[takeaways] • The four best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast are Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri — each with a completely distinct character.
• The Amalfi Drive is only recommended for experienced, confident drivers comfortable with narrow cliffside roads and hairpin bends.
• The area is very steep — plan ahead for accessibility if needed, as most towns involve significant climbing on foot.
• Summer on the Amalfi Coast is sweltering — late spring and early autumn offer far more comfortable conditions with manageable crowds.
• Use ferries wherever possible if you're not driving — they are convenient, affordable, and often the easiest way to connect between towns. [/takeaways]
If you're looking for a coastal break combined with a spectacular road trip, you need look no further than the Amalfi Coast in southern 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 and inclination.
We've taken the time to put together a guide to building an Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary that ensures you visit all the recommended hotspots and the best towns. Always make sure you have an eSIM for Italy before you travel — the cost of mobile roaming really can escalate if you're sticking to your home SIM, and you'll want to spend more time breathing in Mediterranean air than worrying about data bills.
Amalfi Coast itinerary overview
Traveling around the Amalfi Coast is always best done by car, though the SITA bus connects the main towns along the way, and ferries provide connections to areas including Salerno. Many experienced visitors will tell you that going off-peak is your best shot at enjoying the area unspoiled.
[warning]The Amalfi Drive is one of the most dramatic coastal roads in Europe — narrow, cliffside, with tight hairpin bends and significant drops. It is only recommended for experienced, confident drivers who are comfortable with mountain and coastal roads. Those with limited continental driving experience should consider the SITA bus or ferry connections instead. Even experienced drivers should take it slowly and never rush.[/warning] [tip title="Fly into Naples and connect by road — and choose your base carefully"]The most straightforward route to the Amalfi Coast is flying into Naples and connecting via road — allow around 90 minutes to two hours from the airport. When it comes to home bases, the options are Sorrento (a practical, well-connected base), Positano (more scenic but very steep), or Amalfi itself (central, good for exploring the coast in both directions). The area is relatively condensed, so pick one and stick to it.[/tip]
Beyond the famous views and winding roads, there are quaint Italian shops, seasonal markets, Mediterranean architecture, local churches, museums, and ancient sites — including the fabled ruins of Pompeii. We've built the itinerary templates below around taking in as many different sights as possible, though always feel free to add your own stops.
[tip title="Combine the Amalfi Coast with a wider Italy itinerary"]If you want to add a trip around the Amalfi Coast to a broader Italian holiday, check out our complete Italy itinerary guide — it covers Naples, which is a short distance away, alongside the best places to visit nationwide.[/tip]
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 every highlight here. The SIMOVO team recommends visiting Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri at the very least.
[numbered title="Positano" pill="Signature Amalfi beach town"]The most popular town on the coast — famous for the spectacular Spiaggia di Positano beach, rolling hills, sparkling sea, swimming, and watersports. Very steep terrain.[/numbered] [numbered title="Amalfi" pill="Heart of the coast"]The town that gives the coast its name — dramatic cliff backdrop, beautiful beachfront, excellent shopping, and stunning historic architecture. A natural candidate for a base.[/numbered] [numbered title="Ravello" pill="Villas and cliffside panoramas"]High up on the Amalfi Drive — world-famous for the Villa Cimbrone and its cliffside gardens, alongside the Villa Rufolo, which hosts a celebrated annual music festival.[/numbered] [numbered title="Capri" pill="Island escape by boat"]Accessible by boat from Sorrento — a deeply romantic island with spectacular views, a charming old/new town split, and a reputation as a favorite of the world's most rich and famous.[/numbered]
Positano
Positano is consistently the most popular town across the Amalfi Coast — and that's largely because it's one of the most visually stunning areas in the whole region. It is most famous for the spectacular Spiaggia di Positano beach, with rolling hills behind you and sparkling sea in front. It's excellent for swimming and watersports, though it is one of the steeper areas on the coast, meaning it isn't always the most practical base for those with limited mobility.
Amalfi
Backed by dramatic cliffs, Amalfi is a quaint town that gives the whole coastline its name. Like Positano, it's famous for its beachfront — but it's also extremely popular for its lovely shopping precinct and stunning historic architecture. Many regard this town as the heart of the area, and it works well as a base for exploring the coast in both directions.
Ravello
Ravello is world-famous for its villas — in particular, the Villa Cimbrone, a historic estate backing onto incredible gardens with cliffside panoramas. The Villa Rufolo, another estate dating back centuries, hosts a celebrated annual music festival. Ravello sits high up on the Amalfi Drive — expect altitude and dramatic scenery in equal measure.
