Are you looking for the perfect Italian summer holiday destination? This 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary will tell you everything you need to know to make your aesthetic dreams come true. 

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

The Amalfi Coast truly embodies the charm of a bygone era. The name alone evokes images of sun-kissed beaches, delicious cuisine, and glamorous Italian aesthetics – the famous ‘Dolce Vita’ you won’t find elsewhere but in the Italian Riviera.

If you’d like to spend your summer sipping Limoncellos, tanning under Italy’s flickering sun, getting lost through photogenic alleys, and spending too much cash on linen clothes, you’re in the right place. Scroll down to find the ultimate 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, including tips on where to stay, how to get around, and suggestions on where to eatafter all, eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and Italians do it so, so right. 

Where is the Amalfi Coast located?

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline located in Campania, in Southern Italy. It runs for about 40 km (25 miles) from its starting point in Vietri sul Mare to its end in Positano and consists of 13 charming towns. Check out this Amalfi Coast map below for an overview:

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a 5 day itinerary?

Considering factors like services, public transport hubs, quality of the beaches and overall prettiness, I would suggest staying in: 

  • Positano – because it’s undoubtedly the most beautiful city on the coast. Unfortunately, staying in Positano may also be very expensive unless you’re planning on using Airbnb.  
  • Amalfi – because it’s more affordable than Positano but still fantastic. You’ll also be right in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it much easier to get around and explore your surroundings.  
  • Sorrento – even though Sorrento is not part of the Amalfi Coast, it is usually a stopover if you plan to reach the area by public transport. It’s also an ideal place to stay if you want to organize day trips to Pompeii and Napoli, although it’s far from most Amalfi Coast towns.  

These three options are very touristic. Would you prefer to avoid crowds? Then Praiano is the place for you. There’s a friendly and authentic small-town atmosphere, and it is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation and don’t mind being far from all major transportation hubs. 

How to get to the Amalfi Coast?

Getting to the Amalfi coast isn’t exactly straightforward. Whatever your starting point is, you must reach Naples central station or Salerno central station before moving on to your journey. You have three options:

Option 1) train to Salerno → ferry to Positano / Amalfi

All trains to Salerno should be booked quite in advance. You can choose between Trenitalia, the public railway system, or Italotreno, a private company that operates high-speed trains. From Salerno, the best way to get to the Amalfi Coast is to take the ferry. Fast ferries offer Salerno-Amalfi and Salerno-Positano routes departing from Piazza della Concordia, right before the train station. The trip takes 35 minutes to Amalfi (8€) and 70 minutes to Positano (12€).

Option 2) train to Naples train to Sorrento → bus to Positano or Amalfi

The Circumvesuviana train line will take you from Naples to Sorrento. It costs €4.10, takes slightly more than an hour and leaves every 30 minutes. It’s cheap, old, crowded, and not fancy. You can check the updated timetables here. Once in Sorrento, you can take the SITA bus to reach all the towns along the coast. The route takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the final destination (Positano, Praiano, Conca dei Marini or Amalfi), and it’ll cost you 3 to 5€.

Option 3) train to Naples / flight to Naples Airport → private car to Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi

A private driver is the most expensive option, but it’s also the one I recommend the most to avoid all the craziness I described above. A private car transfer should cost you between 100€ and 150€ for one way.  

How to get around and explore the Amalfi Coast?

Your options are:

  • Bus – Watching coach drivers zip up and down at terrifying speed on the incredibly narrow roads (with nothing below but cliffs to the sea) is equally horrifying and entertaining. But if this picture doesn’t scare you off, beware that tickets can’t be bought directly on buses, but you can find them in tobacco shops and bars throughout the coast. You can get tickets that are valid for 1 day (€7.20), 3 days (€18), or one ride (€3.60 for 90 minutes).
  • Ferry – Ferries are often faster, less crowded, and have gorgeous views of the coastal towns. There are many different ferry companies (Travelmar, Alicost, Alilauro and Camemar) and you can ask directly at the ticket booths for the timetables.
  • Car – You can obviously also rent a car and drive. Some people love doing this, but I think it must be avoided at all costs unless you really enjoy being insulted in Italian (although their curse words are indeed very poetic)

5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Day 1 – Positano 

Positano’s scenery is incredible to witness for the first time. Hundreds of peach and terracotta houses hug the rugged cliffs above the sea, creating that postcard image worldwide famous.

First and foremost, your first morning in Positano should be spent at the beach. If Marina Grande is too crowded for your taste, just a short walk away, you’ll find a much quieter beach, Fornillo, where the wanna-be locals hang out. After your morning swim, head to Casa e Bottega for a refreshing light lunch, then spend your afternoon exploring the town. Visit the little art galleries, and the Church of Santa Maria, and reward yourself with a pair of artisanal sandals.  

After a much-needed power nap, head to Franco’s for an aperitif with the greatest view ever, then consequently treat yourself to a 3-course meal at restaurant da Vicenzo. Finally, top everything off with a sip of Limoncello.

