Planning A Trip To The Amalfi Coast – Best Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Are you thinking about planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? Want to create the best Amalfi Coast itinerary?

Awesome! Let's plan the best way to travel to the Amalfi Coast, how many days in Amalfi Coast you will need, the best way to tour Amalfi Coast, and ultimately plan an Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

We recently went on an Amalfi Coast trip and loved it! The Amalfi Coast is unbelievably beautiful!  I highly recommend spending a few days in this area of Italy.

As you travel to the Amalfi Coast you want to be as prepared as possible. This will include booking the best Amalfi Coast tours.

In this post, we are going to give you a complete guide to plan an Amalfi Coast trip. We will also go into more detail and help you plan each stop along the Amalfi Coast so that you can plan the ultimate Amalfi Coast itinerary.  We will also include the best Amalfi Coast tours. 

Let's get started on planning an Amalfi Coast itinerary! 

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Planning A Trip to Amalfi Coast

Let's plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast!  First, we need to ask some basic questions! Where is the Amalfi Coast?  Why is the Amalfi Coast famous?  Is it worth it to go to the Amalfi Coast?

Second, we need to get informed! That is why you are here.  Take in all this information so you can plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast and create an Amalfi itinerary.

Last, we need to take action and set everything up. This is the fun part. Deciding which Amalfir Coast tours you want to go on and set them up beforehand.

This is how we will be coming up with the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

Where is the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is located in Southern Italy. It is on the northern coast of the Salerno Gulf.

How Long is the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is 34 miles long.  It includes many beautiful cliffs and beaches and includes coastal towns to explore.  

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Amalfi Coast?

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The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is Spring and Fall.  The crowd levels are low and temperatures are in the 70's and 80's.  May and September are the best months to explore the Amalfi Coast.

So when you are planning your Amalfi Coast trip keep that in mind. We went in May and it was perfect.  

How Do I Get To The Amalfi Coast?

Traveling to the Amalfi Coast depends on where you are coming from.  If you are flying, the Naples Airport is the closest.

If you planning an Amalfi Coast road trip then you can rent a car at the Naples Airport. 

Keep in mind that driving the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart.  It will cause knuckle clenching and anxiety attacks! It is dangerous for the inexperienced!  However, if you do decide to drive yourself my best advice is to rent a small car! 

How to Get From Naples to the Amalfi Coast

If you decide that renting a car is not for you don't worry.  You can take a taxi, bus, train, or ferry.  It is very easy to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast!  We took a ferry to get to the coast and then took the train back to the airport.

How Many Days Do You Need in The Amalfi Coast?

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Ultimately,  how many days on the Amalfi Coast depends on your interest but I would recommend 3-5 days.  When I went I stayed 2.5 days and wished I had a little longer to explore more towns along the coast.

Why is The Amalfi Coast so Famous?

The main reason millions of tourists come to this area of Italy is because of how beautiful it is.  Positano has a dramatic landscape between the hills and the ocean.  It also is very colorful! 

Is the Amalfi Coast Expensive?

We went in May and I did not feel like it was unreasonable.  The prices for bus, ferry, and train fare were all reasonable.  Our hotel room in Sorrento was not expensive.

I didn't feel like the food was overpriced.  In contrast to my opinion, Google suggests that the prices become very high during the summer season.

Is the Amalfi Coast Worth it?

Yes, absolutely! If you are planning a road trip in Italy, the Amalfi Coast needs to be included in your itinerary.

It is worth it to plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast.  Not only is it beautiful, but there are lots of things to see and do. 

Even if you only have 1 day in Amalfi or one week on the Amalfi Coast you will enjoy what you see. Let's begin adding activities for your Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Now that you know a little bit more about the area, let's plan an itinerary for the Amalfi Coast! 

Hopefully, this Amalfi itinerary will be adaptable if you only have one day in Amalfi or if you are planning a 4-day Amalfi Coast trip. (Which is pretty common.)

