7 days on the Amalfi Coast itinerary: perfect guide & valuable information

Italy is such a stunning country where you could spend months and even years without getting bored. However, since we cannot all afford to spend all that time away, I’ve come up with this 7 days on the Amalfi Coast itinerary. By following it, you will get to see most of the stunning locations in coastal Italy. 

I have visited the place myself a few times in the past, and I still have it on my Italy bucket list for when I will have more time to truly explore it. 

This being said, I strongly believe that 7 days on the Amalfi Coast, with the right itinerary and plan, could be enough.

But before we dive into this helpful and comprehensive travel guide, make sure to check out some other useful Italy travel guides and information I put together based on my year spent in the country: 2 options for a 10 days Italy itinerary, 3 options for a Southern Italy itinerary, 7 Days in Italy – a comprehensive Northern Italy itinerary, or my tips and tricks for when you visit Italy for the first time. 

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Important things to know for your 7 days on the Amalfi Coast itinerary

Here are a few of the commonly asked questions asked by people when planning their trip on the Amalfi Coast, along with the answers you are looking for. 

Travel insurance – Our go-to travel insurance is EKTA – they offer great deals for people who travel. Everyone between the ages of 3 and 85 can buy it online on their website and save lots of time (and money).

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Where to fly for the Amalfi Coast

The closest airport for visiting the Amalfi Coast would be Naples International Airport. 

From Naples to Positano, the most popular village on the Amalfi Coast, there is only a 61 km distance, with plenty of options to get around. But I will talk about those more in the lines to follow. 

Which Amalfi Coast town to stay in

That would be a hard question to answer because it depends a lot on your travel style, budget, group size, and much more. 

However, I would tell you the following things:

• Sorrento is a great option for those looking for a bigger city, with great budget accommodation. It is easily reached by train, bus, or car from Naples, and you have plenty of options to get from Sorrento to Positano or any other village on the Amalfi Coast in less than 1 hour. I’ve put together a list of apartment-style accommodation options for Sorrento that can help you make the best choice. 

• Positano is the most beautiful village on the Amalfi Coast and the most famous. That being said, such a place is expected to come with a price tag. On top of that, Positano gets incredibly packed in high season. It is the perfect destination for couples on their honeymoon or for those looking for something unique. I think you should spend at least 1 night in Positano. See accommodation options in Positano!

• 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!

• 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 Vietri, Cetara, Scala!

You can choose to stay in one place, from where to visit most of the coastline and easily go on day trips – such as Sorrento or Positano.

Or you can split your vacation in two and choose to stay in 2 different towns – for example, spend 2-3 nights in Naples, and the remaining nights in Amalfi, Positano, or any other smaller village. By doing so, you will get to experience different places and better explore their surroundings.

If you have watched (or read) “My brilliant friend”, you might have fallen in love with island life. Procida, Capri, or Ischia are stunning destinations, and you can also split your 7 days on the Amalfi Coast between one of the islands, and one of the beautiful towns on the mainland.

There are simply so many options, and it all depends on your preference and travel style. 

What is the best month to visit the Amalfi Coast?

For me, the best time to visit almost any destination in Southern Italy would be anywhere in spring or fall. 

That’s when prices are more affordable, you can visit without the crowds, and temperatures are just right.

Look for anything between April and the end of June, or September to the end of October.

If you are still unsure, check out my comprehensive guide for when to visit the Amalfi Coast with a description of each season, pros and cons, temperatures, and more. 

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

Again, the answer to this question depends a lot on what you choose to do, when you go, and where you choose to stay. 

Yes, it is more expensive than most of the other destinations in Italy, mostly Positano or Capri. However, you can also plan a trip on a budget if you want to, just by following some simple rules. 

Is the Amalfi Coast worth it?

100% YES! And believe me when I say, once you’ve seen it, you will start planning for your return. The region is easily one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy, and we are speaking about an overall stunning country. 

Is the Amalfi Coast crowded?

