If you choose the right Amalfi Coast tours, Amalfi Coast vacations are some of the best. This region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From roads winding through cliffs dotted with charming pastel terraces to spectacular views over the vast Tyrrhenian Sea, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with this unique place. This Amalfi Coast itinerary will give you insight into the best tours and will cover everything you need to have an incredible trip. From things to do in the Amalfi Coast towns to where to stay in Sorrento, we’ve got your Amalfi Coast vacation covered!
This Amalfi Coast itinerary also includes where to stay in Amalfi Coast, best Amalfi Coast tours, how to get to Amalfi Coast, travel tips and FAQs, travel essentials, and more. Read on to make the most of your trip!
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Amalfi Coast Map
Also see: Italy Itinerary; Rome Itinerary; Venice Itinerary; Milan Itinerary; Florence Itinerary
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Top 5 Things to Do in Amalfi Coast
1. Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
Though the Amalfi Coast is known for its gorgeous views of sprawling cliffside villages, you should definitely make time for historic Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius during your trip. It’s super easy to spend a day or even a half day of your Amalfi Coast vacation on a Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius tour. Amalfi Coast tours typically leave from Naples to Amalfi Coast or from several other points along the coast, making for an easy day trip from Sorrento.
My picks for Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius tours: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Day Tours; From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour
2. Amalfi Coast Towns
Amalfi Coast towns are characterized by colorful cliffside buildings and beautiful views. Some of the most popular Amalfi Coast cities include Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Amalfi, Vietri sul Mare, and Praiano. Whether you opt for tours or plan to hop from town to town on your own, exploring the different Amalfi cities is likely how you’ll spend the bulk of your trip.
During your Amalfi Coast vacation, the easiest and most convenient way to get between the towns is to take the busses. Tickets are inexpensive and busses run frequently all along the coast. Say you’re based in Sorrento, it will be easy to organize day trips from Sorrento to Capri, Positano, and any of the other Amalfi Coast cities.
There are also plenty of great tours that can help you navigate the towns with ease. For the ideal itinerary, I would recommend basing yourself in one town (my personal preferences are Positano and Sorrento), and exploring each of the cities from there either on your own or on an tour. In each town, walk around and explore, relax at the beach, shop for charming Italian souvenirs, delight picturesque local restaurants, and eat and drink to your heart’s content! At the end of the day, take the bus (or hire a private transfer) back to the town where you’re staying.
My picks for Amalfi Coast towns tours: Private Tour: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Day Trip from Naples; Sorrento Small-Group Food Walking Tour; Pompeii, Amalfi and Ravello – Day Trip from Naples
Classic Italian wine in the Amalfi Coast
One of the best ways to make the most of your vacation is through Amalfi Coast tours. If you’re looking for day trips from Sorrento, things to do in Positano, or exciting things to do in the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’ve booked some great tours! Taking a unique Amalfi Coast tour will enrich your experience in this gorgeous destination. Some of my favorites include Amalfi Coast food tours, Amalfi Coast boat tours, Amalfi Coast walking tours, Amalfi Coast wine tours, Amalfi Coast cooking classes, or comprehensive tours that show you a little bit of everything. I would suggest signing up for one to three tours and then spend the rest of your Amalfi Coast vacation exploring on your own.
My picks for the best Amalfi Coast tours: Semi Private Pompeii, Positano & Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome; Small-Group Capri Cruise from the Amalfi Coast; Sorrento Farm Experience Including Tastings, Pizza Making and Limoncello
4. Capri
Capri is definitely the gem of the Amalfi Coast. An island just a short ferry ride from the rest of the coastal towns, you’ll love riding the funicular up to the picturesque town of Anacapri, exploring the stunning Capri blue grotto, and relaxing on the Capri beaches. You can easily head from Naples or Sorrento to Capri via ferries which run frequently throughout the day. Some of the most classic Amalfi Coast tours include a day trip to Capri. Your Amalfi Coast vacation won’t be complete without renting a boat in Capri, taking a Capri boat tour, and taking a Capri island tour. *Note: beaches on Capri are mostly rocky, but the water is crystal clear and absolutely gorgeous. You might consider renting a boat or taking a boat tour of Capri instead of spending the day on the Capri beaches during your trip.
