Amalfi Coast Itinerary (3–5 Days): Best Route, Tips & When to Go

The first time I visited the Amalfi Coast, I tried to see too much in too little time. On the map, everything looked close. In reality, moving between towns took longer than expected, and I spent more time rushing than enjoying the views. The coast was stunning — but the pace felt off.

On later trips, I slowed everything down, and that changed the experience completely. I stopped trying to see everything, planned fewer stops per day, and left room for swims, long lunches, and unplanned moments. That’s when the Amalfi Coast finally clicked for me.

This Amalfi Coast itinerary is built from that lesson. It works for 3, 4, or 5 days, depending on how much time you have and how slowly you want to travel. Three days on the Amalfi Coast is enough to see the highlights, but five days is when the coast really shines, with time for smaller towns, boat days, and relaxed evenings.

If it’s your first time on the Amalfi Coast and you want a realistic, day-by-day plan that doesn’t feel rushed once you’re there, this itinerary will help you experience the coast at its best.

How Many Days in the Amalfi Coast?

The ideal length of an Amalfi Coast trip is 4–5 days, but you can still enjoy the coast with less time.

• 3 days → highlights only
• 4 days → balanced pace
• 5 days → slow and immersive

When people ask me how many days in the Amalfi Coast they need, I always think back to my first visit. I tried to fit in too much, underestimated travel time, and ended most days more tired than relaxed. On later trips, adding just one or two extra days completely changed the experience.

3 Days in the Amalfi Coast

An Amalfi Coast itinerary 3 days is the minimum I’d recommend for a first visit. You’ll see Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with room for just one optional experience like Capri or a short boat trip. It works — but the pace is noticeably faster.

4 Days in the Amalfi Coast

With four days, the coast starts to feel more enjoyable. You have time to slow down in the afternoons instead of moving constantly, which made a big difference for me on later trips.

5 Days in the Amalfi Coast

Five days is when the Amalfi Coast really clicked for me. That extra time allowed for smaller towns, relaxed meals, and moments that weren’t planned — and those ended up being the most memorable parts of the trip.

Bottom line: Three days is doable, but if you want the Amalfi Coast to feel calm instead of rushed, four or five days is where it truly shines.

Amalfi Coast Itinerary at a Glance

This Amalfi Coast itinerary is designed to move at a realistic pace, with flexibility built in depending on how many days you have and how much you want to slow down.

• Day 1: Positano – views, beach time, sunset
• Day 2: Amalfi & Ravello – history, gardens, panoramic views
• Day 3: Capri or a relaxed Amalfi Coast day
• Day 4: Path of the Gods hike or coastal town time
• Day 5: Slow coast – Minori, Maiori, Praiano, boat tour, or cooking class

If you follow the full Amalfi Coast itinerary 5 days, the trip naturally shifts from sightseeing to enjoying the coast at a deeper level. That’s the version I personally enjoyed the most — fewer alarms, longer lunches, and afternoons that didn’t feel scheduled.

Quick takeaway:

• Short on time? Follow Days 1–3.
• Want balance? Add Day 4.
• Want the coast to feel calm and unhurried? Day 5 makes all the difference.

Best Time to Do This Amalfi Coast Itinerary

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is from May to June and September, when the coast has reliable ferries, warm sea temperatures, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

From experience, timing matters here more than in many other Italian destinations. On one summer trip in August, the views were stunning — but the heat, crowds, and long waits made everything feel harder. Visiting again in late May felt completely different: calmer mornings, easier ferry rides, and space to actually enjoy the towns.

Best months overall

• May & June → warm days, active ferries, manageable crowds
• September → sea still warm, fewer tour groups
• July & August → hot, crowded, most expensive
• April & October → quieter, but more variable conditions

Ferries, hiking & crowds (quick trade-off)

• Ferries run most frequently from May to September
• Hiking is best in spring and early fall, when the Amalfi Coast weather is cooler
• Summer brings perfect light and sea conditions — but also peak crowds

Bottom line: If you want the coast to feel relaxed rather than overwhelming, late spring or early fall offers the best balance between weather, access, and atmosphere.

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Day-by-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to work whether you’re following an Amalfi Coast 3-day itinerary or continuing at a slower pace into an Amalfi Coast 5-day itinerary. Each day builds naturally on the previous one, so you can stop after Day 3 or extend your trip without needing a completely different plan.

From my own experience, this day-by-day structure is the easiest way to travel the Amalfi Coast. It keeps the trip flexible — if you’re tired, you slow down; if you have more time, you keep going — without feeling like you’re missing something important.

