When you think of a seaside getaway in Italy, you'll most likely picture dazzling blue seas, orange parasol-dotted coves and colourful houses that look like they've just popped out of a storybook. Well, that's exactly what the Amalfi Coast is like. This 50-kilometre stretch of coastline is one of southern Italy's finest destinations. Here at Plum Guide, our travel experts have been working hard to put together the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary for 5 days (lots of limoncello and pasta were involved in the research). Ready to plan your trip? Keep reading for more.
Day 1: Start things off in Positano
Aerial view of Positano and sea on sunny day with beautiful architecture, Amalfi Coast
The best place to begin your jaunt along the Amalfi Coast is in Positano, one of its most famous (and most photographed) towns. This is where brightly painted houses tumble down the cliffside, and glistening blue waters are backed by lush green hills.
One of our favourite angles of Positano is looking inland from the water. Take your sightseeing to the sea with a kayaking tour, and paddle along the coast while admiring the views of the town. You can even explore the hidden coves and empty beaches only accessible from the water.
Stuccoes & Frescoes, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
If you're looking for something a little easier on the muscles, how about a boat tour instead? There are many boat tour companies, but we recommend Luxury Boats Positano. They have a range of sleek options, from large boats for groups of friends to smaller ones perfect for couples on a romantic getaway. Be sure to stop at Grotta dello Smeraldo – the emerald glow comes from the way the sunlight passes through the turquoise sea, giving the cave its name.
On your return back to Positano, freshen up and treat yourself to an aperitivo overlooking the sun setting behind the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. There are numerous seaview bars in town – Franco's Bar or Aldo's Cocktail Bar are our go-to's.
Day 2: Visit Capri or hike the Path of the Gods
Marina Grande on Capri Island, with boats, yachts, street cafes and restaurant terraces, Amalfi Coast
For the second day of your Amalfi Coast itinerary for 5 days, we’re giving you two choices. The first option is to take on the iconic Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods. This is one of Italy’s most spectacular trails, and not one for keen hikers to miss. The trailhead starts in Bomerano, around an hour’s drive from Positano. Walk through the stunning Mediterranean scrub, following the path through hillside villages and over jaw-dropping clifftops. The trail is approximately 6.5 kilometres long and takes between two to three hours – although, if you're like us, you may find yourself stopping quite often to take photos of the panoramas. The hike ends in sleepy Nocelle, where you can stop for an ice-cold drink before making your way back down to Positano.
Villa Dirupo, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
The second option is to take a day trip to the island of Capri, just a thirty-minute ferry ride from Positano. Known as a playground for A-list stars, the island is a luxurious yet relaxed place. Don’t be surprised if you bump into George Clooney or Leonardo DiCaprio here.
Your first port of call in Capri should be a boat tour, which circumnavigates the island to natural landmarks like Arco Naturale, Tiberius’ Leap, the Faraglioni rocks, the Punta Carena Lighthouse and Grotta Azzurra (the most popular attraction). Grotta Azzurra can get very busy, so visit Grotta Bianca and Grotta Verde for equally magical views without the crowds.
Spend the afternoon wandering the streets of Capri, relaxing with a drink in the fashionable Piazzetta, the town’s main square. Make like a celebrity and splash the cash at the many designer boutiques along Via Camerelle, or cool down with a scoop or two of gelato from Buonocore Gelateria, the best on the island.
Day 3: Embark on an epic road trip
Praiano's Church of San Gennaro and its plaza at pink sunset, Amalfi Coast
Get ready for the most epic road trip you’ve ever been on. Positano to Amalfi is only about a thirty-five-minute drive, but it can easily take the whole day as you’ll want to make several stops along the way. Wind along the scenic Amalfi Drive and catch breathtaking views around every corner. Your first stop is Praiano, a small town with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place for art lovers, who can visit the Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista to see the stunning majolica-tiled floor. The Torre a Mare, a medieval tower perched on a promontory, is home to amazing terracotta artworks by local artist Paolo Sandulli. Cool off with a refreshing dip in Marina di Praia, a charming little cove wedged between towering cliffs.
