Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? This 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary will guide you through breathtaking coastal towns, stunning viewpoints, and hidden gems, ensuring you make the most of your adventure.
From where to stay to must-see attractions and the best day trips, here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience.
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Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
The best time to visit is April to June or September to October, when the weather is warm, but the crowds are smaller than in peak summer. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, while winter is quiet but with limited ferry services and some hotels/restaurants closed.
How Many Days Do You Need?
While 5 days is perfect for covering the highlights, you can extend your stay for more relaxed exploration. 7 days allows time for extra day trips to places like Naples, Ischia, or hiking the Path of the Gods.
How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast
- Ferries: Best for scenic views and avoiding traffic (Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Capri).
- Buses: Cheaper but often crowded; SITA buses connect most towns.
- Car: Possible but challenging due to narrow roads and limited parking.
- Private Transfers: Convenient but expensive.
- Scooters: Great for experienced drivers, allowing flexibility.
- Guided Tours: Hassle-free options for exploring multiple towns in one day.
Tip: If you’re after the freedom to explore at your own pace and feel confident behind the wheel, renting a car can be a great option. We’ve used DiscoverCars.com on our trips and had a smooth experience with good prices and reliable service. It’s a hassle-free way to get around if you want that extra bit of independence!
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
For a 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, staying in a central location is key. Sorrento is a great base as it offers easy access to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri. Alternatively, Positano provides a more scenic but expensive option, while Amalfi town offers a balance between accessibility and charm.
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Sorrento
Start your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary in Sorrento, the perfect introduction to the region. Stroll through charming streets, taste local flavors, and soak in stunning sea views while adjusting to the relaxed coastal pace.
Morning
- Stroll through Piazza Tasso and the Old Town to soak in the atmosphere.
- Visit the Cloister of San Francesco, a peaceful spot with beautiful architecture and occasional live music.
- Enjoy a Limoncello tasting at a local distillery and learn about the traditional production process.
Lunch
- Ristorante O’ Parrucchiano – Famous for its delicious lemon pasta and garden setting.
Afternoon
- Walk along the Marina Grande, a charming fishing village where you can watch local fishermen at work.
- Visit the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a stunning natural swimming spot surrounded by ancient ruins. You can either take a bus (5070) which takes around 25 minutes, walk there for around 40 minutes or drive there (around 12 minutes).
Evening
- Watch the sunset from Villa Comunale Park, an excellent viewpoint with benches to relax.
- Dinner at Bagni Delfino, a top-rated seafood restaurant by the water. Reservations are recommended to secure a table with the best view.
Day 2: Day Trip to Capri
A day in Capri is a must! Enjoy breathtaking coastal views, explore hidden grottoes, and experience the island’s luxurious vibe.
If you don’t want to plan by yourself, we highly recommend this Day Trip from Sorrento that will help you to beat the crowds at the Blue Grotto and enjoy time to snorkel and explore the island before you return.
Morning
- Take an early ferry from Sorrento to Capri. First ferries depart around 7:30 AM.
Option 1: Book a private or group boat tour around the island and visit the Blue Grotto (arrive early to avoid long queues).
Option 2: Explore on your own using the funicular to reach Piazzetta di Capri, the island’s lively center with boutique shops and charming cafés.
Lunch
- Da Paolino Lemon Trees – A magical setting under lemon trees with fantastic seafood and pasta.
Alternative: Ziqu Terrace Restaurant for nice views
Afternoon
- Ride the Monte Solaro Chairlift for breathtaking panoramic views (only takes 12 minutes to reach the top).
- Visit Villa San Michele, a stunning villa with gardens, ancient relics, and an incredible terrace view.
- Explore Augustus Gardens and take in the view of the winding Via Krupp, a historical footpath carved into the cliffside.
Evening
- Take the ferry back to Sorrento and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Dinner at AZZ! Italian Tavern, famous for its typical Italian food and lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Positano & Amalfi
Visit two of the Amalfi Coast’s most famous towns. Positano’s colorful cliffside buildings and Amalfi’s historic charm make for an unforgettable day on your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
You’ll focus on Positano for the morning and early afternoon, then head to Amalfi for the rest of the day and evening. This avoids excessive traveling between the two towns.
