Our 7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary
Italy is an amazing country where you can spend months and even years without getting bored. Alas, vacation time is limited, so let us focus on exploring the jewel of Italy on a 7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
A few days are barely enough to scratch the surface, while an entire month might be too much (as far as your boss is concerned). So, to balance things out, I’ve created a one-week itinerary.
By following it, you will cover the most iconic places on the Amalfi Coast without exhausting yourself.
I have visited the place myself several times, and as I write these lines, we have literally just returned from a month-long stay. (Yeah, we love Italy and the Amalfi Coast!)
If you are not ready to spend one week on the Amalfi Coast yet or want to see other places in Southern Italy, we have some itinerary options here.
This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- 7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary at a glance
- How to get around the Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi Coast 7-Day Itinerary
- Beaches on the Amalfi Coast
7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary at a glance
To make it easier to visualize your 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, I’ve created the map below.
Naples -> Procida / Pompeii / Herculaneum -> Sorrento -> Capri –> Positano -> Amalfi -> Ravello -> back to Naples.
For your accommodation, you’ll stay for 2 nights in Naples, 2 nights in Sorrento, and 2 nights in Positano.
How to get around the Amalfi Coast
Naturally, you might wonder about how to get around, especially in a challenging destination such as the Amalfi Coast.
We visited on different occasions, and we mixed transportation options every time.
Of course, there are pros and cons for each of them, and what you choose to do depends ultimately on your travel style.
By public transportation
When it comes to public transportation, on the coast, there’s only the bus option.
Buses are operated by SITA Sud, and you can buy tickets from any tabbacheria (newsstand).
In peak season, it can be challenging to get on the first bus. For example, on my visit in August, we waited for one hour to take the bus. When we did, we had to stand because it was packed.
Moreover, during our month-long visit, we stood on the stairs even though it was late April.
Of course, there are advantages to taking the bus, with the low price at the top of the list.
Our suggestion is not to plan a packed itinerary for the day if you rely on the bus.
By car
We drove around a lot, mainly because we were traveling with our 1.5-year-old baby.
However, after one month of driving daily on the narrow hilltop roads, we were both tiered.
The main advantage of getting around by car is that you can explore freely, without depending on a schedule, on your own.
If you are looking to rent a car, DiscoverCars can help you save up to 70%. Moreover, they have a great cancellation policy in case your travel plans change.
Don’t forget to factor in the parking cost. Positano has the most expensive parking, while places like Sorrento, Cetara, or Vietri sul Mare have decent prices (i.e., decent by Amalfi standards).
Remember, the parking spaces marked in blue are the ones you pay for, while yellow parking spaces are reserved for residents.
By boat
Of course, you won’t be able to travel only by boat, but we strongly recommend taking it at least once or twice.
It offers another perspective, and in some cases, it can be faster than traveling by bus or car.
We recommend booking your ticket ahead of time, especially when traveling during the peak season. You can do it here by checking timetables and comparing prices from different companies.
By organized tour
While we don’t always recommend this option, booking tours is the best way to explore the Amalfi Coast.
That’s because it is much easier to have someone else worry about the commute, parking, timetables, and everything else.
Luckily, there are so many options for tours from Sorrento to the main attractions on the coast that it will be easy to see it all.
Check them out here and book beforehand if you want to find availability.
Amalfi Coast 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Naples
Since you will be landing in Naples, why not spend some time exploring the famous city of “My Brilliant Friend” or “Eat, Pray, Love”?
The Italians say, “Vedi Napoli e muori,” which means that if you get to see Naples, you can die because you’ve seen the most beautiful place in the world.
Where to stay in Naples
We stayed in a hotel close to the train station for our first trip since we planned to travel around the area.
However, the area can be a bit unsettling, like places near train stations tend to be in large cities.
Hence, I would suggest you go a bit further away, inside the old town or along the sea.
Here are 2 great options to consider:
Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments
Set in the heart of Naples, in a 16th-century building, steps away from the Spaccanapoli and the Plebiscito Square, but still not far from the train station.
Tucked away, the hotel has a nice courtyard where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. And if you’re lucky, you can reserve a room with a view of vibrant Naples.