As you would expect, yes, the Amalfi Coast gets crowded during the peak season: from June to September. However, if you choose to go as early as April or May, or even in October, you can skip the crowds and enjoy the stunning Italian gem. 

How to reach the Amalfi Coast?

Depending on where you choose to stay, by landing at the Naples International Airport, you can go:

• BY TRAIN: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Central to Sorrento (roughly one hour ride) and then hop on a bus or ferry to your final destination of the Amalfi Coast. Tickets from Naples to Sorrento cost EUR 3.60; 

• BY CAR: rent a car and pick it up from the airport in Naples and drive your way towards the Amalfi Coast; 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!

• TRANSFER: arrange for a shuttle transfer – most of the hotels in Positano might offer this kind of service; of course, when you rent an apartment on Airbnb that option would possibly not be available. You will find plenty of options for private transfers from Naples airport to Positano or other places on the Amalfi Coast.

• BOAT – from Sorrento or Salerno it is easy to travel by boat to most of the other villages on the Amalfi Coast. Check out ferry schedules and prices here!

Extra tip: Rail Europe – The one-stop shop for train travel – the #1 distributor for European TRAIN TICKETS & RAIL Passes, covering over 50 European train companies, including Italy. On top of that, they offer sightseeing products making it, even easier to plan your trip around Italy by train. I always love to travel by train while I’m in Italy, and if you’re in the Northern part, chances are it will be even super easy to do so. Get your train pass here!

Getting around on the Amalfi Coast

By car

If you choose to rent a car, you can easily travel from one village to the other this way. 

It is worth knowing that distances aren’t so big, but because of the winding roads that go up and the hills, you will spend more time in the car than expected. Also, roads are narrow and perched high above the sea. 

Another thing worth knowing is that when you travel in full season it will be complicated to find parking space, especially in Positano, and the fee for one hour is pretty high. 

By bus

When you choose the bus, you should know to buy the tickets ahead of time from any tabaccheria and validate them on the bus.

Just come prepared with patience because you might have to wait for a bus or 2 before you actually can go. At some point, we waited for almost an hour to finally manage to get on the stairs of one bus. But it was August. 

Check out the bus timetables here and plan accordingly.

By boat

If you don’t suffer from motion sickness and you prefer seeing the villages from the sea, taking a ferry could be the perfect option for you. 

Direct Ferries is the perfect place to check for ferry timelines and to book in advance. They provide ferries from 3325 routes and 764 ports worldwide and check up to 1 million prices daily. Because the Amalfi Coast is always crowded, I would suggest booking in advance. 

Check out ferry schedules and prices here!

Amalfi Coast itinerary Map

In order to make it easier to visualize your itinerary for the 7 days you’ll be spending on the Amalfi Coast, I’ve done the below map.

You can simply click on it and it will open in Google Maps so that you can follow it. 

Naples – Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi – Ravello – Capri – Fiordo del Furore – back to Naples

This is an easy-to-follow itinerary, and I will also include additional activities and places to see for each of the days. 

Naples and Amalfi Coast 7 Day itinerary

Day 1 and 2 – Naples and Procida Island

Since you will be landing here, why not spend one day exploring the famous city of “My Brilliant Friend” or “Eat, Pray, Love”? 

Spending one day in Naples shouldn’t be too hard and you will find it easy to fill up the day. 

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. Visit the Castel Del’Ovo perched by the sea, go on a stroll along Spaccanapoli and see the old town, stop by the Cathedral, enter the splendid Church of Santa Chiara and admire its colorful and vibrant gardens, climb the hill and see Naples from above from Castel Sant’Elmo, and do leave without eating a pizza at the famous Sorbillo. After all, pizza comes from Naples and you simply cannot skip this. 

Even though I’ve spent more than one day in Naples, I strongly believe the time is enough to enjoy the city. 

On your 2nd day, go on a trip to see 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 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!

On the 4 square kilometers island don’t miss out on seeing Marina Coricella because this is the perfect place to be for sunset from where you can admire the houses painted in pink, yellow, and blue. 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.

