The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary: A Luxury Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Italian Escape
The Amalfi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, is a place where dramatic cliffs meet the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
Known for its picturesque villages, lemon groves, and vibrant culture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for those seeking beauty and tranquility. Life here moves at a slow pace with locals savoring long meals and breathtaking sunsets.
Each town, from Positano to Ravello, offers its own unique charm and allure.
Climate & Seasons
The Amalfi Coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.
Spring and early autumn are particularly delightful, offering warm temperatures and fewer crowds. These seasons are ideal for exploring the coast's natural beauty and enjoying outdoor activities.
What to see in Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a treasure trove of iconic sights:
Positano: Known for its colorful cliffside houses and chic boutiques, Positano is a must-visit for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
Amalfi: The heart of the coast, Amalfi boasts a beautiful cathedral and a rich maritime history.
Ravello: Perched high above the sea, Ravello is famous for its gardens and music festivals, offering panoramic vistas that inspire artists and travelers alike.
Path of the Gods: A hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline, perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast and travel around
The Amalfi Coast is accessible via Naples International Airport, followed by a scenic drive or ferry ride.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast from the airports can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours or more, depending on traffic. Be aware that roads are narrow and winding, offering scenic but sometimes slow travel. Parking is also very limited, so renting a car is not advised.
The Circumvesuviana train connects Naples and Sorrento in one hour. During peak season, ferries also operate between Naples and Sorrento, offering a scenic and often faster alternative to driving. These ferries also connect to towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Experiences & Activities
Immerse yourself in the unique experiences the Amalfi Coast has to offer:
Boat Tours: Explore hidden coves and grottoes, or take a day trip to the enchanting island of Capri.
Cooking Classes: Learn to make traditional Italian dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Lemon Tours: Visit a lemon grove and taste the famous limoncello, a local specialty.
Ceramic Workshops: Discover the art of traditional pottery in the town of Vietri sul Mare.
Best Restaurant in the Amalfi Coast and more
The culinary scene on the Amalfi Coast is as rich as its landscapes:
Ristorante La Sponda: Located in Positano, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with a view.
Trattoria da Gemma: In Amalfi, enjoy classic Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Street Food: Try sfogliatella, a delicious pastry, or a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Local Markets: Visit markets in towns like Minori for fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats.
Zass: Michelin-starred and ultra-refined, Zass offers inventive Mediterranean cuisine using organic produce grown on-site, paired with sea views.
Ristorante Da Adolfo: Accessible by boat, this beachfront trattoria is perfect for a long, barefoot lunch. Expect grilled fish and chilled carafes of wine right by the sea.
Franco’s Bar: Next to Le Sirenuse, this is the place for a pre-dinner aperitivo. Come for a front-row seat to the sunset, stay for the crafted cocktails and curated vibe.
Rada Beach Restaurant: Set just above the beach, Rada delivers elegant seafood dishes and a vibrant ambiance—great for a long lunch or romantic dinner.
Fattoria La Tagliatta: A family-run gem perched at the top of the mountain above Positano, serving family-style meals made from farm-to-table ingredients grown on-site.
Shopping
From artisan crafts to luxury goods, shopping on the Amalfi Coast is a delight:
Positano Fashion: Discover unique, handmade clothing and accessories in the boutiques lining the narrow streets.
Ceramics in Vietri sul Mare: Known for its vibrant ceramics, this town offers beautiful pieces that make perfect souvenirs.
Limoncello Shops: Bring home a bottle of this iconic lemon liqueur as a taste of the coast.
Photo-Worthy Spots
Capture the essence of the Amalfi Coast with these stunning locations:
Fiordo di Furore: A hidden beach nestled between cliffs, perfect for dramatic photos.
Villa Rufolo Gardens: In Ravello, these gardens offer breathtaking views and vibrant blooms.
Spiaggia Grande: Positano’s main beach, ideal for capturing the iconic cliffside village.
7 days Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Positano and Welcome dinner at the hotel
Arrive at Naples airport and transfer by chauffeured car to the accommodation in Positano.
Il San Pietro di Positano: A Sanctuary of Timeless Italian Elegance
More than just a hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano offers a genuine home-like experience where unparalleled comfort, tradition, and warmth are set against the raw, stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
This exclusive, cliff-side retreat embodies authentic Italian hospitality. Its design masterfully blends effortless elegance with contemporary luxury, creating an experience that is truly transcendent.
A recipient of three Michelin keys, the property is enveloped by lush Mediterranean gardens and commanding sea views. Il San Pietro tells a story of dedicated craftsmanship and care, ensuring every moment is savored, felt, and unforgettable.
Day 2 Private Boat tour to Capri and Dinner
Leave Positano in the morning and set sail along the coast, wandering as far as the archipelago of "Li Galli".
Over the years, many legends have linked these islands to the myth of Ulysses and the sirens, making them the residence of these mythical creatures.
Stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, then head to another island: Capri, where you will enjoy a full tour of the island, admiring its stunning beauty.
Enter into its waters, crossing the Faraglione di Mezzo and past another two large rock formations, the Faraglione or “Lightning” and Faraglione di Fuori or “Scopolo”.
Your tour will continue with some fascinating grottos along the coast, including the Blue Grotto, perhaps the epitome of Capri’s striking natural beauty. Only accessible from a narrow entrance by boat, you will find yourself in a state of complete darkness, before being catapulted into a heavenly atmosphere: a celestial blue you will not soon forget.
