amalfi coast day trip naples

• Amalfi Coast
• Pompeii - Mt. Vesuvius
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A Perfect Day Trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast

Our top tips for the best Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples

If you are visiting Naples and want to enjoy a day trip to the Amalfi Coast , you're in good company. Positano, Amalfi, and the other villages along the coastline are among the most popular attractions near Naples. Here are our insider tips and advice for spending a day on the Amalfi Coast from Naples .

Hiring a Private Driver from Naples to the Amalfi Coast

The most stress-free and flexible option for visiting the Amalfi Coast from Naples in one day is by booking driving tour with a private driver .

A private car service lets you make the most of your time by avoiding the delays and crowds on public transportation and dedicating your day to seeing the top sights along the coast at your own pace.

How Much Does a Private Driving Tour of the Amalfi Coast Cost? Expect to spend between EUR 400 and EUR 500 for a full day on the Amalfi Coast with a private car service from Naples, which can be a particularly attractive price for those traveling with groups of friends and family (booking a minivan, in this case).

Book a private driver

First Stop: Positano

It takes about 90 minutes to reach Positano from Naples, but the route is spectacularly panoramic and offers endless photo pos. Once you've reached Positano, take some time to stroll through the village center and browse the famous boutiques and artisan shops lining the winding lanes.

Visit Positano

Second Stop: Amalfi

No day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples is complete without a stop in Amalfi (located about 30 minutes from Positano), famous for its spectacular duomo, narrow lanes, and surrounding terraced lemon groves. If you arrive at lunchtime, take a break at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea that serve local specialties like "spaghetti con la colatura di alici di Cetara". After lunch, explore the shop-lined streets, cathedral, and beach. You can also stop in the Amalfi Paper Museum (open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in summer and from Tues - Sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter).

Visit Amalfi

Third Stop: Ravello

Ravello is the perfect spot to end your day on the Amalfi Coast before heading back to Naples. Scenic, quiet, and with a romantically authentic atmosphere, this cliffside village can be reached in just 15 minutes from Amalfi and is a spectacular location for an afternoon cocktail or dinner overlooking the coastline.

A Slower-Paced Day If you'd rather slow your pace and dedicate more time to fewer locations, we suggest arranging a day on the Amalfi Coast that takes in just one of the three most famous villages along the coastline. Choose Positano if you are interested in browsing artisan shops, Amalfi if you are an art and architecture buff, or Ravello for a quiet atmosphere with stunning views.

Group Tours of the Amalfi Coast from Naples

If you don't want the hassle of organizing the logistics of a day trip on your own but also want to avoid the cost of a private driver, join a day tour of the Amalfi Coast with a group. There are a number of tour options that depart from Naples with varying costs and itineraries, from the classic stops at Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello to tours that also include Sorrento or the ruins of Pompeii.

Book a group tour of the Amalfi Coast

How Much Does a Group Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples Cost? Prices for group tours of the Amalfi Coast from Naples vary depending upon the itinerary and number of participants. Usually, tours last a full day and may or may not include lunch.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast by Rental Car

If you feel up to the challenge of driving along the Amalfi Coast and want to rent a car for the day from Naples, you can take advantage of maximum flexibility and the option of stopping when and where you choose without having to stick to the schedule of a group tour or coordinate with a private driver.

Keep in mind a couple of important considerations before deciding to rent a car, however:

• Driving along the Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, but not for the faint of heart. The roads are narrow, winding, and set directly above the water's edge .
• Finding parking is not always easy and can be expensive.
• The roads are clogged with cars and busses in the summer, especially headed to the coastline in the morning and back to Naples in the afternoon.

If you think taking on the coastal roads of Amalfi and Positano may be too much for you, we suggest booking a private driving tour or using public transportation.

Visiting the Amalfi Coast from Naples via Public Transportation

Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast with public transportation is the cheapest option, but also the most time-consuming. You'll have to change at least a couple of times during the day and the crowds and delays can be stressful in high season. If you only have a day to spend on the coast, we suggest this as a last resort, keeping in mind that you will probably not be able to fit in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello unless you want to spend most of your day on a public bus.

To explore the Amalfi Coast via public transport, you need set off from Sorrento , where you can connect to a bus along the coastline.

Getting from Naples to Sorrento

From the Naples Capodichino airport, take the Curreri bus from outside Terminal 1; tickets are EUR 10/person and can be purchased directly on the bus.

Otherwise, take the Alibus airport shuttle to the Napoli Centrale train station (EUR 4/person; tickets available on board) and then connect to the local Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (follow the signs to the lower level of the train station).

Getting from Sorrento the Amalfi Coast

The coastline between Sorrento and Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello is covered by the Sita public bus company ; it takes about 45 minutes to reach Positano and 60 minutes to reach Amalfi. The route is scenic but there are a number of twists and curves that may be unpleasant for those who suffer from motion sickness. Travel times can also be much longer when there is heavy traffic, generally on the summer weekends and holidays.

Touring the Amalfi Coast by Sea Another option, available only in the summer, is touring the Amalfi Coast by sea . From Sorrento, there are ferries that depart for both Positano and Amalfi.

If you do decide to explore via public transportation , we suggest stopping in just one or two towns; visit Amalfi in the morning and Positano in the afternoon before heading back to Naples, for example.

No matter how you explore and which itinerary you choose, your day trip to the Amalfi Coast is sure to be a highlight of your trip and will perhaps inspire you to return for a longer visit one day!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from naples to amalfi.

Taxi prices from Naples to Amalfi can vary depending on the time of day, the season, the number of passengers and bags or suitcases. During peak season, rates are typically higher due to increased demand. However, a taxi ride from Naples to Amalfi takes about an hour and a half and costs around 120 euros for two people. For an exact quote, it is best to contact a local taxi company.

The 5 Best Amalfi Coast Tours From Naples [2024 Reviews]

Naples is certainly a city that needs no introduction, nor is it lacking in delicious food or things to do.

However, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and into tranquility, I have just the thing for you. An Amalfi Coast day trip offers dramatic beauty, cliffside villages, lemon groves, and no shortage of panoramic vistas.

If you want to revel in “la dolce vita”, check out these 5 carefully-curated top Amalfi Coast day trips from Naples available today. Each one is well worth the time and money, with well-organized itineraries crafted by local experts. Let’s jump right in!

Best Amalfi Coast Day Trips From Naples

Quick answer: the 5 best rated amalfi coast tours from naples for 2024.

• Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour From Naples
• Private Amalfi Coast Deluxe Full-Day Trip From Naples
• Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Naples: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
• Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip From Naples
• From Naples: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip

Amalfi Coast Tours From Naples Reviews

1. sorrento, positano and amalfi full-day tour from naples.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time:  8:00 AM
• Includes: Visit to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, bottled water, light lunch, live commentary on board, roundtrip transportation

There’s a big difference between just being in Italy, and really savoring this incredible country’s essence. If you’re already in Naples, I’m sure that you’re already a lover of good food and history.

You’ll experience plenty more of that with the Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour from Naples , with quite possibly the most convenient way to see all three in one day!

Start off in the morning by being picked up from your hotel by your guide, with your first destination of the day being Sorrento. Enjoy Sorrento’s narrow, labyrinth-like streets as you make your way through these beautiful passageways lined with shops and restaurants.

Arrive at the limoncello factory, where you’ll gain insight into how to make the traditional liqueur and get to taste some of the Southern Italian sunshine! After exploring Sorrento, head over to the charming Positano known for making an appearance in many blockbuster films.

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Positano seems like you’ve just stepped into some sort of dream, with colorful flowers blooming all around, surrounded by the blue Mediterranean. Positano has an interesting fashion scene, so if that’s up your alley, take time to check out the local shops.

After that, have a breathtaking (and mouthwatering) lunch overlooking the sea and let the tour experience sink in. After refueling with tasty local dishes, head to Amalfi to explore the amazing architecture and art that’s been here for centuries.

Perhaps relax on the pristine beaches while enjoying a handcrafted Italian ice cream in hand – you can’t go wrong here.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. private amalfi coast deluxe full-day trip from naples.

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Includes: Round trip transport, professional English-speaking driver guide and assistant

There’s no lack of beauty and culture in Italy, so when I say that this is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever been in the country, it’s saying a lot.

Starting off early in the morning, you’ll have all day to enjoy 3 of the hottest tourist destinations in the area. If that sounds like fun to you, I highly recommend signing up for the Private Amalfi Coast Deluxe Ful-Day Trip from Naples Tour  before it sells out.

Your trip starts out with your guide picking you up from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about booking and paying for your own transportation anywhere.

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery from outside the window as your guide tells you and your party interesting tales about the area.

This vehicle was one of the best I’ve traveled in anywhere in Europe, complete with a non-alcoholic mini bar so you can stay comfortable and hydrated as you travel from one location to the next.

The first stop of the day is Sorrento, known for its charming cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, and friendly locals. Oh, they also have incredible food and coffee, so if you’re into that make sure to try a freshly-made espresso.

Have some free time to explore Sorrento as you best see fit, or you can choose to go on a historical tour with your guide – whatever you prefer.

Then, head on over to the pastel-colored cliffside town of Positano, where you’ll go on another tour through this slice of heaven stacked like a painter’s palette.

While the postcard-perfect views are certainly magnificent, make sure to enjoy the laidback sophistication on every corner and the delicious seafood.

Ravello is a fantastic respite from the hustle and bustle of more “famous” coastal destinations, where you’ll really be able to appreciate the Italian culture, with art, music, villas, and more.

3. Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Naples: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

• Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• Departure: Stazione Marittima Molo Angioino, 80133 Naples
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM
• Includes: Transport by air-conditioned minivan or minibus, driver for groups of 6 to 8, driver plus a guide for groups of 9 to 19

The truth is that there are a ton of people who’d like to visit the Amalfi Coast while in Naples, but they don’t know how to go about it. After all, Naples has some insane traffic and the roads to the coast are winding and intense at times.

How about have an expert lead the way and take care of everything on the Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Naples: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello Tour .

This tour has also been one of the most educational for me, with our guide teaching us so much about everything we saw in each of the 3 spots.

After all, if you’re going to explore the Amalfi Coast, you can’t just dip your toe in the water – you have to go all-in! What better way than with a day tour that will actually show you these 3 iconic places the way they deserve?

The gorgeous hilltop retreat of Ravello is the first of the bunch, where you’ll be able to wander among the beautiful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

The views here were simply breathtaking, which makes a lot of sense as to why it’s known to be a haven for artists who come from all around the globe. Next is Positano, which is known for its dramatic cliffs, sun-kissed beaches, and famous pastel-painted buildings.

I loved the balance of laidback lifestyle combined with a sophistication that I didn’t see in many of the bigger “fashion-focused” cities. Here, you can snag some of the most chic Moda Positano clothes and jewelry, enjoy fresh seafood, and wander around the charming streets.

The grand finale of Amalfi awaits, where you’ll see everything from beaches to a magnificent cathedral while enjoying a handmade Italian ice cream or coffee.

4. Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip From Naples

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure:  Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 91, 80142
• Departure Time:  8:30 AM
• Includes: Smaller group sizes, round trip transportation in air-conditioned bus, shared boat ride from Positano to Amalfi, local guide, gourmet sandwiches, bottled water

If you’d like to see the Amalfi Coast the right way, while still sticking to your budget, this is the one for you. I can’t believe how budget-friendly the tour was, especially when you consider the quality that these guides offer.

The Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip from Naples Tour is perfect if it’s your first time in Italy and want to experience this magical place with professional local guides. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get bored if a tour only consists of the guide taking us around on a specific itinerary.

Sometimes I’d like to go out on my own and explore each location after learning about it, which is what you’ll get the opportunity to do with this experience.

It balances guided tours along with free time very well, allowing you to ask your guide questions or recommendations if you’d like them.

Our driver-slash-guide was absolutely incredible on the winding coastal roads, which put me at ease in what would’ve been an otherwise very stressful situation.

The small bus was very comfortable, and you’ll get to enjoy plenty of amazing views of the beach, explore the cafe-lined streets, and take time shopping for souvenirs.

The boat transfer (available during the summer only) only elevated the tour experience further, followed up by a delicious lunch consisting of gourmet sandwiches.

I enjoyed exploring the towns on our own after learning about each one, seeing the famous Sant’Andrea Cathedral, the 13th-century Villa Rufolo with pristine gardens that look like from another time, among many other sites.

Whether you’re just a casual traveler or a history buff who wants to soak up as much knowledge as possible, I know you’re going to love this one.

5. Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip From Naples

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Includes: Round trip transportation, multi-language assistant, 30-minute boat trip in Amalfi, lunch, bottled water

Italy is known for its beauty, passion, and savoring life to the fullest. With the From Naples: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip Tour , you’ll be able to do exactly that and see the coast as it was meant to be experienced.

So much so, that I’m sure I’ll take this tour again the next time I’m in Naples! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning by your guide, so you just have to make sure you have good walking shoes and sunscreen on!

Depending on your group size, you’ll either ride in an air-conditioned bus, van, or car – however, all of them are very comfortable and have enough room for everyone to relax in.

As you cruise to your first destination, enjoy the charming scenery outside your window as your guide regales you with historical tales about each location.

The romance, fashion, and laidback lifestyle become one here, creating a very specific culture that’s inspired all kinds of artists for hundreds of years.

Ravello is the first stop on the excursion, exuding elegance from seemingly every building. As you wander along, your guide will point out hidden gems, some of the most popular landmarks, and everything in between.

Amalfi is next, where you’ll have time not only to enjoy these majestic views over the water, but will relax and enjoy a delicious lunch of salad with a main course. The main course may vary, but it’s usually spaghetti, aubergine, mozzarella, and tomato.

Along your journey, the guide will make stops for photos and videos at Sorrento and Positano, which is perfect if you’d like a taste of these locations before committing to a full tour.

Towns You Will See on the Amalfi Coast

Italy is just a small fraction of the size of the United States, but it’s impressive how much culture and beauty can fit into just the Amalfi Coast, alone. Let’s go over the sites you can expect to see on your Amalfi Coast tour!

1. Positano – This westernmost town is known as being a fishing village with plenty of charm. It’s also known for its trendy fashion, being a celebrity destination, and is no stranger to yacht parties. The pastel-colored villas are beautiful, and we’ve never seen anything quite like it. The 13th-century Santa Maria Assunta church is of particular draw, with its dome sporting majolica tiles and the Byzantine Black Madonna.

2. Amalfi – Couldn’t have guessed this one, huh? Amalfi is so rich in flavor, culture, art, and natural beauty. We hope you enjoy the smell of flowers, because they seem to be cascading everywhere, with the blue sea in the background. The Duomo di Sant’Andrea sits overlooking it all, with a very similar dom to that of the Santa Maria Assunta. Learn all about its centuries-old paper-making traditions as well as Limoncello!

3. Ravello – Ravello feels like you’ve been transported back in time, with its lush gardens surrounding very old, traditional Roman architecture. Churches, monasteries, villas, palaces – it’s packed with 12th-and-13th-century icons.

4. Salerno – Now we’re at the eastern end of the peninsula, which was once the seat of the Fascists during WWII. While the inevitable bombing and invasion left much of it in ruins, you can still see the Castello di Arechi up on a hill, as well as some Roman aqueduct sections, and a beautiful cathedral.

Tour Guides

The Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Amalfi Coast tours from Naples

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Getting from Naples to Amalfi Coast: by Train, Bus, Boat, Transfers & Tours

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 25, 2024

Looking for information on how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or from Naples Airport (Napoli, Italy)? In this guide, we list all the best options.

Whether you are visiting the Amalfi Coast from Naples for a day, or are looking for a one-way transfer from the city or from Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) to Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello, you’ll find all the information in this article. Take a look!

TIP: If you have no time to read the entire article and just need a transfer from Naples to Amalfi Coast, this is the best-priced shared transfer and this is one of the best private transfers . For a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, jump straight to the best tours section below.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Naples

How to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast – OVERVIEW:

• Map & driving distance/ time
• Private/shared transfer from the city or NAP airport
• By train + bus
• Day tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast

Naples to Amalfi Coast: Map, Driving Distance & Time

Below, you can see the map of the drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast.

There are four main towns on the Amalfi Coast: Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Depending on where exactly you are going, the driving distance from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is about 60 km (38 miles), and the drive takes about 1.5 hours.

However, if the traffic is busy (and it often is), the drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast can easily take 2-2.5 hours as well.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast (there is a lot to consider!)

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Driving from Naples to Amalfi Coast by Car

If you have a car, you can drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. The drive is about 60 km (38 miles) and – without traffic – will take you about 1.5 hours. HOWEVER… you may want to read this first!

While the Amalfi Coast can be visited by car, I urge you to think twice before you rent a car for this area. We value independent travel above anything else and rent a car wherever we can, but we really do not advise exploring the Amalfi Coast by car in the high season (May to October).

The rugged Amalfi Coast has one main road that connects all the main towns. This narrow winding road is shared by public buses, tour buses, taxis, cars, motorbikes, and even bikes. The sides of the road closer to towns are usually lined with parked cars, making it even more challenging to drive.

In summer, traffic jams can get really bad, not even to mention that it’s very difficult/impossible to find parking. And if you do find a parking spot, be prepared to pay 6-10 euros per hour depending on the size of your car, or 35-50 euros per night at your accommodation. Locals told us that they try not to touch their cars through the summer.

Furthermore, recently the Amalfi Coast has introduced new rules in order to restrict the traffic between Positano in the west and Vietri sul Mare in the east – basically the entire stretch of the Amalfi Coast.

