How to Plan 7-Days on the Amalfi Coast: Best Itinerary and Things to Do
One place that captured my heart the moment I set foot: Amalfi Coast.
I remember standing in Positano, with its colorful homes sprawling across the cliffs and the smell of lemons in the air, and thinking, this must be what paradise feels like.
That first trip fueled my passion for Italy and my desire to provide the ultimate guide of a 7-day itinerary for a trip to the Amalfi Coast.
If you’re hoping to visit this dreamy region, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether your thing is hiking, beach bumming or exploring lilting towns, this itinerary has you covered.
I’ll walk you through all of the details — where to stay, how to get around and, most important, the hidden gems I’ve found along the way.
This guide will help you organize those days so you can enjoy a week on the coast without feeling rushed.
From ideal times to visit to practical advice and local recommendations, I’ve filled this guide with everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable trip.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast.
These shoulder seasons offer decent weather, fewer tourists and lower prices than the summer months.
July and August are peak tourist season on the Amalfi Coast, and it can be incredibly crowded and hot, which doesn’t lend itself to enjoyable exploration.
I like to visit in the spring.
The flowers are blooming, and the towns are beginning to hum with activity, but it’s still possible to find a quiet place.
You’ll also experience some local festivals in May and June that will offer you a window into the region’s vibrant culture.
Fall, on the other hand, boasts gorgeous sunsets and pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking and beach-going without the summer hordes.
Thrive during the summer is tempting with beach-worthy weather, be ready for crowded beaches, crowded restaurants, and sky-high prices.
Winter, while more tranquil, can be chilly and rainy, and many hotels and restaurants close for the season.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast
Naples, well connected with most major cities in Europe and beyond, is the primary gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Fly into Naples International Airport (Capodichino), and the coast is about a 1.5-hour drive from there.
There are a couple of ways to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast.
The most convenient way to get around is to rent a car which is a common mode of transport there.
But get ready for narrow, winding roads along the coast, and parking in towns like Positano or Amalfi can be tricky.
If you don’t want to drive, you can arrange for a private transfer or take a bus from Naples to Amalfi or Sorrento.
There are buses that run between Naples and the coastal towns as an alternative, as well.
From Naples and Sorrento, there are also ferries, which, personally, I love — nothing like arriving on a boat, the coastline rising steeply out of the sea.
On my first trip, I drove there and, I’ll tell you, that’s no breeze with the Italian drivers whizzing by on those cliffside roads — it made for a white-knuckle trip.
On my next visit, whenever I took a ferry or bus, I embraced that, too, and found it relaxing to enjoy the views without worrying about where to park.
Accommodation Options
Where you choose to stay on the Amalfi Coast will depend on your travelling style and budget.
Each town has its own vibe, so you’ll want to select based on what type of experience you’re looking for.
For Guests: If you want to treat yourself, Ravello and Positano also have some of the coast’s most luxurious hotels.
High on the cliffs, Ravello boasts breathtaking panoramic views, and is famed for its refined, peaceful ambience.
I stayed at a beautiful boutique hotel with an infinity pool that appeared to spill into the sea.
In Positano, there are chic hotels overlooking the bay that are ideal for honeymooners or for anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Mid-Range: Good options for mid-range are in Amalfi and Praiano.
Amalfi is the biggest town on the coast and has a good mix between cost and position.
This is also a great base from which to walk to restaurants, shops and transport options.
Praiano, situated between Positano and Amalfi, is quieter and less touristy, so it’s a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds while still being close to the action.
Budget Option: Sorrento appeals to budget travellers.
Although not technically on the Amalfi Coast, it is a short ferry or bus journey away, and accommodation tends to be cheaper.
I’ve spent a couple of nights in Sorrento and use it as a great base for day trips along the coast.
One tip: If you’re visiting during the shoulder season, you can often score great deals at hotels that would be out of your budget during summer months.
And don’t shy away from looking at Airbnb or small bed-and-breakfasts, which can provide a more personalized experience.
7-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1 Positano: Arrival and Relaxation
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, spend the day meandering the streets of Positano.
Stroll down to Spiaggia Grande Beach, where you can sunbathe and soak in the gorgeous coastal scenery.
In the evening, relax over sunset cocktails at a cliffside bar.
Some of my favorite restaurants are La Sponda and Chez Black, both of which have incredible views and great food.
Day 2: Visit to Positano and Surrounds
For your morning climb, ascend the stairs of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta to view its legendary dome and artwork.
