Renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and colourful villages that are as rich in history and culture as the cliffs around them are tall, a visit to the Amalfi Coast is the trip of a lifetime. There’s one mistake many visitors tend to make every time – they never visit for more than a day or two. Rushing to pack everything in, they never have time to really enjoy and indulge in what makes this place so special.
But not you. You’re taking it slow and planning for over a week of sun-kissed fun, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. To help you realise this memorable adventure, the experts here at Plum Guide have put together the ultimate Amalfi Coast itinerary for 10 days.
Day 1: Start off in Sorrento
Small, multi-coloured fishing boats at the harbour Marina Grande, Sorrento
Given Sorrento’s great transport connections (the nearest airport is Napoli Capodichino which has regular buses to Sorrento, as well as ferries and trains from Napoli itself), this is the best place to kick off your Amalfi Coast itinerary for 10 days.
Spend your first day getting to know the beautiful old town. Tucked along the charming, winding lanes are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and outdoor market stalls playing host to a lively atmosphere. Bring your camera and keep your eyes peeled for pretty historical buildings such as the Cloister of San Francesco, the Cathedral and Bell Tower and the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. The views from Villa Comunale are stunning, while Piazza Tasso or Marina Grande make for a great place to people-watch with a glass of wine.
Somewhere in the Stars, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
Speaking of drinks, be sure to taste some ice-cold limoncello, a liqueur made from lemon peels. It's always been made with Femminello St. Teresa lemons, a variety native to the Sorrento peninsula and famous around the world. You can pick up a bottle (or three) from Limonoro, which has been producing the stuff since 1905. You can even watch them make it at the back of the store.
Day 2: Step back in time at Pompeii
Pompeii's Temple of Jupiter ruins on foggy day, with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Amalfi Coast
Spying Mount Vesuvius in the distance is your first clue that Sorrento is perfectly situated for a day trip to Pompeii. In case you’re struggling to recall those afternoon history lessons in school, Pompeii was frozen in time when the volcano erupted in 79 AD, burying it in ash and pumice. Somewhat gruesomely, you can now visit the town and take a step back in time, seeing how people lived 2,000 years ago and exactly what they were up to at the time of eruption – including the city brothel with its explicit frescoes.
Day 3: Head to pretty Positano
View of cliff-side homes, sea, and Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, Sorrento
Moving on from Sorrento, enter the Amalfi Coast proper with a few days in Positano, one of the region’s most popular towns. Chances are, you've seen pictures of Positano. It's a place that’s appeared on a million postcards and computer desktops worldwide.
Spend your morning out on the water with a kayaking tour, one of the more unique ways to see the Amalfi Coast. You’ll find yourself gawping at the views as you paddle out to a private little beach for lunch and a swim, before heading back via dazzling coves.
Villa Rosa, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
All that paddling earns you the rest of the day off, so relax on the famous Spiaggia Grande. It’s a great place to grab a sunbed before you have another dip in the refreshingly clear turquoise waters – although it can get busy. If you’re looking to dodge the crowds, Fornillo Beach is a quieter alternative, just a ten-minute walk away.
As the day draws to an end, indulge in a sunset aperitivo overlooking that postcard view of Mediterranean cliffs dotted with Positano’s colourful villas. For the best alfresco views, head to either Aldo’s Cocktail Bar and Seafood Grill or Franco’s Bar.
Day 4: Trek the Path of the Gods
The rocky hiking trail Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) with views of the sea and mountains, Amalfi Coast
Don your best walking shoes because today, you’ll be hiking the Path of the Gods. Yes, you’re on holiday, but a little exercise never hurts anyone – and trust us, this one’s worth it.
Make your way to the town of Bomerano, where you’ll find the start of the trailhead. From here, you can hike around 6.5 kilometres to Nocelle. It takes between two and three hours and can be considered an easy to moderate walk. Be sure to bring a camera because you’ll see why it’s one of Italy’s most famous hikes. The views stretch for miles – they're some of the finest in the entire region. In Nocelle, stop for a limoncello before continuing back to Positano for a well-deserved dinner at Rada Beach Bistrot.
