5 days in Amalfi Coast

Day by day

1. Day 1: Positano and Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo beach

   Positano and Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo beach and Amalfi Cathedral and Cloister of Paradise, then Terrace of Infinity in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Positano and Spiaggia Grande

      Get off the bus at the upper Chiesa Nuova stop and walk downhill through town to the beach, then leave by ferry to avoid the climb back up. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Fornillo beach

      Arrive early for a spot on the free section, or rent loungers from a beach club that also serves simple lunches. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Limoncello

      Offered after meals in many restaurants and sold in Amalfi and Positano; small producers often offer tastings.

   4. Afternoon

      Amalfi Cathedral and Cloister of Paradise

      Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, before and after the day-trip boats and buses. (1 hour, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Terrace of Infinity

      Stand among the marble busts on Villa Cimbrone's belvedere in Ravello, high above the Gulf of Salerno.

2. Day 2: Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) and Villa Rufolo

   Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), Villa Rufolo and Boat trip along the coast, then Sunset by boat in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

      Start early to avoid the midday heat, wear proper shoes and carry water; there is little shade and few places to refill. (3–4 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Villa Rufolo

      Visit late in the afternoon, when the light falls across the tower and terraces and tour groups thin out. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Delizia al limone

      Pastry shops in Amalfi, Minori and Maiori and most restaurant dessert menus.

   4. Afternoon

      Boat trip along the coast

      A shared half-day trip on a small wooden gozzo gives swimming stops without the cost of a private charter; trips are cancelled when the sea is rough. (3–8 hours, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Sunset by boat

      Charter a small boat for the evening and watch the sun go down over Capri from the water off Positano or Praiano.

3. Day 3: Villa Cimbrone and the Terrace of Infinity and Fiordo di Furore

   Villa Cimbrone and the Terrace of Infinity, Fiordo di Furore and Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo), then Concert in Ravello in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Villa Cimbrone and the Terrace of Infinity

      Walk out to the terrace first, then explore the quieter lower paths; late afternoon brings the softest light. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Fiordo di Furore

      There is almost no parking at the bridge, so come by SITA bus or by boat. (1 hour, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare

      Seafood restaurants in every town; it is a signature dish of Amalfi and Positano.

   4. Afternoon

      Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

      The colour is strongest around midday on sunny days; on rough-sea days, visits can be suspended. (1 hour, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Concert in Ravello

      Hear a summer concert on the stage built out over the cliffs at Villa Rufolo.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Capri

   About 30–60 minutes by ferry each way. Getting there: Seasonal ferry from Positano or Amalfi.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Capri

      About 30–60 minutes by ferry (Seasonal ferry from Positano or Amalfi); about 35 km.

   2. Day

      Capri

      The island of Capri, across the water from Positano, has the Faraglioni sea stacks, the Blue Grotto, the Gardens of Augustus and the hilltop village of Anacapri with its chairlift up Monte Solaro. Best for couples and first-timers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Amalfi Coast

      Dinner: try Colatura di alici.

5. Day 5: Valle delle Ferriere and Museo della Carta (Paper Museum)

   Valle delle Ferriere, Museo della Carta (Paper Museum) and Arsenals of the Amalfi Republic, then Dinner in Atrani in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Valle delle Ferriere

      Save it for a hot day: the valley stays cool and shady, unlike the exposed coastal paths. (2–3 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Museo della Carta (Paper Museum)

      Ask about the hands-on paper-making session, which children enjoy, and buy Amalfi paper in the shop. (45 minutes, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Colatura di alici

      Trattorie in Cetara and restaurants along the coast; spaghetti with colatura is a Christmas Eve tradition.

   4. Afternoon

      Arsenals of the Amalfi Republic

      It makes a short, shaded stop when the midday sun is strong, a few steps from the seafront bus and ferry area. (30–45 minutes, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Dinner in Atrani

      Eat in Atrani's tiny piazza after the crowds have left neighbouring Amalfi.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Amalfi keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Positano ($$$$) suits couples, luxury and beach. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 20–30 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.3 hours in December to 15.1 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Amalfi Coast
• 2 days in Amalfi Coast
• 3 days in Amalfi Coast

Questions travellers ask