Every time I am in Italy, I get so many DMs requesting any and all travel tips I have. Decided it was time I start a travel series on the blog where I pick a spot in Italy, and map out a 7 day trip. Starting with a very popular destination for Italy newbies, a luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Why Amalfi Coast?
While getting there may seem a bit daunting, it is a truly magical place that is popular for a reason. It is a stretch of coastal cities and cute pastel beach towns, each with their own unique attributes. From Sorrento to Salerno, there are so many sights to see and dishes to eat. Below is a list of all the major sites to see, followed by an itinerary break down and recs on where to stay and eat.
Sorrento
Sorrento is probably the quietest of the big names on this coast. You have to take the ferry over to the other side of the Peninsula, but for what it lacks in main character energy, it makes up for in authentic Italian living. On my last trip to Amalfi, I stayed here in a vacation rental and loved it. We found an incredible sandwich shop we visited every day for lunch, explored the town square, and met so many kind people along the way.
If you are a history buff, you can also take a day trip to Pompeii with ease staying in Sorrento.
Capri
I can’t think about Capri without being devastated that we couldn’t go the last time we were there. My junior year of college I had to give a presentation in Italian 104 on a city I wanted to visit, and I chose Capri lol. The glowing waters of the Blue Grotto and Faraglioni were absolutely enchanting to me. It is such a gorgeous little island with incredible beach clubs, shopping (hello exclusive to Capri Prada raffia tote), and spritzes on spritzes. It is a MUST for a day trip if you’re staying on the mainland.
Positano
She is the icon, and there is a reason she is so dang popular from May to September. If traveling with your parents, make sure they’re prepared for the stairs, but otherwise this busy tourist attraction is incredible. Best seen at sunrise and sunset. Going to set this as our home base for first half of your trip.
Praiano
Praiano is a small town in between Positano and Amalfi. Like Sorrento, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay with a little less foot traffic, this place is for you. You can easily take the bus over to Positano (30 mins) and take the ferry from Positano to Capri or Sorrento. Make a res for dinner here.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a transport hub, so if you’re about convenience and ease of location, stay here. It also boasts Duomo di Sant’Andrea, one of Italy’s most beautiful churches, known for its unique black and white striped exterior.
Atrani
Atrani is probably one you may not have heard of, but this quaint little coastal town is perfect for an Eat, Pray, Love moment. It’s very close to both Amalfi and Ravello.
Ravello
Ah, Ravello. Home to one of my bucket list wedding venues, Villa Cimbrone. Manifesting a Villa Cimbrone wedding is what will bring me back to Amalfi very soon. Ravello is a resort town with gorgeous gardens, villas, and great food. For this to be a true luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary, we will stay here for the second half of the week.
Luxury Amalfi Coast Itinerary Day One: Arrive in Positano
Day One: Arrival in Positano via private transfer from Napoli. I would stay at Le Sirenuse. Not only for the views and the pool, but for the drool worthy breakfast. IYKYK, but my biggest travel tip for Europe is staying at hotels that offer breakfast. Some are better than others, but when I tell you it is the favorite part of my husband’s days in Italy I mean it. The best spreads, the freshest bites, everything is just immaculate.
Day One, Chill Evening at the Hotel: If you’re tired from the travel day and don’t want to venture outside the hotel, you’ve hit the jackpot here. Spend the day at the pool, then hit up the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. La Sponda at Le Sirenuse is one of the best restaurants in Positano, has the best views, AND has a Michelin Star.
Day Two: Explore Positano
Day Two, Explore Positano City, Enjoy the beach: Yes it is touristy but Positano had some of the best gift shops and ceramic artists I’ve seen. Amalfi is known for its lemons, so you’re going to see a ton of lemon inspired gifts and trinkets. I like to collect magnets when I travel, and the one I bought in Positano is still one of my favorites to this day. Spend the day wandering though shops, walk in for lunch at Posides, take pay 20 euro for a chair on the beach and take in some sun and sea. If the beach isn’t your vibe, check out some ceramics classes. I would recommend dinner at Da Vicenzo. Make a res a few weeks prior to your trip. It is that good.
Day Three: Day Trip to Capri
Day Three, Day Trip to Capri: Take the ferry for 30 euro or make day three be your private yacht day. Noting that if you do arrange for a private boat day that not all of them are big enough to make the trip to Capri if there is inclimate weather. When we did this, it rained the day before our planned boat day, so we ended up having to stay close to shore because the water was too choppy. I have never experienced water so choppy in my life, and when I tell you I would have rather swam back to shore I mean it. I had sea legs until I fell asleep that night.
