My first drive along the Amalfi Coast left me breathless, as the SS163 highway twisted dramatically between sheer cliffs and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Lemon groves cascaded down the hillsides, and pastel-colored towns like Positano clung impossibly to the rock face below. I gripped the wheel tightly through hairpin turns, pulling over every few minutes to snap photos of fishing boats bobbing in turquoise coves. That exhilarating journey instantly elevated my Italy trip from good to unforgettable. It felt like entering a living postcard, where every curve revealed a new masterpiece of nature and human ingenuity.
What transformed my entire adventure was how this itinerary unlocked the coast’s hidden rhythms, blending serene mornings with vibrant evenings. Staying in Positano for sun-drenched beach days, I discovered secret paths to secluded swimming spots that locals swear by. In Amalfi, hiking to the emerald Valley of the Mills added a touch of mystery, while Ravello’s Villa Rufolo gardens offered panoramic views that inspired endless daydreams. This plan turned rushed sightseeing into soul-nourishing immersion, proving you don’t need weeks to capture the essence of paradise. Suddenly, Italy’s Campania region became my favorite escape.
This 3-to-5-day itinerary covers the highlights: Start with Positano’s chic boutiques and ferries to Amalfi. On day two, visit Amalfi’s cathedral and nearby Atrani’s charming alleys, perfect for pasta al limone. Explore Ravello’s music festival vibes and hilltop infinity pools on day three, then venture beyond to Cetara for fresh anchovies or a boat tour to hidden grottoes. Whether you’re road-tripping the 50-kilometer stretch or basing in one town, this flexible guide brings your Amalfi dreams alive with practical tips and insider spots.
Key Takeaways
- The SS163 highway drive is thrilling but challenging; use ferries or early buses for stress-free town hopping between Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
- Tailor your 3-5-7 day itinerary: base in Positano for short trips, add boat tours, hikes, and cooking classes for longer stays.
- Hike the Path of the Gods from Positano for breathtaking cliffside views and wildflower trails.
- In Amalfi, visit the Duomo cathedral, Paper Museum, and take boat tours to hidden coves like Furore Fjord.
- Explore Ravello’s Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone for panoramic infinity terraces and lush gardens.
- Travel in shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) to avoid crowds and enjoy wildflowers or crowd-free hikes.
- Incorporate local gems like Atrani’s medieval streets, Minori cooking classes, and fresh seafood in Cetara or Atrani.
Tailoring Your Amalfi Coast Stay Duration
Whether you have just three days or a full week, tailor your Amalfi Coast itinerary to your stay for magical moments. For a whirlwind 3-day trip, base yourself in Positano and ferry to Amalfi for its grand cathedral and lemon grove hikes, then bus up to Ravello for Villa Rufolo’s infinity views that stole my heart on my first visit. Squeeze in a hidden gem like nearby Atrani for sunset gelato by the sea, dodging peak crowds by timing for April or October shoulders. This pace lets you savor the icons without burnout, leaving you inspired for more.
Stretch to five days and unlock deeper joys, like I did last spring when I lingered in Praiano’s quiet coves. Day one to three mirror the short trip, but add boat tours from Conca dei Marini to spot sea caves and swim in turquoise waters, plus a cooking class in Minori using fresh local lemons. Venture to Cetara for anchovy pasta at a family-run spot, balancing buzz with bliss. Shoulder seasons shine here. May’s wildflowers made my hikes unforgettable.
A luxurious seven-day escape, my personal favorite, weaves in every whisper of wonder along the coast. Spend days four through seven exploring Furore’s fjord bridge, Scala’s medieval trails, and Vietri sul Mare’s ceramics market, with downtime at Maiori’s beaches. I once hiked the Path of the Gods at dawn in September, crowd-free and transcendent. This itinerary balances fame and seclusion perfectly, urging you to book those off-peak flights now for your own transformative adventure.
Navigating Amalfi Drive and Town Hopping
Start your Amalfi Coast journey from Naples with options like the SITA bus or a quick train to Sorrento followed by a transfer. I chose the bus for its stunning views as it hugs the cliffs along the infamous SS163 highway, a 50-kilometer ribbon of twists that demands respect from every driver. Master this road by starting early to beat the crowds, and pulling over at viewpoints like those near Praiano for jaw-dropping sea panoramas. The drive between Positano and Amalfi alone takes about 30 minutes without stops, but factor in traffic for a more realistic hour.
Ferries are my secret weapon for seamless town hopping between Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, skipping the highway snarl entirely. From Positano’s bustling pier, a 20-minute ride lands you in Amalfi, where you can wander the Duomo square before another short hop to Ravello’s hilltop gardens. I timed my ferry for golden hour, watching the sun dip behind pastel villas as we glided past hidden coves. These water taxis run frequently in summer, costing around €10-15 per leg, and they turn travel into pure magic.
Ditch the stress with pro tips like renting a scooter for nimble navigation through narrow lanes, but only if you’re a confident rider like I was zipping from Minori to Cetara. Public buses are budget-friendly at €2 per ride yet pack tight in peak season, so opt for private transfers via apps like Suntransfers for door-to-door ease at €100-150 for a group. Avoid midday drives altogether. Head out at dawn or dusk to claim those epic photo spots without the nightmare jams. Your perfect itinerary flows effortlessly with these hacks, leaving more time for limoncello toasts at sunset.
