Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Are you planning to spend 5 days in Amalfi Coast and are looking for the perfect itinerary and travel guide? You’ve come to the right place! That’s because I absolutely love Italy, and the Amalfi Coast, and I have experience in planning trips to Italy for the past over 10 years. 

It all started with an exchange program in Trieste and the love bug could never be cured. As for the Amalfi Coast, that’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, one that anyone should have on their bucket list. 

Years after I’ve been there for a short day trip from Naples, I’ve decided I need to come back and spend more time exploring the Italian Riviera.

If you’re like me and planning for the perfect escape, your honeymoon, or just a normal vacation, follow my itinerary and get ready for a trip that you will never forget!

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our disclosure page here. 

Bets things to do and see in Positano, Italy and all the Instagrammable places in Positano to explore on your Italy vacation on the Amalfi Coast. Colorful houses, nattow winding streets, deep blue sea, delicious food. Don't miss out on Positano on the Amalfi Coast and experience a great Italy trip. #amalfi #coast #positano #italy #italyvacation #italytrip #instagram
Il San Pietro di Positano

Important things to know for your 5 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary

Where to fly for the Amalfi Coast

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is the Naples International Airport, only 61 kilometers (38 miles) away from Positano, the most popular town on the coastline. 

Another option for when you want to see other destinations in Southern Italy would be landing in Rome and making your way South, to the Amalfi Coast. 

Also, Salerno Airport marks the southernmost point on the Amalfi Coast. However, there aren’t so many international flights landing here, so it might be a bit tricky but still worth looking into this option. 

How to get to and around the Amalfi Coast

Depending on where you land, how you prefer to get around, and your budget, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

When you want to make the best out of your vacation and have full flexibility to move around, discover hidden beaches or small towns, I advise driving the Amalfi Coast

I know there are many horror stories lingering around on the internet, but if you follow a few simple rules, and prepare in advance, you won’t have any issues with that. Here are a few things worth knowing if you consider renting a car on the Amalfi Coast:

  • Choose a small car – roads are narrow and winding, and parking spaces are hard to find. That’s why it is recommended to rent a small car (such as a Fiat 500, my dream car in Italy) that will allow you to make your way easily towards your destination. 
  • Rent ahead of time to make sure the right car is available – that is so important! We ended up getting a car from the airport and the only one available was an SUV. We had to take it because there was no other option, but let me tell you driving an SUV on the Amalfi Coast is not ideal. Choose your car here!
  • Make insurance – if there’s one place in this world where you don’t want to skip insurance, that’s on the Amalfi Coast! You will want to be covered against any possible incident. 
  • Don’t risk it if you don’t have enough experience – and I don’t mean 20 years of experience, I had been driving daily only for the past 3 years before driving the Amalfi Coast. What I mean is that it helps to be able to be confident and relaxed behind the wheel. 
  • Plan your itinerary and start early – skip the crowds, traffic jams, and potential accidents.
  • It is all about the honking – because the roads are so narrow, just before a narrow curve bus drivers (and not only) honk to make their presence known to the cars on the other side. If you hear a honk it means you must slow down or even stop and be extra careful. 
  • Parking on the Amalfi Coast can be challenging and expensive in some areas. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible to find a spot, especially when you start early in the morning. Remember that Italians don’t always leave space between cars when they park, so that’s another reason why you will want to buy insurance. 
  • There are no gas stations along the way, so fill up your tank before driving the Amalfi Coast.
  • Don’t leave any valuable in your car when you leave. I’ve heard so many stories about breaking into cars while in Italy and you don’t want to risk it! Take all your documents, money, and any other valuable things such as phones or cameras with you.

My go-to car rental company is always Discover Cars. It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change. You will most probably need a car to get to most of these places, especially if you want to keep a schedule. Get your best offers here!

However, no matter if you land in Naples, Rome, or Salerno, you can also reach the Amalfi Coast with a mix of trains, buses, and boats. 

From Naples, you will take the Circumvesuviana train all the way to Sorrento (roughly one hour). From there, hop on the boat or bus and make your way to the village you choose to stay in. 

Check out ferry schedules and prices here!

Check out the bus timetables here and plan accordingly.

What is the best time of year to visit the Amalfi Coast?

While the Amalfi Coast is a perfectly charming destination year-round, you will want to avoid it during winter when it gets cold and windy, and most restaurants and hotels are closed. 

Everything starts to open from March and you can plan your vacation up to November. That being said, the best time to visit might be in May or September in my opinion. The weather is nice, prices aren’t so high, and streets aren’t packed with tourists as you might find them in July or August. 