If you are like me, I like to sprinkle in tours and activities throughout every trip. I would definitely recommend a Blue Grotto Tour in Capri. For those not cool with tight spaces, you can swim around the grotto instead of taking the boat in.
Restaurant Recs:
Ristorante da Gemma
Ristorante Pulalli
Lo Sfizio
Al Grottino
Beach Club Recs:
Lido Del Faro
Luigi Da Faraglioni
La Fontelina
Bagni Internazionale
Day Four: Day Trip to Sorrento, then head to Ravello
Day Four, Sorrento: Take the ferry to Sorrento after breakfast. Walk the Marina Grande, explore the town. Get lunch at O’Parrucchiano or a sandwich at A’Marenna. Other restaurant recs for Sorrento:
Pizzeria Tasso
Bagni Delfino
Ibisco Garden
After lunch, I’d recommend heading taking a cooking class as they are an amazing way to immerse yourself into the food and culture of a city. My husband and I took an arancini making class in Taormina and we talk about it often. I highly recommend looking through Get Your Guide for a highly reviewed/rated class. It is an experience you won’t forget.
If you opt to skip Sorrento, I would recommend a trip to Praiano. Or, there is an infamous cooking class at La Tagliata that you cannot miss. You’ve probably seen it on Positano tiktok, but it starts at 10am and ends at 3pm. You harvest their farm’s veggies and make a full family style lunch complete with antipasto, primi piatti and dessert.
At this point, I would probably recommend packing my bags (if you want to stay past check out time, most hotels will hold your bags until you’re ready) and head to Ravello or Amalfi. My dream would be the Caruso in Ravello or Villa Cimbrone, but would settle for Palazzo Pascal or Palazzo Confalone
Day Five: Ravello
Day Five, Ravello: If I wasn’t staying at Villa Cimbrone, I would likely spend my post-breakfast walk here, exploring their gardens. I would then head to Piazza Centrale and check out the Duomo di Ravello, which dates back almost 1000 years. Following a light lunch, I would then make my way through shops before heading to the sculpture garden at Villa Rufolo before a late afternoon spritz at the hotel pool.
For dinner, I would head to Scala for Da Lorenzo, a Michelin guide favorite.
Day Six: Amalfi
Day Six, Amalfi: For our last full day on the Amalfi Coast, where better to spend it than Amalfi. Stroll through the Piazza, visit Duomo di Sant’Andrea, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this gorgeous town. Food recs: Agricola Fore Porta, CICA Pesceria, Cioccolato Andrea Pansa, Donna Stella Pizzeria. Head back to Ravello for your last meal on the coast.
Day Seven: A pizza tour in Napoli
Day Seven, Napoli: People hate on Naples, but they need to put some respect on the pizza capital of the world. I would travel from Amalfi to Naples via private transfer, and go on a quick pizza tour (self-directed) before heading to my next destination. Start off at Da Michele if you want what is considered world renowned (there will be a wait, but it moves quick), then head to Gino e Toto Sorbillo, and if you have the time for sit down, 50 Kalo to finish. If you don’t want to spend the night, I would take a train to your next stop, or to whatever airport you’re flying out of next.
Travel Tips from a Pro
- Set a loose itinerary but don’t jam pack it. Live a little la dolce far niente. Take your time at lunch and dinner, don’t rush for a check, slow down a little. If you don’t move a little slower on vacation, especially in Italy, it’ll feel more like a school field trip and less like a luxurious get away.
- Carry Euros. Order ahead of time at home from your bank. You’ll get a better conversion and minimal fees.
- Make dinner reservations ahead of time if you’re traveling in high season, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
- If traveling with a group, private transfer is the move. It is cost effective, too.
- General rule of thumb is to avoid restaurants near the water/high traffic tourist spots. The food is usually average and the prices are usually high.
- Do a little research ahead of time! No need to be type A, but it helps a ton when you have a few restaurants on your radar and sights to see.
- If you don’t know Italian, try to use some greetings/please/thank you at bare minimum. If a maitre d’ says buona sera or buon giorno, say it back! Use grazie (grah-zee-eh) whenever a dish is brought to you or you’re given change. The smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.
Final Thoughts on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a huge tourist destination from May through early September. If you truly want a more local experience, travel in the off season. But if you want the hot Italian sunshine on your face as you jump into the sea, who cares if you have to fight a few crowds to do it?
And with that, hope you found this luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary helpful! Where should we go next?
Ciao!!
Arielle