Day 1 – Positano (Views, Beach & Sunset)

Starting your trip in Positano is the fastest way to understand why the Positano Amalfi Coast is so iconic. The first time I arrived, I didn’t rush to any attraction — I just stood there for a few minutes, taking in the layers of colorful houses spilling down toward the sea. That moment alone made the journey feel worth it.

Morning / Arrival
Arrive by ferry if you can — it’s the most scenic (and least stressful) introduction. After checking in or dropping bags, take your time walking down through town. In Positano, wandering is part of the experience. Every staircase feels like a viewpoint.

Late Morning: Beach Time
Head to Spiaggia Grande for the classic scene, or Fornillo if you want something quieter. On my first proper day here, I underestimated how good it feels to simply stop and sit by the water—and that was a mistake I didn’t repeat. Positano rewards slow starts.

Afternoon: Easy Exploring
This is the perfect window for relaxed things to do in Positano:

• Browse small boutiques
• Grab a gelato
• Take photos from higher viewpoints as the light shifts

I usually avoid overplanning this part of the day. Positano gets busy, and having nothing scheduled makes it easier to duck into quieter corners.

Evening: Sunset & Dinner
As the sun drops, the town softens. Find a terrace with a view, order something simple, and let the day end slowly. After traveling, this gentle first evening sets the tone for the rest of the itinerary.

Day 2 – Amalfi & Ravello (History, Views & a Slower Pace)

Day two follows a classic Amalfi Ravello itinerary, and for good reason. These two towns complement each other perfectly — Amalfi is lively and historic, while Ravello feels calm and elevated, both literally and emotionally.

Morning – Amalfi
Arriving in Amalfi by ferry is part of the experience. The harbor comes into view, the town opens up, and everything feels instantly busier than Positano. I usually start with a slow walk through the center rather than heading straight to sights — letting the rhythm of the town set the pace.

Among the most worthwhile things to do in Amalfi:

• Visit the Duomo di Amalfi
• Wander the small streets behind the main square
• Pause for a coffee or lemon granita near the water

Amalfi is compact, and it doesn’t need hours. I’ve found that a relaxed morning here is far more enjoyable than trying to see everything.

Midday – The Move to Ravello
From Amalfi, take the bus or a taxi up to Ravello. The climb alone signals a shift in mood. Each time I’ve arrived in Ravello, the noise drops almost immediately — fewer crowds, more space, and cooler air.

Afternoon – Ravello’s Views
Ravello is about slowing down. Choose one main spot — Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone — and don’t rush it. Walking through the gardens and stopping at the viewpoints is the highlight, not ticking off locations.

This is one of those places where I always end up sitting longer than planned, doing very little, and enjoying it more than expected.

Evening – Sunset Choice
You can stay in Ravello for sunset if you’re based nearby, or head back down to Amalfi or Positano. Either way, Day 2 tends to feel calmer than Day 1 — a natural transition into the slower rhythm of the coast.

Day 3 – Capri or a Relaxed Amalfi Coast Day

Day 3 is where this itinerary becomes flexible. A capri day trip from the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular options — but it’s also the point where I think it’s important to choose based on energy and season, not pressure.

Option A: Capri Day Trip

Visiting Capri can be incredible if you start early. The first time I went, I didn’t — and I spent most of the day navigating crowds. On later trips, catching one of the earliest ferries completely changed the experience.

Morning

• Early ferry from Positano or Amalfi
• Head straight to Anacapri for a quieter start

Midday
Choose one or two main things to do in Capri, not everything:

• Boat ride around the island
• Views of the Faraglioni
• Time in Anacapri rather than Capri town

Afternoon

• Light lunch
• Return before late-afternoon crowds if possible

Capri is stunning, but it’s intense. I’ve learned that treating it as a half-day highlight rather than an all-day mission makes it far more enjoyable.

Option B: Stay on the Amalfi Coast

If you skip Capri, this can become one of the most relaxing days of the trip. Ideas I’ve personally enjoyed more than expected:

• Extra beach time in Positano
• A short coastal boat ride without a strict schedule
• Visiting a quieter town like Praiano or Atrani
• Long lunch followed by absolutely nothing planned

On hot or crowded days, staying on the coast often feels like the smarter choice.

Day 4 – Path of the Gods or Coastal Town Time

Day 4 is about deciding how much energy you want to spend. This is where many travelers add the famous path of the gods hike, but it’s also the day I’ve most often adjusted based on weather, heat, or simply how I was feeling.

Option A: Path of the Gods Hike (Morning)

The Path of the Gods is one of the most scenic walks in Italy, and easily the most rewarding option for Amalfi Coast hiking — if conditions are right.

What worked best for me:

• Start early (before the heat and crowds)
• Begin from Agerola and walk toward Nocelle
• Take your time — the views are the whole point

The first time I did it, I underestimated the sun and arrived exhausted. On later trips, starting early made all the difference. The trail felt peaceful, the light was softer, and I actually enjoyed stopping to take it all in.