During the peak hours in the high season, cars can only drive here every other day, depending on their number plate. If your number plate ends with an odd number, you can drive on odd-numbered days, and those with even numbers – on even-numbered dates.

READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast Travel Tips & Tricks for First-Time Visitors

Renting a car

If you decide to rent a car…

Based on our own research and personal experience, we recommend renting your car via a reputable car rental service (e.g. Booking’s car hire service ) and taking full insurance . It’s almost inevitable that your car will get at least a few scratches when driving/ parking in this area.

Also, be sure to read all the small letters if renting a car from a local company. We almost got tricked into a seemingly good deal that said ‘full insurance included*’. Except that the small letters at the bottom of the page said ‘*Except in Campania region, where coverage is limited to 50%’.

Our experience: We booked a car through Booking (we have used their car hire service for all our trips for years now), paid full insurance, and were really glad we did when a local bumped into our car in Sorrento or when we saw a scratch on our car after having left it at a spacious car parking in Pompeii.

By the way, we didn’t even come to the Amalfi Coast itself by car. It was meant for exploring the Sorrento – Naples area, and even there, I’d never rent a car again. We spent hours and hours in the traffic every day (and it was at the beginning of April, which is just the start of the shoulder season). It’s just not worth it.

I’d only consider renting a car on the Amalfi Coast if traveling in the low season (October – March, maybe the beginning of April). Otherwise, it might be nice to tour the area with one of those photogenic vintage cars for just a day . A car is ok as a means to experience the scenery, but not ideal for actually getting from one place to another or visiting anywhere (because of parking situation).

For getting to and around the Amalfi Coast, there are much better options than self-driving – see below.

Private or Shared Transfer to Amalfi Coast from Naples (City or International Airport)

If you are staying on the Amalfi Coast for several days and are not renting a car, you’ll need to get from Naples (NAP airport) to your accommodation. By far the best way to do this is by booking a private transfer or a shared transfer . However, price differences can be immense.

Here are some of the best-priced transfer options from Napoli city or Naples airport to the Amalfi Coast (or back)*:

• Shared transfer. This is the best budget option for a transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast towns. This is the cheapest shared transfer that I was able to find.
• Private transfer. This is one of the cheapest private transfers between Naples and Amalfi Coast towns.

* Prices/comparisons are correct at the time of the last update.

Our experience: For our recent trip, we booked a private transfer from Naples airport to Positano. I did quite some research and contacted 6 local companies, and we ended up booking this private transfer via GetYourGuide . At that time, the price was 90 euros (!) cheaper than with any of the companies we contacted directly!

The booking process was very straightforward. After we booked, we sent them an email via the booking platform with our flight info, and the driver was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived.

We were with 5 people and luggage, so we booked a minivan. If you are just alone or with 2-3 people, you may find some cheaper options, but the price difference isn’t big since you pay for the car.

In any case, booking online in advance was much cheaper than anything I was quoted by any of the local guides directly.

We afterward used the same company for the transfer from Naples city to the airport. Also there, the price we paid was about 40% less than the transfer our accommodation offered to arrange for us.

Yes, you read this right. Asking locals to arrange the transfers for you might be easier, but you’ll often end up paying a lot more. Naples – Amalfi Coast transfers are really pricey to start with, so it really pays off to do a bit more research and book everything yourself.

How to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples by Train + Bus

If you are traveling from Naples city to the Amalfi Coast, you can also consider taking public transport . It’s definitely the cheapest option but it has a few disadvantages: it takes much longer, you’ll have to carry/ store your luggage, and lots of people also complain about pickpockets. So be alert!

Good to know: There is no direct public transportation from Naples to Amalfi Coast towns. The best options for public transport are:

• From Naples city: by train to Sorrento + bus to Amalfi Coast towns.
• From Naples airport: by shuttle bus (not public transport either) to Sorrento + bus to Amalfi Coast towns.

See here for more details:

To get from Naples city to the Amalfi Coast, it’s best to take a train from Naples train station to Sorrento, and then a public SITA Bus from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast (the bus stops at all the main coastal towns such as Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi town). For the train, you can get the tickets at the station, and for the bus – at any of the Tabacchi shops in Sorrento and Amalfi Coast towns.

Good to know: The train to Sorrento departs from Napoli Porta Nolana train station . During the day, there are trains every 20-30 minutes. Depending on the train, the journey between Naples and Sorrento takes about 70-80 minutes and costs around 6-10 euros. SITA buses between Sorrento and Amalfi Coast also run regularly and you can opt for a one-journey ticket or a day ticket (prices around 2-10 euros).

Keep in mind that the bus between Sorrento and Amalfi Coast is usually crowded and it stops a lot. So be prepared for that too. Also, these buses do not go all the way to Ravello . For that, you’ll need to take yet another bus from Amalfi town to Ravello.

From Naples airport to the Amalfi Coast, you can also take the shuttle bus to Sorrento (which is not a public bus, but a shuttle and has to be booked in advance – see here ). The bus from NAP airport to Sorrento takes around 85-90 minutes. Afterward, you take a SITA bus from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast.

Traveling from Naples to Amalfi Coast by Ferry or Boat

If you are traveling in high season, you can also easily get from Naples to Amalfi Coast by boat . This can be a more relaxing option, especially if you are traveling from the city and not from the airport and don’t have any luggage with you. You can opt for a boat tour or a ferry .

Traveling by ferry from Naples to Amalfi Coast isn’t straightforward. Usually, you’ll have to take a ferry to Sorrento first. Also, keep in mind that ferry prices are usually higher than train/ bus.

In summer, there is just one company – Alilauro – operating direct ferries from Molo Beverello harbor in Naples to Positano or to Amalfi. These ferries usually run between mid-May and mid-September and only once or twice a day.

There are more options to get from Naples to Sorrento by ferry, and from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi, but this can become quite a long trip, with boat changes, delays, etc. It’s not really the best option if you have lots of luggage or if you just want to get from one place to another as soon as possible.

Also, because ferries aren’t cheap and they also won’t drop you off at your accommodation as private transfers do. Depending on where you are staying, it’s definitely something to consider (e.g. the house we rented in Positano sits high on the hill, with hundreds of stairs from the harbor).

Boat tours are the ideal way to explore the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Naples. It’s by far the best way to make the most of your time. This is one of the best-value Amalfi Coast boat tours from Naples that I was able to find, but you also do part of the journey by bus (or it would take too long).

Below, you can find a bit more information about the best day tours from Naples to the Amalfi Coast – read on!

Day Tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy . So it will come as no surprise that it’s also one of the most popular day trips from Naples . And yes, it’s totally worth it, even if 1 day is all you have to spare.

If you are planning to visit the Amalfi Coast from Naples for one day, I’d forget all the other options and simply book a tour. It’s just so much easier and it allows you to make the most of your short time and see a few of the best places.

That being said, even choosing a tour can be overwhelming. To help you plan, we selected some of the best options below.

Here are some of the best tours from Naples to the Amalfi Coast:

• Most popular group tour. This day tour by bus & (optional) boat is one of the best-value and most popular tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast. It includes all the transport and brings you to ALL the best places (including Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello). Plus, you get an option to do a boat ride as well.
• Best-value tours. This popular tour is the cheapest option to visit the Amalfi Coast (if a boat ride isn’t included), but it doesn’t visit Positano (just a photo stop). This day tour by boat/bus is one of the most complete Amalfi Coast budget tours from Naples. It’s also one of the few tours that include a boat ride and give you the option to visit Ravello (most other tours only visit the towns of Positano and Amalfi).
• Amalfi + Sorrento. If you want to see the two main towns of the Amalfi Coast, but also Sorrento from Naples, then check out this popular tour . So instead of Ravello, with this tour, you visit Sorrento (+Positano and Amalfi towns).
• Small group boat tour. This highly-rated day tour by boat is a great option for those who rather avoid most of the traffic on the Amalfi Coast and also travel in a small group. You visit the two main towns Positano and Amalfi (with about 1.5 hours of free time at each) and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi Coast from the boat. You can go for a swim too.
• Private shore excursions from Naples. If you are visiting Naples on a cruise, you can opt for a private shore excursion. Here’s a nice tour that brings you to the Amalfi Coast .
• Private Amalfi Coast tours from Naples. There are so many companies/ drivers that offer Amalfi Coast day trips from Naples that choosing one can be overwhelming. Here you can find lots of options , and prices differ quite a lot depending on who you book with, how long the tour is, what kind of car/bus/boat they use, how many people are in your group, etc. So be sure to do some research for your exact travel dates and group size, and pay attention to where the tour starts from – there are just so many options.

Best way to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples

So, this is our guide on all the best transport options to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

To summarize:

• If you are traveling with luggage and just need a transfer from the city or Naples airport to your accommodation on the Amalfi Coast , the best option is a private or shared transfer .
• On a really tight budget , opt for a train or a bus to Sorrento, followed by a bus to the Amalfi Coast.
• For a day trip , visit the Amalfi Coast with a tour (private, small-group, or group tour).

Where to Stay

If you would like to stay on the Amalfi Coast for a few days but are not yet sure where exactly, I highly recommend that you read our guide to the best towns to stay on the Amalfi Coast . There is a lot to consider, based on how much time you have, how you travel, and what you plan to see and do. Check it out!

If you are looking for a place to stay in Naples as well, take a look at our guide to the best areas to stay in Naples . Depending on what you plan to see and do in the region, Naples can be a good base for a few days or even an entire trip.

More travel inspiration for Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri

• Best things to do in Naples (all the musts + map)
• One day in Naples (detailed itinerary)
• Best neighborhoods to stay in Naples
• Best day trips & tours from Naples (top sights for first-time visitors)
• Complete Guide to Visiting Mount Vesuvius
• Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
• Amalfi Coast itinerary for 5 days
• Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Amalfi Coast vs. Cinque Terre
• Path of the Gods Hike
• Best things to do in Capri
• Best things to do in Anacapri
• Where to stay in Capri
• Capri from Sorrento (travel info + 1-day itinerary)

READ ALSO: Itinerary for Naples, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, Vesuvius, and more

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• Best cities to visit in Italy
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• For more cities and other popular destinations all over Italy, please see our Italy travel guide .

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10 Best Tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: November 28, 2023

Categories Europe

If you are planning a trip to Italy then a stop in the Amalfi Coast is an absolute must! Seriously, this place is next-level pretty and totally exceeded my admittedly high expectations.

However, many people opt to try the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples since they are short on time.

Yeah, there is just never enough time to experience all the awesomeness that Italy has to offer.

I mean, I have been to Italy dozens of times at this point and I still have in no way, shape, or form seen it all.

That’s why when I came to Naples for a day for the very first time I tried one of the best day tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast .

Yes, the trip felt a bit rushed. But, it gave me a great overview of the area so that I knew exactly where to go when I returned.

Since then I have done a bunch more tours and want to share with you my picks for the best tours to the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

This way, you can plan an amazing trip and see as much of Italy as humanly possible.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

My #1 pick 🏆 for the best Amalfi Coast tour is this Amalfi Coast full-day trip . It’s well-reviewed, you see the area’s highlights, you get an epic guide, and you can do a fun boat trip.🛥️

Best Tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples

1. from naples or sorrento: amalfi coast full-day trip.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (1638 Reviews) Price: $102.81 per person Duration: 9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Terminus Operator: IAMME IA! – Gray Line Amalfi Coast Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Not gonna lie, I am more than a little obsessed with this Amalfi Coast full-day trip from Naples . Now, no, you won’t get picked up from your hotel.

But, the pick-up location is easy to find and the staff is awesome. They do a really good job of making sure everyone gets to where they need to be.

Then, you’ll get whisked away by bus/coach to Positano. Once here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with a pro-local guide before having an hour to walk around the narrow, cafe-filled streets.

My fave part though was getting dropped off at Amerigo Vespucci Square so that I could admire epic views of the beach.

“Wow wow wow! What an amazing tour. Obviously, the towns and cities of Amalfi are beyond beautiful in photos but just wait until you see it for yourself. The guided tour was helpful with bits of fascinating history sprinkled in and gives you a good overview of each town. Now that I’ve done the tour though, I’d rather go back by myself to my preferred towns. It was helpful since the drive is quite treacherous and we got to see so much of the coastline. We were lucky to travel in November as I couldn’t imagine navigating the drive or even walking through the towns will the sheer volume of tourists that arrive in peak season. Would definitely recommend this tour to others.” Taylor ( read more reviews now )

You’ll then hop on a speedboat tour to Amafli that is followed by a decent lunch in Amalfi (Think sandwiches and water so nothing fancy).

FYI, both are optional and are on offer for an additional fee. But, yeah, I thought they were worth it. Otherwise, chill in Amalfi and don’t miss the chance to visit Sant’Andrea Cathedral.

Afterward, head to Ravello and take an hour on your own to grab a gelato and check out the 13th-century Villa Rufolo before going back to Naples after one of the best Amalfi Coast tours from Naples.

2. From Naples: Group Day Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (837 Reviews) Price: $92.47 per person Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Hotel Ramada/Cruise Port Operator: Di Sarno Car Service Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Wanna visit Positano, Amalfi, AND Ravello in a single day WITHOUT leaving Naples? If so then book this group tour from Naples to the Amalfi Coast .

Because you’ll start your day with jaw-dropping views of the Sorrento Coast. You’ll then stop and walk along the cliffs of Positano for about an hour.

Take time to see the town’s colorful homes and check out some of the local shops before heading to Amalfi with its stunning clear blue waters.

“I had a great time and experience despite the weather being damp and rainy. Our driver Francisco was amazing. He explained and made us aware of all the important aspects of the places and route we visited. His driving skills were impeccable and I felt safe. His demeanor was professional All the best to him for his future. If I have to visit again, I would look for Francisco to drive.” Devika ( read more reviews now )

Stand in awe of the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, and stay in the area for 90 minutes, before continuing to Ravello with its stunning panoramas.

Spend an hour exploring Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and take in the views from the amazing gardens above the sea before making your way back to Naples.

3. Daytrip from Naples to Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi & Ravello

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (12 Reviews) Price: $474.54 Duration: 9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Rome in Limo Tours Excursions Details: Read more on Viator Now!

During this private tour with an expert English-speaking driver, explore the three jewels of the Amalfi Coast that first made the region famous: Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

Start with an hour in the glorious in Amalfi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with white houses. Additionally, it is the exact spot where the “cannelloni” was first invented.

“The tour was very fun! Everyone enjoyed themselves. Maria is very nice, we had a great day! Maria was a great driver and very enjoyable.” Julianna ( read more reviews now )

Next, continue to Positano. It’s a quaint town with stellar views of the coast that everyone will adore. It’s also a spot that is also usually packed with people.

So, try to plan your visit for the spring and enjoy another fun hour here before finishing the day at Ravello.

Nicknamed the City of Music, Ravello is known for Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo, sweeping views, and being home to the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.

Just be sure to take a moment to enjoy the sweeping panoramas before heading back to Naples.

4. From Naples: Amalfi Coast Deluxe Full-Day Trip

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (102 Reviews) Price: $431.84 per 3 people Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: WORLDTOURS S.r.l. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Wanna live the luxe life while exploring the most famous coastline in southern Italy? Then book this private day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples .

Not only will your pro-English-speaking tour guide and driver collect you right from your hotel at 9:00 am, but you’ll also explore charming towns and do a bit of shopping as you head along the coast.

Be sure to sip on complimentary water as your guide explains the history of the area and stops for epic photo ops at various scenic viewpoints.

“Max was our guide and he was absolutely fantastic. He had such rich knowledge of the area and its history and was able to inform us of this all throughout our drive. We stopped on route to a Limoncello shop just outside of Sorrento which was wonderful. In terms of the Amalfi Coast, Max stopped for one hour at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. We were able to have a walk around each place and got to enjoy its beauty. Ravello was by far the most idyllic, the gardens there are a must!. Max also arranged for us to have lunch on the Amalfi coast at a restaurant that had the my exquisite view of the coastline. Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Plus, because this is a PRIVATE tour , you can even customize the itinerary to suit your personal needs.

However, most travelers start in elegant Sorrento and then make their way to colorful Positano and epic Ravello before returning to Naples.

5. From Naples: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip with Lunch

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (1149 Reviews) Price: $126.47 per person Duration: 8/9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Hotel pick up Operator: WORLDTOURS S.r.l. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

The cool thing about another one of the best day trips from Naples to Amalfi Coast is that it doubles as one of the best Naples to Pompeii tours .

So, this epic tour offers you a great way to see Pompeii AND the Amalfi Coast in one day – which is perfect if you’re short on time in Italy.

Plus, you get picked up directly from your hotel. So, you don’t have to worry about getting lost as you make your way to one of the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples.

But, let’s talk about the tour itself, which starts with a scenic drive along the Sorrento coast, with plenty of stops to take photos.

“We enjoyed our tour with Jacomo and Arianna! We started off with Pompeii where we were offered a guided tour by a different tour guide and then we continued with Arianna to Amalfi via Positano, a wonderful tour indeed. We stopped at 2-3 spots to take photos and arrived at Amalfi for lunch. Our lunch was included but it was very basic and we did not like it. However the scenery and the tour made up for it! We definitely recommend this tour but could do without the lunch.” Tatiana ( read more reviews now )

You’ll then continue along the Amalfi Coast before stopping at a gorg lookout over Positano. Next, you’ll relax for lunch in Amafli at a MEH eatery before visiting this quaint little town.

Afterward, beeline your way into Pompeii with skip-the-line access and enjoy a guided walking tour of magnificent ruins that were covered in ash when Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 AD.

You’ll get the chance all the best Pompeii highlights and I loved hearing about the site from a real archeologist like Andrea.