If this place looks even a little bit familiar, maybe it is because parts of The Talented Mr. Ripley were filmed here.  

Extra TIP: Day trips and experiences can be easily booked through GetYourGuide – they have a wide selection of tours and a great cancellation policy that will offer you a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. Explore perfect tours here!

Where to stay in Naples

For our trip, we chose to stay in a hotel close to the train station, mainly because of the prices, but also because it was convenient since we were planning to travel around the area. 

This being said, the area can be a bit uncanny like any other place close to the train station, but maybe a bit more. That’s why 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 charming and delicious breakfast. And if you’re lucky, you can reserve a room with a view over vibrant Naples. 

See more here!

Relais Castel Nuovo

If you prefer staying in an apartment, and you love a view from your window, this one is the perfect choice for you! 

Offering stunning views over the sea and Mount Vesuvius, you will also be close to the most important attractions of Naples. 

See more here!

How to get around Naples

Since you won’t be spending much time in the city, even if you choose to rent a car I would suggest walking or using public transportation. You won’t have to worry about struggling to find a parking space and the distances aren’t so big. 

On top of that, there is a subway system that would easily get you from one place to the other. 

Day 3 – Sorrento

As you move closer to Sorrento you will start to understand why the Amalfi Coast is such a popular destination for Italians and foreigners. Sorrento is a much more enchanting town, mainly because of its coquette streets, boutique hotels, and charming restaurants. 

If you prefer, you can also choose to spend only 1 day in Naples and travel to Ischia and Procida on a second day from Sorrento. You won’t have the option to take a direct ferry from Sorrento, but you can always book a day trip by boat that will take you to both islands and a limoncello tasting. See more here!

Sorrento can also be your perfect place to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a budget, because it offers so many options for day trips, and you can easily reach almost any of the most popular destinations. 

Get lost on the narrow streets around Piazza Tasso in the heart of Sorrento, admire the many old palaces dating from different centuries and try to guess the mix of influences they bear, grab a bottle of wine, and head to Marina Grande (or Marina Piccola) for sunset by the vibrant boats, don’t miss the Cloister of San Francesco with its photogenic round arches followed by a stroll through the park at Villa Comunale.

 

Where to stay in Sorrento

• Monica B & B in Sorrento – set up high on the hills above Sorrento, peaceful and quiet. 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 are free here!

• Grand Hotel Aminta – great all Italian traditional food, beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus.

Take a look at their prices here!

• Hotel Palazzo Guardati – incredibly central location, with a rooftop pool and killer views.

Check that rooftop pool out here!

You can also check out my comprehensive guide for apartment-style accommodation in Sorrento!

Day 4 of your 7 days Amalfi Coast itinerary – Positano

One of the most picturesque villages on the Amalfi Coast, Positano 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. 

Of course, Positano is also the most expensive destination on the Amalfi Coast, but you can choose to only stay here for one night if you are conscious of your budget. 

Boats come and go, and hoards of people wander up the stairs taking them through the winding roads, but you can also find hidden gems and not-so-crowded places with views that will take your breath away. 

Relax at the Spiaggia Grande (the beach in Positano), go for drinks at Franco’s Bar for sunset or make your way to Il San Pietro di Positano for a sunset dinner, taste the locally made limoncello, shop for some colorful beautiful Amalfi Coast ceramics to take home, and take countless amazingly beautiful pictures. 

How to get to Positano and around town

Getting to Positano from Sorrento couldn’t be easier and you have plenty of options to choose from. 

You can drive there when you choose to rent a car for your Amalfi Coast itinerary. The winding roads on top of cliffs will get you there in roughly half an hour. Just be prepared to look for parking. 

Getting to Positano by train is not an option, since most trains only go to Vietri sul Mare and from there you will need to take a bus or a boat. 

 Take the SITA bus from Sorrento and sit comfortably throughout the 45 minutes ride. It might not be such a great option for people suffering from motion sickness – I’ve seen busses stopped for people to..take a walk. 

Traveling by boat from Sorrento to Positano is another great and fast option, sometimes even better than the bus. Check out timetables and options here!

