Are you looking for the best itinerary for the Amalfi Coast? We have the perfect 3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary for you!
The Amalfi Coast is popular summer destination, but it is an amazing place to visit year round! So let me be your Amalfi Coast trip planner, and help you with what to do with 3 days in the Amalfi Coast!
I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring the small towns along the coast, the AMAZING beaches, shopping at the local boutiques, taking a boat tour or two, and enjoying fresh pasta and seafood!
The Ultimate 3 days in Amalfi Coast itinerary
Day 1 : Positano
On your first of your 3 days in the Amalfi Coast, will start in the picturesque town of Positano. This “village” is known of its hillside of colorful buildings perched over the ocean and is the perfect place to relax and get acquainted with the region.
Stop 1: Breakfast 8:30 am
There is nothing I enjoy more than my first morning in the Amalfi Coast than starting with a leisurely breakfast at my hotel.
Popular restaurants in Positano for Breakfast:
- Case e Bottega – known for egg dishes
- Gran Caffe – pastries and coffee
- Collina – bakery
- Posides – delicious food with views
Stop 2: Beach Club 9:30 am
After breakfast, my next stop is always the beach! There are so MANY amazing beaches on the Amalfi Coast! Make sure you have reserved your chairs ahead of time if heading to a beach club.
I prefer a beach club for the bathrooms, changing rooms, and ordering food and drinks. If you don’t want to head to a beach club, just head to the public area of the Positano main beach.
There is something about swimming in the warm water, overlooking the town perched above. You have no doubt seen this image all over social media and blogs! Whether it is your first time to Amalfi Coast or not, you have to visit the main beach in Positano!
Stop 3 : Lunch 12:30 pm
For those who choose to visit a beach club, I personally choose to eat at the beach club. They offer amazing dishes, and let you optimize your time, especially on a 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary!
However, if you prefer to leave the beach I would dine at the hidden gem friends recommended called Valle fri Mullini. Or Da Ferdinando. This is a great option for those of you heading to the next stop of the day at Fornillo Beach!
Stop 4 : Explore Town and Shop 1:30 pm
After lunch, take the 15-20 minute walk to less touristy Fornillo. This is one of my favorite villages on the Amalfi coast. It is more relaxed, and the beach. If you want to start at this beach, the chair rental is considerably less than the cost of Positano main beach.
For those looking to just enjoy Positano, it is the place to shop for leather goods, especially handmade sandals! Enjoy some gelato on your stroll.
Stop 5 : Sunset drinks – Franco’s Bar or Sunset Cruise 7:30 pm
After a full day at the beach, if you are looking for a lively atmosphere, head to Franco’s Bar. Located in the iconic, Sirenuse hotel, the drinks are pricey (starting at 20 euros) but the view and vibes are stunning. It is always a good time.
If you want to do something more special, why not take a sunset cruise. This 1.5-hour tour will show you the coastline as the sunsets over the ocean.
Click here to book : From Positano: Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise
Click here to book: 1h 30 min Private Sunset Cruise
Stop 6 : Dinner 8:30 pm
Please remember that reservations are necessary, especially in the high season. Most visitors choose to dine around 8 pm or after! My suggestion is Luna, or Sacacerno d’Oro.
If you are spending the afternoon at a beach club, I suggest visiting Da Adolfo and staying for dinner! It is just a short boat ride from the main pier.
- Luna is high-end dining known for local seafood! Try the octopus!
- Sacaccerno d’Oro has amazing wood-fired pizza ( I think it’s the best in the area!)
- Da Adolofo – take a boat for spectacular seafood and fresh pasta
Day 2: Amalfi ( largest and flattest town) and Ravello (highest town)
Ravello is the highest town in the Amalfi region, perched on the top of the mountain, giving stunning views over the sea. It is also a protected cat colony! Visiting other towns on the Amalfi Coast in 3 days is a great option for day 2! For those who want to take the guess work out of what to do, I suggest booking Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Sharing Tour!
You can either take the bus (check the bus schedule), or walk to the town depending on where you are staying!
Stop 1 : Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone 9 am
Option A Villa Rufolo: One of two famous villas in the town, and a must on your 3-day itinerary for Amalfi Coast. Located in the center of town, it overlooks the famous Piazza Vescovado. Amazing views, blooming flowers and designed terraces. There is also a museum you can visit here! The gardens cost 6 euros to visit.
Option B Villa Cimbrone: The second most famous villa, and I prefer the villa and garden better here. The outdoor terrace is stunning, and it is a must on your list of things to do in Amalfi Coast! Called the Terrace of Infinity you will see why on your visit! Don’t forget to stroll through the seaside gardens keeping a lookout for sculptures and cloisters. The villa costs just 7 euros to visit.
