The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Colorful houses, lemon trees, great views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and little towns full of charm. Ιt really feels like a dream! In this post I’ll share the ultimate Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary: places to visit, where to eat, and what to do if it’s your first time here. Whether you plan to stay in Amalfi town or use another small town as your home base, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip! This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
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Joining a sailing trip
I visited Amalfi Coast while taking a sailing trip. So all these beautiful towns I am going to talk to you about I had the chance to explore them by sea.
I always wanted to experience going on a sailing trip and deep down I wasn´t sure if I was going to like it. But you know what? I loved it so much!
Sailing every day and spending the nights on a boat creates a strong bond with everyone else on that trip.
We still talk on our WhatsApp group regularly because we became friends on this trip. If you want to experience solo travel but are not ready to go fully by yourself yet, a group trip is the best option.
I joined this group trip and it was fabulous. You can read about my experience here. And you can take $50 off with code IOANA if you decide to join any group trip organized by Tryps.
Why visiting the Amalfi Coast on a sailing trip is the best
That’s because you can visit multiple towns and explore their main attractions in a short amount of time.
At the same time, you can admire the spectacular views of the picturesque villages from the water. This is something you can’t easily do if you just visit the towns by land.
And, most importantly, you don’t have to drag your luggage up hundreds of stairs every time you go to a new town.
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Salerno
Salerno is the largest town on the Amalfi Coast and a great place to start your visit. It has a beautiful city center with a famous cathedral and a busy ferry port.
From here, you can easily visit popular places like Vietri sul Mare or take a trip along the coastal road. Salerno is less crowded than other towns, so it’s perfect if you want a more relaxed day.
You can enjoy the blue sea, walk the old streets, and also try some of the best restaurants.
Check out my full Salerno itinerary here.
What to do in Salerno
Start your day by visiting Salerno Cathedral. It is very beautiful and it also has a quiet garden.
Then walk along the Lungomare Trieste, the long seaside promenade, perfect for relaxing and enjoying views of the bay.
After that, explore the historic center with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively squares full of cafes and shops.
If you don’t mind a hike, visit the Arechi Castle on the hill for amazing views over the city and the sea.
If you have time, take a short trip to the nearby Paestum ruins to see ancient Greek temples.
Where to eat in Salerno
Try local seafood near the seafront, especially at Ristorante Cicirinella. They serve fresh fish and traditional dishes.
At the same time, for pizza lovers, Pizzeria Da Gennaro is a great spot with tasty, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
If you want something casual and quick, visit Salumeria Monti for delicious sandwiches and local cheeses.
For a special dinner, Il Gatto Rosso offers a cozy atmosphere and creative Italian cuisine.
Tip: Walk around the historic center in the evening. You’ll find many small trattorias with great food and friendly locals.
Where to stay in Salerno
If you visit Salerno, here are three great areas to stay in. I also included a nice hotel for each area.
Historic Center (Centro Storico)
This is the old town, full of charm, narrow streets, and local life. You’ll be close to the cathedral, bars, and small shops.
A good place to stay is Hotel Montestella, right on the main street.
Lungomare (Seafront)
Perfect if you want to walk by the sea every day. It’s flat, peaceful, and close to the port. Great for sunsets too.
Check out Hotel Plaza, which is near the train station and promenade.
Hills above the city
More quiet and with beautiful views of the coast. Good if you have a car or want to relax away from the busy center.
A nice hotel here is Villa Poseidon Boutique Hotel — it has a pool and amazing views.
Positano
Positano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast and probably in the world, at least in my opinion.
Its narrow streets, stunning panoramic views, and colorful houses perched on a steep hillside make it a perfect place for a vacation.
This is just a short summary about Positano, but I’ve written a longer post with more details. You can check it out here.
What to do in Positano
Start your day with a little culture and a great view
Begin your day at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the main church by the beach. It has a beautiful dome and a famous legend behind it.