If you don’t like driving, especially on narrow roads, and prefer to be comfortable, get a private transfer from Sorrento to Positano. You won’t have to worry about driving, parking, or anything else. 

Since the village is relatively small, you will just walk around to get from one place to the other. 

How many days should you stay in Positano?

The village itself is not so big and can actually be explored in one day alone. However, Positano is the perfect location on the Amalfi Coast, from where you can easily go on day trips. Thus, spending at least 3 days in Positano should be just right. 

Where to stay in Positano

As mentioned, you can stay in Sorrento and only come for a day trip to Positano. 

However, you won’t get the chance to wake up early in the morning and experience the town without the crowds. Moreover, staying in a hotel in Positano is something worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

If you choose to stay here even for a night, here are a few great options I love:

• Alcione Residence – a family-run hotel with a great location and stunning views, AC in all their rooms. Make sure to book way in advance, because they have only a few rooms.

Find out when they’re free here!

• Villa Magia – bright airy rooms, perfect for a special occasion such as spending your honeymoon in Italy. Breakfast is made by the house chef and can be delivered to your balcony so that you can enjoy it with a stunning view.

Book your stay with them here!

• Il San Pietro di Positano – a larger hotel, with super friendly and professional staff, with views worth of fairytales.

Take a look at their prices here!

Day 5 – Amalfi and Ravello

To be honest, on my first visit to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, I thought that the colorful town I saw in all the pictures was Amalfi. And I thought that was the main attraction, hence the name of the coast. 

Yes, Amalfi is a charming small village, carved inside the mountain, with plenty of narrow streets packed with souvenir shops, pasticcerias, and restaurants. It is definitely worth stopping here for a few hours on your 5th of the 7 days Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

From Amalfi, take the bus or drive your way to Ravello – the most popular town up the hill on the Amalfi Coast. You can get there in around 30 minutes by bus, and less if you drive.

Visit Villa Cimbrone and its sumptuous gardens

One can only dream to spend a few nights in this opulent Italian villa, splurging on incredible dinners at the restaurant, or more so, having the dream wedding at Villa Cimbrone.

For normal humans, like myself, just a visit to Villa Cimbrone and its sumptuous gardens would be a dream come true.

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, which you can learn on a visit, or by attending one of the many musical or art events held here.

Day 6 – Capri Island and the Blue Grotto

The famous Capri island is easily reached from anywhere you choose to set your base camp during your Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Read my comprehensive day trip to Capri guide for all the information you need!

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!

The favorite destination for many celebrities and VIPs, Capri island is a must-see when you spend 7 days on the Amalfi Coast. 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 via Camerelle. 

Day 7 of your 7 days Amalfi Coast itinerary – off-the-beaten-track

You’ve been exploring some of the most popular destinations so far, and I’ve saved the last day for some more off-the-beaten-track locations. Smaller villages, hikes, and beaches are explored by those who choose to stay longer and explore the Amalfi Coast. 

The last day can be more intense or laid back depending on what it is that you want to do and see. 

Here are some great options and destinations to choose from.

ATRANI

A short walk away from the crowded Positano, Atrani is a very small village where you can feel the local vibe, get to eat some delicious seafood, or spend time at the beach. 

To get here, you can take the bus and get off one stop away from Positano, or you can simply go on a short hike there. 

THE PATH OF GODS

One of the most gorgeous hikes in the world, from the Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)  you can admire the beauty of the Amalfi Coast region, and get to spend some time in nature. 

The main section is 6.5 kilometers long and links Bomerano to Nocelle. 

Since both villages are above sea level, there isn’t much climbing involved, and the hike is moderate. However, come prepared with plenty of water and something to cover your head when choosing a sunny summer day for the hike. 

You can hike on your own or you can choose to go on one of the popular guided hiking tours. A local will take along clifftops through the best route.

FIORDO DEL FURORE

Maybe more popular than the previous 2 locations because of it being a very Instagram-able location, here is the place to run from the heat on a warm day. 

