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I’ve been to the Amalfi Coast in Italy twice, and both trips felt like completely different places. The first time I came in late winter with family, when the sea was quiet, the towns were still half-asleep, and everything felt calm and a bit moody. Even then, it stuck with me so much that I kept saying we had to come back in summer.
And I did — unexpectedly, after a missed flight sent us back to the coast years later. This time it was the version everyone imagines: bright sun, turquoise water, cliff roads, and towns packed with people.
The Amalfi Coast isn’t a place where you can just “see everything” quickly. Getting between towns takes time, and moving too fast makes the trip feel more like logistics than a holiday.
Based on what worked for us (and what didn’t), this itinerary focuses on the places that left the biggest impression: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi town, Capri, and Ravello — without trying to squeeze them all into one exhausting trip.
This itinerary is best if you want to see the highlights but still have time to eat properly, walk around without rushing, and actually enjoy the views and beaches instead of watching the clock.
And if you end up staying longer, you can easily expand this plan using our full guide to things to do on the Amalfi Coast and our detailed where to stay on the Amalfi Coast guide to choose the best base for your trip.
Below, we’ll show you how we’d spend our time on the Amalfi Coast today — based on two very different visits and everything we’d do (and skip) if we went back again.
In a hurry?
These are our top hotels on Amalfi Coast we’d book again
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amalfi Suite Boutique Hotel (our top pick) – A small, stylish boutique stay right in the heart of Amalfi. The rooms feel modern and elegant.
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️⭐️ Albergo Gatto Bianco – A charming, old-school hotel in the center of Capri with classic interiors, lemon trees, and a surprisingly calm atmosphere.
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️ Hotel Sorrento City – A simple, modern hotel right on Corso Italia, perfect if you want to stay well-connected and use Sorrento as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast by train or ferry.
👉 See prices & availability →
How many days to spend on Amalfi Coast
If you only have 2 days, you can see a couple of towns like Positano and Amalfi, but most of the time will go into transport and it will feel rushed.
With 3 days, the Amalfi Coast starts to feel enjoyable rather than stressful. You can visit multiple towns, and still fit in a boat ride or beach time.
4–5 days is ideal if you want to slow down and add Capri or other spots to your Amalfi Coast itinerary.
From our two visits in different seasons, we’d say 3–4 days is the sweet spot for most trips.
3-day itinerary for Amalfi Coast
Day 1: Sorrento & Positano
- Sorrento Old Town
- Marina Grande (Sorrento)
- Ferry ride along the Amalfi Coast
- Positano town
- Spiaggia Grande (Positano)
- Positano viewpoints & side streets
- Sunset in Positano
Morning
We started our morning in Sorrento, mainly because it was an easy place for us to base ourselves and get moving early. We walked through the old town, grabbed a coffee, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere before heading down to Marina Grande for a short walk by the water.
Because this trip was a bit unexpected, we didn’t plan ahead and ended up using only public buses to get around. Late in the morning, we took the bus toward Positano, and while the views along the road were beautiful, the ride itself was slow and crowded.
Looking back, this is one day where we’d definitely choose the ferry instead — seeing the coast from the water is calmer and far more scenic than sitting in traffic.
TIP: Buses are the cheapest option, but in high season they get packed and delays are common. If you plan to take the ferry, definitely buy your tickets in advance via Omio.
Afternoon
We arrived in Positano around midday and spent the afternoon just wandering. We didn’t follow any strict route — we walked up and down the steep streets, stopped whenever a view opened up, and ducked into small shops along the way.
We tried to spend some time at Spiaggia Grande, but it was crowded and finding a spot took patience. This was also the moment when we felt how tight our schedule was. We had planned to continue to Amalfi town the same day, and Positano alone already felt like enough for one afternoon.
Evening
Since we were short on time, we left Positano in the afternoon and continued by bus to Amalfi town for sunset. If we were doing this day again, we’d rather stay in Positano.
We would spend the evening walking around the main square, sitting with a drink, and watching the light fade over the harbour.
