Sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones you least expect. While Italy might not have been our initial choice, Jesper’s mum’s special birthday wish led us to visit Amalfi Coast and the captivating region of Naples and Capri. Stepping outside our comfort zone, we dove into planning and were astonished by the sheer amount this area had to offer. In just five days, we discovered a world of stunning scenery and vibrant culture. If you’re curious to experience the highlights of Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast in a whirlwind adventure, look no further than our itinerary below.
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Quick Itinerary for your Amalfi coast visit
Get ready for a jam-packed day of sightseeing when you visit Amalfi, because we covered a lot of ground! Here are some of the highlights:
- Sorrento: Charming coastal town with beautiful views of the Bay of Naples, known for its alleys and citrus groves. A great base for excursions.
- Capri: Enchanting island known for dramatic scenery, luxury, and the Blue Grotto. Offers stunning views and exclusivity.
- Pompeii: Fascinating Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius. Well-preserved ruins offer insight into ancient life.
- Positano: Iconic Amalfi Coast village with colorful houses along the hillside. Famous for its narrow streets and beach.
- Naples: Vibrant city with a rich history and delicious food. Explore historic districts and experience its unique atmosphere.
Best Time to visit Amalfi
To truly enjoy the visit to Amalfi Coast and Naples, we recommend traveling during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasantly warm, and there are fewer tourists (although it can still be busy). Summer can be wonderfully hot, perfect for beach days, but it is also peak season with lots of crowds and often slightly higher prices.
Planning to visit Amalfi soon? We’ve put together a list of our top travel resources and must-have accessories to ensure you’re all set for your adventure!
– Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hotels.com
– Discover amazing tours on Get Your Guide
– Compare and rent a car for your journey on Discovercars.com
– Find the best prices for buses, trains, and flights on Omio.com
– Secure travel insurance Onshorekare.com
– Check out our favorite travel gear HERE
– Get your eSim for seamless connectivity iRoamly.com
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– We love the detailed travel guides from Lonely Planet! Use this LINK or code “JESPEREDMAN10” at checkout to get 10% off
How Long Should You Stay?
To experience the main highlights along the Amalfi Coast and get a taste of Naples, we would say you need 4-7 days. This allows enough time to explore the different places at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
4 days: Focus on Positano, Amalfi, and the core of Naples.
5-7 days: Allows time for Ravello, hikes, beach relaxation along the Amalfi Coast, as well as day trips from Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Capri, and a deeper experience of Naples.
Accommodation
We chose Sorrento as our base for its excellent transport links. It offered easy and affordable connections to Naples, Pompeii, and Capri, making it ideal for maximizing our five-day exploration of the region.
The Amalfi Coast is an incredibly popular destination to visit, so our best tip is to book your accommodation well in advance. Hotels and apartments fill up quickly, especially during peak season. During our trip, we stayed at Hotel Villa Maria in Sorrento. The hotel had a fantastic view and was a perfect base for our day trips. Sorrento itself is a lovely town to stay in with good connections to other places along the coast and to Naples.
Other hotel tips based on your budget:
Budget:
- Ostello delle Sirene (Hostel): Affordable dorms/private rooms, social vibe, usually central for transport and town.
Mid-Range:
- Hotel Plaza: Comfortable rooms, good amenities (breakfast & pool), central. Balances price and comfort.
Luxury:
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: Iconic 5-star with stunning bay views, elegant rooms, top service.
Remember to check current prices and reviews before booking!
Guide: Finding the perfect accommodation for the best price
Transportation
Our arrival in the region was smooth thanks to the direct bus from Naples International Airport to Sorrento, a cost-effective journey at 10 euros per person that took approximately one and a half hours. Once in Sorrento, we found a diverse range of transportation options readily available for exploring the surrounding areas. For shorter distances and reaching nearby towns, local buses proved to be a convenient and budget-friendly choice, often costing just a few euros per trip.
Our trip to the stunning island of Capri involved a scenic ferry ride from Sorrento’s harbor, with round-trip tickets ranging from 20 to 30 euros depending on the company and season. While taxis offered a more comfortable and direct mode of transport, particularly useful for navigating the winding roads to places like Positano, they came with a higher fare, with a shared taxi to Positano costing us 20 euros per person.
For our excursions to historical sites like Pompeii and the bustling city of Naples, the train system was efficient and reasonably priced, with a one-way ticket to Pompeii costing around 3-4 euros and a similar fare to Naples. For travelers who prefer independent exploration, renting a car is also an option to consider, with daily rates potentially starting from 30-40 euros depending on the car type and rental duration, although it’s worth noting that parking can be challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What to Pack when you visit Amalfi
Pack layers of light clothing and comfortable shoes for your trip to the Amalfi Coast and Naples. Don’t forget swimwear and sun protection. Bring a small first-aid kit and an adapter if needed (type C/L). A small backpack and water bottle are practical. Remember your travel documents and a mix of cash and cards. A scarf can be useful for church visits along the coast, and in Naples, it’s important to be mindful of your belongings.
Check out some of our best travel gear HERE
Travel Safety: Amalfi Coast & Naples
Both the Amalfi Coast and Naples are generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and on buses. On the Amalfi Coast, be cautious on the narrow roads if you’re driving. In Naples, safety has improved, but be vigilant in crowded areas and avoid unsafe places late at night.
