Would you like to travel to the Amalfi Coast in Italy for a few days but don’t know how to plan your trip yet? Then our 3-day itinerary for the Amalfi Coast is for you! We’ll show you how you can spend the best 3 days on the Amalfi Coast, with all the information you need for the perfect trip.
The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is a dream destination for many people. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the Italian lifestyle, food, and atmosphere amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, which are among the most beautiful in Italy?
It’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast has long been among the most popular destinations in Europe. Millions of tourists visit it every year, which puts a significant burden not only on the locals but also on us tourists planning to travel there. That’s why organizing a trip to the Amalfi Coast is not always easy, and it’s worth considering some factors before booking anything.
That’s why we’ve prepared a 3-day itinerary for the Amalfi Coast. It not only showcases how to spend the best 3 days on the Amalfi Coast according to us, but also provides a wealth of information to make your trip as fulfilling as possible, avoiding the typical problems that come with this destination.
First, we’ll give a quick overview of which destinations we’ve planned for each day. Then, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about traveling to the Amalfi Coast. After that, we’ll provide a detailed 3-day itinerary, breaking down each day’s activities and offering plenty of options for whatever you’d like to do on the Amalfi Coast.
FAQ: What to know about a trip to the Amalfi Coast
Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting?
While the Amalfi Coast is undeniably an expensive place, it’s also one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, making it definitely worth visiting.
How many days to spend on the Amalfi Coast
Many companies organize day trips to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or even Rome, showing only the main places like Positano or Amalfi.
However, other interesting towns along the Amalfi Coast are left out, such as Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, and Minori.
We recommend spending at least 2, but preferably 3 days on the Amalfi Coast if you want to see the real must-see sights. That’s why we’ve prepared a 3-day itinerary that includes almost all the best places on the Amalfi Coast.
You won’t go wrong if you plan to spend even more time on the Amalfi Coast. In fact, spending 4–7 days allows for a pleasant mix of relaxation and exploring the surrounding areas, such as Sorrento or Capri.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast and get around the area
You can reach the Amalfi Coast by car, bus, or boat.
By car
If you prefer a customized itinerary and don’t want to travel in groups for some reason, we recommend traveling by car. While parking and navigating the mountain roads can be challenging, driving provides the most freedom.
Our itinerary begins in Positano. You can reach Positano from Naples by car in about 1.5 hours via the SS145 and SS163 roads. The road is winding but doesn’t require extra driving experience.
The coastal roads after Positano are much more challenging. Along the Amalfi Coast, there’s a single road that presents real challenges for drivers in some sections. It’s advantageous to be experienced in the driving style of southern Italy and not travel with a large car.
Parking on the Amalfi Coast
The same applies to parking. The smaller your car, the easier it will be to find a parking space. It’s a good idea to save some private parking lots in advance on Google Maps and inquire about availability there.
We recommend avoiding parking lots where they ask for your car keys, as they are not safe for several reasons!
Street parking is possible in many places, but it’s a matter of luck to find a free spot because they are very few. Street parking may be cheaper, although prices are rising there too.
Whether it’s street parking or private, during the peak season, they may charge 50-100 euros per car per day.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast by public transport
If you don’t want to drive on the Amalfi Coast, you have the option of taking a bus or a boat.
Both options have the advantage that you don’t have to deal with driving and parking. However, the downside is that you may need to walk more, expect longer travel times, and have less flexibility.
From Naples to Positano, it takes about 2.5 hours by bus and requires a transfer in Sorrento. The situation is similar by boat, with a travel time of around 2.5 hours and also requiring a transfer in Sorrento in most cases.
For direct transportation by bus or boat, it’s mainly private companies that offer these services. You can pay for group or private tours, and they will take you around the Amalfi Coast according to predetermined or agreed conditions. You can find these tours mostly on GetYourGuide, and we’ll show you a few. While they may seem expensive at first, if you consider that you won’t have to pay for expensive Italian fuel and even pricier parking, their cost isn’t so high.
How to get around the Amalfi Coast by public transport
You can travel by boat or bus between the larger towns. Taking a boat is a bit more time-efficient than other options. Companies like Travelmar and Positano Jet offer the shortest travel time, for example from Positano to Amalfi or vice versa. However, the price is higher than the bus.
Alternatively, you can travel by bus, which has the advantage of stopping at more places and being the cheapest option to get to different locations along the coast. The buses are operated by the SITA SUD company. They offer a 24-hour ticket type, which allows you to use the buses all day for a low price. You can find the most comprehensive information about bus travel on the official website of Ravello.
Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
One of the most important aspects of traveling to the Amalfi Coast is choosing the right time to visit.
- The summer beach season (July and August) is the most expensive and the crowds are huge. We only recommend traveling during this time if you particularly enjoy beach activities.
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also pricey: Many people visit during the holidays. Additionally, many hotels and restaurants are closed during this time, resulting in limited options despite the influx of tourists.