All in all, a fab day that concludes with your drop-off back in Naples after one of the best Amalfi Coast tours from Naples.

6. From Naples: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (2885 Reviews) Price: $69.35 per person Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: 1 of 16 locations Operator: WORLDTOURS S.r.l. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Short on time but still want to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast? If so then this epic Amalfi Coast full-day trip from Naples will be perfect for you.

Not only do you get complimentary pick up from one of sixteen convenient locations, but this Naples to Amalfi Coast tour stops at both Sorrento and Positano.

This way you can admire the stunning beauty of the coast while taking lots of awesome photos to make your friends super jealous.

You’ll then continue to Amafli where you’ll have free time or embark on an optional 30-minute boat tour for an additional fee.

“It was such a good tour! Josie (I’m probably spelling it wrong) was such a good guide! she had so much knowledge and was accomodating to everyone in the tour. We booked an English tour, and my parents speak spanish they know english but she made the effort to speak in spanish and also french. Despite the rain the sun came out when we were in Almafi and it was just so nice. We ended up in Ravello and it was one of the best spots ever. Thank you so much again Josephine! :)” Daniella ( read more reviews now )

Afterward, stop for an incredible local eatery where you can soak in sweeping views of the coast while enjoying fresh salad and spaghetti with eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato.

With a full belly and a happy heart, you’ll stop in Ravello for a bit of free time before heading back to Naples and concluding an epic day trip from Naples.

7. Ultimate Amalfi Coast Trip from Naples

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (23 Reviews) Price: $176.99 Duration: 8/9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Napoli City Vision Details: Read more on Viator Now!

After getting picked up for this private Amalfi Coast tour from a well-located spot, you’ll travel with your guide/driver by luxury minivan to Sorrento.

The so-called “Mermaid Town” is where you’ll spend an hour and a half exploring the vibrant streets before enjoying a complimentary lunch.

Typically, you’ll stop in Amalfi at a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy views from the terrace while digging into either pizza or lasagna. Portions are generous, include a salad, and the food is delish.

“THE MOST ULTIMATE TRIP with a few surprises! Ricardo was an excellent driver and Serena was a fantastic guide!!!!! I recommend this trip 100% and will do it over and over again! Fyi the food was FANTASTIC!!! Don’t keep scrolling to compare…its 2nd to NONE!” Sarah ( read more reviews now )

Afterward, visit Positano and take in sweeping views from a panoramic terrace for about twenty minutes before continuing to Amalfi.

During one of the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples, you’ll have about an hour to explore on your own. Don’t worry though, your local guide can make great recs on where to go and what to do.

Be sure to see a Cathedral and the cloister that date back to the twelfth century before making your way back to Naples .

FYI, you also might get treated to some yummy Limoncello as you stop by a local factory and see how this iconic drink is made.

8. Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (11 Reviews) Price: $358.66 Duration: 9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: Sorrento First Choice – Tour Car Service Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Hop into your air-conditioned Mercedes and enjoy all of the Amalfi Coast’s major highlights during this Amalfi Coast tour from Naples .

See, your incredible, English-speaking driver will shuttle you along the windy roads of the Amalfi Coast.

En route, see the vibrant buildings of Positano, stroll the narrow streets of Amalfi to sample “sfogliatella”, and visit the gardens of Villa Rufolo/belvedere Terrazzo dell’infinito of Ravello.

During your tour, you’ll:

• Have one hour of free time to visit the iconic Cathedral in Positano
• See the small village of Praiano on the way to Amalfi
• Enjoy an hour in Amalfi to grab lunch (try delicious ricotta cheese puffs) and see the beautiful Duomo
• Two hours to explore Ravello, possibly the most beautiful spot on the coast, and see the Duomo

“Just two of us with Giorgio the driver and guide such a great experience despite the bad weather. Thank you so much for looking after us 👍🙏🇦🇺” Lisa ( read more reviews now )

All in all, this is one of the best tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast if you want to see the Amalfi Coast’s major attractions in just a single day.

9. Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Naples: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (117 Reviews) Price: $165.92 Duration: 8/9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Stazione Marittima Operator: Mondo Guide Srl Details: Read more on Viator Now!

This shared group day trip is yet another epic pick for one of the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples.

Like many of the other tours on this list, you’ll stop at Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello as you and your group enjoy everything the area has to offer.

“I never bother to take the time to post reviews, but I had to make an exception. Our tour with Raffaele as our guide was nothing less than WONDERFUL.. Not only did he expertly navigate the insane traffic of Naples, he just as expertly navigated the crazy, winding roads along the Amlafi coast. And he taught us SO much about everything we were seeing as we went. And to add to that, he treated us like family. His warm, friendly personality really gave us a good feeling for southern Italy and it’s people. We are very thankful to Mondo guide and Raffaele for such an amazing experience. Very highly recommended!” Kayla ( read more reviews now )

You’ll also have plenty of free time at each location so that you can take tons of stunning photos.

Other highlights include a central pick-up location, transport by a minivan/minibus with AC, a driver for groups of 6 to 8 people, and a driver + a guide for groups of 9 to 19 people.

10. Amalfi Coast Private Shore Excursion from Naples

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (141 Reviews) Price: $470.12 per 3 people Duration: 6-9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Worldtours Details: Read more on Viator Now!

With pick-up available from the port, Naples hotels, and Naples station, this is one of the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples for anyone visiting as part of a cruise.

So, after an easy pick-up, your expert driver/guide will treat you to live commentary while you drive along the coast of Sorrento.

“Massimo picked us up with no issues at the Naples port. He was a great driver and we were able to see the town of Amalfi for an hour, make a quick stop for a picture in Positano and had lunch and shopped in Sorrento. I highly recommend this company and that you opt for just 2 stops in the 8 hour time frame if you don’t want to be rushed. Traffic and the windy roads aren’t fun, but Massimo made the experience so much better! Unfortunately the weather was a bit foggy and very hot, but we still loved experiencing the Amalfi Coast. Grazie!” Daniella ( read more reviews now )

Stop for a quick photo with Sorrento in the background before continuing to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Spend an hour in each spot and embark on an optional boat tour in Amalfi for an extra €15.00 per person before passing by Praiano on your way back to Naples.

Best Tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples FAQs

How to get from naples to amalfi coast.

The best way to get from Naples to Amalfi Coast is to take a train from Naples to Sorrento and then catch a SITA Bus to Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.

How Long from Naples to Amalfi Coast?

The drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is around 1.5 hours and covers 38 miles (60 kilometers).

Personally, I would not drive here yourself (between May and October) since the road is narrow and curvy and filled with loads of buses and huge traffic jams.

Is Amalfi Coast Worth Visiting?

The Amalfi Coast is stunning and well worth visiting. So, whether you have a week to explore the entire coast or just a few days, be sure to get your butt here ASAP.

Can You Drive from Naples to Amalfi Coast?

Yes, you can absolutely drive from Naples to Amalfi Coast and it will take around 1.5 hours.

I would just think twice before you do it yourself since the drive can be hard. The roads are curvy and narrow and filled with traffic between May and October.

So, you might want to consider other options like a shared transfer from Naples airport, the train/bus (super easy), or by ferry in high season.

How Much is a Taxi from Naples to Amalfi Coast?

A taxi from Naples to the Amalfi Coast takes around and 1.5 hours and costs between €210 and €260.

That just about concludes this guide to the best tours to Amalfi Coast from Naples.

Did your picks for the best amalfi coast tours from naples make the list if not then let me know., and if you found this post helpful then be sure to join our email list and facebook group for even more amazing travel tips..

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9 BEST Amalfi Coast Tours from Naples [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: July 11, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most picturesque and popular tourist locations. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters .

Located just a short drive south of Naples, the iconic coastline is an ideal day trip destination from the city . I mean, it would be a real shame to be this close and not visit its main attractions, like the towns of Positano and Amalfi!

I was born and raised in Bologna , in Northern Italy, and still feel ashamed that I hadn’t set foot into this region until my early 30s. Like, whyyy?

I’ve been back multiple times after discovering exactly why everyone is obsessed with the Amalfi Coast! And I want to help you plan the most perfect trip to this special part of Italy.

Luckily for you, there are many different Amalfi Coast tours available from Naples . Each offers a unique way to experience the beauty and charm of this region. 

Boat tours are a popular option , providing a chance to see the Amalfi Coast from the water. Some cruises offer stops for swimming and snorkeling, while others include visits to the towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. 

For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, there are also fantastic alternatives by car or bus , a convenient way to travel along the coast.

I’ve carefully curated a list of the very best Amalfi Coast tours from Naples so that whether you’re into culture, food, or adventure, you’ll find the right fit for you.

Wondering why you should trust me? I have a decade of experience curating tours and activities all over the world, and have developed a knack for identifying high-quality, great-value excursions.

I’m also Italian and have explored the Amalfi Coast, so I know exactly what a tour should offer to help you discover the region thoroughly, and in a very enjoyable way.

I use and trust Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours when I travel. I especially recommend them because of their fantastic cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

In a rush? These are the top tours :

OUR PICK: The BEST Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples

Embark on a guided Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip from Naples to discover the area both by bus and by speedboat.

Your expert local guide will take you through the secluded cliffside towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. As you drive along the coastline, take in the magnificence of the sheer cliffs and their pastel-colored villages.

You’ll have free time in each of the three locations to roam at your leisure, getting plenty of photo ops and tips from your leader. Once you reach Ravello, you can opt for a light lunch and boat tour to enhance the experience.  

In my opinion, seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is the best way to appreciate its beauty! Hop on a speedboat and glide across the shimmering sea, feeling the summer breeze in your face. At the end of the day, you’ll be returned to Naples in a comfortable vehicle.

Why this tour? It’s a great excursion to the Amalfi Coast for first-timers, as it takes you along the staggering coastline both by land and water.

You’ll get insightful introductions to the three most beautiful towns before getting to explore them at your leisure. On top of that, you can opt to include lunch so everything’s taken care of for you.

Read what the reviews say :

“This trip was worth the money and then some, we had such an amazing tour guide who was beyond helpful. I would definitely recommend this trip, we bought the coast boat tour around Amalfi when we got to Positano, which was a perfect addition to the tour already.” Jenny – Read more reviews

This Naples to Amalfi Coast tour includes : Transfers, a speedboat ride (during the summer), a guide, optional lunch, and a group capped at 21 people. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Another Great Option by Bus

A fantastic alternative is this Full-Day Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Tour from Naples . It takes you to the world-renowned coastline so you can wander through charming towns, sip on limoncello, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the region.

You’ll enjoy live commentary on the ride, and free time to explore each town. A light lunch with breathtaking sea views and limoncello tasting is included to break up the jam-packed day.

Then, relax on the beach or check out the major landmarks with homemade gelato before it’s time to go back.

This tour includes : Hotel transfers, visits to all towns, live commentary, limoncello tasting, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Amalfi Coast Tours by Boat

▶️ Experience the enchanting beauty of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast on this Boat Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello .

You’ll go on a relaxing sail along the coastline, gliding past scenic terraces and iconic landmarks such as the Baths of Queen Giovanna and the Bay of Jeranto. 

Then, explore Positano and Amalfi, known for their picturesque shops, stunning views, and colorful pottery. Additionally, you can choose to visit the resort town of Ravello to see the famous Villa Rufolo and its serene garden.

This tour includes : Roundtrip transfers, boat tour, a guide, and free time in Amalfi and Positano (plus Ravello if you choose to add it). ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast from a new perspective on this Small-Group Positano and Amalfi Boat Tour .

Sail with a group of up to 12 fellow travelers and an English-speaking skipper to take in the sights of the Sorrento Coast. Dive into crystal waters for a swim or some snorkeling, and indulge in local limoncello.

Plus, explore the ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi and the enchanting town of Positano. Don’t miss out on this UNESCO World Heritage site adventure!

This Amalfi Coast tour from Naples includes : Transportation, snacks, drinks, and free time in Amalfi and Positano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Tours to the Amalfi Coast from Naples

▶️ With this Private Tour to Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello you’ll get to craft your own itinerary. A private driver will take you to the most stunning villages in southern Italy, telling you about the region’s rich history.

Indulge in the delicious cuisine, and marvel at the striking architecture on a full-day trip from Naples. The excursion accommodates groups of up to 8 people.

This tour includes : Roundtrip transfers from your hotel, a driver, a guide, and visits to all towns. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Explore the area with this Private Amalfi Coast By Car And By Boat Day Trip . It accommodates groups of up to 8 people, and and takes you on a full day of sightseeing with a professional guide.

Visit the clifftop towns of Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, each of which boasts its unique charm. Roam around its picturesque streets, and enjoy free time for shopping.

You’ll drive along the striking coastline to reach each location, and then enjoy a relaxing cruise on the sea. Being in the water is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the Amalfi Coast!

At an additional cost, enjoy a scrumptious traditional lunch with a view.

This tour includes : Hotel transfers, a boat cruise, and a driver/guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Combo: Amalfi Coast & Pompeii Tours from Naples

▶️ Get ready for a day of ancient history and breathtaking views on this Amalfi Coast and Pompeii Tour Full-Day Trip with Lunch .

Take advantage of skip-the-line tickets to explore the ruins of Pompeii, where you can walk along the same streets as the ancient Romans did.

Learn all about the city’s fatal downfall before buckling up for a scenic drive along the coast. 

You’ll stop at a lookout point with amazing views of Positano, and end your day with a dip in the crystal clear waters of Amalfi. Convenient transfers and entrance fees are included so you don’t have to plan a single thing!

This tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, tickets, a guide, lunch if option is selected, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Prepare to ditch the chaos of the city by embarking on an Amalfi Coast & Pompeii Private tour .

Your English-speaking driver will take your group of 15 back in time with a visit to Pompeii. This perfectly preserved city is mesmerizing, and you can choose to explore it on your own, or request a guided tour.

After your visit, make your way to the Amalfi Coast, famous for its cliff-perched villages and astounding views.

You’ll have free time in Positano and Sorrento to wander around, shop, and relish the local cuisine. The itinerary is customizable since the tour is exclusive for you and your party.

This tour includes : Transfers, a driver/guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

 The Best Tour for Cruise Passengers

Stopping in the city for a single day? Then book this Amalfi Coast Private Shore Excursion from Naples . It’s the perfect way to explore the famous coastline, with roundtrip transfers from the port.

You’ll visit the picturesque towns of Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi. Enjoy free time in each to wander at your leisure, and get tips and insights from your drivers’ live commentary.

You can also request them to book you a table for lunch, or get recommendations on what to do and where to eat at each location. Return to Naples in the evening after a full day of fun and natural beauty.

This tour includes : Roundtrip transfers, live commentary, and free time at each town. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Amalfi Coast Day Trip

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Spend a day exploring the Amalfi Coast and its  UNESCO World Heritage towns . Turquoise waters, hanging mountainside houses and beautiful colourful scenery awaits in Amalfi and Ravello. Discover the stunning region of Campania!

After picking you up from your accommodation between 8 am and 9 am, we'll set off for the coast of Sorrento. We'll make a stop along the way to enjoy the coastal landscapes of this Italian paradise.

We'll continue along the Amalfi Coast, and take a break to admire  Positano , a town built in an enclave on the seafront cliff, and to take photos of its picture-perfect  colorful houses .

We'll leave Positano behind and advance along the coast until we reach a local restaurant. If you choose the option with lunch included, then you'll enjoy a tasty  lunch  before setting off to our next destination:  Amalfi . If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, we can adapt the menu for you. All you need to do is mention this in the comments section when you make your booking. If you don't select the option with lunch, you'll have free time to grab something on your own if you wish.

Built among the rugged cliffs, Amalfi has been declared a  UNESCO World Heritage Site . You'll have free time to wander along its streets and passageways, and you'll be able to pause and admire the houses hanging from the cliff edges. The  cathedral  is also worth a visit; a 9th-century Catholic temple standing tall in the popular  Piazza del Duomo . Did you know that there's a mythological Roman hero linked to this historic town?

In the afternoon we'll hit the road again and head to  Ravello , one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in Italy. Here you'll be able to explore this picturesque coastal town at your own pace. We recommend starting at the main square and wandering up to the  Villa Rufolo Gardens , where you'll get some spectacular views with the Tyrrhenian Sea at your feet. 

From Ravello, we'll take the bus back to Naples, where our tour will come to an end at around 5:30 pm.

Hotel pickup

The tour includes pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 am from the cruise terminal, the main hotels and central areas of Naples. If your accommodation is not on the list, you must indicate the nearest hotel listed. Once you have made your reservation, we'll contact you to arrange the exact time. You can see more details below:

• Hotels and pickup points for the Amalfi Coast excursion

Children Under 5

Please note that while children under 5 can join the activity for free, lunch and a reserved seat on the bus are not included.

Discover Sorrento and Amalfi

If you want to discover  the beautiful Amalfi Coast  in more depth and visit the picturesque town of Sorrento, why not check out our  Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Day Trip ?

More Information

8 hours - 9 hours.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and other languages.

English–speaking guide

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Lunch (depending on selection)

Not included

Entry to the Villa Rufolo Gardens: € 7 ( US$ 7.70) per person

Optional boat trip: € 15 ( US$ 16.50) per person

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

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Not wheelchair accessible.

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• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
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This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
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• No printing of documentation required.

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Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Is it possible to bring luggage on this excursion?

A - Yes, but only one carry-on bag per person.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

You may also be interested in.

Underground Naples Tour

On this tour, we'll discover a hidden side of this city by venturing underground to discover the history of the tunnels that lie below the Spanish quarter .

