Nestled along the breathtaking cliffs of southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a dream destination with a blend of stunning natural beauty and charming villages. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this ultimate 5-day itinerary will guide you through the best the Amalfi Coast has to offer, from vibrant towns like Positano and Ravello to hidden gems and pristine beaches. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and delicious Italian cuisine with this Ultimate 5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary.
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Stay In Sorrento
Sorrento is only 30 miles from the Naples airport, with easy access from Naples to Sorrento by train, bus, car or water taxi. Most of the car and boat tours leave out of Sorrento, and the drive from Sorrento to Ravello is absolutely stunning. If those aren’t reasons enough, the island of Capri is only a 25 minute ferry ride from Sorrento and a must-do day trip. Sorrento also offers easy access to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, just 15 minutes away.
Sorrento offers both relaxation and adventure. Plus, the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius add to its charm, making it a stunning spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re tasting freshly made limoncello or strolling along the cliffside, Sorrento has such an incredible charm and vibe of all things Amalfi Coast!
Getting To Sorrento From Naples
1. From Naples (by Train)
Sorrento is easily accessible from Naples, and the most popular way to reach it is by taking the Circumvesuviana train.
Departure: The Circumvesuviana train departs from Napoli Centrale or Napoli Garibaldi train stations.
Journey time: About 1 hour.
Cost: Tickets are inexpensive, typically around €4-5.
The train runs frequently, so you don’t need to worry about scheduling. The scenic ride will take you along the coast and through picturesque towns.
2. From Naples (by Car or Taxi)
If you prefer more flexibility and comfort, you can take a taxi or rent a car from Naples. Many of the hotels in Sorrento will arrange airport transfer for you to and from Naples. Our hotel arranged a driver to pick us up and it was easy and stress free!
Journey time: About 45 minutes, depending on traffic
This option gives you more control over your schedule and allows you to enjoy the scenic drive along the coast.
3. From Naples (by Bus)
There are also bus services connecting Naples to Sorrento, particularly from the Naples Airport (Capodichino).
Journey time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The bus ride offers a convenient way to get directly from the airport to Sorrento without needing to transfer.
4. From Rome (by Train)
If you’re traveling from Rome, you can take a high-speed train (like Frecciarossa or Italo) to Naples, then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento.
Journey time from Rome to Naples: About 1 hour 10 minutes.
Journey time from Naples to Sorrento: About 30 minutes.
Should You Rent A Car?
Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Sorrento
The hotels in Sorrento fall between two categories, depending on your preference.
Water View Hotels
There are water view hotels, which are perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. These hotels have stunning views from their rooms and restaurants and some have swimming pools.
Check out these Water View Hotels in Sorrento:
Piazza Tasso Hotels
The main square in Sorrento–the Piazza Tasso, consists of hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of each other. There are several hotels located in the heart of the Piazza, where you are staying literally within steps of most of the best restaurants and bars in Sorrento.
Check out these Piazza Tasso Hotels:
Vacation Homes in Sorrento
Day 1: Arrival & Sorrento
If possible, try to arrive early on Day 1.
Piazza Tasso
After checking in to your accommodations, spend the afternoon exploring and shopping in the Piazza Tasso. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz or Limoncello at one of the many restaurants or bars in the Piazza Tasso.
Dinner: Make reservations in advance at L’antica Trattoria in the Piazza Tasso. Watch the sunset from Villa Comunale Park overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.
Day 2: Amalfi Coast Boat Tour to Amalfi and Positano
he second day will be spent exploring the Amalfi Coast by boat! The views of Positano and Amalfi from the water are so unique and stunning, which makes a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast a must-do! We did this boat tour that left from Sorrento. The boat tour was a small group-10 passengers total on our boat. This was our itinerary.
Sorrento to Amalfi
Use the Sorrento Lift to go down to the marina where the boat tour departs. After departing from Sorrento at 9:00am, we enjoyed the scenic one hour cruise along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Amalfi. Our boat guide Elena, pointed out all of the highlights along the way, and provided us with background information on the sites.
Stop 1: Amalfi
We had 2 1/2 hours to explore Amalfi on our own. Our boat guide gave us recommendations on things to see and do. We enjoyed wandering around the beautiful town of Amalfi, stopping at the famous Duomo di Amalfi cathedral before having the most AMAZING lemon gelato at La Pianeta Del Gelato. Don’t leave Amalfi without getting gelato from there. It comes inside a lemon!
We shopped and strolled along the beaches and marinas of Amalfi, just taking in the beauty!
Stop 2: Swim & Snorkel Stop
After getting back on board our boat from Amalfi, we anchored out in sea for a swim stop. I was tempted to get in because it was so hot out, but I didn’t want to be all wet for our next stop which was Positano, so I skipped this first swim stop. My husband jumped right in, though!
Stop 3: Positano
Best Photo Spots
Our first stop was the famous Delicatessen Pottery Shop–which is known for having the best photo spot in Positano. It really lived up to the hype! If you want to go inside the photo area, you have to purchase pottery from the shop. But you can take great pictures from outside the gate, which is what we did, without needing to purchase anything. Another great photo spot is from Franco’s Bar.
