The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary

If you're looking for a coastal break combined with a spectacular road trip, you really need look no further than the amazing Amalfi Coast, found toward the south of Italy, close to Naples. Famous for its hairpin bends and stunning seaside landscapes, it's easy to spend more than two weeks here if you have the time, money, and inclination!

However, we understand that plenty of travelers out there prefer to try and plan their trips as carefully as possible. Therefore, we've taken time to set up a guide to building an Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary that you can use to ensure you visit all the recommended hotspots and the best towns, and how you can easily reach them all.

As always, we recmmend making sure you have an eSIM for Italy if you travel anywhere nationwide, simply because the cost of mobile roaming really can escalate if you're sticking to the same home SIM and network. Trust us - you'll want to spend more time breathing in that Mediterranean air, and less time worrying about what you're spending!

Amalfi Coast itinerary overview

Traveling around the Amalfi Coast is always recommended by car, though you can always take a SITA bus to see the main towns along the way. Some people use ferries to get connections to other areas like Salerno.

Many people who have visited the Amalfi Coast several times will tell you that going off-peak is likely your best shot at enjoying the area unspoiled. We dive into some details on the best times of year to visit the region a little further down, but if you're not too worried about tourist season, we can personally recommend coming here when the crowds have depleted.

We also advise getting here by flying into Naples and then connecting via roads. When it comes to home bases while you're exploring the Amalfi Coast, the jury remains fairly out - some choose Sorrento, others choose Positano, or even Amalfi itself. The area is somewhat condensed, but it does make sense to set a base and to try and stick to it.

Things you'll want to see and explore in the area include the quaint Italian shops, seasonal markets, Mediterranean acrihecture, and of course, views across the Med itself. There are plenty of local churches, museums, and ancient sites here, including the fabled site of ruined Pompeii.

Many people head to the Amalfi Coast for the sea views, the traditional shops, and the winding roads - yes, people really do enjoy traversing around the cliffside, though it's something we'd probably recommend more to experienced and confident drivers, especially those with experience of motoring around the continent.

We've built the Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary examples further down around the idea of taking in as many of the different sigfhts of the coast as possible, though you should always feel free to add your own stops and suggestions based around your own specific tastes and preferences.

We also recommend that you take a look at our complete Italy itinerary if you want to add a trip around the Amalfi Coast to a broader holiday. In that guide, we talk briefly about checking out Naples, which is a short distance away. 

Best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast covers plenty of ground, up high and down low - and it's impossible to list absolutely everywhere that we love to visit for the purposes of this guide. However, those of us in the SIMOVO team who have visited the region before recommend that you visit Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri at the very least. Here's why! 

Positano

Positano is, time and again, always the most popular of the towns across the Amalfi Coast, and that's largely because it's one of the most stunning areas across the region. It is probably most famous for the spectacular Spiaggia di Positano, its signature beach area, with rolling hills behind you and the sparkling sea in front. It's absolutely brilliant for swimming and watersports, though it is one of the steeper areas, meaning it is not always going to be ideal for a base.

Amalfi

Backed by dramatic cliffs, Amalfi is a quaint town which, of course, gives the area its name. The area is, like Positano, famous for its beachfront, but it's also extremely popular with visitors for its lovely shopping precinct and its stunning historic architecture. Some call this town the heart of the area, and it can work well as a base.

Ravello

Ravello is world-famous for its villas, in particular, the Villa Cimbrone, a point of historic interest  backing onto incredible gardens and cliffside panoramas. While you're in the area, it is also well worth visiting the Villa Rufolo, another estate dating back centuries that, believe it or not, plays host to a yearly music festival! However, the area is very high up - it's a key part of what's become known as the Amalfi Drive for plenty of good reasons, but if you want to take in the charming village scenery and artistry, expect some altitude!

Capri

Capri island is accessible via boat over from Sorrento, and offers a classic old/new town split - it's a deeply romantic area with incredible picturesque vistas, and it's even thought to play host to some of the world's most rich and famous. Be sure to get up high if you can and take a look across those gorgeous waters!

Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary templates (based on trip length)

There are plenty of Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary templates out there already (some, for example, based around the Amalfi Drive), but for the purposes of this guide, we're making suggestions that you can mix around and change if you wish. Here's our take on what you'll likely want to experience around the Amalfi Coast depending on the length of your trip.

Amalfi Coast itinerary for 7 days

• Days 1-2: Start in Amalfi, setting down a base here if you wish. Explore the area along sith Minori.
• Days 3-4: Head slightly north to Ravello and enjoy the villa scenery.
• Days 5-6: Head West to Positano and Praiano and soak up the sun.
• Day 7: Finish your trip, if there's time, with a look up at Pompeii, toward the North.

Amalfi Coast itinerary for 10 days

• Days 1-2: Start with a base at Positano or Sorrento if you can, and explore the two areas.
• Day 3: Make a point to travel across to Capri and back. 
• Days 4-6: Travel back along the South coast, visiting Furori, Amalfi, and Minori.
• Days 7-8: Head North to Ravello, or travel East to enjoy Cetara and Salerno.
• Days 9-10: Head up into the mainland to explore Pompeii, and round the corner to enjoy Naples.

Amalfi Coast itinerary for 14 days

• Days 1-3: Set a base in Naples and travel down the Eastern coastline to visit Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Sorrento around the corner.
• Days 4-6: Set a new base in Positano, and explore the area along with Praiano and Furore.
• Days 7-8: Again, setting a base in Positano if you wish, travel across to Capri and make the most of the island scenery.
• Days 9-12: Travel back along the South coast and enjoy Ravello, Maiori, and Cetara.
• Days 13-14: Finish your adventure at Salerno and Vietri sul Mare.

Travel tips for the Amalfi Coast

To finish off our guide, here are some quick travel tips for the Amalfi Coast to keep in mind before you visit.

• Many of the towns, villages, and areas across the region are built very steep thanks to the cliffs - be sure to plan ahead for accessibility if you need to. 
• Always ensure you have an eSIM for Europe set up ready on your smartphone - if you need to access GPS, contact friends or family, or want to stream your trip, you'll save money and hassle.
• Try and take ferries wherever possible if you're not driving around the region - thet're convenient and often very affordable.
• In terms of the best times of year to visit, consider late fall to early spring for the cheapest and quietest periods, though at the expense of fewer options and attractions being available. Temperatures are manageable and pleasant during the spring, but be prepared for sweltering summers!