Stop 2 : Visit town 11 Am
I love leisurely shopping in the town. It is one of my favorite places to shop for ceramics. I purchased a set of bowls, and they remind me of my trip here! You can visit the Limoncello factory to try all the flavors! I would suggest eating lunch at anywhere you have been able to snag a reservation, or have a picnic-style lunch!
Click here to book : Amalfi: Limoncello Factory Visit with Instructor and Tasting
Stop 3: Explore Amalfi Town 12 pm
After lunch, you will head to the town of Amalfi. Where I suggest a visit to the square and a stroll through the narrow streets filled with shops and cafes.
Finally, visit the Duomo di Amalfi, one of the can’t-miss things to do on the Amalfi Coast. The Roman Catholic Cathedral is known for its famous staircase leading up the cathedral.
Stop 4 : Afternoon Treat 1:30 pm
One of the most popular things to do in Amalfi is grab the lemon sorbet or lemon gelato served out of a lemon at Margo Del Gelo! You will choose your lemon, then fill it with either lemon sorbet or gelato, as delicious as it is fun!
If you are not in the mood for sorbet or gelato, order the lemon cake or lemon lobster tail at the bakery of Delizia al Limone!
Stop 5 : Beach 1:45 pm
Marina Grande is the main beach in Amalfi, however, if you walk a little further you will find less crowded and less expensive beaches! It just depends on the vibe you are after. There is also a free section of the beach here. It is easy to spot the main beach as it is across from the Piazza Duomo! I like to visit as many beaches as possible on my 3-day itinerary for Amalfi Coast!
Stop 6 : Dinner 8 pm
For dinner on your second night, I suggest dining at a beachside restaurant with a terrace overlooking the water. A magical end to your evening! Dinner a Ristorante Bella Sista sul Mare in Ravello has amazing seafood pasta.
Ristorante L’Abside is known for its seafood dishes and lively atmosphere. Cuoppo d’Amalfi is a cheap but delicious option for fried food served on a stick. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path for dinner you itinerary for the Amalfi Coast in three days!
Day 3 – Capri
On the last day of your itinerary for the Amalfi Coast in three days, it starts with a quick ferry ride to the island of Capri. Capri shines as one of the best Italian islands.
You can take a day trip leaving from the town you are staying in. These all-day boat tours will explore Capri from the sea, with stops a the famous Blue Grotto, Faraglioni rocks, and more!
Stop 1: Ferry Ride 8 Am
Once you arrive on the island, I think you should explore the main town, and perhaps even choose to eat breakfast here. It is best to grab an early morning ferry ride. The colorful seaside town is the perfect place to start your morning.
I like to grab a coffee and pastry to start my morning off in Capri!
If you would like to take a boat tour in Capri, here are several amazing tours that include everything!
Click here to book : From Capri: Blue Grotto, Capri and Anacapri Guided Tour
Click here to book : Island Boat Tour with Free Time in Capri Town
Stop 2 : Monte Solero Chairlift 9:30 am
After you are down exploring the town, if the weather is nice you have to take the Monte Solaro Chairlift for an amazing view of the island. This funicular ( or chairlift) offers 360-degree views as you ascend to the coastline in Anacapri.
Click here to book : Explore Capri with Chairlift Experience
Click here to book : Monte Solaro Tour with Chairlift and Food Tasting
Stop 3 : Augusto Gardens 10 am
Before heading to the beach, make a quick visit to Augusto Gardens, they cost just one euro and are one of the best/cheapest things to see in Amalfi Coast in 3 days. There is something special about the gardens in this part of Italy.
Stop 4 : Beach / Beach Club 11 am
On the last day of your trip, I suggest a visit to one of the island’s beach clubs. Just remember to book your tickets ahead of time. The beach clubs, like most things on the island, will be more expensive.
I love the idea of spending the afternoon into the evening at the beach club in Capri. Just make sure you have booked your evening ferry back to the mainland.
Stop 5 : Dinner 7 pm
For those not on a budget, I would enjoy dinner in Capri, or for those with early morning departure head back to the town you are staying in and have an early dinner!
Da Luigi or La Fontalina for dinner would be my suggestion for Capri!
What to do with 5 days on the Amalfi Coast
Now for those with 5 days in the Amalfi coast, you can slow this itinerary down, and visit more beaches, and more of the small towns.
This is the perfect time to make day trips from the Amalfi Coast!
- Visit Aratrani, known for its pebble beaches
- Or Priano, the smallest of the towns known for its caves. A great option to book Praiano: Amalfi Coast & Caves Speedboat Tour
- Fiordo di Furore -visit the beach under the bridge
If you feel comfortable driving a scooter on winding roads, I had a great time on a guided scooter tour around the coast. Like this Full-Day Private Amalfi Coast Vespa Tour!
