EPIC 4-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary + Amalfi Coast Map
The Amalfi Coast is one of those places you see online and cannot believe it’s real until you are finally there. Even then, you will not believe your eyes!
If you’re planning a visit to this iconic stretch of coastline, this 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary captures everything we experienced and loved—from cliffside strolls and seaside meals to stunning day trips and incredible viewpoints. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning to explore more, we’ll walk you through the best things to do on Amalfi Coast and how to make the most of your stay.
Here’s our personal itinerary and everything we learned along the way to help make your own trip just as unforgettable.
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Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
The best times to visit the Amalfi Coast are from late April to June and September to early October, when the sea is warm enough for a dip and the major attractions are not as packed.
We went to the Amalfi Coast in October, and honestly, it might be the best-kept secret. The summer crowds had thinned, but the weather was still nice enough to swim, dine outdoors, and enjoy long walks in the sun. We didn’t have to battle with the crowds as others have in August. Seeing videos of Positano in the high season scared me, so we chose to go at the end of shoulder season instead and had an amazing time.
If your priority is visiting during the warmest months, then June, July, or August is when you will find the warmest temperatures and no rain. However, be prepared for high crowds and high prices during this time!
If you’re debating timing, September to early October is our pick—just check ferry schedules in advance, as some start to reduce frequency mid-October.
Things To Know Before Visiting the Amalfi Coast
- The Euro (€) is the official currency.
- Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- If you are staying in Positano, there are stairs everywhere. Positano is vertical, and you’ll get a workout whether you want one or not.
- Cash is still essential. Many local businesses, especially in smaller towns and beach cafes, don’t take cards.
- Public transport works—but plan ahead. Buses and ferries are reliable but can be crowded or delayed, even in the shoulder season.
- No Uber. Taxis are expensive and often unmetered. Always agree on a price beforehand.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Reaching the Amalfi Coast takes a bit of coordination, but it’s completely doable and well worth the effort. Most travelers fly into Naples International Airport (Capodichino), which is the closest major airport, or take the train to Naples Centrale (what we did since we were already in Italy).
From Naples, you have a few options:
1. Private Transfer: This is the option we chose, and we were so glad we did because we didn’t hear great things about the other options. We took a train from Rome and had a driver meet us at the train station and take us straight to our hotel in Positano. The ride took about 1.5 hours, and we were able to sit back and enjoy our first glimpses of the coast without worrying about navigation or transfers. Our driver even made a stop for us to take pictures. It is a splurge, but if it fits your budget, it makes the arrival seamless, faster, and relaxing.
🚘 Check out the Private Transfer cost here!! 🚘
2. Train + Ferry: Alternatively, from Naples, you can hop on a train to Sorrento (about an hour via the Circumvesuviana or a faster option like the Campania Express). From Sorrento, ferries run directly to Positano—a scenic and breezy ride along the coast.
3. Train + Bus: Budget-friendly but slower, this route involves taking a train to Salerno or Sorrento, then catching a SITA bus to towns along the Amalfi Coast. It works well in a pinch, but be prepared for crowds and tight roads.
⛴️🚊Check your transportation options here!! 🚊⛴️
4. Rental Car: While it’s possible to rent a car, we don’t recommend it unless you’re very confident on narrow, cliffside roads. Parking is scarce and expensive, and the local driving style can be intense!
No matter which way you choose, try to arrive during daylight—the views are worth it, and navigating the towns is much easier.
Where to Stay: Finding Your Amalfi Home Base
We stayed in Positano, and for us, it was the perfect blend of beauty, convenience, and that “wow” factor you dream about when you picture the Amalfi Coast. Waking up to the sight of the beautiful buildings on the cliffs and watching boats come and go from the harbor was something we will never forget.
But Positano isn’t the only option, and in all honesty, it is very expensive and not the easiest to navigate because of the many stairs. Depending on your style, budget, and pace, one of the neighboring towns might suit you even better.
Praiano – Quieter, more laid-back, and more affordable, but still stunning.
Amalfi – Lively and historic, with good transport links and less vertical walking.
Ravello – Elegant, romantic, and set high above the coast with breathtaking views.
Maiori & Minori – More local, less touristy, and great for families with wider beaches.
Atrani – Tiny, charming, and just steps from Amalfi.
Sorrento – Not technically on the Amalfi Coast, but a convenient base with better transport options and more hotel choices.
