend the day wandering and enjoying the insane views Positano offers. We stopped at a few ceramic shops including the one at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 97, and at Viale Pasitea 100. Both of these roads are very picturesque to walk along. Maison Zara Positano is another good photo opportunity!

Day 4: Hike the Path of the Gods or plan a beach day, have dinner at the beautiful Le Sirenuse

Hike the Path of the Gods

Even though I enjoyed a day at the beach, my husband and I went our separate ways on our second day in Positano and he hiked the famous ‘Path of the Gods’. He did a massive amount of research on how to get to the start of a hike without a car and the best way to complete the trek. If you’re coming from Positano, take a ferry to Amalfi. It’s the ‘5080’ bus he took from Amalfi to Ageralo (Bomerano).

Don’t forget a hat and hiking essentials!

Once you get off the bus, there’s a pizza near the entry to the path you can buy any last-minute snacks or water you forgot to bring. To start the hike follow signs for Sentiero degli Dei trail #327 and continue to fork at Colle Serra (take the Low (basso) Road 327). Continue hiking to Nocelle where you can board the bus back to Positano. Find the parking lot where you can board the ‘CITA bus’ which comes once an hour at XX:50 (at least during September, it may run more frequently during other months). I would also have a number for a taxi or a car that can pick you up just in case the bus option doesn’t work, your hotel could always help with this.

Have Dinner at the most beautiful hotel in Positano

Even though it can be near impossible to score a reservation at the most beautiful hotel on the Amalfi Coast, it’s one of the most memorable dinners I’ve ever had and has to be included on your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary! Le Sirenuse has two restaurant options for non-hotel guests, La Sponda and Aldo’s. La Sponda is a more formal dining experience, while Aldo’s is located on their outdoor terrace and has more of a relaxed aesthetic. I chose to dine at Aldo’s versus La Sponda because most tables have incredible views of Positano, and La Sponda doesn’t. To make a reservation check out their website, when I booked there were detailed instructions with when and how to book for the date you want to visit.

Day 5: Explore the towns on the Amalfi Coast

You can save a day in your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary for a relaxing beach day or if you’re up for more exploring, explore the coast! As I mentioned, it’s easiest to reach Positano, Amalfi Town, and Sorrento by ferry. There are other towns along the coast to visit including Atrani. This is a good option because it’s only a ten-minute walk from Amalfi Town. The main square, Piazza Umberto, is near the sea and beach. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, and it’s less touristy and more affordable.

You can also explore the coast by car! This private tour in a vintage Fiat will give you all the photo opportunities to remember your unforgettable trip to the Amalfi Coast Italy!

Day 6: Head into the mountains in Ravello

When planning your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary, add a day or two for Ravello. Even though this town nestled high in the mountains can be difficult to get to, it offers the most insane views!

Take a ferry and bus to reach Ravello

As I’ll mention again, the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by ferry. Since we were coming from Positano, we opted to take a ferry to Amalfi from Positano since there’s a bus route direct to Ravello from Amalfi. When planning your Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary for 7 days, research ferry and bus times in advance, as it can be difficult to plan this last minute or the day of. I’ll go into more detail on the best apps and websites to book transport, so keep reading!

Visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo

A visit to Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo is one of the best things to do in Ravello. Ravello is quite small, and you can easily walk between the two. Enjoy a drink at Piazza Centrale and have dinner at Hotel Villa Maria.

Day 7: Learn about the history of Pompeii

Plan to drive from Ravello to Pompeii, it will be the fastest and most efficient way to travel. We pre-booked our taxi with the help of our bed and breakfast. Even though my husband and I don’t frequently take guided tours, we like to explore by ourselves and at our own pace, I HIGHLY recommend booking a guided tour of Pompeii. Pompeii is massive and you can easily get lost because of its massive size.

This is the exact tour we booked for Pompeii. You can even take a tour from Naples; and this tour not only includes Pompeii but Mount Vesuvius as well.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

Closest airport to the Amalfi Coast Italy

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples or Rome. If you’re debating which airport to fly into, in my experience, it was very easy to take a train from Rome to Naples, and then a ferry from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. After enjoying a week in Rome, we took the train with Trenitalia from the Roma Termini Station to Naples. We used the Trainline app to purchase and use our tickets. The high-speed train ride from Rome to Naples takes about an hour. After arriving in Naples, there are multiple ferries you can board depending on your destination on the Amalfi Coast!

When planning a 7 day Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary and flying into Rome, here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting this famous city and all the best places to stay. We also opted to spend one night in Naples before traveling to the Amalfi Coast. This allowed us flexibility to see the city and try the best pizza I’ve ever had!