Pompeii and Sorrento Shore Excursion

Free Walking Tour of Naples Old Town

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4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary 

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Last updated on February 19th, 2024.

The Amalfi Coast ( Costiera Amalfitana ) is one of the most visited destinations in Italy. 

A region overlooking the dazzling Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s an idyllic destination to enjoy a vacation in Italy.  

In this post, I’ll be sharing our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary that we followed on our own trip. It’ll cover the Amalfi Coast towns we visited, things to do on the Amalfi Coast and where to stay.  

Like with all my posts, I’ll be adding local Italy tips to help you organize the best Amalfi Coast vacation.  

A destination that is Italy bucket list royalty, use this post to help plan your Italy trip . 

How to get to the Amalfi Coast 

Before I jump into our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, I want to highlight the different ways to get here. 

Feel free to skip this part if it doesn’t apply to you. 

Naples to the Amalfi Coast 

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport ( Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli ).   

If renting a car , the journey time takes around 1hr 22mins from Naples International Airport to the Amalfi Coast . Should you prefer to take public transport, the journey time is approximately double that of a car journey. 

Given the location of the Amalfi Coast, reaching the destination usually entails using both regional trains and local buses. 

Taking trains in Italy is a fast and (usually) affordable option. They’re also useful if you’re on a tight itinerary in Italy. 

Rome to the Amalfi Coast 

Another popular option is to visit the Amalfi Coast from Rome . Choose to drive, take the train or visit on a day trip. The choices are plentiful. 

How many days in the Amalfi Coast 

The Amalfi Coast is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Italy .

And how many days you choose to spend on the Amalfi Coast comes down to personal preference.  

Couples honeymooning in Italy may, quite rightly, want to spend 1 week traveling around the Amalfi Coast. Families, couples or retired travelers may find that 2 to 3 days is sufficient. 

As the title of this post says, we settled on 4 days on the Amalfi Coast. Initially we only planned to spend 2 nights and 3 days, but an unexpected factor ruined our plans. 

When is the best time to visit? 

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to ‘when is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?’ Following my own guidelines from ‘ when is the best time to visit Italy ’ we decided to visit in mid-May.  

However, little did we know that that May (2023), much of Italy would be hit by torrential rain and thunderstorms. 

The weather improved drastically towards the end of May and into June, but for us the damage had been done.  

Which month/s? 

If pressed for an answer on when to visit the Amalfi Coast, I’d suggest June or late September/October. For all the years I’ve lived in Italy, we’ve always had good weather during these months.  

What’s more, these months tend to be less busy than if visiting during the peak summer season. 

Visiting the Amalfi Coast during December, January or February would be less enjoyable (in my opinion). It’s typically colder, wetter and not all services may be open. Plan to visit the Amalfi Coast Italy when there’s plenty of sun and no clouds in the sky. 

4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary 

Day 1 , arrival from naples .

We began our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary after having spent one day in Naples . By car, the journey from Naples to the Amalfi Coast took around 1hr 24mins.

With dark clouds looming overhead and the forecast predicting an 80% percent chance of rain, it wasn’t a promising start.  

Thankfully, the Amalfi Coast temperatures were more encouraging, hovering around 21C° (69.8°F) when we arrived. 

Massa Lubrense 

Our first stop on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary wasn’t to Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento. 

Instead, it was to a lesser-known town on the Amalfi Coast called Massa Lubrense. I won’t try to oversell it as a must-see town but it was where we stayed when we first arrived. 

With so many choices on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, we wanted a hotel that met our location and cost requirements. The Amalfi Coast isn’t exactly one of the cheapest places in Italy to visit. And given the time of year of our visit, we found a happy balance at the Gocce di Capri resort.  

Gocce di Capri 

The 3-star resort is in a tranquil part of the Amalfi Coast. Consisting of generous-sized apartment-style accommodation, it was much bigger than we’d expected. 

Its name translates to ‘drops of Capri’, a name that it lives up to. Despite the dark clouds that hung over our visit, we could clearly see the island of Capri in the distance. 

In our ‘room’, we’d a living area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a terrace. While the furnishings were basic, it was extremely clean, and the facilities were well stocked. 

Meals are served at the resort’s restaurant, but breakfast isn’t included in the booking. 

Gocce di Resort is a great choice for families or groups of friends traveling together. 

Gocce di Capri, Via delle Tore, 7, Massa Lubrense  

Dinner in Massa Lubrense 

For dinner, we chose to take the advice of the staff and dine at a local restaurant. Around 5 minutes’ walk from the resort, there was just one other couple when we entered Ristorante Salvatore & Mafalda. 

But on a rainy, yet humid, Monday evening in May, we weren’t too surprised.   

Prior to arriving at the restaurant, we’d passed the entrance without realizing and were greeted by a charming, town center. Home to a local church and panoramic viewing point, it added a pleasant surprise to the evening. 

Rather than talk about the high-quality food and fresh ingredients, I’ll let the photos do the talking. An evening of excellent dining and service, Ristorante Salvatore & Mafalda lives up to its online reviews. 

Ristorante Salvatore & Mafalda , Via delle Tore, 2 

Amalfi Coast map

Day 2 

Drive to sorrento .

Sorrento was one of many towns we included on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

The drive from Massa Lubrense to Sorrento was 25 minutes, with little traffic and pretty scenery. 

We only spent one day in Sorrento but many visitors use it as a base for the Amalfi Coast. While there are plenty of things to do in Sorrento, for us it worked well as a day trip.  

A town made for slow travel, enjoy visiting the churches in Sorrento, seeing Marina Grande and browsing its town center. 

By late afternoon, the Amalfi Coast weather had worsened. With the sound of thunderstorms nearing in the distance we decided to head back to our hotel.  

Local eats  

After what felt like hours of rainfall, the skies finally cleared to make way for some dry weather.   That evening we settled on eating local at Zaghéra Cocktail & Kitchen. A speedy 8-minute drive from our resort, we dined on fried seafood, cocktails and chocolate gelato. 

Another excellent dining choice, it distracted our attention from the miserable weather. 

Zaghéra Cocktail & Kitchen, Via Rotabile di Nerano, 10 

Day 3 

Check out and positano .

Given the dire weather, we decided to extend our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary by another 2 days (in another town). We’d seen the forecast for the following days, and it was showing sunshine and blue skies. 

Our decision to stay longer was made easier given that the cost of many hotels had dropped. With the unexpected bad weather, it seemed that many visitors had cancelled their trip leaving some hotels vacant. 

Using this to our advantage we booked another 2 nights at a B&B, this time in a town called Agerola. 

Arrival at Agerola 

Agerola hadn’t originally featured on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. An Amalfi Coast town with more going on than Massa Lubrense, we were keen to experience a different location. 

Around 1hr 10mins by car later, we arrived at B&B Il Girasole . Meaning ‘The Sunflower’ B&B, the property really lived up to its name.  

Family run, the bedrooms are individually decorated in their own colorful and unique style. As a gated hotel, B&B Il Girasole was also extremely safe to park our car. 

In the morning, we helped ourselves to fresh croissants and warmed up with creamy cappuccinos.   An excellent choice when looking for Amalfi Coast hotels, it’s one I highly recommend. 

Onto Positano 

Despite the grey clouds and another day of dreary rain ahead we made our way to Positano.  

From Agerola, the drive became longer and tedious due to the many curves on the road.  

Stressful driving — 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary 

As mentioned in my Amalfi Coast travel tips , driving around the Amalfi Coast comes with many challenges. Speeding motorbikes (locals) overtaking at every chance and traffic blocks caused by buses and coaches in tight spaces are common. 

After being stuck in slow-moving traffic for around 30 minutes we finally entered Positano.   The parking situation in Positano was the most difficult compared to the other Amalfi Coast towns.

Most of the on-street parking is reserved for residents and the metered spaces fill up quickly.   What you’re left with, like what happened with us, are the costly parking garages. Given the journey we’d had, we didn’t try looking for an alternative. We simply left the car and the keys and didn’t look back. 

Things to do in Positano 

Despite what social media tells you, there aren’t that many things to do in Positano. The town is small and is filled with dozens of hotels, souvenir shops, overpriced restaurants and poorly rated coffee bars. 

Positano was one of the towns on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, but we were honestly left underwhelmed. 

The highlight of visiting Positano, for us, was walking around the town and enjoying the views. From afar, the iconic image of colorful houses built into the cliffside with the church’s dome in view is magnificent. 

Visit its church 

The iconic church you see in photos of Positano is Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta, or St. Mary of the Assumption. Its history dates to the 10th century but it’s undergone many renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. 

Many visitors come to see the Byzantine-inspired icon of the Black Madonna above the altar. It’s said to have been brought to Positano by sailors from the East. 

The church is simple and is a significant symbol of the town. While we weren’t impressed by it, it’s one of the free things to do in Positano. 

Go to the beach 

Steps from St. Mary of the Assumption church is Positano’s main beach, Positano Spiaggia. The dark storm clouds and cool breeze rolling in from the sea turned a potentially pretty scene into something mediocre. 

To be honest, we’ve seen much better beaches in Italy than the one in Positano. It had nothing to do with the weather; for us it was nothing special. 

An expensive pizza 

We sat down for a late lunch at La Pergola. Our expectations had been low as we were more than aware we were in a tourist hotspot. 

Yet, the service was quick and friendly, and the food wasn’t bad. Our order of 2 margherita pizzas, a beer and a soft drink arrived not long after we placed it. 

But the bill was what we’d expected for Positano, being more than double what we would’ve normally paid. One margherita pizza with bufala mozzarella cost €21 ($23/£18). Usually, we pay €6 ($6.35/£5.23) to €8 ($8.47/£6.97) for a margherita and that’s in a top pizzeria. 

Upon finishing our meal, we made the walk back up the sloping road to the car park. While Positano didn’t impress us as we’d thought, we were still glad we saw it. 

La Pergola, Via del Brigantino, 35/37

First dinner in Agerola 

In stark contrast to our Positano pizza, we enjoyed an evening of authentic, and incredibly cheap, dishes back in Agerola. 

We came across La Cascina del Sole – Ristorante by chance and we’re glad we did. An agriturismo with a restaurant on site, it serves rustic meals and generous portions.  

To give you an idea of the price difference between Positano, a margherita pizza here was just €4 ($4.24/£3.48).  

The owner and staff were warm and inviting and we left feeling happily stuffed. Diners included a mix of locals and visitors, all of whom were equally satisfied. It’s a place I’m glad we added to our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

As an agriturismo, La Cascina Camere also offers accommodation. It’s popular among hikers walking the Path of the Gods ( Sentiero Degli Dei ). 

La Cascina del Sole – Ristorante, Via Casalone, 11, Agerola 

Day 4 

Amalfi, ravello and more smaller towns .

We were awoken on day 4 of our Amalfi Coast trip by warm rays of sunshine peering through our curtains. 

Delighted by the prospect of finally being blessed with good weather, we wasted no time in starting our day. 

Morning in Conca dei Marini and Amalfi 

Before Amalfi, we made a quick stop in the small Amalfi Coast town of Conca dei Marini. We’d passed it numerous times in the car during our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, and it had piqued our curiosity. 

A tiny municipality, there wasn’t much open in terms of attractions. However, it was still early morning when we arrived and many places were still closed. 

Instead, we visited the local church, Chiesa San Pancrazio Martire, and enjoyed the views from the panoramic viewing point. 

Chiesa San Pancrazio Martire, Via Don Gaetano Amodio, 22 

Onto Amalfi 

The drive from Agerola to Amalfi was far quicker, and less stressful, at just 35 minutes.  

Like Positano, there was a slight buildup of traffic upon arriving in Amalfi, but it was nowhere near as bad. 

Despite arriving just after 9am, the street parking options had all been taken. Again, we were left with the paid parking lot (Parking Berma), which was similarly priced to Positano. 

Walk the promenade 

We began our day in Amalfi walking the Piazzale dei Protontini. A raised promenade situated by the parking area, it’s an ideal spot to lap up the Amalfi views. 

Watching the boats come and go from the harbor is one of the best things to do in Amalfi. 

Head to the town center 

Amalfi probably has the prettiest town center on the Amalfi Coast.  

It may have had something to do with the sunshine that day, but the town just beamed. Lined with shops, bars and cafes, Amalfi is touristy but not overly so. It’s also a more breathable town to visit compared to being stuck among the crowds in Positano. 

Ready for a mid-morning snack, we detoured into Pasticceria Savoia for a maritozzo. Meaning ‘fat husband’, my husband and I devoured the delicious cream-filled donut in seconds. 

A traditional pastry in southern Italy be sure to add it to your 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

Pasticceria Savoia, Via Matteo Camera, 2

Step inside the Duomo 

As you venture further into Amalfi’s town center you eventually meet the grand staircase leading to its Duomo (cathedral). 

Positano’s church has nothing on Amalfi’s St. Andrew’s Cathedral ( Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea ). 

Dating to the 9th century, the Duomo is dedicated to St. Andrew, who is considered the patron saint of Amalfi. An example of Romanesque and Baroque architecture, the church has a distinctive striped facade with arches, columns and intricate detailing. 

Tickets are required to enter the church. 

Addio to Amalfi 

We left Amalfi after several hours and were glad we’d added it to our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. For us it was enough time and we’d felt like we’d seen everything.  

What’s more, the sky had become overcast, and the sun was slowly fading behind the clouds. We knew there was little time to see Ravello before it rained again. 

A quick stop in Atrani, Minori and Maiori  

Any hopes of trying to see Ravello before it rained were dashed when we unknowingly missed our road turning. 

Instead, we continued driving along the Amalfi Coast where we instead made brief pit stops at Atrani, Minori and Maiori.  

From our brief visit to all 3 Amalfi Coast towns, Atrani was my favorite. It bore a similar look to Positano, but it was nowhere near as crowded.  

Up to Ravello 

The road towards Ravello took us up more winding roads and into more woodland territory. It was far different from the other towns we’d already visited. 

Parking in Ravello was like what we found in Sorrento; easy to find and reasonably priced. 

The main attraction 

A town center brimming with shops, eateries and a cathedral, there was one attraction that stole the limelight.  

Exploring Villa Rufolo 

Villa Rufolo’s history dates to the 13th century when it was built by the wealthy Rufolo family.   The villa’s most famous for 2 notable features. 

One is its terraced gardens, which provide incredible views of the Amalfi Coast. Spend a good amount of time exploring them, you’ll be glad you did. 

The second is for its association with the composer Richard Wagner. Wagner was so inspired by the beauty of the villa and its surroundings that he used it in his work. 

Villa Rufolo’s gardens served as the setting for the second act of his opera Parsifal. Since then, a music festival dedicated to Wagner has been held every year in Ravello. 

One of my favorite attractions on the Amalfi Coast, you won’t regret adding it to your 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

Villa Rufolo, Piazza Duomo, 1, Ravello 

Last dinner in Agerola 

For the last night of our Amalfi Coast trip, we booked dinner at the exquisite La Corte degli Dei. A top-tier restaurant that could easily be placed in high-end Positano, we stumbled across a real hidden gem.  

With Michelin-style dining, top presentation and flawless service, we ended our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary on a high. 

La Corte degli Dei, Via Armando Diaz, 26

Our 4 days on the Amalfi Coast were a heady mixture of highs and lows. The lows of the bad weather didn’t stop us from exploring the region, but it slightly altered our plans.

Ultimately, it was still a dream come true to see the Amalfi Coast. It was a place I’d always wanted to visit, and I encourage you to follow suit one day. 

What do you think of this 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary? Is there a town on the Amalfi Coast that appealed to you? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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62 thoughts on “ 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary  ”

This place is definitely worth the visit. There is so much to see and do. Not to mention the food looks delicious. Anyway, we’re actually planning to visit Sorrento but we’ll see if we can extend and explore Amalfi coast too.

I hope you enjoy Sorrento!

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Naples Day Trips: Visit Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Independently

I’m sharing my full planning tips for one of the most exciting Naples day trips: to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast on a fully independent trip. I’ve used no expensive tours or agencies and I now show you how you can do the same. This is the fun and adventurous Italy!

I just came back from a surprise trip I prepared to my SO to Naples, Italy . I do most of the planning in every trip I’m involved anyway, but this time was All. On. Me. And let me tell you, planning this trip was NOT an easy task.

Most of the information online is oriented for either organized tours – much of Naples tourism comes from cruise ships – or safety in the city. I seriously got the impression I was going to a war zone but it wasn’t anything like that .

Ah and don’t even get me started on public transportation. Navigating between obsolete schedules and sketchy websites in Italian was a logistic bitch.

It definitely took me more than I was expecting, but eventually I got everything in place to plan an independent getaway to Naples . And now I’m sharing all my juicy knowledge with you!

A post shared by BRUN🌎, The Travel Geek (@bruno_mb) on Jun 26, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

3-Day Trip Plan for Naples, Pompeii Vesuvius and Amalfi Coast

For starters, this was the exact itinerary we followed for our 3 day trip to Naples . Yes, it was action packed – specially with sweaty hot summer days – but also diverse and rewarding. It’s perfectly doable for a pair of active travelers.

I haven’t used ANY tour on this trip. Quality over quantity and we much prefer to explore places by myself and at my own pace.

Looking back, I wish we had more time to properly explore Amalfi Coast , but I knew staying there for a night or two would increase costs significantly!

Where to stay: Naples vs Sorrento

The first question on my mind was where to base ourselves. I’ve debated between Naples city center or Sorrento , a seaside town further south.