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, this setting more typical to the Northern part of Europe is a natural oasis with a very small beach. 

In order to get there, you will need to take the bus and get off at the stop right on top of the bridge. 

SENTIERO DEI LIMONI (THE PATH OF THE LEMONS)

The path linking Maiori and Minori, passes through the Torre village. 

This street used to be in the past one of the most popular ones mainly because the local lemon producers used to use it, hence the name it has today. 

If you choose to visit the Amalfi Coast during spring all the way to the beginning of summer, by going on a walk on this path you can witness the harvesting of those famous Amalfi lemons. 

No matter where you choose to start from, you can do the hike in roughly one hour and the difficulty is medium-low. 

VIETRI SUL MARE

The last town before Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is a hidden gem you should explore when you want to skip the crowds or spend some time at the beach. 

It is also a location where you will find more affordable accommodation options with a view. 

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. 

Other options for a 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary

As mentioned before, there are plenty of great ways in which you can organize your 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Depending on who you are traveling with, and what you like to do, here are 2 other great itinerary options.

7-Day Amalfi Coast itinerary for couples

For those traveling for a special occasion, such as your honeymoon, I have put together a comprehensive Amalfi Coast honeymoon guide. However, here is an example of an itinerary in a nutshell: 

   4 days in Positano – I would spend 4 days in this beautiful village, to take advantage of its beauty and the easy access to most of the other towns on the coast. You can easily go on day trips to Ravello, Amalfi, but also Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. Moreover, Positano has some of the most charming luxury hotels and restaurants with stunning views and amazing food.

    3 days in Capri – have a taste of the island life, spend time at the beach, but enjoy also some of the most stylish small towns and restaurants. 

7-Day Amalfi Coast itinerary for families

For those traveling with kids or larger families, hopping from one place to the other might be more challenging. You will want to choose a base camp for your vacation and plan shorter day trips for most of your days.

I would stay in Cetara or Maiori, and I would travel by bus or book organized tours. Both villages have great beaches where you can spend time with your kids, and they also offer local restaurants with fresh and delicious food. Moreover, you won’t have to climb hills or stairs to get to most of the accommodation options here. 

Other things worth doing on a 7 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.

Climb Mount Vesuvius and see the excavation site of Pompeii on a day trip from the Amalfi Coast. See more here!

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!

Tips if you are traveling on a budget

If you want to spend 7 days on the Amalfi Coast but don’t want to break the bank, here are a few tips that will make you save on your vacation.

Choose to go on the shoulder season, during spring or fall you can find the most affordable accommodation prices.

Don’t stay in Positano, head to Vietri, Cetara, Scala, and even Maiori or the area between Sorrento and Positano. 

When you eat, stay off the main street, or better yet head to smaller villages such as Atrani or Cetara.

Start your day with some sweets from a local pasticceria, don’t spend money at a restaurant.

Take the bus – it is slower, but the cheapest option to get around.

Eat pizza for lunch or bring food from one of the main local supermarkets or fresh markets.

Book your tours and hotels in advance – the Amalfi Coast is such o popular destination that the best affordable hotels get sold out fast.

Tours of the Amalfi Coast

If you would rather book an organized tour, or you simply don’t have anyone to travel with, here are a few great options to consider.

Local Living Italy by GAdventures – one of their top-selling tours, this 8-day itinerary will take you from Naples to Amalfi, Positano, Furore, the Path of Gods, Atrani, and more. It is perfect for nature lovers and hike-passionate people since it includes quite a few hikes.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast – a 7-day itinerary (exactly what you are looking for!) that will take you to Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. You get to do a limoncello tasting, and a walking tour of Naples, and Sorrento, but also get to hike the Path of Gods with a guide, and drive along the coastline through the beautiful Amalfi villages.

Other Italy Travel Resources

• Choose the best Italy subscription box idea for when you don’t travel
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• Make the best traditional Italian gifts for Italy lovers
• Where to go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast
• A comprehensive Naples and Amalfi Coast 7 day itinerary

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