5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary | Things to Do + Top Tours

Learn how to get around, top tours, where to stay, top things to do, and how to map out each day with this 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary.

The Amalfi Coast offers a completely different vibe from other popular destinations in Italy. Rome has its history, Venice has its canals, Florence has its museums — but the Amalfi Coast? It's on a completely different playing field. This rugged, sun-soaked stretch of southern Italy has more in common with the Greek islands than its own northern counterparts.

For some travelers, the Amalfi Coast is the highlight of their entire Italy trip — and the views make it easy to see why. For others, the limited sights, cruise ship crowds, and steep prices make it a "glad I went, won't be back" kind of place.

I fall somewhere in the middle. I've spent two weeks on the Amalfi Coast across two separate trips, and while the prices are a bit painful compared to elsewhere in Italy, I still think everyone should visit at least once. There's something truly special about this place — and if you plan it right, you'll have a trip for the books.

If you want to make the most of your budget without feeling rushed, this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary hits the sweet spot. You'll have enough time to explore all the main towns, laze on the beach, take an all-day boat tour, visit Pompeii, and squeeze in a day on Capri.

In short, you've made a great decision adding this region to your trip. Follow this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, pay attention to the crowd tips, don't skimp on private tours, and you're set up for an unforgettable trip.

A few notes before we get started

Where to base yourself on the Amalfi Coast

This itinerary is built around Positano, the most popular base on the Amalfi Coast, and the priciest. That said, it earns its reputation. You'll find the most restaurants, bars, and cafes here, and it's hard to beat for convenience when it comes to buses, ferries, and tour departures.

If you're staying in Amalfi, Praiano, or another town along the coast, you can still follow this itinerary. The region is small, and the SITA bus connects most towns. For any tours that don't offer pickup outside of Positano, simply hop on the bus or grab a taxi.

On my first trip, I stayed in Praiano and enjoyed it, but it felt a bit secluded with limited restaurants and cafes. Unlike Positano, where you'll find everything you need within walking distance of your hotel, Praiano keeps your options pretty slim. Positano just has more going on.

One thing worth factoring into your decision: the Amalfi Coast has gotten crowded. Traffic is bad, buses fill up fast, and taxis are expensive. There's no guarantee you'll get on the first bus that comes along — sometimes you're waiting for the second or third. Positano costs more, but its central location means you'll spend less time waiting around and more time actually enjoying your trip.

My Positano and Praiano hotel recommendations are at the end of this post.

Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

Keep in mind that the Amalfi Coast is more about natural beauty, wandering the towns, enjoying beach time, and leisurely meals paired with spectacular views. This is not a place packed with sights, attractions, museums, mind-blowing cathedrals, etc.

What I'm trying to say is, this is not a Florence, Rome, Venice type vacation...though I'm assuming you already knew that.

That's half the fun of the Amalfi Coast — it's different!

Getting around and making use of tours and private cars

One thing you'll notice about this itinerary is that I recommend private tours and cars more than anywhere else I've covered on Abroad with Ash. If you've followed my other guides, you'll know I'm usually a public transportation person when traveling in Europe — but the Amalfi Coast is a different story.

Getting around here can be difficult. Traffic is bad, buses are tiny and packed, and a surprising amount of time gets swallowed up just waiting around.

My honest take? You've already come a long way to get here — don't let a cramped, stressful bus ride define your trip. Spend the extra money on private tours and cars. It goes against my "affordable travel" mindset, but I mean it.

The one exception is slow season — if you're visiting before May or after October, the buses become a more manageable option.

This map shows everything listed in this 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Click the icon in the top-left corner to view a list of each pinned location. Select the top-right button to enlarge the map (it will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

• Blue: day 1 - Positano
• Red: day 2 - Capri
• Purple: day 3 - Amalfi and Ravello
• Black: day 5 - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
• *day 4 isn't listed as that's a boat tour day

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 1

Spend the day in Positano and chill

Assuming you had a long travel day getting here, day 1 of your Amalfi Coast itinerary is going to be pretty chill.