Days 1-2: Positano’s Cliffside Beaches and Hikes
Touch down in Positano and let the pastel-hued cliffs tumbling into turquoise waters steal your breath away. I kicked off Days 1 and 2 by heading straight to Spiaggia Grande, the town’s iconic main beach, where I snagged a lounger at a chic beach club for ultimate relaxation. The pebbly shore buzzes with sun-seekers, but claim your spot early to avoid the crowds. Spend the afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear sea or sipping chilled prosecco while soaking up those postcard-perfect views. It’s the ideal way to ease into the Amalfi magic after your winding drive along the SS163.
Lace up your hiking shoes for the Path of the Gods trail, a moderate 4-mile trek starting from Bomerano that rewards you with jaw-dropping panoramas over the coastline. I set out early on Day 2, weaving through wildflowers and ancient ruins as the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkled below. The path clings to sheer cliffs, offering vertigo-inducing vistas that make every step worthwhile. Pack water, sturdy shoes, and snacks. It’s about 2-3 hours one way, ending in Nocelle for a well-deserved gelato. This hike captures the raw beauty of Positano’s dramatic landscape.
As the sun dipped low, I wandered to a cliffside aperitivo spot like Franco’s Bar for spritzes and limoncello with golden-hour glow. One evening, I got delightfully lost in the fragrant lemon groves above town, stumbling upon hidden viewpoints that felt like my own secret discovery. The air thick with citrus and sea salt turned a wrong turn into pure serendipity. Seek out these terraces for sunset toasts. It’s the perfect, soul-stirring end to your Positano days.
Days 3-4: Amalfi and Atrani Historic Core
On day three, I headed straight into Amalfi’s beating heart by climbing the steps to the stunning Duomo cathedral, its 9th-century Arab-Norman facade glowing under the Mediterranean sun. The intricate cloister inside felt like a secret garden frozen in time, whispering tales of ancient pilgrims. Next, I wandered to the Paper Museum, a quirky gem in a 13th-century mill where artisans still craft paper by hand. Don’t miss the demo, it’s mesmerizing. These spots captured Amalfi’s seafaring legacy in just a morning, leaving me buzzing with history. Pro tip: Book tickets online to skip lines and pair it with a quick gelato break nearby.
Hop on a boat tour from Amalfi’s marina for an afternoon thrill, zipping to hidden coves like the dramatic Furore Fjord, where sheer cliffs plunge into turquoise waters. I leaped off the boat for a refreshing swim, the echo of waves against rock pure magic. It felt like discovering my own private paradise. Captains often point out sea caves perfect for snorkeling, so pack goggles. This half-day excursion, around €40 per person, transformed my itinerary into an adventure. Sunset returns dock you just in time for dinner plans.
Day four shifted to neighboring Atrani, where I lost myself in its medieval streets, narrower and more labyrinthine than Amalfi’s, climbing to viewpoints overlooking crashing waves. The town’s piazza buzzed with locals, evoking a step back to Renaissance Italy. For my favorite seafood feast, reserve at Eolo in Atrani. Call ahead for their catch-of-the-day linguine alle vongole, paired with limoncello. It’s intimate, affordable at €50 per head, and the freshest I’ve tasted. This duo of towns wrapped my Amalfi days in authentic charm, inspiring endless return trips.
Days 5-6: Ravello Villas and Maiori Relaxation
On day five, I wandered through the enchanting gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello, where blooming wisteria and panoramic terraces overlook the endless Tyrrhenian Sea. The site’s medieval cloisters and exotic plants felt like stepping into a fairy tale, especially during the summer Wagner Festival concerts under the stars that fill the air with magical melodies. Next, Villa Cimbrone’s Infinity Terrace stole my heart with its jaw-dropping views stretching to the horizon, perfect for sunset photos. Don’t miss the Apollo statue amid the rose gardens. It’s pure romance. These villas are Ravello’s crown jewels, just a short bus ride from Amalfi.
Shifting gears to day six, I escaped to Maiori’s sandy beaches for ultimate relaxation, lounging under umbrellas with the waves lapping nearby. In nearby Minori, I savored limoncello tastings at family-run spots, the zesty citrus burst pairing perfectly with fresh seafood. My highlight was a hands-on cooking class where I learned to make homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta, surrounded by locals sharing Amalfi secrets. It turned me into a mini chef. Pro tip: Book these via local agriturismos for an authentic vibe.
Looking back, this Amalfi Coast itinerary painted Positano’s vibrant cliffs, Amalfi’s cathedral steps, and Ravello’s infinity views into one unforgettable canvas. Pack light layers, comfy walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle to conquer the twists of SS163. Whether hiking Path of the Gods or toasting limoncello at dusk, let the coast’s magic pull you in. Book your dream trip now and create your own stories.
Your Dream Amalfi Itinerary Awaits
Whether you have three days or five, an Amalfi Coast itinerary promises unforgettable moments amid cliffside towns and turquoise waters. I still dream about my days weaving through Positano’s colorful stairways, savoring limoncello in Amalfi, and wandering Ravello’s lush gardens. Stick to the essentials for a shorter trip. Hit these three gems with ferry hops to avoid the winding Amalfi Drive traffic. For more time, add boat tours from Praiano and beach lounging in Maiori to deepen the magic.
Embracing flexibility turns your journey into pure bliss, just like when I spontaneously detoured to Atrani’s hidden cove for sunset swims. Pack light layers for those breezy evenings, book ferries early, and rise with the sun to beat crowds at viewpoints. A five-day plan lets you layer in cooking classes in Minori or hikes to Furore’s fjord, blending adventure with relaxation seamlessly.
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a trip. It’s a love affair with Italy’s soul that lingers long after you leave. Go now, chase those pastel sunrises, and let the coastline rewrite your wanderlust story. You’ll return home with stories, photos, and a heart full of la dolce vita.