Relais Castel Nuovo
If you prefer to stay in an apartment and love a view from your window, this one can be an option for you!
You will also be close to the most important attractions of Naples.
How to get around Naples
Since you won’t spend much time in the city, I suggest walking or using public transportation. You won’t have to struggle to find a parking space, and the distances aren’t so big.
In addition, there is a subway system that will easily get you from one place to the other.
What to do in Naples
Visit the Castel Del’Ovo by the sea, stroll along Spaccanapoli, and explore the old town.
Among other things, Naples is famous for its majestic churches. So make sure that you stop by the city’s Cathedral and visit the splendid Church of Santa Chiara with its colorful and vibrant gardens.
When I think of Naples, the first thing that comes to mind is an image of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background. Hence, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the iconic landscape from Castel Sant’Elmo.
Finally, remember that Naples is the birthplace of pizza. You must try a pizza at the famous Sorbillo. Just don’t request pineapple topping; that’s a capital offense in the land of authentic pizza!
And why not go on a street food tour with a local? We love tasting traditional food, and locals always know where to go for authenticity and taste.
History lovers will love to go underneath Naples’ old city center and discover the remains of the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and the Roman Theater.
Step back in time and learn about the city’s over 2000 years of history. See more about the tour here!
Day 2 – Procida, Pompeii or Herculaneum
On your 2nd day in Naples, we suggest one of the following three options: Procida Island, Pompeii, or Herculaneum. Unfortunately, you’ll not have the time to do all three, so you must choose one. My personal favorite is Pompeii, while Alex’ is Herculaneum.
Procida Island
Go on a trip to Procida island – one of the most colorful places in the world and a not-so-well-kept secret in the Bay of Naples!
Take the ferry from the port of Naples for a maximum of one hour, depending on your departure time. A return trip can cost around 50 USD, and you will have the whole day to explore the island. Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
If you want to play it safe, you can always choose an organized day trip from Naples to Procida. The trip includes a traditional lunch, and you won’t have to worry about a thing – just show up at the ferry.
Book your day trip to Procida here!
On Procia Island, climb all the way to the Terra Murata, the highest point on the island, and enjoy a fresh lunch at one of the restaurants along the sea just by the fishing boats supplying you with the fish.
Make sure you linger at Marina Coricella. You can admire the houses painted in pink, yellow, and blue or even watch the sunset if you feel like staying late.
If Procida looks even a little bit familiar, perhaps it is because parts of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” were filmed here.
Pompeii
One of the most famous archeological sites in the world, the city of Pompeii was buried under ash and lava during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can walk the ancient streets and feel the Roman vibe, almost as if time stood still.
Herculaneum
The archeological site of Herculaneum is more concentrated than the one at Pompeii, so you will find it easy to see in a few hours.
Moreover, people flock to Pompeii (for good reason) and skip Herculaneum. This makes it less crowded and easier to experience to the fullest.
Walking on the streets of this thousand-year-old town offers great insights into how people lived back then. It was amazing to see their houses, the local “restaurants,” gardens, and more.
It is highly advisable to book a guided tour to learn more about the city and its volcanic tragedy.
However, if you don’t have the time or patience to participate in a tour, you should at least get an Audio Guide. By doing so, you can see the site at your own pace. Book it here!
Day 3 – Sorrento
Time to leave Naples behind and move on to Sorrento! You’ll spend the next 2 nights in this lovely town.
As you approach your destination, you will start to understand why the Amalfi Coast is so popular with Italians and foreigners alike.
Sorrento is an enchanting town, mainly because of its coquette streets, boutique hotels, and nice restaurants.
Where to stay in Sorrento
There are plenty of hotels and apartment-style accommodations to choose from, no matter your budget. Here are a few of our personal favorites.
Luxury hotels in Sorrento
Perfectly located in the city center, this 5* hotel is set in an 18th-century Italian villa.
On top of that, it offers stunning views over the Bay of Naples and access to the beach.
The train station is only a few minutes away, and all rooms have air conditioning and a sea-facing terrace.
While this 5* hotel is not located right in the city center, it compensates with its stunning facilities.
Housed in a 17th-century villa, the hotel has splendid views, an outdoor swimming pool, and a private beach area.