- Early autumn (September, October) and late spring (April and May) are the best times to visit. The off-season offers excellent weather for sightseeing, hiking, and boating. Plus, prices are much more favorable compared to summer.
- Regarding timing your visit, it’s worth noting that from the second half of autumn to spring, many places are closed, resulting in a smaller selection.
Overall, considering the options and prices, we recommend visiting between early April and early June, as well as September and early October.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
- Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel: A five-star luxury hotel in Amalfi, offering exquisite Amalfi views and first-class services if you’re seeking the best
- Le Sirenuse: One of Positano’s most renowned five-star luxury hotels. It offers traditional Southern Italian style and stunning views
- Tramonto d’Oro: A sleek four-star hotel in Praiano, boasting impressive sea views
- Villa Piedimonte: A four-star hotel in Ravello, blending modern and local styles with stunning views
- Hotel Le Terrazze: A three-star hotel in Conta dei Marini, a short drive from Amalfi, with seaside views and excellent ratings
- Angelina Residence: Affordable apartments in Maiori
Where to stay near the Amalfi Coast
- Hotel & Resort Tre Fontane Luxury: A four-star hotel in Portici, near Naples. One of our top choices in Italy, well worth the price
- Domo 20 Hotel & Rooftop: An unrated but roughly equivalent to a four-star hotel with stunning sea views. Located in Vico Equense, south of Naples, on the way to Positano
- Hotel Forum: An affordable four-star hotel in Pompeii
- Gold Tower Lifestyle Hotel: A four-star hotel in Naples, offering great prices and reviews
Where to eat on the Amalfi Coast
We’ve divided the restaurants we know into two categories: based on price, we list the more affordable ones, and below, the restaurants with the best views. For the latter, advance booking is almost always required, and they may not be open year-round.
Where you can eat affordably
- Collina Positano Bakery: Here, you can not only buy sandwiches and pastries but also the famous lemon sorbet, which is becoming increasingly popular on social media.
- Lo Spuntino: This eatery located in Amalfi offers sandwiches, pizza, and more other dishes at an affordable price.
- La Preferita: Restaurant on the main road in Amalfi, with good reviews and affordable prices
- Pizzeria Donna Stella: Pizzeria next to the pedestrian street of Amalfi, with a pleasant lemon grove garden.
- Pizzeria A… Gradillo – Ravello: Pizza to go in Ravello at low prices
Where you get the best views
- Rada Beach Restaurant: An elegant restaurant with multiple levels near Positano’s main beach, offering breathtaking views
- Franco’s Bar: Although not a restaurant but a bar, it offers some of the best views in Positano. It’s not cheap, but the view makes it worth it
- Zass restaurant: A restaurant located in the five-star Il San Pietro di Positano hotel
- Le Arcate: A restaurant in Atrani offering wonderful views, next to the beach.
Detailed 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary: How to spend 3 days on the Amalfi Coast
After the general information, let’s move on to the detailed 3-day itinerary of the Amalfi Coast. We’ll show you how to spend 3 perfect days on the Amalfi Coast, visiting almost all the best places.
Day 1: Positano
On the first day of your Amalfi Coast trip, spend your time in the most beautiful town of the coastline, Positano.
We’ve detailed how to get to Positano earlier. Whether you arrive by car, bus, or boat, after a 1.5-2.5-hour journey, you can enjoy almost the entire day exploring the charming streets, beaches, restaurants, and views of Positano.
Start your day with an exploratory stroll through the narrow streets of Positano, lined with colorful buildings and boutiques. Wander along Via Cristoforo Colombo, where you’ll get some of the most breathtaking views of Positano.
While you’re at it, treat yourself to a typical Amalfi Coast lemon sorbet, perhaps at Collina Positano Bakery.
Next, head to one of the picturesque beaches, with the most popular being Spiaggia Grande in Positano. It’s perfect for swimming in the summer or taking a leisurely stroll during other times of the year. Along the way, make sure to visit the iconic Santa Maria Assunta church with its distinctive dome.
For lunch, enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Positano. Some offer truly stunning views of the coastline and the town, like Rada Beach Restaurant. Just remember, it’s best to make reservations for the better spots in advance!
In the afternoon, continue exploring the town or take a boat tour to see the towns of the Amalfi Coast from the sea, which is a wonderful experience.
Later in the afternoon or evening, relax at Franco’s Bar, known for its fantastic views of the town and the sea, especially during sunset.
Day 2: Amalfi
On the second day of your Amalfi Coast trip, visit the charming town of Amalfi.
After breakfast, make your way to Amalfi town. Along the way, enjoy the excellent views available at various points.
Along the way, you’ll pass by places like the Fiordo di Furore, a popular bathing spot, and the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a stalactite cave.
For hiking enthusiasts, we would like to mention the Path of the Gods trail near Praiano, which is often referred to as the best hiking route on the Amalfi Coast, primarily due to its outstanding views. If you’re up for it, hike the trail and spend only the afternoon in Amalfi.