For lunch, make your way to one of the seaside restaurants and sample the fresh seafood — Positano is famous for its fantastic fish dishes.
In the afternoon, make your way to Praiano for a few tricks or take a boat tour along the coast.
The Path of Lovers (Sentiero degli Innamorati) is one of my favorite little-known spots in Positano — it’s a short, easy walk, which features some of the best photo ops, along with a more tranquil ambience than the bustling main streets.
Day 3: Full Day in Amalfi Town
In the morning, visit the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral in Amalfi.
It is a must-see due to its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Afterward, visit the 11th-century Paper Museum, where you can discover more about Amalfi’s papermaking traditions.
Stop for lunch at a local trattoria and treat yourself to lemon-laden dishes — this is the home of lemons!
In the afternoo during hike through Valle delle Ferriere trail a stunning hike which takes you through the valleys between lush greenery and waterfalls.
Or, if you feel more like unwinding, go to one of Amalfi’s beaches for some sunbathing.
When you’re ready to leave Amalfi, don’t forget to stop in local shops for a bottle or two of limoncello. I stock up here every time; it’s the ideal souvenir!
Day 4: Day Trip to Ravello
On day four, take a quick excursion up to the hilltop town of Ravello.
Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in the morning, as they boast some of the most beautiful views on the coast.
The gardens at the Villa Cimbrone are especially stunning, and I could walk through them for hours.
In the afternoon, dive into the town’s vibrant cultural scene.
If visiting in summer, you’ll have the chance to experience one of Ravello’s world-renowned classical music festivals, framed by stunning Mediterranean views.
Return to Positano or Amalfi for dinner, depending on where you’re staying.
Day 5: Capri Day Trip
Day five is devoted to Capri, a highlight of any Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Catch the morning ferry from Positano to Capri, where you can visit the Blue Grotto, an enchanting cave of blue-tinged water, to start your day.
Later, discover the remains of Villa Jovis, the former palace of the Roman emperor Tiberius, or unwind at the Gardens of Augustus, which overlook the coastline.
For lunch, make your way to La Piazzetta, Capri’s iconic main square, then spend the afternoon exploring Anacapri.
For stunning views, I’d suggest taking the chairlift up to Monte Solaro (the highest point on the island).
In the evening, take the ferry to Positano and enjoy a seafood dinner.
Days 6: Relax at one of the Beach and Hike the Path of the Gods
Day 6: A bit of relaxation, a bit of adventure Begin your day at one of Positano’s lesser-known beaches, such as Fornillo or Arienzo.
These beaches are quieter and generally have a more relaxed atmosphere than Spiaggia Grande, which is found in other directions.
In the afternoon, put on your hiking boots to tackle the famed Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) hike.
This narrow trail from Bomerano to Nocelle provides some of the most stunning views of all the Amalfi Coast.
It’s a strenuous hike, but totally worth it.
Personally, the views around every turn were breathtaking and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Nocelle unbeatable. Don’t forget enough water, and a camera!
Day 7: Sorrento or Pompeii
On your last day, you have a couple of fantastic choices, based on what you’re interested in.
Option 1: Continue to Sorrento, a lively coastal resort area with a charming old center and a busy marina.
Wander around the narrow streets, pop into a few local shops, and get one last taste of Italian gelato while taking in views of the Bay of Naples.
Option 2: If you’re more into history, take a day trip to Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the pretty well-preserved ruins, discovering what life was like in the Roman Empire.
For your last night, enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the coast.
Il Tridente in Positano is one of my top picks — it’s the best way to conclude your Amalfi Coast travels.
Must-See Sights and Off the Beaten Path
Beaches of Positano: Positano is one of the most quintessential stops on the Amalfi Coast, and its two best beaches, Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, provide a combination of vibrant atmosphere and more remote and quiet locales.
Spiaggia Grande is the public beach, which is great for sunbathing and people-watching, whereas Fornillo is hidden away and less crowded — perfect for a mellower retreat.
Amalfi Cathedral: Once you head over to Amalfi, you can’t miss beautiful Amalfi Cathedral.
Its ornate façade towered over the main square of Amalfi, with — starting by the bay — Arab-Norman styles stacked above one another, the brow arching over the blue sky.
Its interior is no less magnificent, and the crypt below provides a rare look at its history.
Near Ravello, another must-see is Villa Rufolo and nearby Villa Cimbrone, both with magical gardens and sweeping views of the coast.