Moreover, by staying here, you can say you stayed in the same hotel as famous people such as Goethe, Andersen, or Freud.
See availability and prices here!
Swim at the Vesuviu-facing swimming pool at this superb Sorrento hotel. Those who prefer swimming in the sea will enjoy the private beach.
By staying here, you will be within walking distance of the city center and train station.
Mid-range hotels in Sorrento
You’ve probably seen this hotel before since it is set in the main square that offers panoramic views.
You can choose between garden-view rooms or sea-view rooms, offering more flexibility budget-wise.
Another centrally located stunning hotel with a rooftop pool and killer views.
It is very close to Piazza Tasso, the port, and the main streets in the city center. Rooms are spacious and clean, and guests have access to a rooftop swimming pool.
See availability and prices here!
Budget hotels in Sorrento
Set high on the hills above Sorrento, it is a peaceful and quiet accommodation option.
With fresh breakfast and breathtaking views, they provide a shuttle to/from the main city area to the villa every couple of hours.
Find out when they have availability here!
It offers great traditional Italian food, a beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus.
We chose this villa because of its location, which is close to the city center but not inside the fuss.
It also has free parking, and apartments have fully equipped kitchens
See availability and prices here!
What to do in Sorrento
Explore the narrow streets around Piazza Tasso in the heart of Sorrento and admire the many old palaces dating from different centuries.
If you want to take some nice pictures (and who doesn’t?), visit the Cloister of San Francesco with its round arches.
Next, stroll through the park at Villa Comunale, which is right next to the cloister. Prepare for some shopping on the many narrow streets inside the city center.
Step a bit outside of the crowds and have a lemon gelato with limoncello tasting under the lemon trees at “I Giardini di Cataldo.”
Finish your day at Marina Grande (or Marina Piccola) and enjoy an unforgettable sunset while sipping a glass of wine.
Day 4 – Capri Island and the Blue Grotto
Once upon a time, the most powerful man in the world yearned for a bit of peace and quiet, so he visited the island of Capri. He liked it so much that he stayed there for over a decade, delegating his duties to his underlings.
It is the true story of the Roman Empire’s second ruler, Emperor Tiberius.
You might wonder how beautiful Capri is, so Tiberius traded his palace in Rome for a small island. Not to mention neglecting the all-powerful position he coveted his entire life! (And to think of all the people his mother had to poison so her son could become emperor…).
Visit Capri and see for yourself! I believe you’ll not be disappointed.
What do to in Capri
On our one-day visit to the island, as we set foot on land, we headed directly to Capri Town.
Perched up the hill, getting there can be intense or easy, depending on how you choose to do it.
For the easiest route, you can take the funicular, a bus, or one of the many colorful convertible taxis.
If, however, you feel like working out, you can take the countless steps to the top. That’s what we did, and while it was not easy, we enjoyed the views along the way.
Once in Capri Town, enjoy a coffee with a view at one of the stylish cafes in the town square. Refreshed, stroll through the narrow streets, and do some (window) shopping.
We went directly to the Giardini di Augusto, Augustus’ Gardens. From there, you get a stunning view of the sea, but the famous Via Krupp also starts there.
We ended our day in Capri with a late lunch at this lovely small restaurant on the seafront. It had delicious food and charming views of the harbor and lemon trees.
How to get to Capri
There are ferries to Capri if you want to explore on your own. Alternatively, consider booking an organized tour to take you to Capri and the Blue Grotto.
The second option is better because you will get to see more in a shorter period.
We were traveling with a small baby, but otherwise, we would have opted for the tour.
From Sorrento, you have the following options:
By ferry
It can be as short as a 25-minute boat trip, but you will need to book your ticket in advance because this is a very popular destination.
We visited in late April and still could not find tickets for the first leaving boat. The line was super long, and all the boats were almost sold out during the day.
Thus, when visiting in high season, we strongly encourage you to book in advance. See timetables and prices here!
By organized tour
It is a full-day trip that can include hotel pick-up if you stay in Sorrento. You will have the chance to explore Capri Island, swim in the Blue Grotto, and taste some limoncello on your way back to Sorrento.
This is a better choice for when you want to have an unforgettable experience. See more here!