Skip the hike if:

• It’s very hot or humid
• You’re not comfortable on uneven paths
• You’re already feeling tired from the previous days

Skipping it doesn’t mean missing out — it just means choosing a different kind of day.

Option B: Easy Coastal Day

If you don’t hike, Day 4 becomes one of the most enjoyable days to slow things down.
Some of my favorite alternatives:

• A quiet morning beach session
• A short, no-rush boat ride along the coast
• Visiting a smaller town like Praiano
• Sitting somewhere with a view and doing very little

After a few busy days, I’ve often found this option far more satisfying than pushing myself to hike just because it’s “on the list.”

Day 5 – Slow Amalfi Coast Day (Hidden Towns & Relaxation)

By Day 5, the Amalfi Coast stops feeling like something to see and starts feeling like a place to be. This is the day I always enjoy the most — no alarms, no must-sees, just choosing what feels right.

Morning – Minori & Maiori
Exploring Minori and Maiori is one of the simplest ways to experience a more local side of the coast. Compared to Positano or Amalfi, these towns feel quieter and more lived-in, with longer beaches and a slower rhythm.

I’ve spent entire mornings here doing very little — a walk along the promenade, a swim, a pastry stop — and it never felt like wasted time. This part of the Minori Maiori Amalfi Coast is ideal when you want space and calm rather than views packed with people.

Midday – Choose One Experience
Instead of stacking activities, pick just one:

• A relaxed amalfi coast boat tour, focusing on swimming and views rather than hopping between stops
• A cooking class or lemon-based experience
• A long seaside lunch that turns into an afternoon break

On one trip, I skipped everything planned and stayed on a boat longer than expected — and that unplanned decision became the highlight of the day.

Afternoon – Do Less Than You Think You Should
This is not the day for squeezing anything in. Sit somewhere with shade, go back for another swim, or return early to your base and enjoy the view you’ve probably rushed past all week.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast For This Itinerary

Choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast matters more than most people expect. On my first trip, I picked a hotel based only on views — and quickly realized that location affects everything: ferry access, travel time, crowds, and how relaxed your days feel.

The best base on the Amalfi Coast depends mainly on how many days you have and how much moving around you want to do.

Best Base for a 3-Day Itinerary

Positano or Amalfi
If you’re short on time, staying central is key.

• Positano is ideal if this is your first visit and you want the classic Amalfi Coast atmosphere. It’s visually stunning and feels special from the moment you arrive.
• Amalfi works better if you plan to move around more. Ferries to other towns and Capri are frequent, which saves time and energy.

From experience, changing hotels on a short trip almost always feels rushed — staying in one place makes a big difference.

Best Base for a 5-Day Itinerary

Amalfi, Ravello, or Sorrento
With more time, you have better options.

• Amalfi remains the most practical base for ferries and day trips.
• Ravello is perfect if you want calm evenings, views, and fewer crowds.
• Sorrento is a smart choice for value and transport, especially if you’re adding Capri or arriving by train.

On longer stays, I’ve enjoyed quieter bases far more — once the sightseeing slows down, the atmosphere matters more than convenience.

My Honest Advice

If it’s your first time, choose location over luxury. Being close to ferries and not spending hours on buses makes the entire itinerary feel smoother and more enjoyable. The right base won’t just save time — it will change how relaxed the whole trip feels.

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast

Figuring out how to get around the Amalfi Coast is often harder than choosing where to stay. On my first trip, I assumed short distances meant quick travel — I was wrong. Roads are narrow, buses fill up, and travel time adds up fast if you’re not strategic.

After a few visits, I learned that how you move matters more here than how far you go.

Ferries: The Best Option (Most of the Time)

Using the Amalfi Coast ferry network is hands-down the easiest and most enjoyable way to move between towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Capri.

Why I prefer ferries:

• Scenic and relaxing
• Avoid road traffic completely
• Easy access to multiple towns in one day

Things to keep in mind:

• Best from May to September
• Fewer routes in shoulder season
• Book early in peak summer

Arriving by ferry is also how I recommend starting the trip — that first view from the water never gets old.

Buses: Useful but Limited

Buses are essential for places not served by ferries (like Ravello), but they require patience. What I’ve learned:

• They’re affordable but often crowded
• Summer lines can be long
• Sitting isn’t guaranteed

I use buses when necessary — but I don’t plan entire days around them if I can avoid it.

Cars: Only in Specific Cases

Driving can make sense if:

• You’re staying outside the main towns
• You’re visiting off-season
• You’re comfortable with narrow roads

Otherwise, I usually skip it. Parking is expensive, stressful, and rarely worth it for short stays.

