Amalfi Coast Itinerary 7 Days
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Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the rugged Amalfi Coast Italy is considered to be one of the world’s most magnificent shores. Drawn to its shimmering landscapes and ancient allure, the region is busy with visitors’ year round. Our Amalfi Coast Itinerary 7 Days will help you discover the charming Amalfi Coast towns of Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, and more.
Centuries ago, when only mule paths ran between Amalfi Coast towns, the sea brought commerce and wealth to the region. Today, the dramatic twists of Amalfi Coast Drive follow those same mule paths, but luxury villas now stand where merchants once traded. Unchanged in all of that time, is the clarity of the sea and the sky, and the beauty of the sun drenched villages clinging to the cliff sides.
With only one main road bisecting the region, it can be tricky to get to, and get around, the Amalfi Coast towns. To simplify travel plans, many people opt for day excursions. This is an excellent way to experience the essence of the area. However, don’t rule out a multi-night adventure. The entire coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site with lots to discover. Our Amalfi Coast itinerary can help you plan an unforgettable trip.
For information on travel options around the Amalfi Coast area, click on these links:
WHERE IS THE AMALFI COAST ITALY
The Amalfi Coast is in southern Italy’s Campania region. The main road traversing the region is the 37 miles (60km) Amalfi Coast Drive (SS 163) running between Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare. With hairpin turns and dramatic coastal cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea, the roadway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for exceptional natural scenic value.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE AMALFI COAST
There are 13 villages scattered along the Amalfi Coast. To complete this Amalfi Coast itinerary, we suggest staying in the neighboring villages of Amalfi Town, Atrani, Praiano, or Positano Town. Amalfi and Positano are transportation hubs with a good selection of transport services. In addition, both of these towns have many dining and lodging options. Atrani and Praiano border the larger towns and provide quieter, less expensive options.
Follow these links to explore Amalfi Coast accommodations:
MAP OF AMALFI COAST TOWNS
AMALFI COAST ITINERARY 7 DAYS
Our itinerary is packed with favorite Amalfi Coast things to do. Depending on the weather, adjust the itinerary as needed. Also, be aware ferry schedules may change with windy or inclement weather.
Day 1: Explore Positano
Whether you arrive by the Amalfi Coast Drive or Positano Harbor, your first view of pretty Positano will leave you wanting more. Fanning out from the village church, the town’s brightly colored villas climb up two opposing hillsides (be prepared for stairs). Try to arrive early, before the ferries bring in boatloads of people.
Positano Italy is known for its excellent shopping (art, leather goods, Limoncello, and ceramics), and restaurants with a view (Chez Black, Lo Guarracino, and Da Gabrisi). Begin your day perusing the shops of Via dei Mulini. Next, discover the town’s famous church and bell tower, Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta. End your day at one of Positano Spiaggia’s excellent beach clubs. See our Positano Travel Guide for more information.
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours to Positano:
Day 2: Discover Amalfi Town and Ravello
Mountaintop Ravello is a gem! Plan to arrive early before the road to town gets too jammed. From Amalfi Town, go to the public bus boarding area by the waterfront. Then, forego the Sita buses and hop onto a smaller white bus that goes directly to Ravello (no stops!).
In Ravello, explore the beautiful Piazza Vescovada and Duomo di Ravello. Then, tour Villa Cimbrone and its lovely Infinity Terrace. Spend some time shopping in Ravello’s artsy shops. Finally, end your exploration in the gardens of Villa Rufolo. See our Ravello Italy One Day Itinerary for more information.
Later in the day, take the bus back to Amalfi Town and visit the Duomo di Amalfi. Walk Amalfi’s vibrant waterfront and the neighboring village of Atrani.
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours to Amalfi Town and Ravello:
Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Capri with Tour of Blue Grotto
On Day 3, schedule an excursion to Capri that includes an option to see the Blue Grotto. After being whisked to the island by boat, ride a chairlift to Monte Solaro (the highest point on the island) or visit the Gardens of Augustus. Then, head to Capri Town where you can shop the luxury boutiques of Via Camerelle. Before you leave, make sure to take a boat ride around the perimeter of the island to view Capri’s stunning coastal rock formations and the electric blue waters of the Blue Grotto cavern.
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours to Capri:
Day 4. Beach Day & Positano Nightlife
The Amalfi Coast is a beach destination. Today, swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and warm in the sun. No matter what town you are staying in there is a beach (spiaggia). Most have attached beach clubs. For a fee, these beach clubs will provide patrons with sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, rest rooms, food, bar service, and spa services.
For a less crowded experience, search out one of the many hidden beaches along the coast that can be only be accessed by stairs (usually hundreds) or by boat. Wherever you settle, don’t forget your sunscreen and beach shoes (the beaches are pebble – not sand).
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours by the beach:
Tonight, return to Positano Town to experience its nightlife. Make a dinner reservation at Il Capitain or Il Tridente for amazing views of the village and a meal under the stars. Then, dance the night away at Music on the Rocks.
Day 5: Path of the Gods Hike
The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a stunning 3.6 mile (5.6km) cliffside hike that links the mountaintop villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. The moderately difficult hike takes in breathtaking views of the Lattari Mountains, coastal life, and the Mediterranean Sea.
The most common way to complete the hike is to take the bus from Amalfi to Bomerano. Then, hike from Bomerano to Nocelle, and return to civilization by taking a bus from Nocelle to Positano. It’s a full day, but a glorious one. If you do not want to arrange transportation between the villages there are many private car services and tour excursions that will coordinate the drive for you.
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours in the Path of the Gods:
Day 6: Day Trip to Pompeii and Sorrento
The archaeological site of Pompeii is within easy driving distance of the Amalfi Coast Italy. A once thriving Roman city, Pompeii was buried in volcanic ash after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD. There are many tour operators on the Amalfi Coast that will combine Pompeii and Sorrento into a full day tour. Try and schedule Pompeii in the morning (when it is cooler). Then, end the day exploring Sorrento’s clifftop town and port marinas.
Explore these Amalfi Coast tours in Pompeii & Sorrento:
Day 7: Beach Day and Boat Trip to the Emerald Grotto
Before you depart for home, spend one more day enjoying the beaches of the Amalfi Coast Italy. Also, treat yourself to one last boat trip with an excursion from Amalfi Town to the Emerald Grotto (Grotto dello Smeraldo). The cave, located along the coast between Amalfi Town and Positano, is known for its glowing green water.
Arrivederci dalla costa soleggiata (Goodbye from the sunny coast), Laura and Randy
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