Then, walk through the narrow streets filled with shops and ceramics, and enjoy the charm of Positano in the morning light.
Tip: I wouldn’t recommend you to shop here. You can find the same things, but much cheaper in Ischia.
Cool drinks, sweet treats, and amazing photos
Stop by La Collina to try the famous lemon sorbet in a real lemon. Later, head to Franco’s Bar for a drink with a view — go early for a good spot.
This area is also great for photos! That’s because there are lots of Instagram-worthy corners nearby.
Relax by the sea
Spend the afternoon at Spiaggia Grande. It’s busy but beautiful. For a quieter beach, walk to Fornillo, it’s close and more peaceful. Don’t forget your beach shoes since the beaches here are rocky.
Where to eat in Positano
There are many great places to eat in Positano. They all offer fresh seafood, pasta, pizza, and amazing views.
One of my favorites is La Tagliata, a family restaurant on the hill. You can’t walk there, but they offer a free shuttle from the town. Make sure you call them to book in advance.
The food is so fresh! Everything is farm-to-table because they grow their own vegetables and animals. It’s perfect for groups since you can share many dishes. The view is also amazing!
And they also offer cooking classes if you want to learn how to make pasta in Italy.
Quick and budget-friendly food
If you don’t want to spend too much, there are also cheaper places in Positano. You can find small shops that sell pizza by the slice or paninis (Italian sandwiches).
One good place is Delicatessen near the main road. They have fresh sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. It’s perfect if you want to eat something on-the-go or take food to the beach.
Another nice spot is Casa e Bottega. It’s a small café with healthy food, fresh juices, and smoothies. It could be a good choice for breakfast or a light lunch.
You can also find small bakeries with pastries and lemon desserts. Great for a sweet break during your walk.
Where to stay in Positano
Positano has many beautiful places to stay. From luxury hotels to small guesthouses, there is something for every budget.
Since it’s a very popular town, it’s best to book early, especially in the summer months.
Most people stay in central Positano, where you can walk to the beach, the main church, and most shops and restaurants. I think it’s the perfect location if it’s your first time in Positano or if you’re staying for just a couple of days.
You can also stay in Fornillo, a quieter area just 10–15 minutes away on foot. It’s peaceful, but still close to everything.
A bit further out is Arienzo, which you can reach by boat or by walking down many steps. It’s more relaxing and surrounded by nature.
Some people also stay just outside Positano, on the road to Praiano. It’s more private and quiet, but still close enough to town by car.
I wrote a full post with tips and hotel ideas for every travel style, you can check it out here.
Capri
Capri is a gorgeous island along the Amalfi Coast with blue water, grottos, a famous chair lift, luxury shops, and plenty of restaurants with jaw-dropping views.
No wonder celebrities like to vacation here. I have created a post with the ultimate one day itinerary for Capri, but here is a summary of it.
What to do in Capri
Ride the Monte Solaro chair lift
Take the chair lift in Anacapri to the highest point on the island. The views are stunning — sea, cliffs, and even clouds! It costs 14 €, takes around 10 minutes to go up, and there’s a nice café and viewpoint at the top.
Visit the Gardens of Augustus
These small gardens offer amazing views of both the cliffs and Marina Piccola. The entrance is only 2.5 €, and it’s perfect for photos.
Walk around Capri town
Capri town is full of charming streets, cute shops, and stylish cafés. It’s great for a relaxing walk since it has a fun, holiday vibe.
Take a boat tour to the Grottos
See Capri’s coastline and beautiful sea caves. Some tours also include swimming stops and drinks. The famous Blue Grotto costs extra (18 €), but even without it, the boat ride is worth it.
Where to eat in Capri
One of the best places to eat in Capri is Ristorante Panorama. It has great food and amazing views of the sea and cliffs.
I recommend trying the caprese salad (it was invented here!), pizza, or the veal in a lemon sauce. The service is friendly and you don’t need a reservation.