Cities to Add to your Amalfi Coast Itinerary

• Sorrento
• Positano
• Amalfi Town
• Ravello
• Paestum

These cities are unique and should be included in your Amalfi Coast itinerary! 

Best Way to Tour Amalfi Coast

Before we start exploring each city you need to decide how you are going to travel the Amalfi Coast.  Meaning, by boat, by car, or by bus.

One thing to consider is the road all along the Amalfi Coast is curvy and narrow.  Driving a car can be scary. Riding a bus is a great option because someone else is driving.

The boat taxi is typically only available during the summer months but is also another great option. 

You will have to decide the best way to visit Amalfi Coast.

Now, it is time to learn a little bit more about each city. Let's start at the top and work our way down the list above and include some great options for Amalfi Coast tours as well as the best places to stay in the Amalfi Coast area. 

1. Sorrento

Sorrento is a great place to use as your starting point on your trip along the Amalfi Coast.

Getting to Sorrento 

The most distinguishing part of Sorrento is the giant wall that separates the sea from the city. We came from the Island of Capri and it was really impressive to get off the ferry and enter the city. Truly incredible.  

Sorrento is the closest Amalfi Coast city to Naples so getting to this area is not to bad.  You can drive, take a train, or get here by boat. 

Hotels in Sorrento

We actually stayed in Sorrento at the Palazzo Tasso. This hotel was very nice, we met a lot of people at breakfast which we loved. Talking with real Italians was a treat!

I really enjoyed staying in Sorrento as a base location to explore the Amalfi Coast 

Things to Do in Sorrento

• Eat gelato
• Go to the beach
• Walk down the narrow alleyways
• Eat at delicious restaurants or go on a Food Tour
• Take in the view
• Shop for lemon-themed items or go tour a lemon grove

Best Sorrento Tours to Add to your Amalfi Itinerary

• Walking Tour of Sorrento
• Pizza Making Class
• E-Bike Tour
• Rent Scooters
• Sunset Cruise
• Snorkel Tour
• Scuba Dive Tour
• Rent a Boat
• Paddle Board to Bagni Regina Giovanna
• Parasail
• Fishing Tour
• Climb Sorrento Coast Punta Campanella
• Yoga

Day Trips from Sorrento

• Blue Grotto and Island of Capri
• Tour of Pompeii
• Day Trip to Herculaneum
• Hike the Path of the Gods Above the Amalfi Coast
• Day Trip to Ischia and Prcida
• Hike Leranto Bay

I hope all of these options do not seem overwhelming.  I know when I plan a trip to somewhere new it is nice to know what is in the area and what tours are available.  

Best Way to Travel the Amalfi Coast

Since Sorrento is the starting point for the Amalfi Coast, let's review the best ways to get around the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast is a treacherous drive.  Even if you have a car it may be best to hire a driver or take the buses. Many Amalfi Coast drivers can take you along the coast.

Getting down the Amalfi Coast using a SITA bus is not a problem, getting back is very difficult.  SITA is the city bus that usually is the cheapest option.

The SITA buses are so crowded that they do not stop at the bus stops and we found that they drive right by.  Private buses will stop, although you may have to pay more.  It is worth paying more if the city bus is too full.

Amalfi Coast Ferry

One great option is to take the bus down and take a ferry ride back.  However, ferries run less often in the spring and fall.

2. Positano

There is no real sightseeing in Positano, but what a beautiful sight it is.  The layout of the city is gorgeous.

Things to Do in Positano

• Hike
• Boat tour
• Go to the beach
• Take a cooking class
• Stroll the city at night

Tours From Positano

• Sunset Cruise
• Day Trip to Capri from Positano
• Guided Tour of Pompei from Positano

There is a beach in Positano but it is private and costs money to enter.  It is a pebblestone beach.  If you are looking for sandy beaches Gaeta is a better option.

Where to Stay in Positano?

Positano is another great place for your home base for your Amalfi Coast trip.  An amazing thing about staying in Positano is the views from the hotel.

A few hotels I would recommend are Hotel Poseidon, Hotel Villa Gabrisa, and the Capri Wine Hotel.  I am going to warn prices in the summer are crazy! 

