8 Days in Italy: The Amalfi Coast
This itinerary is for travelers that enjoy a faster pace and want to see as much as possible. Listed below are highlights for efficient research, followed by more in-depth details and tips.
This itinerary doesn’t include every activity we did, I only want to share the very best experiences from our trip. It’s also not strict and leaves room for you to explore and improvise. Enjoy!
Table of Contents:
1. Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 - Fly into Rome
Day 2 - Rome to Positano
Day 3 - Positano to Capri
Day 4 - Capri and Anacapri
Day 5 - Capri to Amalfi
Day 6 - Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello
Day 7 - Amalfi to Solerno to Rome
Day 8 - Depart Rome
2. Travel Details and Tips
Day 1 - Fly into Rome
Day 2 - Rome to Positano
Day 3 - Positano to Capri
Day 4 - Capri and Anacapri
Day 5 - Capri to Amalfi
Day 6 - Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello
Day 7 - Amalfi to Solerno to Rome
Day 8 - Depart Rome
3. Calendar View
4. Map View
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 - Fly into Rome
Day 2 - Rome to Positano
High speed train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Naples (Napoli Centrale)
Lunch on the beach at Da Ferdinando, Spiaggia di Fornillo
Explore restaurants and shops
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1c69c82d-3b3b-45e0-a1ac-09c8944c341c_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdfbfccf3-541a-4d87-9951-64a758e36fdb_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff7bb6504-5c19-4c39-953b-28dbd7fa132a_2706x3608.jpeg)
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe22b1074-24ef-4afd-943e-a5e9ccfb9772_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8bb33610-5287-43f0-a051-cdbff50270de_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Spiaggia di Fornillo, Restaurants, Ceramics and Night Views of Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe9135e33-ec3c-4ca5-aade-26af90a21284_4032x3024.jpeg)
Day 3 - Positano to Capri
Breakfast overlooking the beach at Caffe Positano - get there early to snag a seat with a view!
Explore shops with ceramics, paintings and souvenirs on your way to the beach
Stay at LA SOURCE CAPRI Airbnb
![Breakfast with a view at Caffe Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc5c84da-3f95-4a97-b4b7-67af62f2b400_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Breakfast with a view at Caffe Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5b2b60d0-d9c5-4031-8425-6ba0ea83704d_2064x2752.jpeg)
Day 4 - Capri and Anacapri
Lunch at Pulalli
Coffee and dessert from Caffè Manari
Take the Funicolare di Capri down to explore the port
Bus from Capri to Anacapri
Return to Piazza Vittoria to explore shops, restaurants and cafes
Dinner at Casa Orlandi Ristorante e pizzeria
Take a taxi or bus to return to Capri
![Piazzetta di Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift and View from Monte Solaro](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5348c564-d18c-4ecd-af1a-10d673b81554_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Piazzetta di Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift and View from Monte Solaro](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffbd4c350-7698-48f4-9e1a-de3cc7d8a08e_2154x2294.jpeg)
![Piazzetta di Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift and View from Monte Solaro](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F425dc0aa-bb80-4628-9341-202b40506acc_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Piazzetta di Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift and View from Monte Solaro](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F304dddf9-99cf-4115-9398-34841602789d_2866x3821.jpeg)
Day 5 - Capri to Amalfi
3-hour private boat tour around Capri
Enjoy a dessert from Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi on the steps of Duomo di Amalfi
Day 6 - Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello
Dinner at Da Nonno Alfonso
Bus or taxi back to Amalfi
![Amalfi, Atrani and Villa Cimbrone's Gardens](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F34dcee1f-b39f-4a06-baa4-6e41e5b56eb7_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Amalfi, Atrani and Villa Cimbrone's Gardens](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6984c882-62b0-4285-a4a4-2d75ef9a2f38_2294x3058.jpeg)
![Amalfi, Atrani and Villa Cimbrone's Gardens](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe29e30bc-fc63-433d-8f22-17c56b9213fa_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Amalfi, Atrani and Villa Cimbrone's Gardens](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe08a9a4a-ac36-4202-b6b1-575259fd18e8_3018x3018.jpeg)
Day 7 - Amalfi to Solerno to Rome
Dinner at Saltimbocca San Lorenzo
Enjoy freshly made cannolis at GRANGEL Granite & Gelati Roma
Day 8 - Depart Rome
Breakfast and depart for the airport.