Upon arrival in Amalfi, start by exploring its historic center. Take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with old buildings, bustling shops, and cozy restaurants. Make sure not to miss the iconic landmark, the Amalfi Cathedral.
For lunch, enjoy the delicious local cuisine at one of Amalfi’s traditional restaurants.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the harbor area, where you’ll get the best views of Amalfi.
In the afternoon, consider climbing to one of the viewpoints on the mountain next to Amalfi. These are moderate difficulty hikes. One lookout point is the Veliero del Belvedere, and the other is the Torre dello Ziro. From these points, you can enjoy excellent views of the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi and the neighboring Atrani. Optionally, a more easily accessible spot is the Belvedere cimitero monumentale.
At the end of the day, unwind with a relaxing dinner at one of Amalfi’s restaurants, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and local wines while enjoying the evening. Particularly charming is Pizzeria Donna Stella, where you can dine under lemon groves while eating authentic Italian food.
Day 3: Minori, Ravello
On the third and final day of the 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, the focus shifts to the smaller coastal towns that may have been missed earlier, such as Minori and Ravello, along with other interesting stops along the way.
Minori
The first stop is Minori, where you can find some breathtaking viewpoints. One of the best viewpoints is at the end of Via Cesare Carola, just before the entrance to the cemetery. You can drive up here if you have a car. Another viewpoint, called Belvedere Mortella, is located on the opposite mountain and can be reached by foot.
Additionally, it’s worth taking a stroll around the coastline, as the view from the pier is also stunning. The beach in Minori is one of the highest-rated, and perhaps a bit less crowded compared to places like Positano, so if you have time and want to relax on the beach, Minori is worth considering.
Plan to have lunch at one of the Italian restaurants in Minori.
Ravello
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Ravello, the last destination in our Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Ravello is not directly on the coast but nestled higher up in the mountains, offering even more scenic viewpoints of the sea.
One of the best places to enjoy sea views is the Villa Cimbrone Gardens, where you can enter with a ticket. The highlight of the gardens is the large terrace with white statues, providing beautiful panoramic views of the sea.
Another notable attraction in Ravello is the Villa Rufolo, which also boasts a unique garden and amazing sea views.
A popular, free-to-visit viewpoint in Ravello is the Panorama Amalfi Coast, where it’s worth stopping for a few minutes.
Because Ravello is situated on a mountain, there are plenty of restaurants offering sea views of the Amalfi Coast. These include Ristorante Bella Vista sul mare or Sea view pizza – Giuliana’s view, among many others. So if you’re up for it, grab a bite to eat while enjoying the last glimpses of the Amalfi Coast.
On the evening of the third day, our itinerary comes to an end. If you’re returning to Naples, expect about a one and a quarter hour drive from Ravello. Along the way, you’ll encounter more breathtaking viewpoints, such as the winding stretch of road on SP2b, near the Tenuta Corte San Lorenzo restaurant, where you can see Mount Vesuvius and the towns below it. The road back to Naples is not easy, especially the mountainous route, so be prepared.
So, this concludes our 3-day itinerary for the Amalfi Coast, showing you how to comfortably explore the best places it has to offer.
Our itinerary showcased the best towns along the coastline, providing tips on how to spend a day in the town of Positano, what are the best things to do in Amalfi, how to go to the Amalfi Coast, and overall, how to make the most of a perfect three-day trip on the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is a great place to experience the best of Italy and create unforgettable memories. Spending three perfect days in this area allows you to immerse yourself in Southern Italian culture, gastronomy, history, capture great photos, hike along breathtaking views, and taste the true essence of the Italian Dolce Vita.
So, don’t hesitate to visit the Amalfi Coast! Just plan your trip carefully and head to the beautiful Amalfi Coast for an unforgettable holiday!
Day trips from the Amalfi Coast
If you want to see more of the area, we recommend a few more places worth visiting during a trip longer than 3 days:
Capri
In the Amalfi Coast region, the most popular destination is undoubtedly the island of Capri. Take a day trip to Capri, which you can do at an affordable price from Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, or Naples. The journey time is less than an hour from most places.
On Capri, you can also enjoy stunning coastal views, dine in lemon grove settings like at Da Paolino, or take a cable car up to Monte Solaro for breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Another popular activity is visiting one of the sea caves by boat, especially the Blue Grotto (Blue Cave).
Sorrento
If you have some extra time in the area, consider taking a day trip or even just a few hours to explore Sorrento. While it’s not officially part of the Amalfi Coast, it has a similar style.
Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and squares of this charming town, and admire the beautiful coastline.
Naples
Naples is a perfect day trip destination from the Amalfi Coast. Known for its rich history and culinary delights, Naples offers a blend of cultural and gastronomic experiences. Explore the historic city center with landmarks like the Naples Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Naples. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the archaeological wonders of Pompeii or Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Taste the authentic Neapolitan pizza or indulge in sfogliatella pastries. Complete your day with a stroll along the picturesque Naples waterfront, soaking in the Mediterranean charm.