I especially loved Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity — it seems like you’re standing on the edge of the world, looking out over the sparkling sea.
Capri’s Blue Grotto: After that, on Capri, the famous Blue Grotto is surreal.
This sea cave shimmers with an ethereal blue light, and although it’s a favorite among tourists, try the early morning or late afternoon to leave the crowds behind.
This includes a short boat rush into the cave (ticket price: about 14 euros). Capri can be wildly touristed but worth it if you visit less crowded hills like Anacapri.
Off-the-beaten-path finds: For some off-the-beaten-path finds, I highly recommend seeking out some secret coves and quiet trails around Praiano and Furore Fjord.
There are so many tucked away in these places that you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Amalfi Coast without the tourist crowds. These lesser-visited places are now some of my favorite getaways.
Best Foods to Try
No foodie trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without sampling its iconic lemon-based creations.
Lemon Delicacies
Begin with an invigorating lemon sorbet, or drink limoncello you made yourself; you’ll see it everywhere!
For dessert, the refreshing delizia al limone, or lemon cake, is the perfect finish, with its perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Seafood Specialties
Fresh and plentiful seafood is available, given its seaside location.
Watch for seafood pasta with clams, mussels and shrimp.
Other favorites include the crispy fritto misto, which combines fried calamari, shrimp and small fish for a medley of textures and flavors.
Neapolitan Pizza
While pizza is essentially a food of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is home to more than its fair number of amazing Neapolitan pizzas.
Baked to a thin crust in a wood-fired oven and topped simply with tomato, mozzarella and/or basil, these pizzas are a local specialty that are best enjoyed in one of the region’s rustic pizzerias.
Personal Recommendations
As for my experience, the best meal that I got in Ravello, was a fresh seafood risotto at a small family-run trattoria with a view of the sea.
Each bite was a reminder of why the Amalfi Coast is a culinary treasure.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
Transportation on the Amalfi Coast is a little bit of an adventure.
Ferries are among the easiest and most scenic methods to hop between towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Capri.
I found the ferry to be an efficient, relatively stress-free, and lovely way to get to the islands (the views of the cliffs and turquoise water were gorgeous!). This is especially convenient for day trips to Capri, for which ferries are frequent.
To be more flexible, there are SITA buses running all over the region that link all the main towns.
The bus routes are comprehensive, but the cliff-shimmying roads can be narrow and curvy and the rides a little nerve-wracking at times, especially when crowded.
But they’re a cheap way to travel, and the views from the windows are unmatched.
If you’re up for some adventure, renting a car allows the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Indeed, driving along the coastal roads is certainly a challenge, with the hairpin turns and the lack of parking in many towns.
But if you’re willing to drive, your reward is having access to hidden spots and villages that may be off-limits to buses.
I enjoyed the freedom a car gave me, but it took some planning, particularly with parking.
Renting a boat is another fun option.
Spain’s coastal landscape is rife with private boat rentals or guided tours that can give you a taste of it in whatever portions you’d like to explore.
This is ideal for if you want to explore hidden beaches or just spend a day out on the water.
And while boat rentals don’t come cheap, it is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Amalfi Coast — especially if you time it with try the sunset.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Visit Major Sights Early or Late
DO visit famous places such as Positano and Amalfi early morning or late evening.
This also provides you with time to explore the sites without hordes of tourists surrounding you. And the lighting for photos is usually better at those times.
Travel During Shoulder Season
Try to travel in April-May or September-October.
During these months you’ll enjoy fair weather without the hordes of summer tourists for a slower paced experience.
Explore Lesser-Known Areas
Skip the busiest hubs by seeking out quieter gems, such as Praiano and Atrani.
These towns provide the same stunning coastal views with far fewer crowds.
You’ll have a less filtered, more intimate experience delving into their hidden corners.
To Conclude, How to Plan 7-Days on the Amalfi Coast: Best Itinerary and Things to do
The Amalfi Coast really is one of those magical places you’ll remember forever.
From winding roads and sun-soaked beaches, incredible food and friendly locals, it’s an unforgettable experience.
You do not need to rush, enjoy the views and enjoy every moment.
Whether it’s having a farm fresh meal overlooking the sea or walking along a peaceful trail, the Amalfi Coast will inspire, move and energize you.
And here is my last tip — don’t stress about checking everything off your list.
Take it easy, enjoy the food and allow this magnificent stretch of coast to work its magic.