Sorrento has the geographical advantage. If you’re coming to Naples , chances are you want to visit Pompeii , the Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast . Sorrento is right in the middle of these places. It might be more problematic to get from and to the airport, but in turn the must-see places are easily accessible by ferry or Circumvesuviana train.

But the advantages end there in my opinion.

Sorrento is in essence a touristy town full of expats and British middle aged couples (nothing against them, just a fact). Absolutely no authenticity here. My feeling is that it’s another seaside mediterranean town people choose to stay in because Naples is oh-so-scary.

I’m glad I chose Naples . It’s chaotic, urban, lively and yes, gritty. But it’s much cheaper, the food is great value – we’re talking about the world’s best pizza!! – and is the greatest opportunity to dive in the real Italian culture.

No, it’s not a memorable place, but neither is Sorrento . But on the other hand, it is a dramatic contrast to the real showstoppers of the region: Amalfi Coast , Pompeii and Vesuvius . On my view, Naples is worth to stay in just because of that.

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ToledoStation B&B   Located a 2-min walk from the gorgeous Toledo metro station, this B&B is perfect for a short stay in Naples . The travel-inspired décor is just awesome! Book now

Or just use this shortlist of the best-reviewed hotels in Naples (9+), with WiFi and in the best areas of the city .

How to get around Naples, Amalfi and Pompeii

To get around Naples city center, the best way is to walk or use the metro. Renting a car can be tricky in such a difficult traffic.

Naples and Sorrento are the terminal stations for the Circumvesuviana train. Trains are frequent and tickets are inexpensive. Along this train line, you’ll find the stations to Vesuvius and Pompeii .

For the Amalfi Coast , the trip has 2 stages. First, you need to get to Sorrento or Salerno . From there, a ferry or bus will take you to the main towns in Amalfi Coast : Amalfi and Positano .

DIY Day trip to Amalfi Coast from Naples

My impressions on positano.

We’ve narrowed it down to visit only Positano and Amalfi in our day trip to Amalfi Coast . It felt like a mother having to choose between her children. I would have loved to visit Praiano or Ravello , but hey, quality over quantity!

The first town, Positano , was a charm. It might be too touristy for some – the town feels like an open-air women clothing shopping center – but it has incredible raw beauty. The way the village covers the Monti Lattari mountains and drops abruptly onto the turquoise sea is just gorgeous.

The pebble beach is crowded, but the waters are crystal clear. Close to the place ranking #1 on my crystal clear waters I’ve swam on: Zlatni Rat in Brac, Croatia .

From there, instead on getting the next bus to Amalfi , we opted for the ferry. Not only this saved us a hike all the way up to the station but the trip itself was much more relaxing and scenic. I highly recommend doing at least 1 ferry trip.

The best perspective of the Amalfi Coast is the one from the sea!

My impressions on Amalfi

I found Amalfi to be even posher than Positano . The same open-air shopping center feel, but when I saw a group of tourists pay 30 euros (!) for 3 lemon granitas, I knew this was serious.

The Cathedral steals the show. It’s an architecture delight standing high in the middle of the cobblestone streets.

The beach was a bit of a let down. Not even near as nice as Positano ‘s, it was really a hard task to find a place to lay my towel in the beach. Amalfi may be more impressive on the mountain side though, the town backdrop is just stunning. Again, it reminded me of the scenery in Dalmatia !

There are 2 types of people in this world. People who prefer Amalfi and people who are Team Positano . I’m the latter. Both are touristy and even a bit pretentious, but in my eyes Positano has the edge in terms of uniqueness.

Btw, Amalfi is awfully similar to Monterosso in Cinque Terre . They even are specialized in fancy and hyper-expensive organic cotton clothing for some reason.

The last stop was unimpressive Salerno . We only stayed for a couple of hours the vibe here is of an bland touristy city with no particular highlights.

Amalfi Coast: Getting there and around

Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Naples by public transport always involves two legs. First, train to Sorrento , via the Circumvesuviana line. The journey takes about 1 hour, less if you take the Campania Express (see tips below).

The SITA bus station in Sorrento is conveniently located right in front of the train station. The bus departed 10 min after our arrival.

From Sorrento , the cheapest way to get to Amalfi Coast is to get a day pass from the SITA Bus. These buses are frequent (every 40 minutes or so) and cover the entire coast from Sorrento to Salerno, stopping in the major villages.

There’s also another bus, the red hop-on hop-off buses from City Sightseeing company. A day ticket costs 15 EUR. However these only go from Sorrento to Amalfi/Ravello. To get back to Naples, you will need to go all the way back to Sorrento or get a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno.

In alternative, you can hop on a ferry directly from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi. It’s more scenic, but ferries are less frequent.

Here’s a summary on how to get around the Amalfi Coast independently.

Tips for a Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples

• Instead of boarding on the crazy busy Naples Garibaldi Central Station, go to Piazza Nolana. All the trains depart from there and you are guaranteed to have a seat.
• Get on Campania Express instead of Circumvesuviana train. It’s cleaner, quicker and safer however it’s more expensive and there are only about 6 trains/day.
• Don’t bite more than you can chew. It’s tempting to visit many other towns in Amalfi Coast – I wanted to go to Ravello and Praiano badly – but unless you’re willing to stay more days, choose 1 or 2 towns to visit per day.
• There’s only one major road in Amalfi , notably known for being very curvy. If you’re prone to get sick in car trips, motion sickness pills might be a good idea.
• Make sure you get a seat on the right side of the bus (if you’re doing the direction Sorrento>Salerno) for the best views of the coast.

DIY Day trip to Pompeii from Naples

Note: Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii can be easily done in one day (half-day each).

My impressions of Pompeii

Pompeii is one of those places giving you that amazing feeling of “I’m walking on history”. The highlights were definitely entering the ancient thermal baths and spas and the central Forum area, which is incredible not only because of the ruins itself, but also from the setting.

Pompeii ‘s main square is backed by the Vesuvius on one side and by the Amalfi Coast mountains on the other. Obviously it’s not a coincidence but rather an urban planning masterpiece. It makes you dream awake, imagining how would it be to live there 2 millennia ago.

Now for the negatives. Call me gruesome, but I was expecting to see more bodies and personal artefacts from the inhabitants. I only saw a couple in the Forum area. Apparently the National Architecture Museum in Naples has most of the items that were scavenged in Pompeii .

Which leads me to my next point. Why isn’t there a proper museum in Pompeii ? The whole site, while impressive, is a bit monotone. Apart from the main squares, once you’ve seen 1 noblemen house, you’ve seen them all. There’s a lot of potential yet to be unlocked here I feel. But nevertheless, it’s a huge bucket list item for any traveler!

Getting to Pompeii from Naples

To get to Pompeii , the best way is to get on the Circumvesuviana train line and get off at Pompeii Scavi station. You can either get the local train – stopping at every station – or the Campania Express. This one will stop only on the touristic stops of the line.

The entrance for the ruins of Pompeii – Porta Marina – is just a 4 min walk from the station. Expect to be bombarded by touts telling that “the ticket lines are at least 1 hour wait” and that “you should get a tour guide” bla bla bla. Don’t believe them and do as below.

Get to the entrance in Porta Marina early – there won’t be ANY queuing at all. And instead of a tour guide, get an audioguide. You see, following a tour guide with 30 other people makes it hard to understand every single word said. And let’s be honest, nothing is better than exploring a place at your own pace.

Tips for a Pompeii day trip from Naples

• Get there early to beat the crowds. If you get there by 10am, you’ll pass through the ticket line in a breeze.
• Once you arrive Pompeii train station, you’ll be approached by touts selling you group tours. An audioguide is just enough and allows you explore the site at your own pace.
• A bottle of water and proper hiking shoes with good grip are essential. The ground can be slippery in Pompeii .

DIY Day trip to Mount Vesuvius from Naples

Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii can be easily done in one day (half-day each).

My impressions of Mount Vesuvius 🌋

After a morning full of history, I got to hike my first active volcano, the only one in mainland Europe. The SITA public bus dropped us off at the ticket counter (entrance: 10 euros) and the rest was on us.

Contrarily to other private tour companies, you don’t have a limited time in the volcano with SITA. Just be aware of the schedules to go back and explore for as long as you want!

It takes a good 30-40 minutes to get to the summit and walk around the crater. There are no bubbling lava puddles or quirky lava rock formations like mountains in my homeland Azores . It’s just a rocky moon-like landscape – still impressive!

The highlight however are the views over the Gulf of Naples , just stunning. It’s delightfully quiet up there, a true chill pill compared to Naples . This climb is not for the weak, but it is an absolute must visit when you’re in Naples !

Getting to Vesuvius from Pompeii ruins

To get to the almighty Vesuvius , there are several bus tours and companies right in front of Pompeii Scavi station.

• EAV/SITA public buses: these run every 50 minutes, operating between Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. The cheapest and more flexible way to visit the volcano. There’s a stop near the Amphiteater in Pompeii and another one right in front of the Pompeii Scavi train station.
• Busvia del Vesuvio: Hourly departures in professional AC vehicles. The trip takes 2h30 overall – this gives you limited time to visit Mount Vesuvius .

They will take you to 1000m high and you’ll need to hike the remaining up. The cheapest option is to take the public bus. Look for the SITA bus station (picture above) and make sure you take a note of the schedules. A return ticket costs 5.90 EUR per person. Other companies quoted us as high as 12 EUR (!).

The bus will take you back to Pompeii Scavi train station, from which you’ll need to hop on the train back to Naples. I’m pretty sure I saw some companies going directly from the top of Mount Vesuvius to Naples , so I assume you can negotiate a more convenient one-way ticket with them.

Tips for a Vesuvius day trip from Naples

• For additional comfort, get on on Campania Express instead of Circumvesuviana train. It’s cleaner, quicker and safer – but it’s more expensive and there are only about 6 trains/day.
• Weather is key. If you see Vesuvius is too misty or cloudy in the morning, don’t go up as you won’t see much. First do Pompeii and then climb the volcano in the afternoon.
• A bottle of water and proper hiking shoes with good grip are essential for this day. There is a lot of loosen small gravel and rocks on the way up the Vesuvius.
• Take the walking stick that is offered to you from the man at entrance. The only thing he asks is a tip on the way back – and trust me you WILL tip the man as the stick is really handy!
• Every 10/15 minutes there’s a scheduled tour organized by a volcanology guide, starting from the hut right before the first viewpoint to the crater. This is FREE and part of the admission ticket.

Here’s a summary on how to get around Vesuvius and Pompeii .

Note: you can also get to Vesuvius from the Herculaneum ruins. However there are far less companies doing this route and usually you need to haggle your ticket down the 20 EUR (!) marl. One of them – Vesuvius Express – has terrible reviews regarding the logistics of the return trip. Just be careful!

The best of the city center of Naples, Italy

Naples suffers from a terrible reputation, but the reality is that most tourists will visit without any problem. You just need to take the same safety precautions you take in any other major city .

Sadly we only had 1 full day to explore the city center of Naples . We had to be smart of our time. The first cut was National Archaelogy Museum . Although I’d loved to see more of Pompeii artifacts and bodies, we opted for a more efficient use of our time.

The centro storico of Naples is absolutely packed with churches and cathedrals. Cappella Sansevero , Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno and San Lorenzo Maggiore are a short walk from each other but very different on the inside.

The tiny streets that form the Quarteri Spagnoli (Spanish Quartier) were my personal favorite, maybe because it reminded me a lot of the most typical neighborhoods in Barcelona . The more you go up via the iconic Spaccanapoli street, a better view with the Vesuvius as a backdrop you’ll get.

Further down, Via Toledo and Piazza del Plebiscito give a fashion and contemporary touch to a rather old historical town, but it’s slightly too souveniry for my taste.

On the other hand, Galleria Umberto I was a delight. Even though the inside is deserving of much better maintenance, the architecture intricate and stunning. Lots of potential to challenge the galleries next to the Duomo in Milan .

Tip: instead of entering Castel Nuovo like 90% of the tourists – specially the ones coming on cruise ships – take a stroll to Castel dell’Ovo . The entrance on this seaside 12th century fortress is free and the views over the entire Gulf of Naples are much more worth it.

Finally, it’s impossible to speak about Naples without mentioning the food. Authentic, delicious, cheap, it’s hard to go wrong. Find below some of my favorite places to eat that were recommended to me by locals.

Authentic places to eat in Naples, Italy

• Pizzeria Sorbillo (Via dei Tribunali, 32). Ask any napolitan for restaurant recommendations and this place will be mentioned. The best and most authentic pizzeria in town, with pizzas starting at 3,50 EUR. The tomato sauce was unlike any other I’ve tasted. This place is a strong candidate for the best pizza in the world.
• Trattoria Da Nennella (Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 103/). Loud, lively and kitsch. Grab the indulging 10 EUR lunch menu from this restaurant in Quartieri Spagnoli for a dive into Italian food culture. The pastas were delicious, but beware this is not the place to have a relaxed lunch.
• Tandem Ragu (Via Paladino Giovanni, 51). If you never heard of ragu before, it is a meat-based (veal, beef, lamb, pork or poultry) sauce with a small amount of tomato sauce added to it. Think of it as an enriched bolognese and this place is specialized on it.

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Grand Hotel Oriente   In the heart of Naples, this hotel boasts great views over the Vesuvius and Castell Sant’Elmo. The breakfast on the terrace is O-M-G moment. Book now

How to get around Naples

Don’t even think of renting a car: traffic is borderline chaotic. Evne if you are walking around, be careful when crossing the road. Just because it’s red for cars, doesn’t mean they won’t advance.

Metro will also take you to most places in the city, even though getting a ticket from the machines can be a throwback to the 60s (worst I’ve seen, seriously). Make sure you visit the dreamy Toledo station on the inside, recently considered the most beautiful in Europe!

A post shared by BRUN🌎, The Travel Geek (@bruno_mb) on Jun 29, 2017 at 10:27am PDT

Useful links for a trip to Naples

• Safety in Naples
• Campania Express . A premium alternative to Circumvesuviana train. There’s hardly any queues, but you can buy the tickets online to save time.
• SITA Bus . The cheapest way to move around the Amalfi Coast.
• Naples Bay Ferry . Live schedules for the ferries in all the Amalfi Coast. I used their app to figure out schedules going to and from Amalfi town.

Did you visit Naples, Italy? How did you get around? Let me know if these tips were useful for your planning!

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Naples to Amalfi Coast: BEST 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

March 26, 2021

The Amalfi Coast is a kaleidoscope of exploding colors, textures, and smells. From the shimmering azure blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the sheer cliffs, terracotta-roofed pastel houses, and picturesque coastal views, charming fishing villages, to terraced lemon groves and vineyards along the hillsides and pizza wafting out from cobblestone piazzas, the Amalfi Coast will not disappoint. Oh, and don’t forget the 25-miles of white-knuckle hairpin turns on those craggy cliffs when you drive from Naples to Amalfi Coast!

It’s where pizza and limoncello were created, and of course, those delicious Italian desserts !

Resting on the southwest coast of Italy, there are thirteen municipalities along the Amalfi Coast, but for this one-week itinerary, we’ve limited it to the must-see destinations for the first-time visitor. Have no doubt, you will want to return to this place of undisputed beauty and stunning natural landscapes again.

Amalfi Coast at a Glance

• Language: Italian
• Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997)
• Province: Salerno, Italy
• Currency: Euro

When to Visit the Amalfi Coast

We visited the Amalfi Coast in July. It was hot, which I did not mind, and also quite crowded. To avoid those two scenarios, I’d suggest that you visit in April/May or September/October when the weather is still mild, but with fewer tourists.

Cinque Terre, along with the Amalfi Coast, have a similar cliffside look and are arguably the two most beautiful areas on Italy’s west coast. Here’s a look at the differences between the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre .

Note: If you have more time and want to see more of Italy in addition to the Amalfi Coast, here’s a southern Italy road trip itinerary, and here is an Italy round trip driving itinerary .

INSIDER TIP: Ready to try a road trip abroad? It’s easy! This International Driver’s License covers 150 countries! Get it in 8 minutes!

However, if you are visiting without a car, here’s where to stay  on Amalfi Coast. without a car .

What to Pack

Naturally, it will depend on what season you are visiting the Amalfi Coast. If you visit in summer, like us, at a minimum, you should pack a sun hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, sandals, sundress, and reusable water bottle. If you are planning to hike, don’t forget to pack good sneakers or hiking boots.

Click here for a full list of what to pack for a beach vacation .

Day 1: Naples

When visiting from another country, you’ll likely be flying into Naples. There is an Italian saying that while Rome is the heart of Italy, Naples is the soul, so instead of heading directly to the Amalfi Coast, I recommend that you spend one day exploring this city because there are so many great things to do in Naples . Italy’s third-largest city, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich history dating back to the 7th century BC, and perhaps even further back than that. Public squares, monuments, archaeological sites, and more await discovery.

And of course, it’s where pizza was created, so even a no-carb person like me had to try some!

We had limited time in and around the Naples port, so we decided to take in what we could by foot. Start your day at Grand Caffè Gambrinus, one of the oldest and nicest coffee bars with a steaming cup of coffee and one of the famous sfogliatella – a delicate, layered pastry filled with cream, cheese, and fruit.

The highlight is Centro Storico, Naples’ historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spaccanapoli Street cuts the city in two. This area is the most charming and authentic area of Naples and you won’t want to miss it.

If you have more time, you’ll want to explore Maschio Angioino castle, also known as “Castel Nuovo,“ built between 1279 and 1284 by Charles I of Anjou. The castle, which dominates the scenic Piazza Municipio (one of the largest squares in Europe), was known for hosting great artists, writers, poets such Boccaccio, as Giotto, Petrarch.