My Practical Take

For most first-time visitors:

• Ferries first
• Buses when needed
• Cars, only if you know why you want one

Once I stopped fighting the logistics and worked with them instead, the Amalfi Coast became far more enjoyable.

Book Train / Bus / Ferry / Flight

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first time to the Amalfi Coast, a few smart choices can make the difference between a trip that feels rushed and one that feels effortless. Most first-time frustrations on the coast don’t come from bad planning — they come from underestimating how the Amalfi Coast actually works once you’re there.

These Amalfi Coast travel tips are based on mistakes I’ve made myself and lessons learned after slowing things down on later trips.

Don’t Change Hotels Every Night

On my first visit, I treated the Amalfi Coast like a road trip, changing hotels frequently to “see more.” In reality, check-ins, luggage, and transport ate up a huge part of each day. The coast felt busy before it ever felt beautiful.

Staying in one base — especially for shorter trips — makes everything smoother. You’ll spend less time moving and more time actually enjoying where you are, which is what the Amalfi Coast does best.

Start Days Early, End Them Early

The Amalfi Coast has two personalities. Early mornings are calm, scenic, and surprisingly quiet. By late morning, cruise passengers arrive, ferries fill up, and narrow streets feel much busier.

I now plan sightseeing early and slow things down after lunch. Early starts don’t mean rushing — they mean enjoying the coast before the crowds change the atmosphere completely.

Build Buffer Time Into Everything

Distances are short, but travel is not fast. Ferries sell out, buses fill up, and delays are common, especially in summer. Early on, I planned tight schedules and spent too much time worrying about the next move.

Leaving space between activities makes the trip far more relaxed. When something runs late — and it often will — it won’t feel like a problem, just part of the day.

Wear the Right Shoes

This sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked details. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello all involve steep streets and endless stairs. Stylish shoes don’t last long here.

Comfortable footwear changes how much you enjoy the day. When your feet aren’t sore, you’re more likely to explore, linger, and take the slower routes that often lead to the best views.

Skip What Doesn’t Feel Right

Not every famous stop needs to be part of your trip. Some days, the best decision I made was skipping a planned excursion and staying put — whether that meant an extra swim, a longer lunch, or simply sitting somewhere with a view.

The Amalfi Coast rewards flexibility. Letting go of one plan often creates space for a better experience you didn’t plan at all. The more I stopped trying to “do it right,” the more the Amalfi Coast started to feel right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Amalfi Coast

Most Amalfi Coast mistakes don’t come from bad intentions — they come from planning the coast like any other Italian destination. I made several of these on my first visit, and fixing them completely changed how enjoyable later trips felt.

Here are the Amalfi Coast travel mistakes worth avoiding:

Treating the Amalfi Coast as a Day Trip

Trying to “see it all” in one long day almost always leads to stress. Travel times, crowds, and logistics make quick visits exhausting rather than rewarding.
If you only have limited time, it’s better to choose fewer places and experience them properly than to rush through highlights without enjoying them.

Underestimating Travel Time

On the map, towns look close. In reality, buses, ferries, stairs, and crowds slow everything down. Early on, I planned days too tightly and felt constantly behind schedule.
Planning fewer stops per day makes the coast feel calmer and far more enjoyable.

Visiting Only at Peak Hours

Arriving in Positano or Amalfi late morning means experiencing them at their busiest. The atmosphere changes completely once cruise passengers and tour groups arrive.
Early mornings and evenings show a very different — and much better — side of the coast.

Overplanning Every Day

The Amalfi Coast doesn’t reward rigid schedules. Some of my best moments came from skipping a plan and staying longer somewhere that felt right.
Leaving space for flexibility often leads to better experiences than sticking strictly to an itinerary.

Choosing a Base Without Considering Transport

Picking accommodation based only on views can backfire if ferries or buses aren’t easily accessible. I’ve learned that location and transport connections matter more than luxury here.
A practical base saves time, energy, and frustration throughout the trip.
Avoiding these mistakes won’t just save time — it will change how the Amalfi Coast feels from start to finish.

FAQs About Visiting the Amalfi Coast

Final Words

The Amalfi Coast isn’t a place to rush through or “complete.” It’s a destination that rewards patience, flexibility, and slowing down just enough to notice the details — the changing light, the quiet moments between ferries, the long meals that turn into afternoons.

Whether you follow this itinerary for three days or stretch it to five, the goal stays the same: choose fewer places, move at a comfortable pace, and leave space for moments you didn’t plan. Those are the ones that tend to stay with you long after the trip ends.

When you leave the Amalfi Coast wishing you had just one more day, you’ll know you did it right.

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