The island tour will also give you the chance to learn of Capri’s other, lesser-known, but just as magical, beauties. There’s Punta Carena and the lighthouse, the White Cave, the Green Cave, and the Red Grotto. You’ll then have the chance to stop at Marina Grande if you’d like. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, sailing along the coast to Nerano and enjoying a dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 3 Full day excursion to Ravello with Wine Tasting
Meet your English-speaking driver at your accommodation for a full-day excursion along the Amalfi Coast.
Visit a very cool winery where you will tour a wine cellar and a rupestrian chapel. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with organic, locally grown ingredients while sipping wine.
Continue on to Ravello, a town perched on the hilltop, offering spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this town, one that has inspired many poets and writers. Highlights include: Piazza Vescovado and the castle ruins, the cathedral, and Palazzo Rufolo. Not to be missed is Villa Rufolo, a jewel in Ravello’s crown. This ancient building, home to most of Ravello's art, is surrounded by splendid gardens where numerous musical and cultural events are held.
Day 4: A day in Sorrento and a cooking class.
In the morning, meet your English-speaking driver for a full-day excursion to Sorrento.
Sorrento is a picturesque town near Naples and one of the most requested summer spots. Birthplace of Torquato Tasso and dear spot of Enrico Caruso, Sorrento is rich in history and culture. Strolling through the old center will be an unforgettable experience, as you tap into the soul of the people who live there.
Sorrento is also synonymous with sun, sea, nature, and food! Upon arriving in Sorrento, meet your expert local chef and head to a villa with some wonderful panoramic views, where you will enjoy a hands-on cooking class together. Learn the secrets of the Sorrentine cuisine and end the lesson with a tasting of the delicious dishes you’ve just prepared.
After lunch, it’s back to the center of Sorrento to enjoy some sightseeing on your own before heading back to your Hotel.
Day 5 Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Excursions
Enjoy a full-day trip to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius!
Your English-speaking private driver will pick you up at your accommodation and accompany you to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. Once arrived at Vesuvius, you will meet a nature guide who will show you around the volcano. Lunch in a local restaurant and then stop in Pompeii to meet with one of our expert English-speaking guides for a private guided tour of the archaeological site.
Entering Pompeii by the Sea Gate, you will be guided first to the Forum, Pompeii's main square, surrounded by temples, porticoes, and law courts. 20,000 people lived in this provincial town, of which 2,000 perished in the horrifying eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Twenty feet of volcanic ash and pumice covered Pompeii, much of which has been removed over the last 200 years to reveal the details of everyday life in Pompeii. Paintings and sculptures have survived in some buildings, and graffiti is still visible on street walls.
Transfer back to the accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Day 6 Private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast with lunch
The Amalfi coast seen from the sea is a unique blend of colorful architecture and coastal inlets. Depart from the accommodation and reach Amalfi, once one of the Maritime Republics.
Enjoy a visit to the Cathedral of Sant’ Andrea, taste a typical sweet lemon delicacy of the area, and walk through the alleys and the typical local artisanal shops of pottery, limoncello, and sandals. Depart for Nerano while admiring the charming little village of Positano, erected overlooking the sea. Continue onward towards the Li Galli islands, which were owned by two Russian dancers in the last century, Leonide Massine and Rudolf Nureyev, and are currently owned by Sorrentine entrepreneurs.
Arrival in the picturesque Bay of Ieranto, whose name derives from the Greek word ‘Ieros’ meaning ‘sacred’, where nearby Punta Campanella stood the temple of the goddess Athena, where Homer is said to have spotted the sirens that enchanted the hero Ulysses.
Swim and sip on an aperitivo (aperitif) in the sea of the mermaids and enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant on the coast of Nerano.
Day 7 Private Hiking tour along the Path of Gods
Meet your driver at your accommodation and make your way to the start of the “Path of Gods” hiking trail.
Choose between two paths: a “high” path and a “low” path. The “low” one, which is the footpath that connects the town of Agerola to Nocelle, is the most famous, and our recommended choice, as it provides a fantastic view of Positano and Capri from 600 meters above sea level.
Enjoy a perfect Picnic for lunch, one of our picnic experts will have everything set up, ready and waiting, including a complimentary bottle of Prosecco to toast the moment.
At the end of the tour, you will reach Positano on foot (about 1 hour).
Farewell dinner
Day 8 Departure: Transfer to Naples airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Tips
The Amalfi Coast’s warm days call for wearing light, breathable fabrics and comfy shoes for cobbled streets and stairs. For dinners and upscale establishments, lean smart-casual — linen, espadrilles, breezy dresses. Bring a light layer for cooler nights. Remember to dress modestly when visiting churches, and to cover your shoulders and knees.
Visiting the Amalfi Coast is all about embracing a more relaxed pace. Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas and avoid playing loud music at the beach.
During peak times, make dinner reservations in advance as popular restaurants fill up quickly. Meals are also meant to be savored, not rushed.
The region is generally safe, but it’s always best to stay alert in busy tourist areas like Positano and Amalfi.
Towns are also well-equipped with pharmacies and clinics, but it’s smart to carry travel insurance.
Italy uses the 24-hour clock (e.g., 17:00 = 5 PM), and power outlets require type C or F plugs (230V, 50Hz), so bring an adapter if needed.
Currency: Euro (EUR) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, but cash is helpful for small purchases, taxis and local markets. ATMs are also available across the area.