Another option is to explore the hidden world of Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground). The archeological site encompasses the ruins of underground forums, homes, and markets built by the ancient Greeks and later developed by the Romans.

From Naples, you can take a bus to the Amalfi Coast, but I recommend renting a car. It will be easier to get around and get to the places you like best. Plus, you won’t want to miss the memorable adventure of driving the nail-biting curves.

Be aware, though, parking is scarce and expensive in the cities.

Day 2: Sorrento

The picturesque old town of Sorrento is perched high on a craggy cliff, about an hour’s drive from Naples. With a population of 16,000, Sorrento is the largest city on the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento is renowned for its lemon groves, orchards and vintage antique shops make it one of the must-visit Amalfi Coast towns.

Piazza Tazzo is the town’s main square lined with streets hosting boutique shops, bistros, and cafes, and a nice place to start your exploration. Other sights include Palazzo Veniero, Palazzo Correale, and Sorrento Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francesco.

One of our favorite points of interest was our limoncello tasting. Limoncello is the area’s traditional digestive, an alcoholic beverage served after your meal. It’s made from lemon skins that are soaked in alcohol for weeks then mixed with sugar to make it sweeter. It is a great souvenir, too!

Day 3: Capri

Across the coast from Sorrento, the Island of Capri was once the summer home of emperors in Ancient Rome. It’s easy to see why, with the shimmering azure water and captivating mountaintop views.

Upon arrival in Capris, hop on the funicular and ascend to the top of the city. Then head to Augustus Gardens for the spectacular view of the coastline, the Faraglioni cliffs, and the winding road that leads back to the sea.

The highlight of Capris is arguably the Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by sunlight, creating the effect of glistening neon turquoise waters. Since tours get crowded, if you are interested in seeing the grotto, you might want to head here first, to beat the crowds.

Capris is a great day trip from Sorrento. You can take a ferry or one of the many full-day boat tours that depart from Sorrento.

Day 4: Positano

According to legend, thousands of years ago Poseidon created Positano as a gift to the nymph Pasitea.

In fact, in 1953, John Steinbeck published an essay in Harpar’s Bazaar dedicated to Positano in which he described it as, “A dream place that is not quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you’ve gone.”

You can see much of Positano in one day . Known for its pastel-colored homes nestled into the cliffs and rolling down to the sea, Positano is a photographer’s dream. One of the most popular things to do is to climb the never-ending stairs or hike up the rugged cliffs for outrageously gorgeous photo ops.

We loved just strolling through the cobbled streets of the city center, discovering hidden alleys with tiny, intimate restaurants and shops, tucked into every nook and cranny. Viale Pasitea is the main road that crosses the town and is where hotels and shops can be found as well as restaurants overlooking the sea. Wherever your feet take you, don’t forget to simply turn around to admire the fantastic views.

If you’re looking for some beach time, the main beach is Spiaggia Grande (Big Beach), one of the most luxurious beaches on the Amalfi Coast, frequented by celebrities from all over the world. Take note that it is generally crowded during the summer months, and it consists of grey pebbles, not soft sand, so you’ll want to wear water shoes and rent a beach lounger rather than sit on a towel.

10th-century Santa Maria Assunta is and one of the most photographed sites in Positano, sporting a dome-shaped top and colorful majolica tiles.

For archeology buffs, in 2000 archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman villa below the church of Santa Maria Assunta, buried by a rain of ash in 79 AD when Vesuvius erupted burying Pompeii. The ash preserved many frescoes and mosaics, making it the most significant discovery on the Amalfi Coast in recent years.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and up for a memorable hike, you simply must do the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli dei). The 3-hour, 4.8-mile scenic route is moderately difficult with a path carved into the earth, but you will take in some of the stunning scenery on the Amalfi Coast. You can do the hike on your own or with a guide to gain insight into the history of the area as well as hidden photography spots along the way.

Day 5: Fiordo di Furore

I’d never even heard of this photogenic beach until I found it on Instagram.

In essence, Fiordo di Furore is really a bridge, behind which is a secret beach on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sometimes referred to as “the town that doesn’t exist,” Fiordo di Furore is not that easy to find, it is worth your while to seek out this unique beach. Craggy cliffs rise up behind the tiny turquoise beach, making the tiny terraced houses that cling to the rocks almost invisible from the sea.

Depending on the day of the week and time of the year, the beach could be empty or jammed with a throng of enthusiastic sun-seekers.

Day 6: Amalfi

Our favorite location on the Amalfi Coast was the cozy capital city of Amalfi.

We wandered endlessly around the picturesque cobbled streets beneath the shadow of the towering Duomo di Sant’Andrea (Amalfi Cathedral) which is dedicated to the apostle, St. Andrew, and the even more imposing mountains looming on the landscape. Climb the 62 steps of the church for a nice view of the piazza below or enter the church to see statues and busts as well as the crypt where the relics of St. Andrew are stored.

For the most spectacular view, walk out onto the pier where you’ll have a panorama of the structures embedded into the mountains, the beach, and the historic old town.

For beachgoers, Marina Grande is the largest and most popular of Amalfi Coast beaches. You’ll find a lovely promenade along the beach where you can rent an umbrella and beach chair and relax with your beverage of choice in hand. This scenic beach is an Instagram favorite, with the magnificent backdrop of the town and mountains.

Day 7: Pompeii

Pompeii is a must-see site when in the Amalfi Coast area. Just a day-trip away from any of the above cities, here you will find the fascinating archaeological ruins of a city that were buried and preserved under solidified ash when Mount Vesuvius catastrophically erupted in 79 AD.

Pompeii has been dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, hosting some 2.5 million visitors every year.

Once a thriving Roman city, Pompeii boasted an estimated 11,000 people, a complex water system, an amphitheater, gymnasium, and a port. The blast was completely unexpected (Vesuvius hadn’t erupted for 1,800 years), instantly burying the town and its inhabitants by volcanic ash which served to preserve everything almost exactly as it was on the day of the disaster.

You’ll want to visit Pompeii with an archaeologist who will regale you with facts and stories about the excavations and restorations.

It takes around three hours to explore the ancient town and it gets very crowded. However, we visited later in the afternoon, and there were not very many people there, allowing us to explore at will and photograph without hordes of tourists in the pictures.

Some of the highlights include the Antiquarian, columns at the Forum, Temple of Isis, House of Menander, and the impressive amphitheater.

What to Eat

Cuisine on the Amalfi Coast is all about freshness, seasonal availability, local fish and seafood, and of course, some of the best Italian pasta dishes .

The tomatoes are also really delicious making Margareta pizza and Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves big favorites.

Designated as a UNESCO heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is one of those bucket list places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Click below to PIN so you can find your way from Naples to Amalfi Coast again!

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From Naples: Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip

The Amalfi Coast , a breathtaking stretch of Italy’s southern shoreline, has long captivated travelers with its picturesque towns , historic landmarks, and stunning vistas . For those seeking to explore this renowned region, the "From Naples: Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip " offers an opportunity to take in the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty that define this iconic destination. With a curated itinerary, expert guidance, and seamless transportation, this personalized tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of one of Italy’s most enchanting coastal landscapes. Whether seeking to uncover the charming streets of Amalfi, bask in the grandeur of Ravello, or soak in the stunning views of Positano, this excursion from Naples promises to leave a lasting impression.

• A private day trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, covering highlights like Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, priced from $229.92 per person.
• Explore the ancient city of Ravello, including visits to the iconic Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Discover the charming seaside town of Amalfi, known for its captivating architecture, lively promenade, and local cuisine, including the renowned Limoncello liqueur.
• Experience the picturesque town of Positano, with its colorful alleys, artisanal boutiques, and opportunities to immerse in authentic Italian culture and cuisine.
• The tour includes personalized attention from a driver and licensed guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Day Trip From Naples With Pick up
• Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour
• Galleria Borbonica Standard Route Entrance Ticket
• Authentic Pizza Class With Drink Included in the Center of Naples

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a private day trip from Naples to the picturesque Amalfi Coast , this tour is priced from $229.92 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.

It’s likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve your spot early. You can even opt for the "reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

With this private experience, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your driver and licensed guide as you explore the highlights of the Amalfi Coast, including the charming towns of Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano.

Itinerary Highlights

The private day trip begins with pickup from Naples, followed by a visit to the ancient city of Ravello , where travelers will have approximately 1 hour to explore its wonders, including the renowned Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone .

Next, the journey continues to Amalfi, where visitors can spend an hour admiring the town’s charming cobbled streets and historic architecture.

The final stop is Positano, where guests can enjoy a 1.5-hour break to indulge in local cuisine and browse the shops featuring quality crafts.

Throughout the tour, there will be opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the region’s dramatic coastline, citrus groves, and the picturesque Li Galli islands.

Explore Ravello

Ravello, an ancient city perched atop the Amalfi Coast, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

The city’s highlights include the captivating Villa Rufolo , known for its magnificent gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Visitors can also explore the enchanting Villa Cimbrone, a historic estate featuring breathtaking terraces, lush gardens, and awe-inspiring vistas.

As you wander the city’s picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll discover quaint shops, charming cafes , and artisanal workshops showcasing the local craftsmanship.

Ravello’s timeless allure and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination on any Amalfi Coast adventure.

Discover Amalfi

Amalfi, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast , enchants visitors with its captivating seaside charm.

Wandering the town’s winding alleys , you’ll discover charming piazzas, historic churches, and bustling cafes. The iconic Cathedral of St. Andrew , with its striking Byzantine-style facade, is a must-visit.

Stroll along the lively Lungomare Dei Cavalieri promenade, taking in stunning views of the sparkling Mediterranean. Savor the local cuisine, with its fresh seafood and renowned Limoncello liqueur.

Explore the Paper Museum to learn about the town’s historic paper-making industry.

Whether you’re seeking picturesque landscapes, culture, or simply relaxation, Amalfi offers an unforgettable experience along the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Experience Positano

Positano, the picturesque town cascading down the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, captivates visitors with its charming alleys , pastel-hued buildings, and stunning Mediterranean vistas .

During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore this enchanting destination, seeing the local culture and cuisine.

Some highlights include:

Strolling along the winding, cobblestoned streets, browsing the artisanal boutiques and galleries that showcase the region’s renowned craftsmanship.

Savoring authentic Italian cuisine , with the option to indulge in a leisurely lunch break to soak in the breathtaking views.

Capturing postcard-worthy photographs of the iconic church, Chiese di Santa Maria Assunta, and the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea backdrop.

Scenic Views and Attractions

The breathtaking Amalfi Coast offers visitors a visual feast of dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, picturesque towns , and stunning seascapes create a captivating landscape.

In Ravello, you’ll find ancient villas like the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which boast panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

As you stroll through Positano’s charming cobbled streets , you’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors and the scent of lemon trees.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire the Li Galli islands , a small archipelago off the coast.

This private day trip allows you to fully learn about the natural beauty and cultural richness of this iconic Italian destination.

Inclusions and Transportation

For this private day trip, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off , ensuring a seamless start and end to your Amalfi Coast adventure.

Transportation is provided by a comfortable minibus or minivan , with the driver and a licensed guide accompanying you throughout the journey. The tour includes parking and highway tolls, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenic views without worrying about the logistics.

Plus, the package covers:

• Entrance tickets to the monuments and attractions you’ll visit.
• A delicious lunch to fuel your exploration of the Amalfi Coast.
• All the necessary amenities, such as bottled water , to make your day trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Important Information and Reviews

To make the most of your private day trip to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to bring along your passport or ID, comfortable shoes , sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

The tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.

Pickup options are flexible, with the ability to start from your hotel, the port, the airport, or the train station.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews, this tour has received excellent feedback for its knowledgeable guides, personalized experiences, and memorable meals with stunning views.

Guests particularly enjoyed exploring the charming towns, admiring the scenic landscapes , and indulging in the local crafts, food, and wine .

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert
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• Pompeii Vesuvius Day Trip From Naples+Italian Light Lunch
• From Naples: Pompeii Entrance & Amalfi Coast Tour With Lunch
• Day Trip From Naples: Amalfi Coast Tour Including Ravello
• Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour up to 12 People

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum group size for this private tour.

The private tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. It’s likely a small-group experience with just your party, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the Amalfi Coast attractions.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Towns?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to visit other towns along the Amalfi Coast. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility to adjust the stops based on the traveler’s interests and preferences.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can request a longer tour duration to explore the Amalfi Coast in more depth and visit additional towns along the scenic coastline.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water/Snacks on the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water and a lunch stop, so travelers don’t need to bring their own water or snacks. However, bringing extra bottled water, snacks, or small snack items is recommended in case of individual dietary needs or preferences.

Can We Request a Specific Pickup and Drop-Off Location?

Yes, you can request a specific pickup and drop-off location for the private Amalfi Coast day trip. The tour provider offers hotel, port, airport, and train station pickup and drop-off options to accommodate your needs and preferences.

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The "From Naples: Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip " offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast. With a seamless itinerary, expert guidance, and ample time to explore the charming towns of Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, this private tour provides a truly memorable experience along one of Italy’s most stunning coastlines. Whether seeking picturesque views, cultural experiences, or local cuisine, this day trip promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Naples to Sorrento: A perfect Amalfi day trip

The Amalfi Coast deserves more than a day trip but, if you’re short of time, here are my tips for a day trip from Naples to Sorrento.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: October 6, 2023

If I was to do my time in Naples again, I would change one thing. I would spend longer on the Amalfi Coast.

This stunning peninsula is so close to Naples that I made the mistake of thinking I would do it as a day trip. But the joy of the Amalfi does not come from simply being able to say you went there, ticking it off a list of Italian tourist sites.

The charm is in exploring the small towns that are harder to reach, walking amongst the nature, and sipping cocktails on the water. It’s about knowing that you are close to major sites like Mount Vesuvius , Pompeii , and Paestum … but far enough away to not get caught in the crowds.

Having said all of that, I realise that not everyone has time to stay for several nights – and it is certainly possible to do a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

The biggest issue you’ll have is transportation, especially if you want to see more than just one place. Before I go through some of my advice for independent travellers, you may want to consider an Amalfi Coast tour from Naples to make your day easier.

I think this tour from Naples is great and will take you to three towns, including Sorrento and Positano.

Or there are some other good options I would recommend here:

For a trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, you have limited options if you don’t want to spend half your day on some kind of transport.

My strong recommendation would would be to just go to Sorrento and use that as the base to get a sense of some of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento is a wonderful town that offers a great mix of history, nature, and relaxation. It is easy to get to and you won’t have to worry much about transport.

The only downside is that, for all these reasons, it is the most popular for tourists (particularly other day-trippers) so it can be quite crowded.

Having said that, it’s not too hard to get away from the crowds in Sorrento if you know what you’re doing. I’ll give you some tips in a second.

I’ll also have some information for you soon about how you can see some of the other towns of the Amalfi Coast in a day trip, if that’s what you really want to do.

How do you get from Naples to Sorrento?

Because it’s one of the best day trips from Naples , there are several ways to get from Naples to Sorrento – by ferry, by train, or with a car transfer.

My preference is for the ferry. It’s a bit more expensive than the train but it is faster, more comfortable, and much more scenic. What better way to start your trip to the Amalfi Coast than with a wonderful view of the shoreline as you approach.

I would recommend buying your tickets in advance during busy months. You can check the schedules and availability here .

If you would like to go by train, you can take the Circumvesuviana line straight from the central station of Naples to Sorrento. It is quite cheap but takes about 70 minutes (compared to 45 minutes on the ferry).

But the biggest issue is that, in my opinion, the trains are dirty, hot, crowded, uncomfortable and known for pickpockets.

There is also a train called the Campania Express that is much faster and much nicer. If you do want to go by land, this is a better choice.

The only problem is that the services are not very frequent so you need to do a bit of planning advance. Here’s the timetable to help.

The other option is to get a private transfer by car from Naples. If there’s a group of you, this becomes a bit more economical, but it’s still quite expensive.

I think it makes more sense to get a transfer to the other towns on the Amalfi Coast that are harder to get to, but use public transport for Sorrento. Still, you can use this transfer service if you are interested.

Things to see around Sorrento town

The first thing I would recommend doing is exploring the historic centre. If you’ve arrived in Sorrento from Naples by ferry, you’ll get there by walking up the hill for ten minutes. If you’ve come by train, just go west along the main road for five minutes.

The town is small and you won’t get lost. I actually don’t think you’ll even need a map or much guidance to see all of the main sights – they are quite obvious and you’ll discover most of them quickly just by wandering around.

In the centre of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso and it’s useful to use this large main square as a reference point and a starting point for your exploration.

I would suggest heading down the main Corso Italia, from where you’ll be able to see the Palazzo Veniero and the Palazzo Correale. You’ll then come across the Sorrento Cathedral, which is worth having a look inside.

If you go along Corso Italia a bit further and then turn right, you’ll find yourself in the narrow but lively alleyways of the historic centre. Here, you can wander through the several blocks (as I said, it’s not large) and enjoy the old buildings.

After your wandering, try to end up at the Piazza Sant’Antonino. This is smaller and more relaxed than Piazza Tasso. You’ll see the Town Hall and the Basilica of St Antonino.

If you want to learn more about Sorrento and not miss any of the highlights, you can do this 2-hour walking tour .

The best hike from Sorrento

It’s not just the sights of the towns that makes the Amalfi so wonderful – it’s also the nature. There’s not a lot of time to see a lot of it in a day trip from Naples, but there are still some options.

Unfortunately the best of the Amalfi hikes – the Path of the Gods – is probably too far away from Sorrento to do on this trip (another good reason to come back and stay longer next time!).