My picks for best Capri tours: Capri Boat Tours; Capri Island Tour and Grottos from Sorrento; Sorrento, Capri and Blue Grotto Boat Trip-Prime Experience with max. 7 guests
Capri, italy
Especially if you plan to head to Italy in the summer, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the infamous Amalfi Coast beaches! Some of the best beaches along the coast can be found in Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, and Maiori, which you should definitely add to your Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Be aware that these Amalfi Coast beaches are typically made up of gorgeous clear blue waters with small stretches of sand, meaning that beaches can get very crowded during peak tourist season, especially in the more popular towns like Positano. To make the most of your vacation, be sure to get to the beach early and reserve a sun bed!
Also note that in some of the Amalfi Coast towns, Sorrento, for example, the beaches are separated into private tourist sections and free local sections, the primary difference being that you need to rent sun beds on the tourist side or you can find a space on the ground on the local side. One of the best things to do in Positano is to head to the Spiaggia Grande, one of the most famous beaches in the Amalfi Coast. The Spiaggia Grande is characterized by black sand, a remnant of the region’s volcanic history, making for a unique beach experience.
Regardless of which of the towns you choose, beach days are sure to be a big part of your Amalfi Coast trip. You might also consider booking a tour to take you to some of the best beaches along the coast!
My picks for best Amalfi Coast tours for beaches: 17 Tours and Activities to Experience Spaggia Grande Beach; Amalfi Coast: Boat and Snorkeling Tour in Small Group
Check Out Some of My Favorite Amalfi Coast Tours
These Amalfi Coast tours are just what your trip is lacking! Experience the best of the region by adding a few of the following tours:
Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast
My picks for where to stay in Amalfi Coast: Casa Guadagno; Seven Hostel; Casa Giulia
There are lots of great options for where to stay in the Amalfi Coast. I would recommend deciding on one of the Amalfi Coast cities to use as a home base during your trip and explore the rest of the towns from there. My personal preferences for where to stay in Amalfi Coast are Positano or Sorrento. Positano is extremely picturesque and the beach is sandy and easily accessible. However, due to its popularity with tourists, hotels and accommodations in Positano fill up quickly, especially during peak season, and tend to be a bit more expensive.
Sorrento is another great option for where to stay in the Amalfi Coast because it’s one of the area’s larger towns. There’s a lot to do and it’s easy to take day trips from Sorrento to Capri or any of the other Amalfi Coast cities. Because nearly all of the towns are conveniently accessible by bus, you can really stay in any of them and have a wonderful experience. *Note: I do NOT recommend staying in Naples during your trip, as it’s a big, seedy, bustling city without the charm or laid back feel of the rest of the Amalfi Coast. That said, you will need to start your vacation in Naples in order to reach the Amalfi Coast, but there’s no reason you should need to stay there overnight unless you want to.
How to Get to Amalfi Coast
The easiest and most popular way to get there is to head from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, as the Naples airport is the closest. Once there, the best way to get around Amalfi Coast is by bus. Bus tickets are inexpensive and timetables are frequent, making busses the easiest and most convenient way to travel along the coast. Utilizing the busses will help your Amalfi Coast vacation run much more smoothly.
However, be prepared for busses to be very crowded during peak times, and you may have to wait for one or two additional busses to come before there is enough space for you to board, even if you have a ticket. Another option for travel between the Amalfi Coast cities is to hire a taxi or private driver or take a private or shared shuttle between the towns, but this will be a bit more expensive. Once you arrive in the town of your choosing, your best bet for getting around will be on foot.