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

Day 2 – Amalfi and Atrani 

Amalfi is a delight to explore, especially with a refreshing granita in your hand. You can spend your morning strolling around the small centre and checking out all the many charming alleys. Of course, do not forget to visit the famous Duomo di Sant’Andrea.  

Not many know that Amalfi has a long history as a production centre of paper mills, and that the bambagina – the funny name of the thick and soft paper produced here – is appreciated by many artists worldwide. Make sure to visit the Paper Museum to see how this very pretty product is made by hand.  

After a quick lunch at Taverna Buonvicino, head around the corner to picturesque Atrani. Only a 5-10 walk from the main Amalfi square, Atrani has a surface area of 0.12 km2, making it the smallest town in ItalyAnd just in case you need a break from the streets, there’s also a cute little beach.

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

Day 3 – Ravello and Furore

On day 3 of your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, you will visit the two most photogenic places in the area: Ravello and Furore.

Perched on a cliff, the town of Ravello has been, for years, a bohemian getaway and a popular celeb hideaway. The entire town has crazy-beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea, but the main attractions are definitely its two amazing villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. You can spend the morning exploring both villas, then head to the main square for a quick bite. 

In the early afternoon, head over to the Fiord of Furore. It’s common knowledge that Fiords are a must-see in Norway, but did you know that a similar example can also be found in Italy? Case in point: The Fiord of Furore. The beach cove is accessible through a specific trail in the mountains or directly through the steps near the arched bridge on the Amalfi Coast highway, aka the hell road. Remember that given its particular position, the beach catches the sun only during the central hours of the day.

ravello villa cimbrone amalfi coast itinerary

Day 4 – Capri 

Once the summer playground of choice for celebs like Jackie O and Greta Garbo, Capri attracts all kinds of travellers. Are you a history buff? Here you’ll find the favourite hangout of the Roman emperor Augustus and even Tiberius’ villa. Are you a nature lover? You can easily spend a week walking through the many hiking trails on the island. Want to do some severe damage to your credit card? Oh boy, Capri can help you with that.

Once you hop off the funicular, make your way to Capri’s main square, and start taking in the atmosphere, the scent of lemons, and the luxury. From there, you can descend to the spectacular Gardens of Augustus in about fifteen minutes. From one side of the gardens, you can see the Faraglioni, the famous group of three rock stacks – Scopolo, Mezza and Stella. On the other side, you can look down into the bay’s turquoise waters and the Marina Piccola. You can also admire a fascinating trail called the Via Krupp, which goes down from the gardens to the marina.

In the afternoon, return to the marina, pack a bottle of Italian bubbles and hop on a Gozzo, Capri’s classic wooden boat. This is the best way to visit Capri, as a private driver can take you to the best caves and stop right in front of the Faraglioni. Just make sure to pre-arrange a tour if you’re travelling during the high season. The best part of a Gozzo tour will be the Blue Grotto. La Grotta Azzurra is worldwide famous thanks to a natural phenomenon that occurs when sunlight, passing through a small cavity and shining through the water, creates a magical, mesmerising neon-blue reflection. It’s a bit of a hassle to get into the cave – the entrance is so tiny, you have to lay down flat in your boat to avoid banging your head – but once you’re in, you’ll be blown away.

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide
amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

Day 5 – Sorrento 

Sorrento is a much bigger town, so you’ll find a different vibe here. Check out the picturesque Piazza Tasso, full of energy and locals at all hours. Stroll around Corso Italia and explore all the beautiful buildings and sights tucked away in the charming cobblestoned streets. Try the famous gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Sorrento’s signature dish.  

amalfi coast 5 days itinerary what to do guide

Want to extend your Amalfi Coast itinerary?

When it comes to the Amalfi Coast, the more, the merrier. If you have a few extra days to spend in the Costiera, here are some additional suggestions:  

1) Hike the Walk of the Gods. The Path of The Gods, or II Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian, is a historic trail connecting the two mountainside villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. The total path is about 13km, filled with heavenly views and dreamy scenery. 

2) Visit Vietri sul mare. Vietri sul mare is the last small town on the Amalfi Coast and is famous thanks to its rich ceramics tradition. In fact, the whole town is literally covered in incredible earthenware pottery known as maiolica.

3) Check out Maiori & Minori. Quiet and unpretentious, these towns are home to the biggest beaches on the Amalfi Coast and are also notable for being ancient Roman settlements. Minori enjoys a unique microclimate and is usually blessed with a pleasant breeze.  

Final tips for your 5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Dress comfortably, but make it chic

Well, you do you. My only suggestion is to wear loose-fitted dresses or pants cause you’re probably going to eat your body weight in carbs. Also, no high heels, as you’re going to walk about a million steps every single day. 

Book everything in advance

Book your accommodation as early as you can. The Amalfi coast is very popular, especially from July to September. Also, while restaurants serving delicious meals are numerous, the top eateries get filled extremely quickly.  

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