Positano is the most photogenic town on the Amalfi Coast, and you'll want to experience it before the crowds move in. Head down to the beach early in the morning for those iconic shots of colorful buildings stacked straight up from the shoreline 

Once you've had your fill of photos, wander the town before the heat kicks in. The streets are charming and winding, and while you won't get lost (it's small), be prepared for a workout...everything here is steep.

Make your way up to Casa e Bottega for a healthy lunch, then take some time to browse the boutiques and squeeze in an espresso or gelato break (or three). Finish the afternoon in true Amalfi style by lounging on the beach.

In reality, there isn't much to do in Positano in terms of tourist sights and attractions. This is a place to slow down, appreciate the views, wander without an agenda, and bask in the sun.

For the beach, the sun beds and umbrellas are run by various restaurants and private companies. Restaurant L'Incanto is a great option — beds run €40–€50 for the day, and it's open 7:30 am to 8:00 pm. You'll have access to bathrooms, changing rooms, and WiFi, and you can reserve your spot online in advance and order food and drinks throughout the day.

AWA Tip #1: if Positano Spiaggia (Spiaggia is Italian for beach) is overly crowded, try neighboring Fornillo Spiaggia.

AWA Tip #2: Positano can become frustratingly crowded with the day trippers from Naples, Sorrento, etc. To beat the crowds, make sure to wander up and down the town first thing in the AM. Once the crowds arrive, use that time for the beach, a long lunch, etc. Don't save wandering and experiencing the town until the afternoon, because it won't be a good experience.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from once you've gotten your fill of beach time. Keep in mind, this is Positano...you are paying for the hype and views. Prices are a lot more expensive than Rome, Florence, etc. 

• Il Tridente Cocktail Bar and Restaurant - the most adorable terrace with jaw-dropping views. Great pasta and seafood. 
• Da Vincenzo - Michelin restaurant, excellent dessert, vongole pasta, and views.
• Da Gabrisa Restaurant & Wine Bar - a bit of a hike, but the views are worth it. Vegan and vegetarian options.
• Ristorante da Costantino - incredible views, good seafood pasta and pizza. It's a bit of a hike to get up here...but worth it as the views along the way are amazing.
• La Taverna del Leone - Michelin restaurant, option for tasting menu, amazing pizza and fresh seafood.
• Franco's Bar - stellar views...perfect for sunset (it may get busy). Prices are very expensive...€20+ for cocktails. Stick with beer or wine to save some money. 

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 2 

A day trip to Capri

Your second day on this 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary will be one to remember.

Visit the magical Blue Grotto, take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for breathtaking views, wander the town of Capri and window shop every luxury brand known to man, take a few gelato breaks (of course), and maybe do a boat tour around the island.

Don't forget to have your camera ready for both the ferry ride to Capri and back to Positano. You'll be rewarded with gorgeous views on both ends.

If you want an experience that leaves the planning to someone else and feels a bit more luxury, these tours have great reviews and they include all the musts.

• Day Trip to Capri from Positano - small group tour with 8 people max. This tour currently includes the Blue Grotto (entrance fee is extra), but I recommend confirming as this can change.
• Boat Excursion Capri Island: Small Group from Positano - 12 people max, though it doesn't go to THE Blue Grotto, it visits other grottos. This might be preferable if you're visiting during high season (late spring through early fall) as the wait for the Blue Grotto can be over an hour in the baking sun.

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 3

Visit two Amalfi Coast towns: Amalfi and Ravello

Today we will be visiting both Amalfi and Ravello.

You'll experience some incredible viewpoints, charming town squares, and winding lanes filled with little boutique shops and cafes.

How to get to Amalfi from Positano

You can get to Amalfi from Positano by ferry, taxi/car, or bus. 

The ferry (my preferred method) will take 25 minutes and costs €10 to €20. You can purchase tickets online beforehand or from the ticket office. Keep in mind that if you buy the day of, your preferred departure time might be sold out. I recommend purchasing in advance.

