The Ultimate 5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

If you are travelling to the Amalfi Coast soon and searching for a 5 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary, then you have come to the right place. Known for its jaw dropping cliff views, charming small towns, incredible food and postcard perfect beaches, the Amalfi Coast offers something for everyone.

If you are not too familiar with this part of Italy, planning a trip here can be quite overwhelming, especially considering the lack of affordable accommodation options. However, in this guide I have included a nice mix of things to do as well as relaxation, making it easy to adjust depending on what you are looking for on your holiday. From a famous spot like Positano to hidden gems such as Vietri Sul Mare, this post will outline how to make the most of your 5 days in the Amalfi Coast.

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How to get to the Amalfi Coast

There are multiple ways that one can get to the Amalfi Coast.

Option 1:

✈️ Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). This is the most popular route as there are plenty of flights here from other European cities. After this, there are a couple options you can take to get to your final destination:

1. A private transfer directly to your destination. Usually this is the most expensive option, and costs around €300 or more.
2. Take a train to Salerno or Sorrento and then take a bus or ferry.
3. Hire a car and drive, but note that parking options are very limited in the Amalfi Coast.

Option 2:

✈️ Fly into the newly opened Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR). This airport is great if you are flying from other cities in Italy or London, as you can find affordable flights here with airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair! From here:

1. You can also take a private transfer directly from here to the Amalfi Coast. Depending on where you are going, this could cost more or less than it does from Naples airport.
2. Take a direct bus (1 hour) or a taxi (20 minutes) to Salerno. From here you have plenty of options of getting to the Amalfi Coast, such as buses or ferries.
3. Again hiring a car is another option but make sure you have options for parking at your hotel or accommodation

Option 3:

🚗 You can also drive from Rome, which takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

Where to stay in the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi

Staying in Amalfi during your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary is probably one of the best options. Amalfi is located very centrally in the coast, making it a perfect base if you want to explore some of the other towns. Amalfi also offers plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants and lots to do in general.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Hotel Santa Ceterina is my favourite hotel in the Amalfi Coast. It is the epitome of luxury, as you walk in and the staff immediately treat you like royalty. The rooms are wonderful, with their own balconies with a view of Amalfi Town.

The pool is something out of a Pinterest board, with sun beds laid out right at the edge of the sea.

There is also a Michelin star restaurant here, so if you are looking for a special occasion meal then this is where you need to go.

Salerno

If you want a more budget friendly stay at a location that is easily accessible to all of the towns in the Amalfi Coast, then Salerno is the perfect option. It is a big city which is very well connected. It also offers a lot of transportation options to all of the towns in the Amalfi Coast, such as ferries or buses.

There are also plenty of things to do and see in Salerno as well, making this the perfect place to stay, especially since it is the ideal gateway to the new Salerno Airport.

Grand Hotel Salerno

Although quite a simple hotel, the Grand Hotel Salerno is the perfect affordable hotel in a central location. It is about 15 minutes away from the Old Town. The rooms are very spacious and offer a view of the sea.

Positano

Positano needs no introduction, but it is definitely the most glamorous and the most beautiful town in the Amalfi Coast. But because of this, it is also the most popular, making hotel options very limited and expensive. However, if you do want to treat yourself, then it is definitely worth paying more to stay here.

Le Sirenuse

If you are looking for the most unique experience, then you need to stay at the best hotel in Positano – Le Sirenuse. Popular with luxury travellers and honeymooners, this hotel is located right in the centre, meaning that it has the prime location for exploring.

However, the best part is the view it offers of the stunning Positano coastline. Other amenities include Michelin-star La Sponda restaurant, a beautiful swimming pool, luxurious spa, and access to a yacht for private excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1

Amalfi

Start your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary by visiting Amalfi. Amalfi is a vibrant town which has a lot to offer, especially if you want to try some of the local flavours and buy some lovely souvenirs to take home.

Start by walking around the centre – you won’t be able to miss the Amalfi Cathedral. On the main square here, make sure to try the famous delizzia al limone (lemon cake) at Pasticceria Pansa. This is definitely the best dessert you will try here!

There are also many places in this square selling the popular lemon sorbet, which comes served in a lemon. It tastes so good and definitely worth a try as well.

Walk along the main street to find shops selling hand made sandals, dresses, chocolate, ceramics and so much more. There is not much more to Amalfi but it is a good place to spend the day wandering around the shops.

For lunch, I recommend trying Trattoria dei Cartari. It is a traditional restaurant serving pasta, gnocchi and other delicious Italian dishes in a casual setting.

The beach in Amalfi is beautiful, offering stunning views of the buildings. I enjoyed taking a walk here and taking a couple pictures.

If you want to see even better views of Amalfi from above, there is a short hike you can do to a viewpoint. To get here, start at the cathedral and follow Via Annunziatella, taking the steps all the way up. The hike is not difficult but be prepared for a lot of stairs. The view in the end is definitely worth it!

Atrani

If you want to explore another place, I would suggest exploring Atrani, the small town near by. It is only a 10 minute walk away from Amalfi and is a hidden gem in the Amalfi Coast.