But there is a hike from Sorrento that will give you a sense of the countryside, show you what the small towns are like, and offer some incredible views of the coast and of Sorrento.

I have marked a suggested route on the map below. If you’re looking for a hike from Sorrento, I would definitely suggest using this as the foundation of your hike.

As you’ll see on the route, I did a loop at the end and then came back so that I could do this walk in about two hours. If you would like a longer walk, you can just keep going further, until you’re ready to come back

Bars and beach clubs in Sorrento

Of course, the Amalfi Coast is not intended to be busy or stressful. It’s all about relaxation here and you may not want to spend the whole time sightseeing or hiking.

The good news is that, even on a day trip, you can explore the historic town, do a hike, and still have time to chill out.

There are a couple of options I would suggest to give you a luxurious and relaxing coastal experience, fitting for a day on the glamorous Amalfi Coast.

The first is to have a drink (and even something to eat) at one of the hotel bars on the cliffs that look out over the water. The best one is probably the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

It’s one of the best hotels in Sorrento and you can feel like a 5-star guest by spending an hour or two on the terrace. The drinks aren’t cheap but you may feel like the splurge!

The other option I would suggest, if you don’t feel like a splurge, is a plunge.

Down on the water around the Marina Grande are Sorrento’s beach clubs. These clubs are open to the public but you’ll usually have to pay a fee to get in. Those that don’t have a fee will require you to rent chairs or a cabana and buy food and drinks.

Again, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Sorrento but it’s not outrageously expensive. It’s definitely a beautiful place to sit and relax for a few hours on a hot day, though!

Food tours in Sorrento

As you would expect, there is amazing food on the Amalfi Coast and lots of it is easily accessible from Sorrento.

To explore the best food on the coast, you can do this fun e-bike food and wine tour .

Or, if that’s a bit too active for your liking, you might prefer an authentic local cooking class .

There are some great options around Sorrento, and I would also recommend any of the following:

Public transport around Amalfi from Sorrento

As I hope you can see, there is plenty to do to fill a whole day if you just go from Naples to Sorrento. However, I understand that you may prefer to have a busier day and see more of the Amalfi Coast.

As mentioned earlier, there are some tours that will take you to several different places.

But to do it independently on public transport, I would suggest using the Sita Sud bus to move between the various towns. You can see the timetables and more information here on the Sita Sud website .

I’m not going to run through all the details but you need to understand that the bus trip from Sorrento, around to the town of Amalfi on the other side of the peninsula, takes about 90 minutes, or about 40 minutes to Positano.

So, it would be possible to visit both of those beautiful towns by bus in a day, but you’ll be spending about three hours (going there and back) sitting on buses… and I would prefer to spend those three hours doing something a bit more interesting.

Even if you changed buses at Amalfi town and continued on to Salerno, that’s still about 75 minutes (the reason you may want to do this is because you can get a fast and comfortable Trenitalia train back to Naples from Salerno).

If you are considering anything like this, my tip would be to just go to Positano and then go back to Sorrento. If you really do want to do the whole loop of the peninsula, be prepared for a long day.

Regardless of how you do it, Naples is a great base to explore the region. So I’ve got some tips on accommodation in Naples, if you’re interested.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN NAPLES

I’ve got lots of tips about where to stay in Naples in another article, or have a look at some of the highlights below.

The bunk beds are fairly standard, but Tric Trac Hostel has a fun modern feel and a great breakfast.

A large apartment with a cool design, Casa Calu makes a great base if you’re staying a while

Like an oasis in the middle of the city, Costantinopoli 104 is set within a gorgeous 19th-century villa with a pool.

It doesn’t get much more luxurious than the Britannique Hotel , with fabulous suites and panoramic views.

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

7 thoughts on “Naples to Sorrento: A perfect Amalfi day trip”

Fantastic post! What a beautiful view and article you write up. This place looks incredible to visit. I would love to go there and see all the things. Loved your blog.

Outstanding post! Italy is the beauty at its finest. Since the north until ths south, islands as well. People, landscapes and gastronomy are more special than the other contry. I love get lost in any site from that country.

Great read! Personally, I’d love to explore Naples, the Sorrento, and go on the the Amalfi hikes.

Very insightful! So what advice would you give me..Flying into Naples and leaving out of Milan.

Planning to stay 2 night in Capri, want to do a few days in Naples and a few days in Amalfi Coast. From your post I see only a train from Naples to Milan. How do I manage this?

I have never been there but I would love to be there. Such a lovely place. Seems you had a great time.

Hi! I am going to Naples in July and visiting Sorrento for a day. I was planning to take the train as I am making my trip as low-budget as possible. Do you know if I have to buy a ticket in advance for the Circumvesuviana or if I just buy it at the station?

Love your blog….. can one get a train from Sorrento to Lecce?

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Naples and Amalfi Coast Taste and Walk, Private Tour

• Cook with chefs in an Agerola kitchen
• Hike the Path of the Gods with a guide
• Explore ancient Pompeii and dine by Vesuvius
• Taste Naples' street food on a guided tour
• Relax with a scenic transfer to Naples Airport
• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVAL NAPLES – AMALFI COAST (AGEROLA)
• Day 2 AMALFI COAST (AGEROLA)PATH OF THE GODS
• Day 3 AGEROLA – POMPEI – NAPLES (50km – 1hr)
• Day 4 NAPLES
• Day 5 NAPLES DEPARTURE

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• Tour Operator TUI Italia 4.1
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Bellissimo! 5 Stunning Amalfi Coast Boat Trips

Posted on 11th Sep 2024. In Culture , European Weekends , Italy , Sponsored

The Amalfi Coast needs no real introduction. This incredible 50km (31 mile) stretch of jagged coastline in Southern Italy’s Campania region is a beautiful necklace of grand villas, citrus groves, and colourful insta-worthy towns. All fringed by the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Exploring the Amfali Coast by Vespa or car and enjoying the shapes and bends of its cliff-hugging roads (the famous Amalfi Drive) is a must. But to get a unique vista of the region’s waterfront towns – such as Positano , Sorrento , and Amalfi – a boat trip has to be on your wishlist. 

We’ve partner with Sorrento Voyage – providers of extraordinary experiences – to share with you 5 wonderful and bespoke Amalfi Coast boat trips to help you make the most of the Dolce Vita glamour of this, one of Italy’s most iconic settings.

All experiences, products and stays are independently selected by our editors. If you book or buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Amalfi Coast Boat Trips | No. 1

Private Positano Boat Tour 

7hrs | Customisable | English speaking guide | Welcome drinks and snacks | POA

Positano – playground to the ‘it’ crowd – has come a long way since its humble fishing village roots. From the water, the colourful houses seem to climb the cliff in a pyramid-shaped expanse all the way to the sky.

This private Positano boat tour with Sorrento Voyage takes you to Positano for the day, departing from Sorrento, Naples, and Amalfi. You’ll get plenty of opportunity to swim in turquoise waters (beach towels, snorkel equipment and water toys are included), as well as being shown the best viewpoints for enviable photos by your guide.

Naturally, time to explore Positano is also included – just remember to bring sturdy shoes (and lungs) because the village is steep and only accessible via a seemingly endless series of staircases cut into the cliff. For the return journey, opt for a stop at Nerano – a charming seaside village known for its fresh seafood and the renowned “spaghetto alla Nerano”.

• Fully customisable trip to fit your specific needs and group size
• Hotel pickups, guided tours, flexible itineraries, and special lunch arrangements also available
• Expert skippers with invaluable local tips and advice to make the best of Positano
• Enjoy snorkeling in the vibrant waters around Positano
• For love birds on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento Voyage also offer a bespoke, romantic wedding proposal boat trip

Amalfi Coast Boat Trips | No. 2

Capri Speedboat Adventure 

Journey around the entire island | See Capri’s most famous landmarks | POA

The island of Capri is a jewel of Southern Italy. As well as its eye-widening natural beauty, Capri also boasts incredible cuisine and world-class shopping. On this private luxury speedboat trip to Capri , you’ll circumnavigate the entire island, admiring the cliffs, hidden coves, enchanting villas and the iconic landmarks that make Capri famous.

The trip sets sail from the port of Marina Grande heading across the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Naples towards the Blue Grotto, a cave in the side of a mountain that shines a hypnotic blue. You’ll continue along the coast, passing the Faraglioni (majestic rock formations that emerge from the sea), and travelling through the natural arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo.

The boat stops in the bay of Marina Piccola, a picturesque bay surrounded by cliffs, giving you loads of time to swim or sunbathe on the deck before returning you to port at sunset with plenty of memories to share.

• Private speedboat trip along the Sorrento Coast to Capri
• Explore Capri’s iconic sights including the legendary Blue Grotto, Capri Faraglioni and Punta Carena lighthouse
• Expert skippers with invaluable local tips and advice
• Welcome drink and snacks included
• For an upgrade to the experience, try this luxury yacht tour of the Amalfi Coast and Capri

Amalfi Coast Boat Trips | No. 3

Sorrento Coast Sunset Trip

Speedboat cruise | Glass of prosecco as the sun sets | 2hr trip

The Sorrento Coastline really comes into its own as the sun sets. Bathed in hues of golden orange, the cliffs and towns that dot this stretch are a sight to behold at dusk. To see it all, escape the crowded shores and instead hop aboard your own private sunset speedboat cruise.

On this boat trip, you’ll be looked after by an experienced and dedicated crew and served prosecco and gourmet appetisers as you skirt the Sorrento Peninsula, getting evocative glimpses of the colourful houses and gardens that cling to the cliffs.

As the sun dips, you’ll stop at the beautiful azure-coloured Bay of Ieranto for a secluded swim or simply to raise a toast and capture a photo or two before heading back to the Sorrento port.

• Private speedboat trip along the Sorrento Coast at sunset
• See the coastal landscape transform as the sun goes down
• Expert crew to look after you
• Glass of prosecco and appetisers to toast the sunset
• Intimate and bespoke experience

Amalfi Coast Boat Trips | No. 4

Luxury Ischia Yacht Trip

Private fully-crewed yacht | Great for families | 7hrs

A quietly idyllic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ischia offers an alternative escape to its busy next door neighbour, Capri. Whether you’re holidaying on Ischia or just visiting for a short break, this exclusive Ischia yacht trip is a great way to see the island’s coastal treasures in style.

Setting off from Ischia’s port, your first stop is the Magician’s Cave, a natural sanctuary in the rocks illuminated by golden light. You’re given plenty of time to take it all in before heading for San Montano Bay, an oasis of tranquility and beauty. This is your swim stop, where you can dive into turquoise waters or enjoy the sun on the yacht’s deck with a glass of something cold in hand.

The boat trip continues to Sant’Angelo, a picturesque fishing village with charming houses and white sandy beaches where you can wander and wonder before heading for home passing olive groves and vineyards gently climbing the hills.

• Luxury yacht tour along the Ischia coast
• Sets off from Ischia port
• High-end comfort to take in the stunning views with friends or family
• Glass of prosecco and gourmet local snacks provided
• Option to add on a private photographer and chef
• Itinerary is flexible and can be customised

Amalfi Coast Boat Trips | No. 5

Procida Boat Trip

Experienced local skipper | See the main attractions of Procida | 7hrs

Less than two square miles in size, the tiny island of Procida is one of the loveliest hidden gems off the rocky Italian coastline. This full day boat trip around Procida is a wonderfully unique way to see the island’s most fascinating landmarks and swim in its crystal-clear waters.

Sail along the coast of Procida, soaking in the vibrant colours of the houses and the pristine beauty of the island before stopping for a swim. Beach towels are provided aboard and there’s snorkelling gear available to use also. Back on board and dry, you head for the picturesque Marina di Corricella, where you can stroll along the harbour or take a moment to relax in one of the cafes.

Chiaia Beach is next for more snorkelling and sunbathing, before cruising along to enchanting Grotta delle Felci, a beautiful cave accessible only by sea. Throughout the journey, your skipper will share fascinating stories, local anecdotes and legends about the island.

• Private boat tour around Procida’s most interesting features
• Sets off from Procida port
• Half day trips also available

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Your Perfect 1 Week Italy Itinerary with Amalfi Coast

Kayla D. Martinez

Senior Travel Writer

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel industry. Throughout her career, Kayla has penned countless articles for prestigious travel publications, capturing the essence of cultures, the beauty of landscapes, and the allure of hidden gems. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden treasures, Kayla has a knack for immersing herself in the local culture of the places she visits, forging connections with locals, and uncovering the untold stories that lie beneath the surface. Her commitment to responsible and sustainable travel practices sets a positive example for her readers and fellow travelers.

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel...

Hello World

On the Amalfi Coast, you are sure to fall in love with the sight of steep cliffs dropping into bright blue waters. Those pretty villages are tucked between the mountains and the sea.

There’s so much to see and do, so planning is key . And spending a week around the Amalfi is just the right amount of time to enjoy it all at a relaxed pace.

But how do you plan things, right?

Well, in the following blog, I have put together a 1 week Italy itinerary with Amalfi Coast, featuring Rome (days 1-2), Naples (day 3), and chilling on the Amalfi Coast (days 4-6). Also, see the Colosseum, Vatican City , Positano, and Ravello.

Curious to learn more? Keep scrolling to explore all the details!

Preparing for Your Trip

Preparing for your trip can be exciting and a bit overwhelming, so here’s a short guide to help you get ready:

Best Time to Visit Italy and the Amalfi Coast

The best times to visit Italy and the Amalfi Coast are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is lovely, and there aren’t too many people around.

Also, it’s a great time to explore the towns and relax by the coast without the crowds. Remember, summer can be hot and crowded, while winter might be cooler and rainy. So, for the best experience, try to visit during these shoulder seasons.

Necessary Documents and Packing

Having the right documents and a good backpack is very important when traveling. For those coming to visit the Amalfi Coast from outside Italy, make sure you bring your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary visas.

For packing, include comfortable clothing for different weather, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also, don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a small first-aid kit. With these items, you’ll be ready for a fantastic trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Related Post: Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Italy as a US Citizen?

Transportation Tips to Get Around Rome

Getting around Rome is easy and fun, if you know when to use each mode of transport to explore the city’s famous spots:

• Public Transit: Use buses, trams, and the metro to explore Rome’s famous spots easily.
• Walking : Many attractions are close together, so walking is a great way to see the city.
• By Car : Drive in about 3.5 to 4 hours for stunning coastal views.
• By Train and Ferry: Take a train to Naples, then catch a bus or ferry to Amalfi for a relaxing trip.

From easy public transit in Rome to a scenic drive or train ride to the Amalfi Coast, each way offers a special experience. You just need to pick the best mode aligned with your preferences.

Your 1-Week Italy Itinerary with a Stop in Amalfi Coast

When you visit the Amalfi Coast, you can also explore Rome, Naples, and other amazing spots nearby. That’s why I’ve put together the 1 week Amalfi Coast itinerary for you. Let’s take a quick look:

Here’s a perfect mix of the must-see spots on your Amfali Coast trip. Now, let’s tap into the next part, where you’ll find a detailed daily plan with activities and things to do .

Related Post: Complete 2-Week Italy Itinerary by Train

Day 1: Arrival in Rome & 1st-Day Venture

For a one-week trip, you can start your journey in Rome. This allows you to easily reach your destinations and explore Rome’s top tourist attractions as well.

• Colosseum: The largest ancient amphitheater ever built, where gladiators once fought.
• Roman Forum: An ancient marketplace with impressive ruins of temples, arches, and government buildings.
• Trevi Fountain: A stunning Baroque masterpiece where visitors toss coins to make a wish, symbolizing hope for a return to Rome.
• Piazza Navona: A lively square known for its beautiful fountains, vibrant street artists, and charming cafes.

End your day with tasty food and a fun nightlife. Here you’ll find plenty of great dinner options, like Da Francesco, Ristorante Santa Lucia and Osteria del Pegno.

Day 2: Exploring Rome

Following your one week itinerary, start your second day with a delicious breakfast. Now, get ready to explore some of Rome’s best spots.

Which ones are they? Let’s check them out:

• Vatican City: Home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , it’s a hub of art and history.
• Castel Sant’Angelo : A fortress with panoramic views, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
• Piazza del Popolo: A grand square featuring impressive churches and an ancient Egyptian obelisk.
• Villa Borghese : A beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and the renowned Borghese Gallery.

Wrap up your day tour with a delightful dinner at spots like Ristorante da Fortunato, La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, or Enoteca Corsi, followed by a taste of Rome’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Rome to Naples

On your third day, first grab breakfast at a nice local spot. Today, you’ll head to Naples, which takes about two and a half hours to reach.

Once you arrive in Naples, enjoy exploring the city, including the highlights:

• Naples Cathedral : The city’s main church, known for its Gothic style and the relic of San Gennaro.
• Spaccanapoli Street : A historic street cutting through Naples, famous for its local shops, food, and vibrant culture.
• Piazza del Plebiscito : A large, grand square featuring the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola.

Here, you can also visit the Archaeological Park of Pompeii if you have free time. Plus,  the Bay of Naples is a stunning backdrop for your adventures.

Related Post: Why Is Pompeii Referred to As the Lost City?

Day 4: Naples to Amalfi and Boat Tour to Capri

You can start such a lovely day with a cup of coffee and breakfast. Then take a stroll around Naples before heading to the Amalfi Coast. You can also drive or take a bus ride. Here’s what you can do:

• Amalfi Town: In the town of Amalfi, there is so much to see that you need to spend a day or a few more days. So first, start by spending the day exploring its lively streets, colorful buildings, and coastal views.
• Amalfi Cathedral: You can also visit the Amalfi Cathedral . It’s a historic cathedral with a beautiful façade, an impressive interior, and fascinating medieval art.
• Capri: You can also go on a boat tour to Capri for a more serene experience. It’s a traveler’s favorite thing to do along the Amalfi Coast. 