For something quick or sweet, try Buonocore Gelateria, known for its fresh waffle cones and homemade gelato. Perfect for a tasty break while walking around town.
Where to stay in Capri
The island of Capri has two main towns: Capri and Anacapri. Capri town is lively and elegant, centered around the famous Piazzetta, while Anacapri is quieter and set higher on the slopes of Monte Solaro.
Some people visit Capri just for the day (like I did), but many choose to stay overnight to enjoy the island’s charm.
There are great places to stay in both towns, from boutique luxury hotels with sea views in Capri, to peaceful villas in Anacapri.
Capri town is stylish and busy, full of cafés and luxury shops. Anacapri is more relaxed and close to spots like the Blue Grotto, Mount Solaro, and Punta Carena lighthouse.
Buses run every 15 minutes between the two, and the ride takes about 10 minutes.
If you want to learn more about the hotels and places to stay in Capri, you can check my post here.
Ischia
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples. It is full of thermal springs, a medieval castle, botanical gardens, colorful houses, nice beaches, and great food.
I spent two nights there during my sailing trip (because of bad weather), and I was so glad I had extra time! I even visited the nearby island of Procida, which is smaller, quieter, and less touristy.
With its pastel houses, little shops, and sunset views, it became one of my favorite places. You can read the full post I´ve written about Ischia here.
What to do in Ischia
Visit the Aragonese Castle
This is the most famous place in Ischia. The castle is built on a small island connected to the town by a walkway.
I went there by bus from the port (bus 7) and used a 5 € day pass. The castle is on a hill, so there are stairs and slopes, but the views are amazing.
There are gardens, sea views, little paths, and even art galleries. I stayed much longer than I planned because I loved it so much!
Walk through La Mortella Gardens
Then, after the castle, you can visit the Mortella Botanical Gardens. There are two parts: a lower garden and one higher on the hill.
There are many stairs, but the garden is peaceful and beautiful. I saw tropical plants, a small theatre, a crocodile pool, and a Thai pavilion.
I took bus 1 from the port to get there. Tickets are easy to buy at the entrance.
Stop at Belvedere di Zaro
Just 5 minutes from the garden is a great viewpoint. It’s called Belvedere di Zaro and it has one of the best views of the island.
There’s no sidewalk on the road, but it felt safe to walk. It’s perfect for photos or just a quiet break.
Explore the old town
If you don’t have time to see other towns like Forio or Sant’Angelo, you can still enjoy the historic center of Ischia.
The streets are full of little shops and cafés. I thought the prices were much better than in Positano or Capri — perfect for buying gifts.
Try a thermal spa
Ischia is famous for its thermal water. I didn’t go (I have a water phobia), but the others in my group visited this spa and loved it.
They said it was peaceful and relaxing, with lots of pools and sea views. If you go, wear a dark swimsuit, because the water can stain light colors.
Where to eat in Ischia
There are many good places to eat in Ischia. You’ll find fresh seafood, pasta, pizza, and nice views by the water.
I had a great lunch at a restaurant called Pane e Vino, near the port. The waiter brought out fresh fish so we could choose what we wanted.
We picked a white fish baked with potatoes, and added grilled vegetables. Everything was so fresh and tasty!
Where to stay in Ischia
If you visit Ischia, here are three great areas to stay in. Εach with a nice hotel to check out:
- Ischia Porto: This is the main town. It’s great if you want to be close to the port, shops, restaurants, and Castello Aragonese. A good hotel here is Regina Isabella Resort.
- Lacco Ameno: A peaceful and elegant area with thermal spas and sea views. If you like quiet and luxury, this is a good place. Check out Botania Relais & Spa.
- Forio di Ischia: Perfect for sunsets, beaches, and a more relaxed feeling. Good bus connections too. A top hotel here is Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa.
Each place has something special. Pick what fits your style best.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a beautiful coastal town with a central location on the Amalfi Coast. It is famous for its narrow streets, beach clubs, and great restaurants.