Take a walk at the piazza, where the locals enjoy their coffee. Admire the Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto, a stunning church from the 10th century.

Atrani also has a beach, which is a lot quieter than beaches in Amalfi.

End the day by returning to Amalfi and having dinner at La Preferita rooftop restaurant, where they serve hearty home made pasta dishes.

Day 2

On your second day of your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary, explore the nearby towns of Ravello and Vietri Sul Mare, which is one of my favourite hidden gems in the Amalfi Coast.

Ravello

Start by visiting Ravello, which is known for its breathtaking villas. Start your visit at Villa Rufolo, known for its lush garden and a panoramic terrace that has views of the coastline. The villa was built in the 13th century by a wealthy merchant family. At the time, it was one of the largest and most expensive villas in the Amalfi Coast. There are even rumours that treasures were buried there. The villa is located right as you approach the main piazza, and an entry ticket costs €8.

Then head to Villa Cimbrone, which is about a 10 minute walk from the city centre. This is probably the most famous villa in the Amalfi Coast, and the picture you see when you look up Ravello. Dating from the 11th century, the villa is best known for its scenic Infinity Terrace and incredible views of the coastline. You can really spend a long time here, wandering around the gardens, taking pictures, and admiring the views. This villa is also very popular for hosting weddings and events.

After exploring Villa Cimbrone, you can head back to the main square to have a coffee and lunch. There are many nice options here and offer good food at reasonable prices.

Vietri Sul Mare

After you have visited Ravello, continue along the coast to reach a small town of Vietri Sul Mare. The best thing to do here is to wander through the town – along the main part you will find lots and lots of shops, selling the most unique ceramics. This is what Vietri Sul Mare is known for – you will find ceramics from Vietri Sul Mare all around the Amalfi Coast!

There are many picturesque alleyways to explore. If you are not too tired, I would also highly suggest visiting the Casa Colorata – you can find it here and it is the most Instagrammable place in Vietri Sul Mare.

You can also discover the secret beach of Vietri Sul Mare, called Spiaggia della Crestarella if you want to relax and spend some time on the beach.

In the evening, you can opt to do a dining experience at a local’s home if you want to experience the most authentic local cuisine and see how the locals make food in this region. This activity may become the highlight of your trip!

Day 3

Day trip to Capri

On your third day of your 5 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary, take a day trip to Capri. Capri is a small but stunning island off the gulf of Naples, easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento or Positano.

Start the day by taking an early morning ferry to Capri. Make sure to book this ferry in advance though – some of them can be sold out around 1-2 days in advance. You can use  Omio to book yours.

Depending on where you are travelling from, the ferry takes 30 minutes from Positano, 50 minutes from Naples, and 20 minutes from Sorrento.

One of the most popular things to do in Capri it to take a boat tour around the island. The Faraglioni Rocks are the most famous landmarks that most boat tours will take you to see. You will also have the option to see the Blue Grotto, a small cave with illuminated blue water inside. It is really a wonderful experience worth doing!

The next best thing to do in Capri is to take the Monte Solaro chairlift to the top. This is the highest point of the island you can see incredible views of the bay, the Faraglioni Rocks and more. It costs €12 for the round trip and takes 7 minutes to get up.

By this time you will probably be hungry so you can have lunch in Anacapri at a restaurant called Ristorante La Arcate for delicious pasta.

Then, take a bus or taxi to Capri. You will arrive at the main square, and find yourself at Via Camerelle, the main luxury shopping street.

Close to here is a beautiful botanical garden, Gardini di Augusto. The gardens are stunning, and offer a view of the coastline also.

At this point, you can continue exploring Capri or catch a ferry back.

Day 4

Positano

Day 4 of your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary will be the day that you finally get to explore the dreamy town of Positano.

The name “Positano” is based on a legend. In ancient times, a boat from Istanbul sailed here. They were carrying with them a painting of the Virgin Mary. As they got closer to the shore, the sailors though they heard the painting whisper “posa, posa”, which means “leave me here”. So they threw the painting into the sea. The locals built a church in the place where the painting washed ashore.

In the 20th century, the first group of tourists to arrive here were no ordinary visitors – they were celebrities, artists, and intellectuals. They chose Positano as their go-to vacation spot. The wore stylish white linen because of the heat, and the women had to wear flat shoes due to the steep stairs. Which is why today you will find lots of shops here selling white linen and making leather sandals.

Here is how to explore Positano:

Begin your visit by entering the town. You will immediately notice incredible views open up of the city. Along here is also one of the best spots to take your picture with the backdrop of the colourful buildings of Positano.

Continuing along this street, you will find lots of tasteful shops selling souvenirs and lots of clothes. The shopping here was my favourite, but it is definitely on the pricier side.

Take the stairs down towards the Santa Maria Assunta Church, and towards the beach. There are a few beach clubs here which get very busy during the summer, so make sure to come early enough if you want to reserve a sunbed and an umbrella. The famous Positano Spiaggia Grande (the main beach of Positano) is the one you see in all the pictures and it is definitely the most picturesque beach. The price of the beach club starts from €30 per person but it is definitely not cheap if you want a nice sun bed.