We stopped by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta before making it to Spiaggia Grande beach. After lunch at Chez Black, we strolled the shops in Positano until it was time to get back on board our boat.
Stop 4: Swim & Snorkel
Stop 5: Sea Caves
Last Stop: Sorrento
Day 3: Amalfi Coast Road Trip
Yesterday, you saw the Amalfi Coast from the water, and explored the towns of Amalfi and Positano. Today, you will see the Amalfi Coast from above with a driving trip to visit the other charming villages along the coast. The drive from Sorrento to these towns offers stunning vistas and water views from the cliffs.
This road trip itinerary does not include stops in Positano or Amalfi, since you will have already been there. If you want to visit them again you can easily make stops there along this itinerary.
Stop 1: Praiano (45 min from Sorrento)
Spend 1 to 1 1/2 hours exploring the charming village of Praiano. Praiano is quieter than Positano but with equally stunning cliffside views. Stop by the Church of San Gennaro and its tiled piazza. Grab a coffee with sea views at Bar del Sole.
You can also take the short walk down to Marina di Praia, a hidden little beach with a cove.
Stop 2: Ravello (40 min from Praiano)
Stop 3: Atrani (15 min drive down from Ravello)
This is a tiny coastal village next to Amalfi. Allow yourself 30-45 minutes to explore it. Park nearby if you can find a space and walk through its narrow arches and charming square. Grab a quick gelato or espresso and take in the views.
Stop 4: Minori & Maiori (10–15 min drive)
Spend 1 to 1 1/2 hours between the towns of Minori and Maiori. Minori is compact with a lovely local vibe. Try Sal De Riso for pastries or a lemon dessert.
Maiori has a longer beach area, a great place to explore.
Return to Sorrento (1.5–2 hours depending on traffic)
Try to leave by late afternoon (5–6 PM) to avoid dusk driving on the winding roads.
Amalfi Coast Driving Tours
If you did not rent a car or are not comfortable driving the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast in traffic, then I recommend using this day to take a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. Many of the tours do go to Amalfi and Positano as well, but you won’t have to fight the traffic and parking. Check out these tours:
Private Van Tour of Amalfi Coast
Private Amalfi Coast Tour by Vespa
Day 4: Capri
Spend the second day of your Amalfi Coast itinerary with a day trip to the island of Capri. (This is pronounced Cap-Ree, not Kuh-Pree) Capri is only a 25 minute boat ride from Sorrento. Sorrento is the closest town to Capri.
You have a few choices on how to get to and spend your day in Capri:
Boat Tour To Capri
Ferry to Capri
Take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri. The ferries depart out of Marina Piccola in Sorrento and cost about $25 per ticket roundtrip. Click here to view the ferry schedule and pricing.
Whether you go by boat tour or ferry, be sure to avoid the stairs and take the Sorrento Lift down to the marina.
Here are the must-see attractions and activities you won’t want to miss on the island of Capri.
The Blue Grotto
Capri is home to the famous Blue Grotto, a stunning sea cave with neon blue water. The entrance is extremely narrow and can only be accessed by rowboat. To clear the entrance and exit, you must lie flat in the boat. Once inside the Grotto it is large enough to sit upright. The cave itself is dark but the water is illuminated by a surreal blow glow. The entrance fee to the Blue Grotto is 18 Euros per person, plus a tip for the rowboat driver (they do expect a tip and will often ask for one).
A few things to consider: If you’re claustrophobic or uneasy in tight spaces, this activity might not be the best for you. Additionally, during the peak tourist season, the lines to get into the Blue Grotto can be quite long. Once you board the rowboat, you may find yourself sitting and waiting for up to an hour before entering the cave. This means you’ll be on a boat, just gently rocking in the water, which could be uncomfortable if you’re prone to seasickness.
Chair Lift to Monte Solaro
The chairlift is a single-chair lift that offers an open air, thrilling ride up the mountain. You will be treated to stunning views of the island, the coastline and the surrounding sea on your 12 minute chairlift ride. You can see famous landmarks like the Faraglioni Rocks, Marini Piccola and the Blue Grotto from different angles.
There is a small cafe at the top of Monte Solaro, where we had a delicious lunch with incredible views.
Capri Tour
If you take a ferry to Capri and want to make the most of your day on the island, this full day tour comes highly recommended! It starts at the ferry port and your guide will take you to all of the best spots on Capri, including the Blue Grotto, Anacapri (including the chair lift to Monte Solaro), the Gardens of Augustus and more!
Night 2 Dinner
Day 5: Sorrento & Beach Day
Spend your last day relaxing and exploring more of Sorrento. Wind down with a slower, easy day close to home.
Visit Bagni Regina Giovanna, which is a natural swimming cove and beach–its great for cliff jumping, swimming and exploring caves.
Relax at the Beach in Sorrento
Be sure to bring water shoes, the beaches are rocky.
Cooking Class or Lemon Grove Tour
Pompeii
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