The best way to explore Sorrento is on foot or by using public buses. Many people visit during the peak season, so it’s good to have ferry tickets ready, if you want to visit nearby islands.
What to do in Sorrento
We didn’t get to visit Sorrento because of a storm, so we stayed one more day in Ischia.
Honestly, out of all the towns we had planned, I’m glad it was Sorrento we skipped — not because it’s not nice, but because it seemed more about shopping and cute streets. I’m sure it’s lovely and now I also have a reason to go back!
A quick walk and a great view
Sorrento has beautiful views and small streets with shops and souvenirs. You can start your walk at Villa Comunale, a little park with amazing views of the sea and Mount Vesuvius. Then take the stairs or the elevator down to the port and walk by the water.
Streets, shops, and a peaceful sunset
Corso Italia is the main street with many people and shops. You can also walk in the old town since the small streets are cute and full of local stores.
For a quiet moment, go to Marina Grande during sunset. It’s calm and very pretty.
Where to eat in Sorrento
For a nice dinner with a view, go to Ristorante Bagni Delfino in Marina Grande. It’s by the water, quiet, and perfect for sunset. The seafood is fresh and the service is friendly.
If you want pizza, try Pizzeria da Franco near Corso Italia. It’s casual, local, and always busy, which is always a good sign!
For something sweet, stop at Gelateria Davide. The lemon gelato is very popular and made with local lemons.
Tip: Many restaurants in the center are touristy and more expensive. Check reviews or ask locals before you choose.
Where to stay in Sorrento
If you visit Sorrento, here are three great areas to stay in. Each with a nice hotel to check out:
Historic Center
This is the heart of Sorrento. You’ll be close to shops, restaurants, and the main square (Piazza Tasso).
It’s perfect if you like to walk everywhere. A good hotel here is Hotel Antiche Mura.
Marina Grande
A quiet fishing village with colorful houses and sea views. Great for sunsets and a peaceful vibe, but still close to the center.
Check out Hotel del Mare for a simple stay near the water.
Hills above Sorrento
These areas are more relaxed, with amazing views of the bay and Mount Vesuvius. Great if you want to escape the crowds.
A top hotel here is Hotel Il Nido, with free shuttle to town.
Amalfi
The town of Amalfi is one of the most iconic places along the Amalfi Coast. It has lemon farms, a stunning coastline, and a beautiful town center.
I’ve written a full post with more tips, but here you can read a short summary.
What to do in Amalfi
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral
This church is right in the main square and it’s one of the most beautiful on the coast. It’s dedicated to Saint Andrew, and his relics are kept inside.
I loved sitting on the big steps outside and just taking in the view of the piazza.
Have gelato in Piazza Duomo
Before you sit on the steps, grab a gelato from Andrea Pansa across the square. I tried pistachio, hazelnut, and tiramisu.
They were all amazing. It’s such a simple, perfect moment: eating gelato in the sun with a view of the cathedral.
Stroll through the tow
Amalfi is small and very walkable. The main street is full of shops and little restaurants. It can get crowded in summer, but it’s still worth a walk. One hour is enough to see the town center and pick up some souvenirs.
Visit the Paper Museum
A nice surprise was the Museo della Carta. It is a museum inside an old paper mill. You can learn how people used to make paper by hand, and even take a guided tour. It’s a fun stop and very different from anything else in Amalfi.
Go on a lemon farm tour
This was my favorite thing to do in Amalfi! I joined a tour with Amalfi Lemon Experience. You can read about my experience here. It’s a family-run lemon farm, passed down through 6 generations.
We walked through beautiful lemon groves, visited a small museum, and ended the tour with lemonade, lemon cake, and limoncello. Everything was homemade and so delicious.
You do have to climb some steep hills, so bring good shoes, water, and maybe a little fan if it’s a hot day. But it’s worth it. The views are amazing and it’s such a unique way to learn about life in Amalfi. Highly recommend it!