Have lunch nearby at Chez Black, a traditional restaurant, which also happens to serve heart shaped pizzas! The food here is super delicious and exactly what you need when you are hungry.

If you have the time, I would also advise walking a bit out of the city to visit the famous fruit stand. It is a very popular spot along the road, and if you buy something you can take a picture here.

Path of the Gods

If you are feeling adventurous after lunch, you can take a bus to Bomerano to start the Path of the Gods hike. It is the most famous hike in the Amalfi Coast as it offers breathtaking views of the sea, as you ascend up and descend all the way back to the sea level. To get from Bomerano to Positano, it takes around 4 hours depending on your level. The itinerary is quite steep and ends up with a few stairs leading up to Positano. It is definitely not easy, but it is definitely worth it if you fancy a challenge.

End your day by having a drink at one of the most beautiful bars in the world – Franco’s Bar, with a view of Positano. It can be a challenge to get a spot here especially during sunset as the views are absolutely spectacular and the cocktails are delicious.

For dinner, head to La Sponda, the most romantic restaurants in Positano.

Day 5

On the last day of your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary, there are a few more hidden gems that you may want to explore, or you can also choose to simply relax at the beach.

Furore Fjord

Start the day by visiting Furore Fjord, a stunning narrow cove located in between cliffs. It is a great place to relax by the beach, take some pictures, and enjoy the atmosphere. There are multiple ways to get here.

🚎 You can take a bus and get off at the stop called “Fiordo di Furore”

🚗 You can drive here but be aware that the parking spaces are limited. You might have to part a little bit further and walk.

🚤 You can take a small boat trip which will allow you to get off here and swim.

🚶 You can walk here as part of the Path of the Gods trail. You can hike down to furore and continue to the fjord.

Praiano

In the afternoon, head to Praiano. You can have lunch at Il Pirata with lovely sea views. They mostly serve seafood and fish as well as some pasta dishes.It is a popular restaurant so it is good to call ahead to guarantee a table.

After lunch, you can explore some of Praiano. Check out the Church of San Luca Evangelista, which dates back to the 12th century and is a church dedicated to Praiano’s patrol saint.

If you want to relax some more, the Marina di Praia Beach is a nice place to take a swim. You can choose to pay for an umbrella and a sunbed or you can just lay your towel down on the sand.

Salerno

In the evening, end your 5 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary to Salerno. Salerno is a very charming city and has a beautiful Old Town that is worth exploring. Start at Piazza Portanova and work your way through the narrow streets. It is not very big, but getting lost here you can come across some hidden gems! The Old Town also has some nice wine bars and cocktail bars to grab your aperitivo.

Take a walk towards the Via dei Mercanti, the main shopping street, which is always lively and busy with locals and tourists. Along the way you will also come across the Lungomare Trieste, the sea-front promenade lined with palm trees. If you are lucky you may get to see a beautiful sunset.

Then, you will probably be hungry for dinner, so I would recommend trying a local trattoria. We tried one called A Sud and the pasta was very delicious. It is tucked away on a street just off the main shopping area.

You will want to save yourself for dessert – Bar Nettuno is the best gelateria in town and it is always packed with people, but for a good reason.

Other places to visit

If you have some more time in the Amalfi Coast, there are many other places in the area that are worth visiting. If you are interested in historical spots and hidden gems, then you need to add these to your list.

Certosa di Padula

Also known as the Charterhouse of San Lorenzo, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive monasteries in Italy. Founded in 1306, It is a prime example of Baroque architecture, and is truly a sight to behold.

I would recommend doing a guided tour here to discover the stories behind each room. You can see the monk’s living quarters, the kitchen they used to cook meals, the library where they gathered, and the church which is the most impressive of them all.

The monastery is located in Cilento, about 100 km from Salerno and it is best accessible by car.

Pompeii

One of the most remarkable archeological sites in the world, Pompeii is located a 1 hour bus/30 minute drive away from Salerno. Depicting an ancient city that was frozen in time due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the open air museum tells the tragic story of the people who were involved in this tragedy.

From the central forum to the local brothel, you can see the city laid out and its preservation is incredibly impressive. It is a very popular site with tourists coming from Rome, Naples, and Salerno. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance and to get a guided tour.

Paestum Archeological Site

The visit to the Paestum Archeological Site can easily be combined with a visit to Pompeii, but it is definitely the lesser-known spot among the two.

Paestum was originally founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and later became a significant Roman city. Combining peaceful open fields with impressive ruins, stepping in to the Paestum Archeological Site feels like going back in time.

There is also a museum at the end you can visit, which gives a better understanding of what life was like back then.

Tenuta Vannulo

If you want to try the best mozzarella of your life, then Tenuta Vannulo mozzarella farm is a place you need to add to your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Known for making their mozzarella by hand without any preservatives, the farm is a wonderful place to visit for lunch and to watch how mozzarella is made early in the morning.

Hundreds of water buffalos live on the farm. They are treated very well, raised in a comfortable, open setting and fed an organic diet. You can get quote close to them and see how they feed.

We had lunch here and the mozzarella was one of the best meals one my life!

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