Day 5 – Positano
How should I describe Positano? It is THE PLACE to be if you are looking for romantic landscapes, luxurious hotels, delicious food, and a vibrant town with plenty of picture-perfect locations.
Boats come and go as countless tourists wander about the winding roads. But you can also find hidden gems and not-so-crowded places with views that will take your breath away.
Where to stay in Positano
If you choose to stay in town, we have a great guide for where to stay in Positano; click here to read it. Still, here are a few choices:
Alcione Residence is a family-run hotel. The location is great, and the view is even better.
Find out when they’re free here!
Villa Magia has bright rooms, perfect for a special occasion such as spending your honeymoon in Italy.
Book your stay with them here!
Il San Pietro di Positano is a luxury hotel with friendly staff and breathtaking views.
Take a look at their prices here!
What do to in Positano
If I were you, I would relax at the Spiaggia Grande (the beach in Positano) for a while.
Then, I’ll enjoy some drinks at Franco’s Bar at sunset or have dinner at Il San Pietro di Positano while you bask in the warm light of the setting sun.
Extra tip: Try the Saraceno D’Oro restaurant for some of the best food in Positano at a decent price.
While at it, make sure to taste the locally made limoncello.
Content after a pleasant day: you should shop for some colorful Amalfi Coast ceramics before you walk back to your room. Needless to say, take as many pictures as you can.
Day 6 – Amalfi and Ravello
A new day, a new adventure:)
What to do in Amalfi town
Take the bus or drive from your base in Positano to Amalfi town.
If you drive, we recommend using Luna Rossa parking garage. It is not cheap, but you’ll have the highest chance of finding an available spot.
Alternatively, we encourage you to book a tour from Positano to Amalfi and Ravello. You will see a lot in just one day, and it costs less than parking. Check out the tour’s itinerary here!
To be honest, before my first visit to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, I thought that the colorful pictures I saw everywhere were from the town of Amalfi itself. In truth, the images were from the entire coast, not from a single place.
Yet, even compared to the beauty of Positano and Sorrento, Amalfi is a scenic sight.
Its exquisite architecture is set against a backdrop of jagged mountains and a deep blue sea. Amalfi reminds me of one of those elfish towns from the fantasy series Alex likes so much.
Wandering its sleepy streets, it is hard to imagine now that Amalfi was once an important merchant republic. Its wealthy leaders controlled the flow of goods from all over the known world 1000 years ago.
It is definitely worth stopping here for a few hours during your 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
What to do in Ravello
You can take the bus or drive from Amalfi to Ravello, a popular town perched on a hill. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
If you choose to drive, make sure you arrive early to find parking available. The best parking is right below the city’s main square, and it will take you minutes away from Villa Rufolo.
Visit Villa Cimbrone and its sumptuous gardens
One of the unique hotels in Europe, Villa Cimbrone is the epitome of the good life, European style: elegant and refined, yet breathtakingly beautiful.
Perhaps it is just my humble working-class background, but the place makes me think of fairy tale princesses and princes.
While the rooms are not cheap, the gardens are open to the wider public; you don’t have to stay there to visit them.
Visit Villa Rufolo
Both the Villa and its gardens can be visited and will impress with their extraordinary heritage.
Having Arabic, Sicilian, and Norman influences, the place is infused with history. If you have the chance, attend one of the many musical or art events held there.
Day 7 – Relax or explore
You’ve been exploring some of the most popular destinations on the Coast so far. Depending on what you want to do and see, the last day can be more intense or laid-back.
You can go somewhere around Positano or venture further away, perhaps near Naples, since you might have an evening plane to catch.
Below are some great options and destinations to choose from.
Atrani
A short walk from the crowded Amalfi, Atrani is a tiny village where you can feel the local vibe, sample some delicious seafood, or spend time at the beach.
In recent times, this small and charming village has become more popular because it was featured in the Netflix hit series Ripley.
If you are not in the mood for walking, you can take the bus and get off one stop away from Amalfi.
When driving, park at the underground Luna Rossa parking, conveniently set in between the two villages.
The Path of the Gods
The Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is one of the best hiking routes in the world. Take it from someone who wandered on many paths, from the mountains of Hong Kong and South Korea to the Carpathians and the Peloponnese.