As an alternative, you can discover both towns on a full-day boat tour with prosecco, snacks, and a limoncello tasting included.
Morning
- Take an early ferry or private transfer to Positano (ferry recommended for stunning coastal views).
- Walk down Viale Pasitea, lined with artisan boutiques and charming cafés.
- Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its beautiful tiled dome and Byzantine icon.
- Relax at Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach for a quick dip in the turquoise waters.
Afternoon
- Take a ferry or bus (about 30 minutes) to Amalfi.
- Explore the Amalfi Cathedral, a stunning medieval church with an impressive staircase and Arab-Norman architecture.
- Visit the Paper Museum to learn about the town’s papermaking tradition.
- Walk through the Valle delle Ferriere, a scenic hike through lush nature with small waterfalls.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Lido Azzurro for fresh seafood with a sea view or try Trattoria Da Gemma for more traditional Amalfi Coast cuisine.
- After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the charming streets of Amalfi, soaking in the atmosphere as the lights twinkle at night.
- If you’re in the mood for a dessert, you can stop by Pasticceria Andrea Pansa for a sweet treat and a drink.
Day 4: Ravello & Fiordo di Furore
Escape the crowds with a peaceful day in Ravello, followed by a visit to the hidden gem of Fiordo di Furore.
Morning
- Take a bus, taxi, or guided tour up to Ravello, perched high above the coastline with fewer tourists.
- Visit Villa Rufolo, known for its gorgeous gardens, music festivals, and stunning sea views.
- Explore Villa Cimbrone & the Terrace of Infinity, offering one of the best panoramic views in Italy.
Afternoon
- Visit Fiordo di Furore, a hidden fjord with an arched bridge and crystal-clear water (great for photography and swimming).
- To reach Fiordo di Furore from Ravello, take a bus or taxi to Amalfi, then transfer to a SITA bus (Amalfi-Agerola route) and get off at the bridge. Alternatively, drive and park nearby or take a boat from Amalfi. Another option is to book a boat tour to explore the fjord from the sea.
- Swim, take photos, or just relax in this magical spot.
- Head back to Sorrento for dinner via bus or ferry from Amalfi.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Piennolo Land Food or L’Antica Trattoria in Sorrento.
Day 5: Pompeii & Naples
End your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary with a fascinating day exploring ancient ruins and vibrant city life in Pompeii and Naples.
Morning
- Take a train (about 30 minutes) from Sorrento to Pompeii.
- Explore the Ruins of Pompeii, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Spend the morning wandering through the fascinating ruins, visiting highlights like the Forum, Baths, and the Amphitheater.
- If time allows, consider a guided tour to get deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
Afternoon
- After finishing your time in Pompeii, take a train or private transfer from Pompeii to Naples (about 40 minutes).
- Once in Naples, explore the historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), including the Spaccanapoli street, where you can experience Naples’ vibrant atmosphere and see churches, shops, and historic landmarks.
- If you’re interested in art, visit the National Archaeological Museum to see incredible Roman artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including the famous Mosaic of Alexander.
Evening
- Head to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele for an authentic Neapolitan pizza, considered one of the best pizzerias in the world.
- After dinner, take a relaxing evening walk along Spaccanapoli, or explore Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace.
- If you have time, end your day with a stroll along the Naples waterfront, enjoying views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
- From there, you can head to the train station or airport for your departure.
More to Explore If You Have Extra Time on the Amalfi Coast
If you find yourself with some extra time during your visit to the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of additional activities you can enjoy that aren’t included in this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Hike Mount Vesuvius
If you’re already in Naples, why not take the opportunity to hike Mount Vesuvius? It’s one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, and the hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding area. At the top, you can peer down into the crater and get a sense of the force that destroyed Pompeii centuries ago.
Visit the Royal Palace of Caserta
Known as the “Versailles of Italy,” the Royal Palace of Caserta is an impressive 18th-century palace located about an hour from Naples. With grandiose gardens, lavish rooms, and even a massive fountain, it makes for a fantastic day trip if you’re interested in history and architecture.