The SITA bus from Positano to Amalfi will take up to an hour. You cannot buy your tickets on board the bus. Many hotels sell bus tickets as an added convenience. If not, they can tell you the closest shop to purchase tickets (cafes, restaurants, Tabaccherie, and newspaper stands sell tickets).

A single ticket costs between €2.60 and €5.50. It would make the most sense to buy a COSTIERASITA 24-hour pass for €10 if you plan to use the bus for visiting Amalfi and Ravello. 

Keep in mind that buses can be tricky in high season as they are often full...which means you will need to wait for the next bus. It's also common for the buses to be crammed with most people standing.

It's not a very pleasant experience to say the least.

Your last option is to take a taxi. The ride will take 35 to 60 minutes, as traffic can be horrendous along the Amalfi Coast. Your hotel can help arrange a taxi. Be sure to confirm price before you leave. Expect around €120 for a taxi from Positano to Amalfi. 

I personally don't recommend renting a car. Between the traffic, winding turns, tour buses that take up the entire road, and limited/expensive parking, it just doesn't make sense and is a headache waiting to happen.

AWA Tip: to be completely honest, if this were my first time visiting the Amalfi Coast, I would just book a private tour or private car to visit Amalfi and Ravello. The bus/taxi situation can be stressful with how crowded this region has become, and it eats up precious time.

• Amalfi & Ravello Tour from Positano - private car service/tour with 2 hours in Amalfi and 2.5 hours in Ravello.
• Positano Car Service 
• My Positano Private Car

What to do in Amalfi

Plan on spending about 2 hours wandering Amalfi town.

Make a quick stop at the Cathedral. Tickets are €3. You can't miss it as there is a giant staircase leading up to the entrance of the Cathedral from the main square. Make this your first stop as lines can become quite long.

After the Cathedral, stop for a coffee and pastry at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi. The location can't be beat, in the heart of the main square and to the right of the Cathedral. Be sure to order a sfogliatelle, a specialty of the region.

Once you've had enough people watching and have finished your espresso, wander up the main road (Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi). It's the only road going up from the entrance of the Cathedral.

Feel free to wind through the side streets going off the main road...you can't go far as you'll either run into the cliffside or the little street will just stop. Browse through boutiques selling limoncello, ceramics, and white breezy shirts and dresses.

Use your Google Maps to walk 12 minutes to Atrani. Here you'll find a tiny little harbor town with a picturesque beach. Snap some pics, check out the beach and town square, and then return to Amalfi to take the bus (or taxi) to Ravello.

How to get to Ravello from Amalfi

If you're using the SITA bus system, return to the same bus stop you were dropped off at on arrival in Amalfi. The ride will take 15 minutes with departures every 15 to 30 minutes.

This bus route is extremely popular and crowded. It might make sense to pay up for a taxi here (another reason to arrive at Amalfi as early as possible...to beat the rush to Ravello). While the official tourism website lists €40 as the cab fare, it's well known that taxis charge more. Usually €80 to €90. Be sure to confirm the price before you get in. 

It's not uncommon for small groups of travelers to join together and share a cab, so don't be afraid to ask other travelers waiting around the bus stop if they would be interested in sharing.

What to do in Ravello

Ravello is a small hill town boasting incredible views (you're 1,000 above sea level...similar to Santorini). Here you'll visit another cathedral and visit one of the two well-known villas (doing both would be redundant).  

From the bus stop, walk to the Ravello Cathedral located in the main square. Pay €3 to enter and be sure to stop by the Chapel of St. Pantaleone the Healer. Inside the chapel is an ampoule of the saint's blood. It's said that the blood liquifies every year on July 27th, which is when St. Pantaleone was martyred.

After the Cathedral, walk 15 minutes to Villa Cimbrone. Now a luxury hotel, the gardens (built on the ruins of a monastery) are open to tourists. Buy your €10 ticket at the entrance of the gardens. Wander the gardens and admire the stunning views at the 360 Terrace.

Make your way back to the main square to catch the bus back to Amalfi. Or, if you brought sturdy shoes and are up for a hike, walk back down to Amalfi town from Villa Cimbrone (stopping at Atrani along the way). Plan on 45 minutes for the hike.