And at the end of the day, try local spots like La Caravella, Da Gemma, or Taverna degli Apostoli for dinner.

Day 5: Positano and the Path of the Gods

One of my favorite stops on the Amalfi Coast is the town of Positano. No trip is complete without visiting Positano and Amalfi. So, start your day with a tasty breakfast before heading to Positano.

Let’s see what’s in store for today’s trip:

• Positano: A cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi coastline. Also visit Fornillo, a quieter beach in Positano.
• Path of the Gods: Sentiero degli Dei) is a famous hiking trail offering amazing views from Bomerano to Nocelle, high above Positano.

After a day of exploring, you can enjoy a wonderful dinner at Il Capitano, La Pergola, or Da Vincenzo. Many bars and restaurants also feature live music or DJs, offering a lively evening atmosphere.

Day 6: Ravello and Relaxation

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then head to the coastal town of Ravello. Today, there is more to explore. Such as the following:

• Villa Rufolo : A historic villa in Ravello, perfect for a peaceful stroll and photography.
• Villa Cimbrone:  An elegant villa in Ravello with beautiful gardens and the “Terrace of Infinity,” offering amazing views of the Amalfi Coast.

After visiting the villas, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. And take a moment to feel this incredible beauty.

Visit some seaside restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, including Ristorante Marina Grande, Da Adolfo, and Ristorante Torre Normanna. Enjoy your food with nighttime ocean views.

Day 7: Return to Rome and Departure

On your final day here, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful place and the week on the Amalfi Coast.

Finish your tasty breakfast, enjoying one last bite of Italian food. Afterward, pack up and get ready to drive back to Rome. As you travel, take in the views filled with memories.

Once you reach Rome, there’s a bit of time to revisit a favorite spot or grab some last-minute souvenirs. Maybe pop into a cozy café for a final espresso or take a relaxed walk through a piazza to enjoy the vibe one more time.

Finally, head to the airport and say goodbye to Italy, with its endless charm and beauty. This is the time to get ready for your trip back home.

Related Post: Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy

Additional Tips and Recommendations

To make your seven-day trip to the Amalfi Coast enjoyable and safe, it’s important to pay attention to a few things. Here’s a list to help you out:

How to Optimize Your Travel Time?

To make the most of your travel time, start by planning a rough itinerary for each day, but stay flexible so you can adjust if needed.

Here are some handy tips to optimize your travel time:

• Plan a basic itinerary but stay open to changes.
• Use trains or local buses for efficient travel.
• Book tickets for popular sites ahead of time.
• Pack light to move easily between destinations.
• Set priorities for must-see attractions.
• Utilize travel apps for navigation and scheduling.
• Avoid peak travel times to reduce delays and crowds.

Must-Try Local Foods and Drinks

The Amalfi Coast is well-known for its amazing views and tasty food. Food lovers will have a great time here. Below is a list of local foods and drinks you definitely need to try:

• Local Wines: Try regional wines such as Chianti in Tuscany or Prosecco in Veneto.
• Classic Neapolitan Pizza: Enjoy this iconic pizza with its simple yet delicious ingredients.
• Pasta: Try regional favorites like carbonara or bolognese for a true taste of local cuisine.
• Gelato : Don’t miss out on Italian ice cream, available in a variety of flavors.
• Espresso : For a strong and flavorful pick-me-up, grab a shot of espresso.

Shopping Tips and Souvenirs to Buy

When shopping on the Amalfi Coast, there are some great finds to look out for. 

So what to take home that holds memories of this place? Here are some ideas for you:

• Local Crafts: Always check out local crafts like handmade pottery, leather goods, and textiles that showcase the area’s unique style.
• Italian food products: Consider picking up olive oil, pasta, fresh produce or local wines to enjoy or give as gifts.
• Artisanal Items:  Local markets are perfect for finding special artisanal items that you can’t get anywhere else.
• Fashion Acessories: If you’re interested in fashion, Amalfi Coast is known for its stylish clothing and accessories.
• Limoncello : Don’t forget to bring home a bottle of limoncello. A lemon liqueur is a local favorite and makes a wonderful souvenir.

Safety Tips for Traveling in Italy and the Amalfi Coast

When traveling in Italy and the Amalfi Coast, it’s important to stay vigilant and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The region is well-known for its beauty, but like any tourist destination, it’s wise to take some necessary precautions, as listed below:

• Use a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables.
• Stay alert in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets.
• Know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
• Stay hydrated and follow food hygiene practices .
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.
• Use reputable transportation services.
• Secure your accommodation by locking doors and windows.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, it’s important to follow the local customs and traditions. It helps you connect more deeply with the culture.

Below are some cultural etiquette and customs that generally apply across Italy, including the Amalfi Coast:

• Dress modestly, especially at churches (cover shoulders and knees).
• Don’t rush through meals; dining is seen as a leisurely and social activity.
• Greet with a handshake; close friends may kiss on both cheeks.
• Tipping isn’t required but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants).
• Speak quietly in public places; loud behavior is considered rude.
• Use formal titles (Signore/Signora) when addressing older or unfamiliar people.
• Avoid discussing politics, religion, or personal finances.
• Respect local traditions and festivals; join in celebrations if invited.

Closing Notes

As your week in Italy comes to an end, you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a camera roll brimming with photos.

The combination of Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast will undoubtedly make this trip one you’ll cherish forever.

So, when’s your next Italian adventure?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days do you need in Amalfi Coast?

For a fulfilling Amalfi Coast experience, 3 to 5 days are ideal. This allows time to explore towns along the coast and relax on beaches. You can also take an Amalfi drive, take cooking classes and enjoy local cuisine.

When should I avoid Amalfi Coast?

Avoid the Amalfi Coast during peak summer months (July and August), when it’s crowded and hot. Also, winter can be rainy and many attractions are close.

Which is better, Positano or Sorrento?

Positano has beautiful views and charming streets, perfect for romance. A day in Sorrento offers you good shopping, and it’s a great starting point for exploring nearby places. So the choice is yours.

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

Yes, the Amalfi Coast can be quite expensive, especially Spiaggia Beach. Costs for accommodation, dining, and activities are generally high, especially in peak tourist season.

What airport do you fly into on the Amalfi Coast?

The nearest major airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (NAP). You can spend time in Naples. And from there, you can drive, take a bus, or use other transportation to reach Amalfi and Positano.

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Ultimate Bay of Naples: Pompeii, Positano & Amalfi Coast

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Description

Points of Interest

• Amalfi Coast

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Driving along the Amalfi Coast and take a tour of the picturesque town built into a sheer cliff, Positano, The whitewashed pastel houses that line the rock face have been the subject of myriad postcards and photos. Enjoy the views from a café or take the opportunity to shop. The next leg of your tour continues in Sorrento where you'll lunch at a five-star restaurant. Afterwards, you'll have time to walk relax, or browse the shops along Corso Italia, Sorrento's flower-lined main boulevard. The last stop will be in Pompeii. Enjoy the archeological excavations of this lost city buried beneath the ash when Mt. Vesuvius violently erupted in 79 A.D.

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship to Positano and free time

Lunch at a 5 star restaurant and free time in sorrento, depart from ship for a guided tour of pompeii, re-board your mini bus and return to your ship, re-board your motocoach and return to your ship.

Did Influencers ruin the Amalfi Coast?

They need to keep up appearances - and promote their brand. "Now it’s a ‘theme park."

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Article content

POSITANO, Italy – Ivan Stefanovic set up his tripod in the middle of the sidewalk, parting the crowd that had gathered to admire the sweeping cliffside views of the Amalfi Coast. After pressing record on his phone, he twirled and dipped his partner, who teetered in chunky-heeled sandals as her dark, wavy hair cascaded toward the ground. She laughed, and he whispered some pointers in her ear – strut more, wobble less.

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When the digital nomad posted scenes of his trip on Instagram, his followers would see a stylish gadabout soaking up the natural beauty in one of Italy’s most-admired vistas.

What they wouldn’t glimpse was the ugliness outside the frame: The long queue at the Via Cristoforo Colombo overlook, where selfie-takers posed with their arms high in the air and their backs to the pedestrians struggling to get around the hordes. The endless parade of buses, cars and Vespas rumbling past, blowing plumes of exhaust. The dismayed expressions of residents who watched overtourism devour their beloved villages.

“Social media has a lot to answer for,” said Lara Capraro, a Positano local whose late father ran a tour boat operation. “People treat the Amalfi Coast like a theme park. I don’t know how much longer it can go on like this.”

The causes of overtourism are complex, but affected destinations can point to at least one overriding factor. Santorini, Greece, has a crush of cruise ships; Dubrovnik, Croatia, attracts rabid “Game of Throne” fans. The Amalfi Coast suffers from overexposure on social media. Search “Amalfi Coast” on TikTok, and you will be bombarded with serene videos of pastel-colored villages wedged into the cliffside like Jenga pieces.

“It’s a mixed bag,” said Mikaela Howell, a Philadelphia-based wedding photographer who was scouting out locations with her videographer husband. “It’s fun to have all the energy of people being here, but everyone wanting to see the same thing makes it a little less magical.”

Even Stefanovic, who says he mines TikTok and Instagram for inspiration, started to wilt in the heat and crowds. “It’s getting hot,” Stefanovic said, as he paused the shoot to take refuge under a patterned black umbrella.

To prepare for my four-day trip to this scenic stretch of the Campania region, I consumed a steady diet of TikTok videos and Instagram posts. It didn’t take long to discover that the paradise depicted on social media omitted a trove of unpleasant details.

The Amalfi you don’t see on TikTok

The 34-mile-long Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is pinned between the Lattari Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, an arrangement that is easy on the eyes but tough on urban planners. To attain la dolce vita, you need to climb countless steep steps in punishing heat.

The region can be difficult to access, which few influencers will tell you. (One memorable exception: Lexi Jordan, who slammed her compatriots for not providing “disclaimers.”) Most travellers fly into Naples and catch a train or ferry to the southern coast. Because of the impossible traffic and limited parking, renting a car is not recommended. The fashionable people cruising around in vintage Fiats are not showing us the harrowing crawl along SS163 or their futile attempts at finding a parking spot.

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No influencers warned me that the ferries often sell out by early morning and that the only other reasonable option is the public bus. (Hiring a private boat was not my world.) After I huffed and puffed up a hill and several flights of stairs to the station in Sorrento, I spent an hour waiting for a bus to Positano. On the return, a coach crammed with passengers flew by our group waiting at a bus stop on the side of a dark road. The next one had more space. For nearly an hour, the children in the back sang Miley Cyrus songs at the top of their lungs.

“Influencers just show the good parts, but they don’t know about the transportation problems or how it’s not possible for us to rent a house because they’re all Airbnbs,” said Francesca Grammatico, a 20-year-old student who works at her family’s cafe, Il Panino, in Ravello. “I think in 30, 40 years, it’s going to be a tourist town. People my age just want to leave, because the quality of life is not very good.”

In Amalfi, I stepped around bodies splayed on the steps of the Roman Catholic cathedral and was nearly swept away by a mob trying to board a bus to Ravello. I had more room to move at Villa Cimbrone, a garden with the much-liked Terrace of Infinity.

Every influencer feed I watched featured a selfie on the Spiaggia Grande in Positano, but the beach attendants asked me to leave: once, because I was not a resident; the second time, because I had not paid 40 euros to enter the private strand.

At Le Sirenuse, a Positano hotel adored by influencers and celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, who celebrated her birthday there in 2019, a stern man in a trim suit informed me that the hotel was closed to the public till 6 p.m. Next door, Franco’s Bar opened at the same hour, though people dressed for an evening of cocktailing were already queuing up.

I took a detour from my itinerary and stopped at Hotel Marincanto, where the waitstaff was racing around the patio bar preparing for the sunset crowd. After downing a $10 glass of lemon water, I returned to Franco’s. The line had fully subsumed the sidewalk.

Italian officials envision the Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport as one possible salvation. The facility – which has operated as a military airport, flying school, private airport, and firefighter and parachuter training centre – reopened to commercial air in July, more than a dozen years after the last scheduled flight landed here.

Tourism and transportation authorities hope the revived airport will alleviate the pressure on the international airport in Naples, which handled nearly 12.4 million travellers last year, and disperse people to less congested parts of the Campania region. The intended effect is to extend the region’s season, which typically runs from April through October.

“Salerno, which is very popular among Italians, is not popular abroad,” said Margherita Chiaramonte, the commercial director of aviation at the Naples and Salerno airports for GESAC, the airports management company. “But it really deserves to be, because it has stunning, unspoiled villages and well-preserved traditional places.”

However, tourism experts and locals say the officials are deluding themselves. People will still flock to the Amalfi Coast. An unfamiliar destination with no social media bona fides is a tougher sell.

“We need to have that thing that everyone else has,” said Jonathon Day, a sustainable tourism expert and associate professor in Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, “or it’s like we’ve lost out.”

Traffic jams and no parking spots

For many influencers who make content as a career, chasing down followers and sponsorships takes precedent over painting a nuanced picture of a destination. They need to keep up appearances – and promote their brand – even at the expense of a destination’s quality of life.

“They have this idea or opinion of the best places and why, and the people who follow them are going to say, ‘Oh, I’m going to go here because so-and-so told me that,’” said Marla Royne Stafford, a professor of marketing and international business at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. “That makes them incredibly powerful.”

Day, the Purdue professor, doesn’t blame influencers for the chaos that overtourism has wrought. He faults government officials for being blindsided by the surge in visitors.

He said legislators should have proactively created a tourism management plan. Instead, they are scrambling to fix the problems with regulations that locals say aren’t working. For example, they introduced in 2019 an alternating license plate system for nonresidents that was supposed to tackle traffic and parking woes. Five years later, both issues are as bad as ever.

During a lull in serving visitors panini and lemony drinks in Ravello, Grammatico described her commute to school. She said the drive to the town of Amalfi typically takes 15 minutes in the offseason – but hours during peak months.

“I usually get out of school at 1 p.m. but won’t get home till 3 p.m.,” she said. She can’t wait to leave for medical school in Rome this fall.

Many locals do not use their cars during the tourist invasion for fear of never finding a parking spot. On foot, they avoid the crowded main pedestrian routes and follow a secret passageway through back alleys.

On a Saturday afternoon, Capraro sat on her patio near the Spiaggia Grande, the beach strip where hundreds of bodies were browning under the broiling sun. Tourists stopped by to ask for directions – “Really, up those stairs?” they would gulp.

Demanding and impatient tourists

Tourism is an economic dynamo in Italy, which U.N. Tourism ranked as the fifth most-visited destination by international travelers last year.

The sector poured about $238 billion into Italy’s coffers, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, which translates to nearly 11 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. This year’s forecast is even higher.

The Amalfi Coast has been a longtime magnet for travelers and creative types, including film stars, writers and artists seeking a muse or an Aperol spritz by the sea. The sharp rise in mass tourism is more recent.

The number of visitors started ticking upward a few years before the coronavirus pandemic and boomed after the global health crisis subsided. For the Amalfi Coast’s 13 villages, the Agenzia Regionale Campania Turismo registered 564,981 lodging check-ins in 2023, a 9 percent rise compared with 2019. A decade earlier, fewer than 400,000 people stayed here.

“Social media makes everyone feel like they can afford to visit Amalfi or Positano, and it has become super crowded,” said Debra Levinson, founder and chief executive of Mr. & Mrs. Italy, a tour operator. “They don’t necessarily need us, because their rooms fill up a year in advance or more.”

Levinson said the average daily rate on the Amalfi Coast has risen nearly 40 percent from pre-pandemic hotel prices, forcing budget travelers to spend beyond their means or find accommodations in less pricey cities and day trip to the coastal villages. She said that unless a client has a strong reason for visiting the area – say, their deceased mother once painted landscapes of the Amalfi Coast – then she will send them to alternatives such as the Italian Riviera, farther north on the Ligurian Sea, or Ischia, an island about 20 miles west of Naples.

“True luxury is being able to separate yourself from the masses of people,” Levinson said.

Shopkeepers in Amalfi and Capri complain about day-trippers much like the folks who lament the invasion cruisers to their shores. They, too, arrive en masse on ferries or buses, spend minimally and clog the streets monumentally, especially at photogenic sites on influencers’ lists.

“Basically, people don’t spend money,” said Paola Savinelli, who runs an Italian street food restaurant in the town of Amalfi. “They take pictures of the Duomo, buy a gelato or the cheapest thing they can buy, and then go.”

At a neighboring pottery store, a couple pawed through bins filled with four-euro souvenirs. They snapped a photo of themselves with ceramic plates decorated in lemons and left empty-handed.

“Before covid, it was calmer and the quality of people was better. They were more respectful,” Grammatico said. “They are demanding and impatient now.”

At a public bathroom in Ravello, an attendant’s smile was mostly greeted with grimaces or no expression at all. Anna, who collects the 1 euro bathroom fee and checks the supplies, said summer is “a mess of tourists.” Though the region relies on tourism dollars, that arrangement doesn’t mean she has to like her benefactors. “Sometimes they are rude,” she said in Italian, “but that’s life.”

Capraro said social media has unleashed a new wave of visitors who are younger and rowdier than their predecessors. They stay in Positano after the last ferries have departed – and party deep into the night.

She often waits till midnight to feed the cats who live on the beach. The boisterous tourists scare the strays, who hide until it’s safe to come out.

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