Which Amalfi Coast town to stay in

That’s a very difficult question to answer because it will all depend again on your budget, preference, how you choose to travel around, and what kind of things you plan to do. 

However, I will try to offer you a few guidelines to help you choose the perfect place to stay when visiting the Amalfi Coast. 

Read next: Amalfi Coast cheap hotels for your dream vacation

Sorrento 

Is a great option for those looking for more affordable accommodation options, and those who want to have a vacation packed with activities. When you choose to stay in Sorrento you will be close to Naples, Ischia, Pompeii, Herculaneum, but also Positano and the other charming coastline villages. 

You will also have access to the beach, and some wonderful streets to explore. 

I’ve gathered here a list of apartment-style accommodation options for Sorrento that will help you make an informed choice.

Positano

The crown gem on the Amalfitan Coast’s head, Positano is what dreams are made of, but it also comes with a price. It can be one of the most expensive places to stay in Italy, perfect for a honeymoon when you want to splurge. 

However, that doesn’t mean you will have to break the bank in order to stay in this charming village packed with colorful houses perched on the hill overlooking the sea. Make sure to read my complete guide for where to stay in Positano because you will find some budget-friendly options as well. 

Maiori

Is the perfect destination for those looking to spend time at the beach. Even though beaches are not wide or sandy, Maiori and even Minori, are frequented more by locals and have pretty big beaches. See accommodation options in Maiori!

Capri

An exclusivist destination, ideal for those looking for a laid-back vacation, on the tranquil streets of an island. You will spend time on the beach, take the boat and explore the sea caves and some of the clearest water, but you will also have plenty of famous restaurants, and small authentic shops for some Italian gifts to bring back home. 

However, I wouldn’t recommend it as a camp base for those that want to explore every village on the Amalfi Coast. They can simply take a day trip to Capri Island. 

See accommodation options in Capri here!

Other smaller villages

Vietri sul Mare or other smaller villages such as Cetara, Atrani, Castiglione, or Scala would be best for people traveling on a budget. See accommodation options for VietriCetaraScala!

5 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary

5 days Amalfi Coast itinerray map
Click on the map to open in Google Maps

On this 5 days Amalfi Coast itinerary I have included most of the attractions and landmarks you will want to see: 

Naples – Procida – Ischia – Pompei – Herculaneum – Sorrento – Capri – Positano – Ravello 

Day 1 – Procida and Ischia from Naples

Procida island
Photo by Erwin Doorn on Unsplash

No matter if you only spend one day in Naples, make sure to skip the town and take the boat to Procida and afterward see Ischia. 

The colorful small island of Procida is still a hidden gem, even though it is so close to one of the most famous areas in Italy. Many focus on Positano, when Procida is right there under their nose, with its stunning colors and authentic Italian lifestyle. 

Go to Marina Coricella and climb the hill to the Panoramica sulla Coricella for the best views on the whole island. If you have ever seen the Talented Mr. Ripley you might recognize some of the villages here because both Procida and Ischia served as a filming set for the movie. 

Take the ferry from the port of Naples and spend between 30 and 60 minutes on the boat, depending on the time you choose to go. A return trip can cost below 50 USD and you will have the whole day to explore the island. Check out ferry timetables and prices here!

If you would rather have everything organized in advance, you can always choose a day trip from Naples to Procida. The trip includes a traditional local lunch you can enjoy while being charmed by the colors of the island, and you won’t have to worry about a thing – just show up at the ferry. 

Book your day trip to Procida here!

Day 2 – Sorrento, Pompei and Herculaneum

one week in Southern Italy
Source: Pixabay

Sorrento is enchanting and will keep you busy for half of the day with its aristocratic vibe,  historic buildings, and beautiful marina. 

Spend the other part of the day on a trip to Pompei where you will be set back in time by exploring this UNESCO World Heritage archeological site. The Roman city was covered by the ashes of Vesuvius, still holding the secrets of ancient times. Book your tour with an archeologist here!

Day 3 – Positano

Coasta Amalfitana

Such a small town, so packed with character. I doubt there’s anyone in this world who still hasn’t heard of Positano, and that’s for a good reason. 

As you will approach the delightful village, you will understand why so many people are drawn to its beauty every single year. 

Take your time and explore every corner and every hidden street. Climb the stairs that will lead you from the port to the top of the hill, stop for a drink and lunch at one of the restaurants offering a breathtaking view, and stay for the night to see one of the most stunning sunsets there. 

Check out my list of picture-perfect locations, and come prepared to take some of the most beautiful photos to hold as a lifelong memory. 

