How to Spend 5 Perfect Days on the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento and Salerno are just 50km apart. In between? One of the most iconic stretches of coastline in Italy and the world. The Amalfi Coast is a timeless summer classic drawing millions of visitors every year.

Got less than a week? This practical Amalfi Coast travel guide covers all the must-see stops, the best places to stay, and what to do each day. Check out our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary for the insider tips curated by Visit Italy.

You can absolutely explore the Amalfi Coast in 5 days, hitting all the iconic spots and even uncovering a few hidden gems along the way.

In this Amalfi Coast travel guide, we’ve rounded up the destinations you really can’t skip, plus our tips on where to sleep, eat, and what to experience.

Expect plenty of winding roads, steep stairs, scorching sun, and summer crowds, but with the right advice, you’ll take it all in stride. We’ve packed this Amalfi Coast itinerary, 5 days of Italian-style adventure, with practical tips to help you make the most of every moment, without losing your cool.

Here’s a quick look at our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Positano:  panoramic dinner and accommodation in a luxury hotel

Day 2: Hiking experience on the Amalfi Coast

Day 3: Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori

Day 4: Day trip to Capri

Day 5: Cetara and Vietri sul Mare

Positano, the first coastal town you’ll hit travelling from Naples or Sorrento, is where our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary begins. It makes an excellent base for your trip, with easy ferry or rental scooter access.

There’s no direct public transport from Naples to Positano: you’ll need to get to Sorrento first by train, taxi, or shuttle, then catch a SITA bus or ferry.

Alternatively, a private or shared transfer is the way to go if you travel with heavy luggage or want to avoid changing transport. If you’re driving, be prepared for narrow roads and tricky parking: leaving the car in Sorrento and hiring a scooter instead is better.

Once you arrive, take a moment to see those classic wow views and snap your first photos: the sight of colourful houses climbing the cliffside from the harbour is an Amalfi Coast icon that never gets old. Then, start exploring.

The historic centre is full of narrow streets made even narrower by the crowds and small squares that always offer lovely photo ops. You'll love Via Regina Giovanna if you’re after a stylish and locally made outfit for your holiday.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its colourful majolica-tiled dome that appears on nearly every postcard, and the nearby Roman Archaeological Museum, home to an ancient Roman villa with vividly preserved frescoes.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at Marina Grande beach, relaxing and waiting for aperitivo hour and a drink by the sea.

For dinner, head to Il Capitano, a panoramic restaurant serving some of the best cuisine on the Amalfi Coast paired with unbeatable views.

For your overnight stay, Hotel Montemare offers a refined, sea-facing setting just above the bustle of town. The long-standing Positano hotel combines elegant rooms with thoughtful touches: a spa, in-room whirlpool tubs, private transfer options for day trips, and even babysitting services on request. Comfort, privacy, and postcard views are just steps from the heart of Positano. 

For your stay, we recommend Hotel Montemare, a historic hotel in Positano offering unforgettable views and hospitality that blends luxury and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, plus plenty of comforts: a spa, in-room hot tub, private taxi service for excursions, babysitting on request, and much more.

For dinner, head to the hotel’s panoramic restaurant, Il Capitano: here you’ll enjoy some of the finest cuisine on the Amalfi Coast, paired with a truly enchanting view.

Day two of our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary is all about the trails. The most famous? The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) from Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola. You can take the “lower” route ending in Nocelle, or the more challenging “upper” variant, which continues up to Santa Maria del Castello with steeper climbs and panoramic ridgelines.

The full loop is around 10 kilometres and takes 6 to 7 hours, though many hikers stop in Nocelle and skip the return leg: Positano is 1,500 steps downhill from there.

To get to Bomerano by public transport, head first to Amalfi. That means a bus to Amalfi from Positano, then another to Agerola. The whole trip takes around two hours, so set your alarm early and plan for a morning start. The trail is mostly exposed, so consider that carefully if you’re not great with heights. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and proper walking shoes.

For a gentler alternative, consider a walk through Valle dei Mulini between Amalfi and Pontone, a 7km route winding past waterfalls, ancient mills, and lush Mediterranean greenery.