Once back in Amalfi Town, take the bus, ferry, or taxi/car back to Positano.

Your day trip to Ravello and Amalfi is complete! You should return to Positano with plenty of time to enjoy a sunset cocktail and dinner.

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 4

Ditch the crowds and take to the sea via boat tour

Including a boat tour on this 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary is a no-brainer. You are visiting one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe after all.

A private cruise, while expensive, will allow you to spend the day however you wish. Tell the skipper what you've already done and seen so you don't repeat any sights.

Since we've already explored Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, I would focus on spending time on the boat and admiring the views from the sea.

Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, discovering quiet coves and beaches...all the while having someone do the planning for you and making sure your prosecco glass is never empty.

• Amalfi Coast Private Boat Excursion from Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Minori or Maiori 
• Full-day Private Amalfi Coast Cruise from Positano 
• Private Full-Day Guided Boat Tour at the Amalfi Coast
• Amalfi Coast Private Boat Tour from Positano, Praiano or Amalfi

Group tour option:

• Group Boat Excursion on the Amalfi Coast - since you've already spent time in Amalfi Town, request the option with lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at a private beach.

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 5

Day trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

After spending a day on the water, it's now time to hit the road and visit the ruins of Pompeii with a trek to the top of Mount Vesuvius.

This is a day trip where it's easier to join a tour. Otherwise, if you go by public transportation, you'll have to take the bus to Sorrento (1 hour), then another bus to Pompeii (30 minutes), and yet another bus to Mount Vesuvius.

At that point, I would recommend either renting a car for the day (there are car parks at both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius) or hiring a private car for the day.

I personally recommend joining a tour to skip the headache.

• Private Tour: Day Trip Excursion to Mt. Vesuvius - Herculaneum - Pompeii - this private tour will pick you up in Positano (among other towns including Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, etc.). You have the option to add a guide, otherwise it will just be a driver.
• Skip-the-line Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Guided Tour From Positano - another private tour option.
• Naples or Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour - this group tour is easier on the budget, but departs from Sorrento (you'll have to either book a taxi or take the bus to/from Sorrento).
• Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Vesuvius small group - one of the few group tours that includes both Pompeii and Vesuvius that departs from the Amalfi Coast. Pay attention to which day you book as some days it's a bilingual tour. Also keep in mind, that with group tours that offer multiple pickups, you may be last to be dropped off, which makes for a long day.
• Enjoy Pompeii Ruins from Positano - a great half day option (4-5 hours). This small group tour visits Pompeii from Positano and does not include Mount Vesuvius.

Optional stop in Sorrento

There are plenty of tours that visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento (many more group tour options than from Positano). You could depart for Sorrento first thing in the morning, join a tour, and then have time to explore Sorrento on your own. 

If you choose to go this route, I recommend having your hotel book a taxi to Sorrento. It's a 30-minute drive from Positano to Sorrento. You could take the bus, but it's double the time, and it will be difficult to get there on time if your tour starts in the morning.

Or, rent a car/hire a private driver for the day.

I wouldn't go out of your way to see Sorrento...my personal opinion. If you've had enough of exploring small, coastal towns, there's nothing wrong with skipping Sorrento.

I will admit, these towns do start to feel a bit redundant by the end of your 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary. Plus, Sorrento doesn't have the charm of Positano or Amalfi.

My personal recommendation is to focus more on Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, which are one-of-a-kind experiences and a change of pace from what you've already seen along the Amalfi Coast.

Enjoy your final sunset and meal in Positano. I'm sure you'll be trying very hard to engrain those views in your brain like I was!

In summary

And there you have it! After spending two weeks in this region (over two trips), this is how I would recommend planning a 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary.

You get a bit of everything: exploring all the main towns, beach time, cruising the open sea, visiting the island of Capri, and getting a glimpse into ancient history with a visit to Pompeii.

I hope this post helps kick-start planning your Amalfi Coast itinerary!

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5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary | Things to do + Top Tours

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Come back after your trip! Share the highlights from your trip, and if you made any changes to this 5 day Amalfi Coast itinerary in the comments below.