Along the Coast - Stairs, stairs, stairs!
![Amalfi, Capri and Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0f11438b-05b5-44d4-a478-025769b36f92_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Amalfi, Capri and Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff8589c9a-8248-436b-8127-589c3ca756a9_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Amalfi, Capri and Positano](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd74ff67-9c49-46ad-9991-8bd76b48646f_4032x3024.jpeg)
Travel Details and Tips:
Day 1 - Fly into Rome
If you have been to Rome before like we had, you don't need to spend a lot of time there so you can maximize your time in the Amalfi Coast. If you are not too tired when you arrive, take some time to see some of the main attractions including Piazza della Rotonda, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. After having lunch, enjoy a stroll through lesser known Gardens of the Villa Borghese, from which you can take in a beautiful view overlooking the city.
Day 2 - Rome to Positano
Make the most of your time by getting an early start to the coast. I recommend taking a high speed train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Naples (Napoli Centrale). From the Naples port (Molo Beverello), take the ferry to your first stop along the coast: Positano. Be careful to leave enough time between your train and getting to the port. In ideal conditions, it is a 5 minute taxi ride from the train station to the port, however, on a busy morning during rush hour, expect heavy traffic to increase the time to 10 or 15 minutes.
You can book ferries at Ferry Scanner or Ferry Hopper. High speed trains can be booked via Italo or Trenitalia.
In Positano, there is so much natural and man-made beauty to take in. It will not take you long to realize the vertical nature of the coast, as when you first arrive, you will need to take stairs to arrive at your accommodation. If you have anything more than carry-on luggage (or even if the carry-on luggage is on the heavy side), I recommend hiring a porter to assist with bringing your luggage to your accommodation for you. It will be worth the extra expense so you can scale the stairs and take in the views more comfortably.
We stayed in Positano for just 1 night, as it was the most expensive location to reserve an accommodation and 2 full days was plenty of time for us to walk around the town to explore various restaurants and shops, as well as go to the beach both days before setting out to Capri. For us it was easier to relocate every few days, however it is common for people to stay in one part of the coast the entire time and take day trips to each destination. The downside to taking day trips is that the travel can eat into your time to explore, especially since ferries don’t run very late. As a tip, if you want to take your time and experience an area at night, I recommend to relocate to that area.
Day 3 - Positano to Capri
From Positano, take the ferry to Capri. We took an evening ferry so we could enjoy a full day in Positano prior to leaving. To make things easier for travelers, accommodations will offer to have a porter pick up your luggage and hold it at a location near the ferry for a fee. If you decide to go to the beach on your last day, bring a change of clothes. The beach clubs have private changing rooms for guests and provide an easy way to transition from lounging at the beach to being ready to catch the next ferry. Before heading to your ferry, grab some gelato near the port to enjoy while waiting in line to board.
We stayed in the lovely LA SOURCE CAPRI during our time in Capri. The host was so kind and helpful, and the apartment was not only spacious, but also came with stunning views. On our last morning in Capri, we enjoyed coffee and croissants in the sun of the outdoor space overlooking the water and cliffs. An extra bonus was that the accommodation was only a 5 minute walk to the main square, Piazzetta di Capri.
Day 4 - Anacapri Chairlift to Monte Solaro
We began our day in Capri at the main square, Piazzetta di Capri, filled with shops, restaurants and a stunning view of the island. Enjoy eating lunch from the terrace of Pulalli, where you may be lucky enough to see a wedding party at the local church. Stop at Caffè Manari for coffee and dessert while taking in the view from the Piazzetta before boarding the funicular to the port. Near the port you can buy bus tickets to Anacapri, a municipality on the island of Capri where you will find the chair lift to Monte Solaro. This is such a unique experience and I highly recommend you make time for it during your stay in Capri! You will ride a single seat chair lift to the summit of the mountain and highest point in Capri. The 12 minute ride to the top is an experience all on its own, during which you take in views of the land below you and the water that surrounds the island. At the summit, be prepared to be amazed by views of cliffs, boats and deep blue water that blends in with the horizon.