Day 5: Book a boat tour
Furore Fjord and bridge, built between high rocky cliffs above the blue sea, Amalfi Coast
We’re halfway through your Amalfi Coast itinerary for 10 days and there’s no better way to spend it than on a private boat tour. While we don’t doubt your kayaking abilities, chances are you couldn’t cover that much distance from Positano. With a private boat tour, you can zip up and down the Amalfi Coast with an itinerary tailored to suit your needs.
As you sip Prosecco on the deck, catch your first glimpse of Amalfi and Atrani, before marvelling at the wonders of Grotta dello Smeraldo. In this sea cave, sunlight filters through the turquoise waters, creating an ethereal emerald light. With a private boat, you can also visit small coves and beaches that are hard to reach on land. One of our favourites is Fiordo di Furore, a particularly dramatic cove nestled between two cliffs, with a stunning bridge crossing between the two sides. In our experience, Luxury Boats Positano are a great company to book for this sort of adventure.
Day 6: Take the ferry to Capri
Colourful tourist street with restaurants in Capri, Sorrento
The sixth day calls for some luxury. Jump on the thirty-minute ferry from Positano to the luxurious island of Capri. Keep your eyes peeled for A-listers, as this green, rugged rock in the Gulf of Naples has long been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous.
Most visitors tend to visit for the day, but because you have the time, you can stay overnight to make the most of the island. On arrival in Capri, hop on a boat tour, taking in the stunning natural beauty like Arco Naturale, Tiberius’ Leap, the Faraglioni Rocks, Grotta Azzurra and the Punta Carena Lighthouse.
The Garden of Paradise, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the charming town of Capri, wandering along the narrow streets and people-watching at the Piazzetta. When strolling Via Camerelle, you’ll find high-end luxury shops like Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and perhaps the odd celebrity, too.
Day 7: Visit Anacapri to admire the views
Panorama of Capri Island from Mount Solaro, with marble statue in the foreground, Amalfi Coast
On your second day in Capri, start the morning by hiking down to Arco Naturale. Although you’ve seen it on yesterday’s boat trip, the views from up top are a different kind of special. Continuing with the theme of glorious views, head to the town of Anacapri for a thirteen-minute chairlift journey up to Mount Solero. Being the highest point on the island, it goes without saying that the panoramas are incredible.
Take the afternoon to explore Anacapri itself. It offers a more local and rural side to the island, away from the tourists, glitz and glamour. There are some marvellous villas in this area, with Villa San Michele being the highlight.
Day 8: Cruise down Amalfi Drive
Coastal road between Maiori and Minori, Amalfi Coast
Pack your bags, head back to Positano on the mainland and begin a road trip along the famous Amalfi Drive to the town of Amalfi. This road is one of the very best in Italy, clinging to dramatic cliffs with the dazzling Mediterranean below. En route, swing by some of the prettiest towns in the region, like Praiano and Conca dei Marini. For those looking for something truly memorable, you can rent a Vespa or classic vintage car. Do bear in mind that the road is incredibly narrow, so experienced drivers are a must.
Day 9: Sightsee in Amalfi and Atrani
Village of Atrani perched above the sea and sandy beach, Amalfi Coast
Spend your morning sightseeing in Amalfi. Wander among the many tiny alleyways and medieval courtyards. Make sure to call in at the Amalfi Cathedral – it’s a wonderful piece of architecture and entry is free. After a tour, browse the town's many boutiques for souvenirs.
Raffone, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
In the afternoon, take a ten-minute walk around the headland to the town of Atrani. It’s a very laid-back place and provides an insight into the local Italian lifestyle. End the day on the beach, where you can chill out on the sunbeds, which you can hire along with umbrellas.
Day 10: Wrap up your tour in Salerno
Panoramic view of Salerno's cityscape, harbour and the Gulf of Salerno, Amalfi Coast
It’s almost time to wave arrivederci to the Amalfi Coast. Day 10 is your final day in this gorgeous stretch of Italy, so make it memorable with a visit to Ravello. This historic town is perched high on the cliffs with mesmerising panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea. Head to the iconic Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century to host banquets for kings and nobility. That’s no surprise, given the beauty of its gardens and backdrop below. If you’re visiting in the summer, you won’t find banquets for royalty, but the villa does host performances as part of the Ravello Festival featuring music, dance and theatre.
Finish your trip in Salerno. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well known for its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks. A sunset here on the promenade with a sea breeze, deliciously fresh seafood and one last limoncello seems the best way to draw things to a close.
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