🏨 Check current accommodation prices here!! 🏨
Getting Around
We mostly relied on ferries and SITA buses to explore nearby towns, with a splurge on private transfers from and back to Naples. Ferries were hands-down our favorite mode of transport between the towns—faster than buses, far more scenic, and much less nauseating than those winding roads.
⛴️ Check pricing and availability of ferries here!! ⛴️
🚌 Check SITA bus schedules here!! 🚌
4-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Amalfi Coast
Morning: Lunch with a View & Exploring the Town
Upon arrival in Positano (or your preferred town), check into your hotel, drop off your luggage, and take some time to explore the charming village. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cozy café near the beach—try some fresh seafood or a delicious Caprese salad. Wander through the cute boutiques and take in the breathtaking cliffside views.
Make your way to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, renowned for its stunning majolica-tiled dome and the revered 13th-century Black Madonna icon. According to legend, the town’s name originates from this icon’s miraculous intervention during a storm.
Afternoon: Beach Time or Adventure
Option 1: Relax on Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach
Spend your afternoon unwinding on Positano’s beaches. Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, is lively and offers sunbed rentals. For a quieter experience, take a short walk to Fornillo Beach, favored by locals for its tranquility.
Option 2: Hike the Path of the Gods
If you’re up for an adventure, embark on the “Path of the Gods” (Il Sentiero degli Dei), a scenic 3.5-mile trail offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. The trail winds through lemon groves, vineyards, and along cliff edges. Starting from Agerola Bomerano, the hike concludes in Nocelle, from where you can return to Positano by bus or taxi.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
For an unforgettable experience and incredible views of the Amalfi Coast, consider a sunset cruise departing from Positano. This small-group tour offers a serene way to witness the sun setting over the Tyrrhenian Sea, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco.
If you want to have a memorable dining experience, reserve a table at Il San Pietro di Positano. Accessible via an elevator carved into the cliff, this restaurant offers exquisite dishes like lemon spaghetti, made with local ingredients, and boasts stunning sea views.
If you’re in the mood to dance after dinner, head to Music on the Rocks, a renowned nightclub set within a cliffside cave. With live music and DJ sets, it’s a vibrant spot to conclude your day in Positano.
Pro Tip: Pack light, especially if you are staying in Positano. It is known as the vertical city for a reason. There are so many stairs that you will regret bringing big or too much luggage. Even if you book a private transfer, the driver will drop you off as close to your hotel as possible, but you will most likely still have to climb or go down some stairs.
Day 2: Hilltop Charm & Hidden Beaches
Morning: Explore Ravello
Start your day with a scenic ride up to Ravello, the elegant hilltop town that feels worlds away from the coastline. The easiest way is to take a ferry or SITA bus to Amalfi (use the SITA bus Positano – Amalfi line), then transfer to a local bus or taxi up the winding road to Ravello. Taxis are faster and more direct, though more expensive. Either way, the views along the way are beautiful, and Ravello is worth the journey.
Stroll through the peaceful cobblestone streets and take your time exploring the gardens of Villa Rufolo. Then, make your way to Villa Cimbrone—its Terrace of Infinity offers some of the most breathtaking views on the coast. These peaceful gardens are the perfect place for a morning escape.
Afternoon: Beach Time
Head down from Ravello and make your way to Marina di Praia, a tucked-away cove near the town of Praiano. It’s a much quieter beach than Positano and Amalfi, nestled between cliffs with a relaxed local vibe. You can take the SITA bus Positano – Amalfi line to get there.
You can have a fresh seafood lunch right on the water at Il Pirata or Trattoria da Armandino, both perched on the edge of the rocks.
After lunch, either enjoy a couple of hours of swimming and sunbathing or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore nearby caves and coves.
Evening: Return to Positano
Return to Positano in time for sunset. If you’re up for it, take a short walk to Fornillo Beach, a quieter stretch of coastline perfect for golden hour. For dinner, book a table at Next2 for a refined, relaxed meal in a chic setting with excellent local wines.
Day 3: Explore by Sea
Morning: Boat Tour
Start your day with one of the most unforgettable experiences on the Amalfi Coast—a small-group boat tour that leaves right from Positano. This is the tour we took and absolutely loved it. If there is something you need to do while in the Amalfi Coast is to experience it from the water. On this tour, you’ll cruise along the coast, passing the postcard-perfect town of Praiano and the tiny harbor of Marina di Praia. As you sail, keep your camera ready for the jaw-dropping Fiordo di Furore, a dramatic fjord that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll have the option to explore the Emerald Grotto, which we did and loved. The water was so blue and clear. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the views from the boat as you drift past stunning rock formations and hidden coves.
