- Wright Way Travel
A 5 Day Guide To The Amalfi Coast
Updated: May 24, 2022
Giuseppe Verdi once said, “You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.” He wasn’t talking about all of Italy of course, he surely was referring to the Amalfi Coast. I was fortunate enough to spend six weeks of my summer living on the breathtaking peninsula of Sorrento, spending my days floating in the Mediterranean Sea, shopping on the Island of Capri, and eating gelato in Positano. Having spent so much time there, there is so much to tell. However, If I had to do it all in five days, here's how I would do it the Wright way.
Day 1 - Begin in Sorrento
Okay, so technically Sorrento is apart of the Sorrentine Peninsula and not the Amalfi Coast, however, this makes a great base camp to begin your trip. Don't miss out on this charming beach town! There are so many hidden treasures here.
9 am
Indulge in Nutella crepes on the Corso Italia at Gelateria Primavera (high up on my list of the best things I've ever ate).
10 am
Hike up to Bagina della Giovanna and spend the afternoon swimming in the ocean. Make a pit stop at the Jolly Market on your way to grab drinks and snacks (perhaps a bottle of wine or two?).
If hiking and swimming isn't your thing - enjoy a relaxed lounge day by the ocean at the Marameo beach.
4 pm
Head back to your accommodations to get showered and rest before dinner on the Marina Grande
8 pm
Dinner at Traverna Azzura - I recommend the bruschetta, crab ravioli and their spaghetti frutta di Mare.
Another option closer to the city center is Trattoria dei Mori. They have the best Cannelloni I've ever had.
10 pm
The beach on the Marina Grande is deserted at night. Grab a bottle of wine from the beach mini mart and lay out on the sand.
Where we stayed: Marina Grande Residence
Day 2 - Head to the sea
9 am
Spend the day on a private boat tour - you can either choose to do a sailboat or a private motor boat tour. If you get sea sick easily, I strongly recommend a motor boat or small yacht tour. Puking off the side of a sailboat all day if fun for literally nobody.
1 pm
Most boat tours will take you to outskirts of Capri or Positano, so feel free to ask the caption to dock for lunch, or if you're on Capri, some shopping. Enjoy the day snorkeling and observing the intricate landscape of the Amalfi Coast.
8 pm
Dinner at Da Filipo - Some hotels will have shuttles to the restaurant, or you can take the twenty minute walk. If you want something a little more casual, try Kebab Ciampa.
Note: If you have another chance to go to Kebab Ciampa, do it. It's owned by the most kind-hearted brothers who make the best kebab in a pita I've ever had. Throughout our six week visit, they became like family.
Day 3 - Welcome to Positano
10am
Check out of your accommodations and head to Positano. You can either take a car service, bus or ferry. I recommend the Ferry if you get easily car sick.
11 am - 12 pm
Arrive in Positano and check into accommodations. Most hotels will let you leave your luggage if your check in time isn't until later in the day (one of the few places I would recommend a hotel over an apartment rental due to lack of luggage storage).
1pm
Head to the Spiaggia Grande for a beach day, stopping at Delicatessen on your way down to pick up a quick lunch.
The beach on Spiaggia Grande is owned by L’Incanto. They rent out chairs for the day costing between € 22,50 and € 25. You can also order food and drinks from their restaurant right from your lounge chair with beachside wait-service.
7pm
After your beach day, watch the sun set over Positano at Ristorante Bruno (request outdoor seating). If you have a bigger budget, don't miss out on dinner at La Sponda.
Day 4 - The Path of Gods
8am
Get an early start to hike the Path of Gods from Bomerano. There's either a bus route here, or more expensive taxi options. Remember to buy your bus tickets beforehand at a tobacco shop.
If you're opposed to hiking, look into an Amalfi Coast wine tour for the day or sunbathing at Fornillo Beach.)
10am
End your hike in Nocelle and take the stairs down to Positano. Head back your accommodations to rest for the remainder of the morning.
12pm
Take a cooking class! When choosing a class to take, there is a plethora of options to choose from on sites like TripAdvisor and Airbnb. I've heard great things about the class at the Hotel Buca di Bacco.
4pm
Spend the afternoon strolling through the town. Positano is full of unique little sandal shops and gelaterias.
8pm
If you're staying in an apartment style accommodation that's equipped with a kitchen, put your newly learned cooking skills to good use and make a meal in! If you're staying at a hotel, head to Chez Black for their heart shaped pizzas and cocktails.
10pm - If you're there during the summer months and looking for nightlife, check out Music on the Rocks for dancing and great cocktails.
Day 5 - Off to Capri
8am
Wake up and take the high speed ferry over to Capri where you'll be spending your last night on the Amalfi Coast.
10am
Check into your accommodations and head to Anacapri. Enjoy the shops, amazing views, and the chair lift that brings you to the peak of the island. (From the Marina Grande, you can either take a bus or funicular. From the Capri City Center, the bus is your only option.)
1pm
Head to La Fontelina Beach club. You will need a reservation as this is one of the most sought after beach clubs in the area.
8pm
Get dinner under lemon trees at Da Paolino for your farewell dinner before taking the ferry back to Naples in the morning.
Things to know
When to visit
The best time of year to visit the Amalfi Coast is between May and September, as this is when the weather is the warmest and you'll have the chance to take advantage of all the outdoor activities. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to travel here. Try booking in Mid-May or early September to catch good weather but to avoid the tourist season crowds.
Currency
As the rest of Italy, the Amalfi Coast uses the Euro. As of August 2019, 1 Euro equals 1.11 USD. Get a time accurate estimate here.
Phone plan
In order to avoid expensive international surcharges and roaming fees, get an international sim card at Vodafone after arriving in Sorrento. Their store can be found at Via degli Aranci, 66/68, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
Outlet Adapter
Although some outlets in Italy accept a three-prong type L adapter, your best bet is to stick with a Type C two-prong adapter as it will work in all units.
Transportation (in Sorrento)Circumvesuviana station - This is a commuter train that goes between Naples and Sorrento. It's the cheapest way to get back and forth from the Naples airport and anywhere on the Amalfi Coast, but watch your belongings for pick-pockets.
Private car service - This is definitely the most expensive way to travel in the Amalfi Coast, but also the most comfortable. There are also taxis available, but they usually require you to call ahead.
Although this option can be pricey, when traveling with a large group, it may be cheaper than purchasing individual ferry tickets depending on where you're traveling to.
Bus - While buses that go to the Amalfi Coast leave from the Sorrento train station, there are also buses offered from Naples to Sorrento that leave from the airport.
Ferry - This is my favorite way to travel the Amalfi Coast. It's pricer than a bus, but cheaper than a car service, and diminishes the motion-sickness caused by driving on the windy roads of Southern Italy. There are two marinas in Sorrento, but the main port is the Marina Piccola.
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Want more advice on how to make the most out of your trip to the Amalfi Coast? Leave your questions in the comments below!