For adventures and hikers, I recommend hiking the Path of the Gods. This is a moderate hike and tons of stairs that take 3 to 5 hours to complete depending on the route taken! Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour can be booked!
What to do with 7 days on the Amalfi Coast
With 7 days in the Amalfi coast, I would add on everything I would build upon what to do with 5 days, but also add a stop to the following towns:
- Sorrento – The largest town on the Amalfi Coast why not book a Coast Scenic Full-Day Drive Tour? or a Full-Day Trip by Boat tour!
- Maiori – known for its beaches and lemons, I suggest booking a Path of Lemons Day Trip with Tastings
- ancient city of Pompeii – a must if you have extra time! book your Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry here!
I would also recommend adding a day in either Naples or Rome ( depending on your departure/arrival city), a boat tour or two, and even an Italian cooking class where you can learn to make Fresh Pasta, Mozzarella, & Tiramisu !
Getting To And Around The Amalfi Coast
Getting to and around the Amalfi Coast can be confusing and overwhelming at first! But rest assured, with some pre-planning it will take all the stress out of your trip!
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples, approximately 40 miles north, however, many visitors also fly into Rome to start their trip.
From the airports, for those not renting a car ( my preferred method of transportation to the Amalfi coast for freedom, just don’t make these mistakes) you will continue your journey either via bus or train.
For those traveling from Naples:
- Option A: take the bus (Currei bus about $10) to Sorrento or you can opt for the train to Sorrento from the central train station ( Naples Central). After arriving in Sorrento, you will switch to the Sita Bus that runs down to the Amalfi coast ( this takes about 45 mins).
- Option B: Ferry from Naples to Sorrento, or Positano or Capri.
For those traveling from Rome
- take the train to Sorrento and then transfer to the Sita Bus. This journey takes about 4 hours.
Traveling on the Amalfi Coast
- There are two Sita bus routes: the first from Sorrento to Positano to Amalfi, and the second ( for those staying south) from Amalfi to Salerno!
- buy a day pass or a single journey that is timed! Don’t forget to validate your tickets when you get on the bus.
- Ferry from Salerno, Capri or Sorrento, the ferry runs on a time table and it costs about $15
- Rental Car and or book tours using transportation
- Taxis are available Uber is not!
- walk between the tops of the footpaths along the sea!
Where to stay on your Amalfi coast itinerary
Checkout our guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast for a more detailed list of options!
Hotel Savoia – Positano
Hotel Savoia is centrally located in the town of Positano And it’s just a five-minute walk from the beach! Each room has TV and AC, vaulted ceilings and either a terrace or balcony! If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced hotel with charm and good beach access this is a great option!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Hotel Convento Di Amalfi – Amalfi Town
Hotel Convento Di Amalfi was a 13-century monastery that has been converted into a luxury hotel. Situated on the clifftop with spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast! The hotel features an infinity pool, with all rooms having a sea views!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Alcione Residence – Positano
Alcione Residence is our favorite hotel in Positano. This budget hotel is not without charm! Just a ten-minute walk from the beach, and all the rooms have tiled floors, many with balconies or private traces, bright colors, TVs and tea/coffee ingredients. For those traveling with a group or family they also have apartment style rooms.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Where to eat in the Amalfi Coast
Ristorante Bella Sista sul Mare (Ravello)
Located in Ravello, Ristorante Bella Sista Sul Mare is known for serving delicious seafood pasta dishes! Plus the views from the outdoor terrace are stunning!
Ristorante Da Adolfo Di Bella Sergio (Positano)
Located in Positano, you must take a complimentary boat ride to get there from the main dock in Positano and reservations are mandatory! Some of the freshest seafood I ate on my past trip. Try the octopus, grilled prawns, whole fish!
Ristorante Da Costantino ( Positano)
As I will mention in my tips section, this restaurant offers complimentary car service for those dining. Located on the top of the hill in Positano, it is known for its traditional pasta an seafood dishes. Being family owned, it is less pricey for better food and atmosphere than more popular restaurants in my opinion! The pizza, pasta, and seafood were all delicious.
Insider Tips For your First Time In The Amalfi Coast
Difficult to get there
While those hotels you see look super picturesque, make sure if you are staying on top of towns where most of the high-end hotels are located ( think 160 steps ) pay a porter at the dock to take your luggage to the top!
Book Everything In Advance
Beach Clubs, Chairs, restaurants, tours, etc. We suggest using getyourguide, and visiting restaurants websites, and beach club website to make reservations direct!
Restaurants Ask if they have a driver
Many popular upscale restaurants at the top of Positano – restaurants have a car that will pick you up. I learned this last trip, and it was honestly such a lifesaver, money saver, and feet saver.
Stairs – pack comfy shoes
SOOOO many stairs, pack comfortable shoes, and pack light!
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