Explore Paestum’s Ancient Ruins
If you’re interested in ancient history, the Paestum Ruins are worth visiting. Located about an hour south of the Amalfi Coast, Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. The area is less crowded than Pompeii, and it offers an impressive look at ancient Greek civilization in Italy.
Visit the Ancient Town of Herculaneum
While Pompeii often steals the spotlight, Herculaneum is a lesser-known but equally fascinating ancient town destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. It’s smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, offering a more intimate experience of ancient Roman life. It’s easily accessible from Naples or Sorrento. For a more educational experience, you can book skip-the-line guided tour with archaeologist HERE.
Take a Cooking Class
If you’re a food lover, consider taking a cooking class in the region. Learn how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, or seafood dishes. Many local chefs offer hands-on classes, giving you an inside look at how Italian cuisine is made and allowing you to taste the local flavors.
Walk Through the Amalfi Coast’s Lemon Groves
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons. If you have extra time, take a walk through the lemon groves stretching from Sorrento to Ravello. Some tours will take you through the groves and teach you about the cultivation of lemons, and how they are used to make limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur of the region.
Visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro
In Naples, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are an intriguing historical site offering a glimpse into the city’s early Christian period. These underground burial sites date back to the 2nd century and provide a peaceful yet haunting way to explore Naples’ history. You can book your tickets HERE.
Fun Facts
- The Amalfi Coast’s Lemon Trees: The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, specifically the Sfusato Amalfitano variety, which is used to make the famous Limoncello liqueur. The lemons here are so large and fragrant that they are considered a local treasure!
- Historical Significance of Ravello: Ravello is not only known for its stunning views but also as a hub for classical music. The town hosts the Ravello Festival every summer, which has attracted legendary musicians like Richard Wagner and Martha Argerich.
- The Town of Positano: Positano is often referred to as the “vertical town” because of its steep streets and cliffside location. The picturesque buildings seem to tumble down the cliffs toward the sea, making it one of the most photographed spots on the coast.
- The Path of the Gods: The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) offers one of the most scenic hikes in Italy. The name comes from ancient legends, and the route runs along the cliffs high above the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Capri’s Famous Faraglioni Rocks: The iconic Faraglioni rock formations near Capri are said to be the result of a legend about a giant sea monster that once roamed the waters around the island. Today, they’re a popular photo spot, especially when you take a boat tour around them.
Insider Tips
- Timing Your Visit: The Amalfi Coast can get crowded, especially in the summer. Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid the heavy crowds. In places like Positano and Capri, this will give you time to enjoy the sights before they fill up with tourists.
- Best Views for Photos: If you want to capture the perfect photo of the Amalfi Coast, head to Villa Cimbrone in Ravello for an unforgettable view from the Terrace of Infinity, or take a boat ride from Positano at sunset for the best coastal views.
- How to Beat the Crowds in Capri: Instead of the tourist-packed Blue Grotto, try visiting the Green Grotto or the White Grotto, both of which offer a more tranquil experience. You can also take a less-crowded guided boat tour around the island to see the hidden coves.
- Navigating the Roads: If you’re planning to rent a car, keep in mind that driving along the Amalfi Coast can be tricky with narrow roads and limited parking. Consider using public transport or hiring a local driver for a stress-free journey.
- Eat Like a Local: For the most authentic meal on the Amalfi Coast, head to smaller, family-run trattorias rather than the tourist-heavy spots. Check our blog post for the best foods on the Amalfi coast and where to try them.
- Ferries and Buses: Ferries between towns can be an excellent way to travel and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline. But for more flexibility, consider using buses or private transfers to reach more remote areas like Ravello or Fiordo di Furore.
Conclusion
The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination filled with picturesque villages, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you prefer relaxing by the beach, exploring ancient history, or hiking stunning trails, this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary offers the perfect balance for an unforgettable trip.
And if you’re a foodie like us, don’t miss our blog post on the must-try foods on the Amalfi Coast – your taste buds will thank you!