Amalfi Postcard, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
Next up is Conca dei Marini, an enchanting coastal village tucked into the cliffs. Less touristy than its neighbours, Conca dei Marini has maintained its old fishing village charm. If you didn’t stop at Grotta dello Smeraldo on the first day, you can take the stairs down to the sea cave here. Otherwise, take a wander and soak up the views, buy ceramic at Ceramiche Piccadilly, or treat yourself to an afternoon snack of sfogliatella Santa Rosa. This delicious pastry was invented by Santa Rosa’s nuns in the convent up above the town.
Day 4: Explore Amalfi and its picturesque surroundings
Interior view of intricate woodwork in Amalfi Cathedral looking across the square towards town, Amalfi Coast
You probably arrived in Amalfi yesterday quite late, so spend your first morning exploring the town. Amalfi is a charming place made up of narrow alleyways and romantic medieval buildings. You can’t miss the 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral, a magnificent building with elegant columns, pristine gardens and Roman sarcophagi.
Amalfi is one of the best places for shopping, with numerous boutiques and shops where you can find everything from clothing and local delicacies to arts and crafts. If you’re here on a Wednesday, pop by the weekly market down by the port for a range of local produce and handmade wares – perfect if you're a last-minute souvenir shopper.
Bravo Palazzo, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
In the afternoon, make the fifteen-minute drive up into the hills to Ravello. Set amongst the cliffs overlooking the sparkling blue waters, this town is one of the most romantic on the Amalfi Coast – it’s no surprise that D.H. Lawrence wrote a few chapters of Lady Chatterley’s Lover here. Take in the views from the lush gardens of Villa Cimbrone where you’ll find the Terrace of Infinity with its mesmerising views and Romanesque busts.
Another fantastic viewpoint is Villa Rufolo. Built in the 13th century to host banquets for kings and nobility, you can imagine just how spectacular this place is. The gardens are bursting with bright blooms, and sea views are everywhere you look. During the summer months, the villa hosts a series of concerts as part of the Ravello Festival, an arts and music festival featuring concerts, art shows, dance performances, exhibits and much more.
Day 5: Finish your trip in Minori and Maiori
Rowing boats in the sea in Maiori, with Mezzacapo Castle on the hill behind, Amalfi Coast
It’s the final day of your Amalfi Coast itinerary for 5 days, but don’t be sad – we have a few exciting things planned to end on a high note.
From Amalfi, make the short drive to Minori, a small town with bags of charm. Its centre is a maze of tiny streets, bougainvillaea-covered houses and alleyways leading off to hidden courtyards. If you’re a self-proclaimed gourmand, you’ll absolutely love Minori – it’s even nicknamed ‘Città del Gusto’, or City of Flavour. The town has a pasta-making heritage that dates back centuries, and many people visit the town today to sample its delicious cuisine. Try all kinds of pasta like n’dunderi (dumplings made of ricotta) and scialatielli (fresh pasta ribbons) at the many restaurants – we recommend La Botte in the town centre, or Giardiniello for something a little fancier.
Tiptoe on the Terrace, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
What we don’t recommend, however, is skipping dessert. While you’re on the Amalfi Coast, you simply must try a Delizie Al Limone, which is a typical Campanian dessert of sponge cakes filled with lemon cream and drizzled with limoncello syrup. Get it from Pasticceria Sal De Riso, which is famous for a reason.
After lunch, hop back in the car and drive five minutes east to Maiori. This elegant town has plenty of historical attractions to discover, from romantic towers to art-filled churches. At just under a kilometre long, Maiori Beach is the longest on the Amalfi Coast and one of the few with sand rather than pebbles. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon, with various bathing establishments, restaurants and cafes. Why not make the most of your final day and fit one last kayaking session in?