Back in Positano, the rest of your afternoon is yours to play with. You could unwind on the beach (we’ve rounded up the best ones in our guide to Positano’s beaches), or keep exploring the area. Praiano is just 15 minutes away and is a perfect sunset spot. Stop by the Church of San Gennaro, then make your way down to Marina di Praia for an aperitivo by the sea.

You might stay for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, and if you’re in the mood to keep the night going, there’s even a historic nightclub carved into the cliffside cave.

Our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary continues with a deep dive into some of the most iconic towns in the Costiera. Set off early from Positano to head to Amalfi. The ferry or hydrofoil is the fastest and most scenic option. The trip takes between 15 and 30 minutes on average.

Start your day exploring Amalfi’s historic centre and its striking Cathedral of Saint Andrew. After the obligatory photo at the foot of its 62 steps, visit the Civic Museum and the Paper Museum, wander through the old Vagliendola quarter, and go to the nearby Arsenale.

From there, walk over to Atrani, the tiny next-door fishing village clinging to the coastline, for a fresh seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, go up to Ravello, perched high above the sea. You can reach it by bus or taxi, but if you’re ready to test your gym gains, hike the stone staircase that climbs the hillside (it will take you about an hour). Once at the top, explore Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and see whether the views are as magical as everyone says.

From Ravello, descend to Minori, another charming town on the Amalfi Coast, either on foot or by taxi. Don’t miss a sweet stop at the pastry shop famous for inventing the local iconic cake, delizia al limone, then spend a relaxing hour on the beach before continuing to Maiori. It’s a short 15-minute stroll along the seafront, but you can also take the slightly more scenic Sentiero dei Limoni, an easy and panoramic coastal path between the towns.

Wrap up your day with a seaside dinner in Maiori. The promenade is lined with casual trattorias serving great local dishes. Afterwards, head back to Positano by a private transfer, a bus or a ferry if it’s still running,.

This day covers several of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast and offers a bite of local life. Tomorrow, we’ll drift a little further afield, but not too far...

Catch one of the first ferries from Positano to make the most of your time on the island and steer clear of the midday crowds. The journey takes around 35 minutes. It’s best to book ahead during the high season. Check our guide on how to get to Capri for extra details.

As soon as you arrive, head straight for the Blue Grotto. You can join a boat tour from the port to the entrance. Once there, visitors hop onto a rowboat in small groups to glide into the cave. Make sure to check the weather the day before, as visits are suspended if the sea is rough. Cloudy days are also worth avoiding since the colours inside are far less dramatic.

After the grotto, you can spend the rest of the morning at the beach at Marina Piccola, just before the iconic Faraglioni rocks, or head to Marina Grande or Palazzo a Mare for a swim.

If sunbathing isn’t your thing, take a bus up to Anacapri and ride the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro. On the way back down, see the archaeological finds preserved at Villa San Michele.

Once you’re back in Capri town, take a break in the famous Piazzetta, then wander to the Gardens of Augustus and enjoy the view over the Faraglioni and the serpentine Via Krupp.

Even if you're not planning on splurging, take a walk down Via Camerelle, Capri’s iconic street for high-end shopping and people-watching.

Before you leave, check the ferry schedule. If time’s on your side, head west to Punta Carena Lighthouse just in time for sunset. A drink in hand and the sea stretching out in front of you: it’s the perfect way to end the fourth day of your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Browse our 1-day Capri itinerary for more ideas and inspiration.

For your final day, head towards the eastern end of the Costiera, closer to Salerno. Take a ferry or arrange a transfer to Cetara, a charming fishing village famous for its anchovy sauce, a local delicacy protected by Slow Food.

Wander through the town, visit the churches of Madonna di Costantinopoli and San Pietro Apostolo, take a dip at the beach if you fancy, and don’t miss a plate of spaghetti with colatura di alici for lunch.

Make a quick detour to Erchie, a tiny village of just 100 residents, much quieter than its more famous neighbours. Then continue on to Vietri sul Mare, the coastal town renowned for its hand-painted ceramics.

Explore the historic centre and spend some time browsing the ceramic workshops. Many of them offer international shipping, so you can take a piece of the Amalfi Coast home.

Practically speaking, Vietri sul Mare is a great place to wrap up your 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. The town is just a short taxi, bus or local train ride to Salerno station, where you can catch regional or high-speed trains back to Naples, Rome, or further afield.

