Amalfi Coast Travel Itinerary: 4 Days Among Italy’s Prettiest Towns
A well-planned Amalfi Coast travel itinerary avoids the region’s biggest trap: trying to see too many towns in too little time along roads that are beautiful but slow. Four days is enough to properly experience Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, with time built in for a ferry crossing or two rather than constant road transfers. This guide covers where to base yourself, how to get between towns, and what each stop offers.
Amalfi Coast 4-Day Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and Positano | Settle in, explore Positano’s main beach and boutiques |
| 2 | Capri day trip | Ferry to Capri, Anacapri, Blue Grotto |
| 3 | Ravello and Amalfi | Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, Amalfi Cathedral |
| 4 | Path of the Gods or departure | Coastal hike, or onward travel |
Choosing a Base: Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento or Ravello
Positano is the most photographed town on the coast and the easiest to reach, which makes it the most popular base despite its steep staircases, particularly a consideration if you are travelling with luggage. Sorrento offers cheaper accommodation and easier transport connections, at the cost of being slightly further from the coast’s most famous towns. Ravello sits high above the sea and makes a memorable, quieter base, though its hilltop position makes it less practical for day-tripping to multiple towns. For a first visit, Positano remains the most straightforward choice.
Day 1: Arrival and Positano
Most visitors fly into Naples, then reach the coast by ferry, train and bus, or a private transfer. From Naples, a direct ferry to Positano runs from April to October and takes around 40 minutes, offering considerably better views than the coastal road. Once settled, spend the afternoon on Positano’s main beach, where the colourful cliffside village rises dramatically above the water, before wandering the narrow streets, particularly once the day-trip crowds thin out in the evening.
Day 2: Capri Day Trip
A short ferry ride, roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on your departure port, takes you to the island of Capri, known for its elegant piazzas, boutiques and the famous Blue Grotto sea cave. Many visitors find Anacapri, the island’s quieter upper town, more relaxed than the busier Capri Town itself, particularly during peak summer months.
Day 3: Ravello and Amalfi
Ravello and Amalfi can realistically be combined in a single day. In Ravello, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone offer some of the most striking garden views on the entire coast, looking directly out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to Amalfi itself for the cathedral and the town’s compact historic centre, and consider timing your visit to catch a ferry between the two towns rather than the winding SITA bus route, which can be slow and crowded in summer.
Day 4: Path of the Gods or Departure
For travellers staying a full four days, the Path of the Gods, a coastal hiking trail with sweeping sea views, is widely considered one of the best free activities on the entire coast. If your schedule is tighter, this final day can instead be used for the journey back to Naples for a flight home.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
| Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Amalfi to Positano (ferry) | 15-25 minutes | €9-10 |
| Positano to Capri (ferry) | ~30 minutes | ~€23, including Capri tax |
| Sorrento to Amalfi (SITA bus) | ~1.5 hours | €10 for 24-hour unlimited travel |
Ferries run from roughly April to October and offer far better views than the coast road, which is narrow, winding and often congested in peak season. Outside ferry season, buses and private transfers are the main options. Renting a car is generally not recommended for first-time visitors, since parking is scarce and the roads demand considerable local driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?
Three days covers the essentials, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, while four days allows a Capri day trip as well, without needing to rush between towns.
Is it better to drive or use ferries on the Amalfi Coast?
Ferries are generally recommended over driving for first-time visitors, since the coast road is narrow and slow, while ferries run frequently between April and October and offer better views of the coastline.
Which Amalfi Coast town is best to stay in for a first visit?
Positano is the most popular first-time base thanks to its central location and direct ferry connections, though Sorrento offers a cheaper and more practical alternative for travellers planning several day trips.
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About the author: The Stony Port editorial team researches destination guides and itineraries to help UK travellers plan with confidence.