After taking in your fill of the sights and plenty of photos, take the chair lift for your return trip to Piazza Vittoria to explore the shops, restaurants and cafes. While in Anacapri, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Casa Orlandi Ristorante e pizzeria. At the end of a long day of exploring, take either a bus or taxi to return to Capri or your accommodations. We opted for a taxi ride, and taxi rides are never dull on Capri as drivers wind through the impossibly narrow road - it is so narrow that most drivers tend to pull in their sideview mirrors to avoid hitting oncoming traffic!
Day 5 - Capri, Gardens of Augustus, Capri Boat tour, Capri to Amalfi
Get an early start to your last day in Capri at Gardens of Augustus so that hardly anyone else is there when you arrive. The views are even better in the peaceful quiet of early morning. After the gardens, we enjoyed coffee and croissants at our accommodations before heading down to the port. We bought sandwiches for the ride and met our captain at the designated meeting point of the port. We decided to skip going to the Blue Grotto in favor of taking a private boat tour, as we heard from tourists and locals alike that much of the experience of going to the Blue Grotto includes waiting in the hot sun to spend a few minutes in the grotto, or sometimes, not to get in at all. During our tour, we passed many grottos and rock formations, including Love Grotto, Grotto Verde and Faraglioni. After a relaxing boat ride, we grabbed lunch before picking up our luggage from our accommodation and heading to the ferry for our next destination: Amalfi.
We arrived at Amalfi in the evening, which is filled with beautiful twinkling lights wrapped around trees and along restaurants. The Duomo di Amalfi overlooks the main square which opens up to bustling restaurants with tables outside. The main square is busy with pedestrians, motor bikes and cars alike. After dinner, enjoy a dessert from Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi on the steps of Duomo di Amalfi to overlook the main square apart from the busy crowd.
Day 6 - Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello
Amalfi is about a 10 minute walk from the charming city Atrani. From Atrani, you can either turn back around to get a bus or taxi from the main square, or you can hike the rest of the way to Ravello. Depending on the time of day, it can be so crowded and chaotic that being able to take a bus or taxi may not be possible. We decided to skip the crowds and long waits for the hike. If you decide to hike as well, be prepared with water and comfortable shoes, as the walk is mostly vertical split between stairs or inclines. In total from Amalfi to Ravello, the walk takes about 1 hour. It was difficult, but we were so glad we had the experience to see the landscape from that perspective!
Once in Ravello, head to Villa Cimbrone's Gardens to enjoy beautiful architecture and expansive views of the coast below. Following the gardens, walk to the main square Piazza Centrale before heading for a delicious dinner at Da Nonno Alfonso. During our meal, a neighborhood cat paid us a visit by jumping up right into our laps! The waitress told us the cat lives down the road and enjoys coming to the restaurant every night to get love from guests. The cat hopped away after getting its fill of our company before our meal arrived, and left us with yet another unforgettable experience during our time on the coast. After dinner, grab some gelato before taking a taxi or bus back to Amalfi. We took the bus, but be prepared for a wait, as times listed did not line up with the arrival time, and make sure to make the last bus if you want to avoid a taxi.
Day 7 - Amalfi to Solerno to Rome
For our final day in Amalfi, we spent the morning at Mar Di Cobalto, Mandingo Beach, where we enjoyed a less crowded beach with excellent service and delicious food and drinks. After a day at the beach, we picked up our luggage before heading back to our final destination: Rome. To return to Rome, we first took the ferry from Amalfi to Solerno. Be sure to get your ticket to Piazza della Concordia, which is much closer to the train station and an easier walk that does not require a taxi ride. From Solerno, take a high speed train to Roma Termini.
Once checked into your accommodations in Rome, head to dinner at Saltimbocca San Lorenzo, situated on a street lined with various restaurants and locals. During our short wait to be seated, we were asked to have a seat inside and enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne - it was a great start to the evening! Before leaving Rome, I wanted to make sure we had authentic cannolis. We went to a spot near the restaurant, GRANGEL Granite & Gelati Roma, where they filled the cannoli shell freshly in front of us and dipped it in our choice of chocolate chips and/or pistachios, before finally drizzling them with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It was easily the best cannoli either of us has ever had.
Day 8 - Depart Rome
Our last day came too fast as usual. We had time for breakfast at our accommodation before departing for the airport to return home. If you don't have to leave until the evening, take advantage of doing additional sightseeing or look into taking a cooking class for a unique experience on your last day.