Afternoon: Boat Tour cont.
Your next stop is the town of Amalfi, where you’ll have about an hour and a half of free time (or more if your tour group decides to skip the restaurant. Wander the cobbled streets, do a little shopping, and don’t miss the chance to see the famous Duomo di Amalfi in the heart of town. Your tour group will have the option of having lunch at the beautiful La Gavitella restaurant or having more time to explore and have lunch in Amalfi. We decided to spend more time in Amalfi and were able to visit Atrani as well. This little town is a short walk away from Amalfi and so worth a visit.
On the ride back to Positano, the captain will anchor for a swim stop in the clear, turquoise waters. It’s the perfect chance to cool off and float around for a bit. There are drinks available on board too, so you can toast to an incredible day as you cruise back along the coast.
Evening: Dinner in Positano
Keep dinner easy tonight. You will be tired from that boat tour! Try Casa e Bottega for fresh, light cuisine in a chic setting, or grab a pizza and enjoy it back on your balcony.
Day 4: Island Glamour – Day Trip to Capri
Morning: Explore Capri
Start your final day with an early ferry from Positano to the beautiful island of Capri. The ride itself is stunning, offering sweeping views of the coastline. While technically not on the Amalfi Coast, Capri is a must-visit when in the area.
Upon arrival at Marina Grande, skip the crowds in Capri Town and head straight to Anacapri by bus or taxi—it’s quieter, more relaxed, and full of authentic charm.
Begin your morning with a ride on the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. The peaceful 13-minute ride glides you up above lemon groves and villas, and the panoramic views from the top—spanning the Faraglioni rocks, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and even Mount Vesuvius—are absolutely breathtaking.
Once back in Anacapri, take time to explore the Villa San Michele, a beautifully preserved home with lush gardens and sweeping views of the coastline. This peaceful villa, once home to Swedish physician Axel Munthe, is a gem of history, architecture, and tranquility.
If you’re up for more adventure, consider a boat tour around the island, which typically includes stops at the Blue Grotto—a magical sea cave that glows electric blue (weather and tides permitting). Even if you skip the grotto, cruising around the island offers a totally different perspective of Capri’s cliffs and coves.
Afternoon: Explore Capri cont.
After exploring, take time to slow down and enjoy a leisurely Caprese lunch. There are plenty of charming restaurants tucked into the side streets of Capri and Anacapri—look for spots with terraces and sea views for the full effect.
Next, hop on a bus or taxi down to Capri Town. Walk to the Gardens of Augustus, a small but stunning spot with incredible views of the Faraglioni sea stacks and the serpentine Via Krupp below.
Spend some time browsing Capri’s famous boutiques or sipping an espresso at a sunny piazza. When you’re ready to return, take the funicular from Capri Town down to Marina Grande. It’s a short and scenic ride that saves your legs and adds another fun experience to your day.
From Marina Grande, board the ferry back to Positano, ideally arriving just before sunset, and treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation—maybe a final dip in the sea, a scoop of gelato, or a bit of last-minute shopping.
Evening: Dinner in Positano
For a grand finale, dine at La Sponda (book well in advance). The Michelin-starred setting, romantic candlelight, and impeccable dishes make for the perfect end to your Amalfi adventure.
Food and Drink Guide
Here are some of the dishes you must try while in the area:
- Scialatielli ai frutti di mare – a thick, handmade pasta with fresh seafood
- Lemon risotto – fragrant and unique to the region
- Sfogliatella – sweet, flaky pastry with ricotta filling
- Fresh anchovies, grilled fish, and octopus salad
- Local wines like Falanghina and Greco di Tufo
- And of course, limoncello
Amalfi Coast Map with Must-Visit Locations
This map of the Amalfi Coast includes all of our favorite locations around the coast, including the best Amalfi Coast Attractions.
Final Thoughts
Four days on the Amalfi Coast is enough to fall in love—but don’t be surprised if you leave already dreaming of your return, as it is not nearly enough time to explore everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Whether you spend your days hiking, boating, eating, or simply watching the waves, the Amalfi Coast has a way of staying with you long after you’ve gone. Follow our itinerary or take it slow, and let your days unfold naturally. Either way, you will have the time of your life and will remember the Amalfi Coast for years to come.