Capri
Capri island is accessible by boat from Sorrento and offers a classic old town and new town split. It's a deeply romantic destination with incredible picturesque vistas, and is known as a favorite of the world's rich and famous. Get up high if you can — the views across those gorgeous waters are among the most spectacular on the entire Italian coastline.
Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary templates
Here are some Amalfi Coast itinerary templates based on our top picks. Mix them around and change them as you wish.
[tip title="Use ferries wherever possible if you're not driving"]Ferries along the Amalfi Coast are convenient, affordable, and often far less stressful than navigating the cliffside roads. They connect Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Sorrento, and are an excellent way to move between towns without worrying about the drive. Always check the ferry timetable before planning your day.[/tip]
[esim flag="🇮🇹" label="Italy" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/italy" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected along the Amalfi Coast — no roaming charges[/esim]Amalfi Coast itinerary for 7 days
- Days 1–2: Start in Amalfi, setting a base here if you wish. Explore the area alongside 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 with a visit to Pompeii to the north.
Amalfi Coast itinerary for 10 days
- Days 1–2: Start with a base at Positano or Sorrento and explore both areas.
- Day 3: Make a point of traveling across to Capri and back.
- Days 4–6: Travel back along the south coast, visiting Furore, 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 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.
- Days 4–6: Set a new base in Positano and explore the area alongside Praiano and Furore.
- Days 7–8: 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
Here are some quick travel tips for the Amalfi Coast to keep in mind before you visit.
[warning]Many of the towns, villages, and areas across the Amalfi Coast are built very steeply into the cliffs — involving significant walking on stairs and uneven terrain. If you have limited mobility or accessibility requirements, plan each day carefully in advance, as not all areas are accessible without climbing. Research specific towns before visiting to understand the terrain.[/warning] [warning]Summer on the Amalfi Coast is sweltering — temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C) in July and August, and the combination of heat, crowds, and steep terrain makes it the most challenging time to visit. Always carry water, avoid the midday sun, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening if you do visit in peak summer.[/warning] [tip title="Visit off-peak for the best experience"]Late autumn to early spring offers the quietest and cheapest periods on the Amalfi Coast — though at the expense of fewer open attractions and some ferry services running reduced schedules. Spring (April to June) is widely considered the sweet spot — temperatures are pleasant, most attractions are fully open, and crowds are manageable.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast?[/q] [a]The four best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast are Positano (the most popular and visually stunning town, famous for its beach), Amalfi (the central town that gives the coast its name, with great shopping and architecture), Ravello (high up on the Amalfi Drive, famous for its historic villas and cliffside gardens), and Capri (a deeply romantic island accessible by boat from Sorrento, with spectacular panoramic views).[/a] [q]What is the best base for the Amalfi Coast?[/q] [a]The three main options for a base on the Amalfi Coast are Sorrento (the most practical and well-connected, good transport links and slightly less steep than others), Positano (the most scenic but very steep, better suited to those without mobility concerns), and Amalfi itself (central, good for exploring in both directions along the coast). The choice depends on your priorities — convenience, scenery, or central location.[/a] [q]How do I get to the Amalfi Coast?[/q] [a]The most common route to the Amalfi Coast is flying into Naples International Airport and connecting by road — allow approximately 90 minutes to two hours to reach Sorrento or Positano depending on traffic. The SITA bus also runs along the main coastal road connecting the major towns. Ferries connect Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Sorrento and are a comfortable and affordable alternative to driving.[/a] [q]When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?[/q] [a]Late spring (April to June) is widely considered the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast — pleasant temperatures, most attractions fully open, and crowds manageable. Summer (July to August) is the most popular but hottest and busiest period, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F (35°C). Early autumn (September to October) is also excellent. Late autumn to early spring is the quietest and cheapest period but some attractions and ferry services operate on reduced schedules.[/a] [q]Is the Amalfi Drive difficult to drive?[/q] [a]Yes — the Amalfi Drive is one of the most challenging coastal roads in Europe. It is narrow, with tight hairpin bends, significant drops, and stretches where two vehicles can barely pass each other. It is only recommended for experienced, confident drivers who are comfortable on mountain and coastal roads. Those with limited continental or mountain driving experience should use the SITA bus or ferry connections instead. Allow considerably more time than mapping apps suggest.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Italy?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO Italy eSIM is one of the most practical additions to any Amalfi Coast trip. At $8.50 for 10GB over 30 days, it activates on landing, connects you to Italy's best available networks, and gives you reliable data for navigation on coastal roads, finding ferry times, and staying in touch throughout your adventure — without roaming charges when you get home.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇮🇹" label="Italy" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/italy" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected along the Amalfi Coast — no roaming charges[/esim]