You can even plan for a professional photo session and let a professional local photographer create a memory that will last forever. 

Flytographer has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to Martha Stewart Weddings and has been called “The Future of Travel Photography” by Conde Nast Traveler and “The #1 Gift for Travelers” by Forbes. 

They are a female-founded company, with an all-female team, that has over 3 million photos captured and over 10.000 5-star reviews!

For the month of March, save $50 off your first Flytographer shoot by using my link!

Day 4 –  Ravello and the beach

Tucked away on the top of the hill, from Ravello you will take advantage of one of the most perfect views in the whole Amalfi Coast. 

The village itself is not big, but during your visit here, make sure to see two of the most stunning Italian villas: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. 

Villa Cimbrone dates back to the 11th century, is a luxurious boutique hotel, Michelin star restaurants, and an impressive botanical garden that is open to visitors daily from 9 AM until sunset. Most tourists come here for the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito – the panoramic belvedere point. 

Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, and many more famous people have fallen in love throughout the years with Villa Cimbrone, so let yourself be seduced!

Villa Rufolo is a “younger” establishment dating from the 13th century, having been built by a wealthy family with the same name. With such a long history, the location is nowadays popular for its beautiful garden and breathtaking view over the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.  

The most amazing Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary - this is the best Amalfi Coast guide you'll need for your Italy vacation. See why Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Ravello, are some of the most beautiful places in Italy, and how you can fit them all into your Italy trip on the Amalfi Coast. How to get on the Amalfi Coast, how to travel around on the Amalfi Coast, best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast, and much more. #italyvacation #travel #amalficoast

Day 5 – Capri Island

Capri Island_Marina Grande
Photo by Julia Worthington on Unsplash

Once you get to Capri island you’ll understand why it isn’t hard to think that the charming island located in the Gulf of Naples has been inhabited since early times. You’ll understand also why Tiberius chose to move here and run the Roman empire from the island.

Throughout the years, many celebrities have spent their vacations roaming around the streets of Capri, and some have even bought properties here. 

Read my comprehensive day trip to Capri itinerary and plan your trip!

Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee in the main square, climb up Mount Solaro (or take the chairlift), stay to indulge in a romantic dinner, admire the   Faraglioni rocks from Via Tragara, and go shopping in via Camerelle

There are ferries that will get you there when you want to explore on your own, and organized tours linking up Capri with the Blue Grotto. 

From Sorrento

  • By ferry – it can be as short as a 25 minutes boat trip, but you will need to book your ticket in advance because this is a very popular destination. See timetables and prices here!
  • By organized tour – a full day trip with hotel pick-up. You will get to explore Capri Island, get to swim in the Blue Grotto, and taste some limoncello on your way back to Sorrento. See more here!

From Naples:

  • By ferry – the ride takes anywhere between 50 minutes to close to 1.5 hours depending on the boat you choose. See timetables and prices here!
  • By organized tour – explore Capri Island with a local guide, get some free time to let yourself be seduced by the island, and enjoy a delicious lunch. See more here!

From Positano or Amalfi

  • By ferry – from Positano, you will be in Capri in just 30 minutes, while from Amalfi the time spent on the boat will double. See timetables and prices here!

Other things worth doing on a 5 days Amalfi Coast itinerary

When you stay in Sorrento, you can choose to go on a full-day private Vintage Vespa tour where you will be guided through the colorful villages in one of the most stunning destinations there is.

Be part of a cooking class in Sorrento and learn how to make a traditional Italian meal. See more here!

Explore the vineyards and cellars of Amalfi, with lunch at a local farmhouse perched on top of a cliff. See more here!

PIN FOR LATER!

5 days Amalfi Coast itinerary


12 responses to “An easy and complete 5 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary”

  1. […] An easy and complete 5 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary […]

  2. […] answer your question, yes, when you have at least 5 days or 7 days to spend on the Amalfi Coast, you should definitely squeeze in at least one day in […]

  3. […] much time do you have to spend on the Amalfi Coast? Check out these itineraries for 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, or 7 days on the Amalfi […]

  4. […] peak-season crowds on the Amalfi Coast is another reason to visit Sorrento in spring. Towns like Amalfi and Positano can be much more pleasant in April and May, and the roads and public transport are […]

  5. […] best Amalfi Coast itineraries: 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, Rome & Amalfi Coast in 10 […]

  6. […] An easy and complete 5 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary – IngridZenMoments says: July 1, 2022 at 3:03 pm […]

  7. […] Naples and the Amalfi Coast or Rome and Amalfi Coast together on a visit, or you can only spend 5 days exploring the small villages along the […]

Leave a Reply