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Amalfi Coast at Night
Amalfi Coast Travel Essentials
World Nomads Travel Insurance: Though we hate to think about it, there’s plenty that can go wrong on a vacation to the Amalfi Coast. It is absolutely essential to have solid travel insurance for your trip. I join an enormous community of travelers when I choose WorldNomads.com to insure my Italy trips. You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. It’s perfect for an Amalfi Coast vacation, as it’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities you may encounter on your Amalfi Coast tours, too.
Italy Power Adapter: If there’s one thing you don’t want to forget to bring on your Amalfi Coast vacation, it’s your Italy Power Adapter. Without it, you won’t be able to plug in any of your devices to Italian outlets which could prove to be seriously costly! This adapter is awesome because it works in several countries, so you’ll be able to use it on your future travels, too.
Charles Schwab Debit Card: I’m a big fan of using the Charles Schwab debit card any time I travel abroad. It will save you a significant amount of money in foreign transaction fees, both when you use it at restaurants and shops and when you use it to take cash out at ATMs anywhere in the world. This is one thing you should definitely consider using for your trip.
Quick Dry Microfiber Travel Towel and Sarong: Don’t travel without either of these two essential items! This quick dry towel is perfect for Amalfi Coast travel because it’s lightweight, dries super fast, and can easily be tossed in a daypack or suitcase on tours or to use as a bath towel. A sarong is endlessly versatile; use it as a swimsuit cover up as you stroll through Positano, a blanket on a bus, plane or train, a shawl when entering a church or holy site, a curtain for privacy in a shared hostel accommodation, and so much more!
Check out my Recommended Travel Essentials page for more useful resources for your Amalfi Coast vacation!
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Amalfi Coast Travel Tips and FAQs
What currency will I use on my Amalfi Coast vacation?
In the Amalfi Coast, Italy, the Euro is used. Though most places in the Amalfi Coast allow credit cards, be sure to have some cash on you for smaller vendors and souvenirs!
What is the Amalfi Coast weather like?
The perfect time for your trip is from April to June, when the Amalfi Coast weather is warm but not oppressively hot like it gets later in the summer, which is peak tourist season.
Throughout the rest of the year Amalfi Coast weather is mild with a Mediterranean climate. Early fall is another great time to visit, as the weather is still warm and the coast is less touristy. Expect the weather to be wet and a bit colder during the winter months.
No matter when you visit, be sure to pack plenty of electrolyte packets to keep you hydrated during long days in the sun and to cure those post wine night hangovers!
Sorrento
Will I be safe on my Amalfi Coast vacation?
Yes, the Amalfi Coast is safe for tourists! That said, be sure to take the normal safety precautions, like bringing a TSA approved combination lock to secure your belongings in your hostel or hotel room locker or safe. Bring a travel-size external battery charger to keep your smartphone charged and capable for emergency calls, directions, and addresses, etc. It’s also a good idea to keep a small journal and pen on you to write down the address and Amalfi Coast town where you’re staying, and any other vital information while you’re out and about.
How do you get around the Amalfi Coast?
You’ll need to fly into Naples for the closest Amalfi Coast airport. Once there, the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by bus. Busses between the Amalfi Coast cities are frequent and inexpensive, making them the most convenient way to get around. It’s also possible to hire a taxi or private shuttle to take you between the towns, though they tend to be a bit more expensive. However you choose to get around, be sure to bring a travel-size neck pillow for long rides, luggage tags to easily identify your belongings, and a TSA approved toiletry case to easily navigate airports, train, and bus stations throughout your trip.
Traveling Alone or Want to Join a Tour?
A great option for solo travelers, couples, or really anyone looking for an Amalfi Coast vacation in an organized group setting should definitely check out Intrepid Italy Tours. Intrepid is my favorite tour company because they focus on sustainable travel, they’re affordable, and they really put on a great trip. You’ll get the true local experience with Intrepid and I cannot recommend them enough for your future Italy and Amalfi Coast trips!
*Please note that some of the above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I make a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Please know that I ONLY recommend products that I personally use or believe to be helpful to other travelers!