Day 2: Amalfi Town & Ravello
- Ferry to Amalfi
- Amalfi town
- Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)
- Amalfi beach & harbour
- Bus ride to Ravello
- Villa Rufolo
- Villa Cimbrone (Infinity Terrace)
- Ravello town walk
Morning
If we’d had a second day, we would dedicate the morning fully to Amalfi town. On our actual trip, we only passed through in the evening, and it immediately felt like a place that deserved more than just a quick sunset stop. We really liked the atmosphere here — it felt calmer and less touristy than our previous stops.
We wandered around the main square, explored the smaller streets behind it, and took our time at the Amalfi Cathedral. And honestly, trying lemon sorbet here felt non-negotiable. After all, this area is known for growing lemons.
Afternoon
After exploring the town properly, we headed to the beach in Amalfi. On our real itinerary, this part of the day already blended into evening, so we stayed near the water for sunset. This was the perfect moment to swim, sit by the harbour, and enjoy Amalfi.
Evening
If you still have time and energy, we’d suggest adding a bus ride up to Ravello in the late afternoon or early evening. Ravello feels completely different from the coastal towns — quieter, greener, and focused more on views than shopping or beaches.
We’d walk around town and visit Villa Rufolo and the Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone, mainly for the panoramas.
Day 3: Capri
- Ferry to Capri
- Capri town
- Funicular ride
- Anacapri
- Faraglioni rocks
- (Optional) Blue Grotto
- Capri viewpoints
- Boat ride around the island (optional)
For Day 3, we’d base the whole day around a boat tour from Sorrento to Capri with an optional stop at the Blue Grotto — exactly the one we shared. After two days of buses and walking, this is the kind of day that feels like a reward.
What we love about this tour is that it starts with a scenic cruise around Capri before you even step onto the island. You pass the dramatic cliffs, small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks.
The Blue Grotto is included as an optional stop, depending on sea conditions. It’s one of those places that sounds overhyped, but if it’s open, the colour of the water really is unreal. And if it’s closed, the boat route around the island still feels like a highlight on its own.
The tour also includes free time in Capri, which we think is important. Instead of being rushed through, you can walk around at your own pace, grab lunch, ride the funicular, or just sit with a view and soak it in.
Another big plus is that the tour includes swimming stops. On a hot day, this completely changes the experience. Instead of just sightseeing, you get to jump into the water near the island, which makes the day feel much more like a proper Mediterranean escape.
Where to stay on Amalfi Coast
Where you stay on the Amalfi Coast will shape how your whole trip works. Some towns look perfect in photos but can be hard to reach or move around from, especially if you’re relying on ferries and buses.
From our own trips, we learned that picking the right base makes everything smoother — from day trips to simple things like going out for dinner.
If you’re still unsure which town fits your plans best, we’ve covered all the main options in our full where to stay on the Amalfi Coast guide, including which areas work best for different routes and travel styles.
Here are the ones we’d happily book again:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amalfi Suite Boutique Hotel (our top pick) – Staying here feels like having a calm hideaway right in the middle of Amalfi. You’re only a short walk from the beach, ferry, and main square, but once you step inside, it suddenly feels much quieter than the streets outside. The rooms look modern, with small design touches that make them feel more like a boutique stay than a standard hotel.
Best for: Couples who want a central base that still feels relaxed and well put together.
👉 Check current deals →
⭐️⭐️ Albergo Gatto Bianco – This hotel has that classic Capri character you imagine when you think of staying on the island. It’s right in the heart of town, so you can walk everywhere. The garden and terrace give it a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Travellers who want to stay central on Capri.
👉 Compare prices →
⭐️⭐️ Hotel Sorrento City – This is one of those hotels that just makes travel easier. It’s close to the train station, easy for day trips, and everything in Sorrento is walkable from here. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the rooftop terrace adds a nice bonus for a drink in the evening after a long day out. We see this as a practical base.
Best for: Travellers who want an easy, well-connected base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and beyond.
👉 Compare prices →
Final Thoughts
The Amalfi Coast is one of those places where it’s very easy to do too much and enjoy too little. There’s many beautiful towns and traveling between them takes time.
If we were planning this trip again, we’d slow it down and give Amalfi town its own proper time, ideally with Ravello added for the views and quieter atmosphere. And for a standout day, we’d absolutely keep Capri by boat in the itinerary.