Quick Safety Tips:
- Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Use safe transportation.
- Store valuables securely.
- Avoid walking alone late at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Know emergency numbers (police: 113).
With common sense, you can enjoy a safe trip.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Amalfi
After a smooth flight, we landed in Naples and took the bus to Sorrento, our first destination. We arrived in the afternoon and checked into our hotel. We spent the rest of the afternoon simply strolling around Sorrento. This beautiful little town does not have specific “must-see” attractions, but it is the atmosphere and the winding alleys that are the real draw. We enjoyed walking along the picturesque streets, browsing local shops, and soaking up the Italian life. The evening ended with a delicious dinner at beautiful O’Parrucchiano La Favorita, a restaurant with a lot of lemon trees.
Day 2: Capri
We started the day with a jog to Bagni Regina Giovanna, an incredibly beautiful lagoon located about 2.5 kilometers from Sorrento. Getting there early in the morning and having the place almost entirely to ourselves was magical! The crystal-clear water and the natural rock formations were a fantastic sight. After jogging back to Sorrento, we wandered down through the narrow alleys to the small fishing village at Spiaggia di Sorrento. Here, we enjoyed a cappuccino and watched the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.
Then, we walked along the water to the main harbor, Porto di Sorrento, to take the boat over to Capri. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes each way and the price of tickets can vary. During peak season, it is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and the risk of them selling out. Remember to keep an eye on the last boat back to Sorrento so you do not miss it!
Once on Capri, we tackled the 700 meters up to the town on foot. There is also a funicular to the top, but expect long queues, especially during peak season. The reward for reaching the top is a breathtaking view of the sea and the coast! We strolled around the elegant alleys, admired the luxury boutiques, and enjoyed the sophisticated atmosphere. Here, you can visit the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), a beautiful garden with fantastic views of the Faraglioni rocks.
We took the last boat back to Sorrento, and the evening ended at our favorite taverna in Sorrento, Taverna Sorrentina, where we actually ate several evenings during our stay – a really cozy place with good and affordable food and a pleasant atmosphere.
Day 3: Pompeii
Spend the day and explore the fascinating ancient city of Pompeii. We took an early train from Sorrento, and the journey took about 40 minutes. Pompeii is definitely worth a visit, and you can easily spend a whole day here! Walking among the well-preserved ruins of houses and streets provides an incredible insight into life in a Roman city before the catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Do not miss the Forum, the Amphitheater and the Villa dei Misteri with its fantastic preserved paintings. It is truly amazing to see how much has been preserved.
Check out these tours for Pompeii:
Day 4: Positano
Take a day trip to the iconic and incredibly beautiful town of Positano. The cheapest option is to take the bus from the train station in Sorrento, but be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak season. When we arrived at the bus stop just after 9 AM, there was a queue of about 3 hours! Instead, we chose to share a taxi, which cost us 20 euros per person. Although it was expensive, the drive along the winding coastal roads with views of the sea was absolutely wonderful.
Once in Positano, we understood why everyone talks about this place. The colorful houses climbing up the hillside towards the azure sea are a sight to behold. We enjoyed the whole day strolling around the narrow alleys filled with ceramic shops and fashion boutiques. A must-do is to buy a baguette with your choice of fillings at Delicatessen S.N.C. The sandwich is fresh and you get to choose your preferred fillings and contents. It tasted absolutely fantastic! We took our sandwiches and had lunch on the beach overlooking the sea– a perfect Italian lunch experience. During the summer months and if the weather permits, you can also take the boat back to Sorrento, which offers a different perspective on the beautiful coast.
Day 5: Naples
Leave Sorrento and take the train to Naples for only 4.50 euros per person. Leave your luggage at your accommodation and head out to explore the city. No matter the time of day, a visit to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is an absolute must! This legendary pizzeria is said to serve the world’s best pizzas and even has a Michelin star. Expect a long queue, but it is definitely worth the wait! You get a numbered ticket and can either eat in or take away a pizza. A pizza costs only 5.50 euros, and they are truly incredibly delicious!
After the pizza, we continued our exploration of Naples. We visited the famous street Via S. Gregorio Armeno, located in the historic center Centro Storico. This street is known as a Christmas street all year round with lots of souvenirs and handmade nativity scenes. We strolled along Via Toledo, one of the city’s main streets, and explored the lively Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) with its narrow alleys and colorful street life. Nearby, we found Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful galleria with a stunning glass-domed roof – a perfect spot for a photo stop. We also visited the Royal Palace of Naples and Piazza del Plebiscito, two magnificent places that testify to the city’s rich history.
Before ending the day, we went down to the waterfront and bought a coffee to go and an Aperol Spritz and enjoyed the view of the majestic Mount Vesuvius.
If you have more time in Naples, we highly recommend a visit up to Castel Sant’Elmo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Naples.
Outro
We hope this itinerary has inspired you to explore the wonderful Amalfi Coast and the exciting city of Naples.
Did you know that one of our very first trips together was also to Italy? Keep an eye on the blog, because soon we will be sharing that itinerary too! Until then – ciao e buon viaggio!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
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