The best time to explore the Amalfi Coast is between April and June, or in September.

July and August tend to be the hottest and busiest months, with heavy traffic and crowded beaches, especially at weekends.

Between November and March, many hotels and restaurants close, but if you choose to visit the Amalfi Coast in the low season, you’ll enjoy quieter villages, peaceful hikes, and the chance to see the main attractions without the crowds.

October is a bit of a transition month: fewer tourists, but still warm and sunny days.

Planning your trip around these periods can make all the difference and help you enjoy the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

You’ll be walking a lot, so start with a pair of comfy trainers. If you’re planning to hike the Path of the Gods, bring proper trekking shoes, too. Rubber sandals come in handy for rocky beaches.

You won’t need to pack much in summer, just pick up a few essentials along the way, like breezy linen dresses from local ateliers or handmade flat sandals (Jackie O was a fan).

The must-haves: swimsuit, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and insect repellent. A light jumper is always a good shout for breezy evenings, along with something dressier for dinner.

Also, don’t forget to download offline maps before you go: phone signal can be spotty in some of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast.

A trip on the Amalfi Coast is rarely cheap, but the overall quality of services, especially in Positano, is often worth the price. Many accommodations offer high-end experiences like panoramic suites, spas, gourmet dining and private transfers.

If you’re planning a 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, consider skipping the car entirely. Between traffic, narrow roads and parking fees that can reach €10 an hour, driving is more of a hassle than a help.

Public transport is a smarter choice. The SITA buses are the most affordable option, with daily passes around €10 to €12, but they can get crowded. Ferries are more comfortable, especially during high season, and connect major towns like Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and Positano. Most routes cost under €20.

Meals range widely. A casual lunch like a pizza and a drink might cost €25 per person. On the other end, dinner with a view and fine cuisine can exceed €150. Aperitifs tend to hover around €15. If you’re planning a day at a beach club, expect to pay up to €140 for two loungers and an umbrella in the more exclusive spots.

Being mindful of these costs lets you enjoy the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast without surprises.

How many days do you really need on the Amalfi Coast?

It depends on your pace and what you want to experience, but a 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary is a great starting point. It allows enough time to visit several coastal towns, enjoy a beach day or two, explore inland villages or hiking trails, and even take a day trip to Capri. With fewer days, you’ll need to be more selective; with more, you can slow down and taste the local lifestyle.

Is 5 days enough to see everything?

Five days are enough to get a real feel for the Amalfi Coast. You’ll be able to explore the main highlights and even add a couple of lesser-known spots. Our 5-day itinerary is designed to show you the best of the Amalfi Coast without rushing too much.

What’s the best base: Positano, Amalfi, or Sorrento?

There are more options you can choose from. Positano is the most scenic and romantic. It's perfect if you want that postcard view and don’t mind a few stairs. Amalfi is a good central option, with easy access to ferries and buses. While not technically on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is an excellent base if you’re coming from Naples or plan to explore Capri or Pompeii. It’s well connected and often more budget-friendly.

Should I rent a car?

In most cases, no. Driving along the Amalfi Coast is challenging: roads are narrow, traffic is heavy, and parking is expensive and hard to find. SITA buses, ferries, and private transfers cover most routes and are less stressful. Scooter rental is a fun and flexible alternative.

This guide lays out a complete 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Remember that planning ahead is essential.

Choose a good base like Positano or Amalfi and move around by ferry or scooter.

If you’re visiting during high season, make restaurant, beach club, and transfer reservations in advance to avoid surprises.

Public transport gets crowded in summer, so consider taking ferries or taxi boats to get around the most beautiful villages of the Amalfi Coast. 

A 5-day trip to the Amalfi Coast should include a mix of beach time, hiking, sightseeing, and great food. Don’t miss the Path of the Gods, a day trip to Ravello, a boat ride to Capri, and a walk through Amalfi’s historic centre.

Pack comfortable shoes and leave a little space in your suitcase for souvenirs.

The Amalfi Coast is stunning, but it’s best enjoyed with a bit of strategy. Travel with a flexible plan, study your transport options, and try to avoid peak times. With a bit of organisation, you’ll enjoy five unforgettable days in one of the most beautiful corners of Italy (and the world).