Rick Steve's Italy Book was such a lifesaver.  By this point in our Amalfi Coast trip we had learned to trust his suggestions, therefore choosing where to eat was a lot easier.

3. Amalfi Town

Amalfi is a town located below steep cliffs along the Amalfi Coast.  

Things to Do in Amalfi Town

• Cathedral
• Arsenal Museum
• Paper Museum
• Hikes 
• Eat seafood

Places to Stay in Amalfi Town

I probably would not make my home base in Amalfi Town, however, if you would like to I would recommend staying at the Santa Caterina.  It is very nice and the view is amazing! 

In Rick Steve's book, he suggests a couple of really lovely hikes in Amalfi.

4. Ravello

Ravello is a resort town with some amazing views.  It is known for its beautiful rooftop gardens.  Many people get married here.

Things to Do in Ravello

• Beautiful gardens
• Cathedral
• Palace
• Musical festivals

Villa Rufolo is a palace that you can visit, it does cost a small fee.  Villa Cimbrone is a romantic garden built upon the ruins of an old convent.

Where to Stay in Ravello

The Ravello Art Hotel Marmorata has an amazing view of the ocean. 

5. Paestum

If you love history adding a stop at Paestum on your Amalfi Coast trip is well worth it.  Three ancient Greek temples are located here.  You can book a tour from most cities along the Amalfi Coast.

Things to Do in Paestum

• Greek temples
• Wildflowers
• Ancient Ruins

This is where you will find the best collection of Greek temples anywhere.  It is surrounded by wildflowers.  Sadly, we did not get to stop here.  I guess we will have to go back!

We have mentioned all of the major towns to hit on your Amalfi Coast trip as well as some fun things to add to your Amalfi Coast itinerary.  Let's continue with the best way to tour Amalfi Coast.  

The Amalfi Coast is so beautiful!  I highly recommend taking a boat ride, hiking, and exploring in this area! Enjoy nature, take lots of pictures, and take in all the colors around you!

Best Way to Tour Amalfi Coast

There are a few tours that I would highly recommend.  I am excited to share them with you. 

Villages of the Amalfi Coast

You should really book a Tour of the Amalfi Coast before you go to Italy.  The road is curvy and dangerous to drive on.  We used the bus but if I would have known about this tour I would have booked it.

Our experience on the bus was not great!  The lines to get on the bus were so long we were not sure if we would be able to get back to Sorrento.  5 buses just went right past us because they were full.  I like the idea of a guided tour that will get me back to my hotel!

Day Trip to Capri

The day trip to Capri is a great addition to the Amalfi Coast trip.  If you do not want to take the ferry from Sorrento you could do an Island of Capri Tour with a special guide.

We loved spending time on Capri! 

Pompeii Tour From Sorrento

Looking back I would have preferred a Tour of Pompeii from Sorrento.  We took the train and it was really run down.  I didn't feel super safe on the train or outside of Pompeii

Plan an Amalfi Coast Itinerary

My 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary will start out of Sorrento. 

Day 1

• Walking Tour of Sorrento
• Pizza Making Class
• Water Activity (Snorkel, Paddleboard, Parasail, Cruise)
• Food Tour 

Day 2

• Tour of the Amalfi Coast (Visit all of the Cities) 
• Eat Dinner in Sorrento

Day 3

• Hike the Path of the Gods 
• After a shower I would book a day trip to Ischia

Day 4

• Day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Ferry to Capri

Plan a Trip to the Amalfi Coast 

I know I love to plan every detail of every trip I take, but not everyone is like that.  Some people would prefer just to have a trip pre-planned and go on it.

Travelstride is a great company that plans an Amalfi Coast itinerary for you.  It will also include hotels and all of your travel needs! You can book a tour through their website. 

Travel to the Amalfi Coast 

Hopefully, this helps you plan your Amalfi Coast itinerary!  We had so much fun and I know you will too!  If you have any more questions about your Amalfi Coast itinerary please ask or comment below!

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