How to Get Around on the Amalfi Coast

The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast Italy is by ferry, you can book tickets easily with FerryHopper.com or Traghettiup.com. When planning an Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary for 7 days, consider pre-booking transport including ferries and taxis. The Amalfi Coast does not have Uber/Bolt, and taxis are expensive. The narrow, winding roads of the coast make it difficult to drive, therefore I would advise against renting a car. Traffic can also be a nightmare, especially during the summer, and parking can be difficult. Taking a bus is also popular to get between Amalfi towns, however, if there’s an option to take a ferry I suggest that instead.

The truth about getting around via Bus

After leaving Positano and heading to Ravello, we took a ferry from Positano to Amalfi town. From Amalfi Town, we planned to board a bus to Ravello. Other than this, the only time used a bus for transport on the Amalfi Coast was on Capri. Taking the bus from Amalfi town to Ravello was challenging. Keep reading for my experience getting around the Amalfi Coast via bus.

What you need to know before taking a bus

Other than arranging a private transfer or trying to flag down a taxi that will only accept cash, the best way to get from Amalfi town to Ravello is by bus. After getting off the ferry from Positano in Amalfi town, we attempted to find the bus stop. There was limited signage, similar to our experience in Capri. If we hadn’t done our research, we would have no idea the only place to buy bus tickets is at ‘tobacco shops’ with cash only!

After buying our tickets and finding the bus stop, the bus timetables posted at the stop were inaccurate. We waited around for quite a while until a bus finally arrived. At this point, since there was a bus that never arrived, there were lots of people waiting. Since we were at the beginning of the line/mob, we had to push and shove our way on the bus. We even experienced people yelling and physically pushing each other. It was madness!

What size suitcase is the best to bring?

Don’t bring large luggage to the Amalfi Coast unless you plan to use a taxi or car service to get between towns. Thankfully we only brought backpacks and a small carry-on suitcase which was extremely helpful when boarding the bus. Because of the hoard of people pushing and shoving their way on, my husband and I decided I would squeeze onto the bus first and find a seat. Since we had a long ride, I was able to save seats for us and he followed with the luggage. It’s insanely difficult to board the bus with large luggage versus a carry-on. Some buses have overhead luggage racks, but the bus we boarded from Amalfi town to Ravello wasn’t tall enough to accommodate large luggage.

Top Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast Italy

Visit Capri Italy Amalfi Coast

Capri makes for a great day trip on the Amalfi Coast, or stay in this adorable B&B if you want to explore the island from a perfect location. My favorite part of Capri was staying at that lovely B&B, and taking a once-in-a-lifetime kayak tour of the famous Faraglioni rocks.

Best Beaches in Amalfi Coast Italy

You shouldn’t travel to Amalfi Coast because of its beaches. The coast is rocky, and many beaches are tiny, small rocks versus sand. The most iconic beach on the Amalfi Coast is Positano’s Spiaggia Marina Grande. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter find the pedestrian-only street Via Positanesi d’America that leads to Fornillo Beach. Surprisingly, you will find a bit of sand at Capri’s public Marina Grande, which is also free to visit. Amalfi also has a large, public beach, and the most unique beach on the Amalfi Coast is Fiordo di Furore. This beach is best accessible by boat as the 200-stair descent from the main road offers no parking!

Best Activities on the Amalfi Coast

The best part about the Amalfi Coast is the scenery, and if you’re not up for visiting the beach you can burn some calories on a hike, take a cooking class, or simply wander through the beautiful towns. Even though you may enjoy a workout climbing endless amounts of stairs, make sure to plan for more relaxing activities too.

Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to Italy? Contact me since I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

How many days do you need to visit Amalfi Coast?

Is 7 days too long on the Amalfi coast?

7 days on the Amalfi Coast Italy is the perfect amount of time to visit the Amalfi Coast towns, spend a day or two on Capri, and even have time to visit Pompeii and Naples if you choose to!

Is 3 days enough in Amalfi Coast?

3 days is not enough time to experience everything the Amalfi Coast offers, but it gives you a taste of its beauty. You can easily take a ferry from Naples and spend three nights in Positano, Amalfi, or Sorrento. Basing yourself in these towns you can take a day trip to Capri or any additional Amalfi Coast towns via ferry. The only Amalfi Coast town that would be difficult to visit if you’re only spending 3 days on the Amalfi Coast is Ravello. Ravello is high in the mountains and can be difficult to travel to.

What language is spoken in Italy

Italian is primarily spoken on the Amalfi Coast, but most Italians you’ll encounter understand and speak English. It’s always helpful to learn a bit of the language of the country you’re traveling in, to be the most respectful tourist you can be.

What currency is used in Italy

The official currency of Italy and the Amalfi Coast is the euro. You can use a credit card throughout Italy but bring cash, especially smaller bills and coins for buses! Remember to exchange your money at your bank before leaving. We also chose to splurge on a private, sunset boat tour off the Coast of Positano. With this tour, we were offered a significant discount for paying cash.