You can admire the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and spend quality time surrounded by natural beauty.
The main section is 6.5 kilometers long and connects Bomerano to Nocelle.
Since both villages are above sea level, there isn’t much climbing involved, and the hike difficulty is moderate. However, come prepared with plenty of water and something to shield your head from the sun.
You can hike on your own, or you can choose to go on one of the popular guided hiking tours. A local will guide you along clifftops.
Fiordo del Furore
If you want to escape the heat of a warm day, visiting Fiordo del Furore is a good option.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this setting resembles those found in the northern part of Europe minus the cold:). Come prepared for a bath in the sea.
You’ll have to take the bus and get off at the stop right on top of the bridge to get there.
Sentiero dei Limoni (The Path of the Lemons)
The locals from Maiori and Minori used to cart their lemons on this picturesque street, hence the name, The Path of the Lemons.
If you happen to visit in the spring, you’ll witness the harvesting of the famous Amalfi lemons.
The hike takes roughly one hour, and the difficulty is medium-low.
We did it on a cloudy April day, and it took us around 45 minutes from Maiori to Minori. Alex had Iris on his back, so we stopped a few times along the way.
While some might say climbing from Maiori to Minori is easier, we think both sides are similar. Thus, make your itinerary the best one for you. For us, it was easier to park in Maiori and make our way back there by bus from Minori.
The views are indeed breathtaking, and walking below lemon trees is a unique experience.
Moreover, at one point along the way, a small girl offered us lemonade and the opportunity to take pictures in the lemon orchard for a few euros.
You can also book a private walking tour that will also take you to a local limoncello production company. There, you can sample local produce and limoncello. See availability here!
Vietri Sul Mare
The last town before Salerno, Vietri sul Mare, is a hidden gem you should explore if you want to skip the crowds or spend some time at the beach.
During our one month on the Amalfi Coast, we stayed close to Vietri and often came here for the beach or a coffee with a view.
Vietri sul Mare is popular for its colorful ceramics, but it also has one of the best beaches on the whole Amalfi Coast. On our last day in the region, we spent one perfect day at the beach here.
We recommend lunch at the Rosa dei Venti restaurant. And if you come here in the afternoon, watch the sunset with a drink in hand at the La Ciurma Cucina a Mare restaurant.
Salerno
Salerno was a pleasant surprise, even though the city is not really part of the Amalfi Coast.
It is a larger city where you can see and feel how people actually live in the area.
Moreover, it has a great lungo mare (waterfront), a lively Old Town, and a castle on the cliffs.
Caserta Palace
One hour outside of Naples by train, the Caserta Palace is impressive, but its gardens are even more impressive.
The largest former royal residence, it was built by the House of Bourbon when they acted as kings of Naples. We spent one sunny Saturday at the palace and loved everything about it.
Just make sure to book your ticket in advance because it is very crowded.
Paestum
While it might seem that we crossed over to Greece, that’s not true—or it is partially true.
Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia. So, this region south of Naples was, at some point, part of Greece.
We loved strolling through the airy archeological site and admiring the well-preserved temples. They date from the same periods as the Parthenon in Athens and are kept in good shape.
We had a lovely lunch at a small restaurant in the small village next to the archeological site. But our top tip is to try the ice cream at the Bar Gelateria Museo—it was the best gelato we have tried so far in Italy!
You can get to Paestum by train from Naples in less than 1.5 hours. And you can book the train ticket and the skip-the-line museum ticket here!
Beaches on the Amalfi Coast
If you want to spend time at the beach, it is worth knowing that on the Amalfi Coast, you won’t find sandy or wide beaches.
However, there are plenty of options to choose from, and you can go to:
- Maiori
- Vietri sul Mare
- Marina Grande in Positano – relatively small and crowded
- Santa Croce in Amalfi – a bit wider than the one in Positano, but still relatively small
- Marina di Cetara
- Spiaggia di Cauco in Erchie
- Spiaggia Cavallo Morto (don’t judge it by its name, please)
- Spiaggia dei Limoni
When you have a car, you can simply look on the map and choose one of the more secluded-looking beaches and head there. Just make sure to bring some water and food in case there isn’t any shop around.
PIN FOR LATER!