Where to eat in Amalfi
Amalfi has many great places to eat. You can try fresh seafood, lemon pasta, and local desserts.
One of my favorite spots is Trattoria dei Cartari. It is a cozy restaurant where you can even see the nonnas (Italian grandmas) cooking.
Their pasta al limone is full of flavor, and the smoked mozzarella with grilled vegetables is a great starter.
Don’t leave without trying delizia al limone, a local lemon dessert made with sponge cake and lemon cream. Amalfi really knows how to use lemons!
Quick and budget-friendly food
If you’re looking for something fast or cheaper, you can also find pizza by the slice, panini, or small snacks in the town center.
Look for small bakeries or cafés with local sweets and fresh drinks. You can grab something and enjoy it at the beach or on a walk.
Where to stay in Amalfi
Amalfi has many beautiful places to stay, from luxury hotels to small guesthouses. It’s a great base if you want to explore the Amalfi Coast, and it’s easy to get around by boat or bus.
Most hotels are close to the beach, the main square, and the cathedral, so you can walk almost everywhere. If you want sea views, try to book a room with a balcony. However, they go fast, especially in summer.
Some great options near the center are Hotel Marina Riviera, Hotel Fontana, and Residenza Luce. They are all just a short walk from the beach and the main sights.
If you’re looking for something special, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel and Hotel Luna Convento are beautiful historic hotels with amazing sea views and unique charm.
For a relaxing stay with a pool and views over the coast, Hotel Miramalfi is also a great choice. And if you prefer something small and quiet, Hotel Antica Repubblica is a nice option in the heart of town.
There’s something for every budget, but it’s always a good idea to book early.
Ravello
Ravello is one of my favorite little towns on the Amalfi Coast. It has gorgeous villas with some of the best views of the coast, narrow cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants and shops.
I’ve written a full blog post with my ultimate Ravello itinerary, but here’s a quick summary for planning your Amalfi Coast route.
What to do in Ravello
Visit Villa Cimbrone
This is the most famous place in Ravello. It’s about 15 minutes on foot from the main square, with some stairs on the way but not too hard of a climb.
Villa Cimbrone has beautiful gardens and a famous terrace called Terrazza dell’Infinito. From there, you can get amazing views of the sea and the Amalfi Coast.
There are also statues, balconies, and photo spots all around. The entrance ticket costs 10 €.
See Villa Rufolo
Right across from the Duomo, Villa Rufolo is another lovely villa with great views. It’s smaller and easier to reach than Villa Cimbrone, and tickets cost 8 €.
Some rooms have balconies you can open for photos. In summer, they also host concerts in the gardens.
Explore the Duomo
In the main square, you can visit the Duomo of Ravello. It’s a very old church from the 11th century with a small museum and a crypt.
Where to eat in Ravello
After exploring Villa Cimbrone you can go down to the main piazza to have lunch at one of the many cafes there. I suggest you order their paninis and skip the pizza.
The paninis were delicious. The bread was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and all ingredients were very fresh and tasty.
The pizza was a little too doughy for my taste. There are much better pizzas in Italy, so my suggestion is to skip it in Ravello.
Where to stay in Ravello
Ravello is a peaceful town up in the hills, perfect if you want amazing views and a quiet atmosphere. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Amalfi or Positano, and it’s one of my favorite places to stay on the coast.
Many hotels in Ravello are close to the main square, near the Duomo and the famous villas. Most have beautiful gardens, sea views, and a calm vibe.
For something special, Belmond Hotel Caruso is a luxury option with an incredible infinity pool and views over the whole coast.
Other great places in the center include Hotel Villa Maria, Hotel Rufolo, and Palazzo Avino. They are all all elegant, comfortable, and close to everything.
If you prefer a smaller guesthouse, Casa Dolce Casa and Il Roseto B&B are cozy, friendly, and well rated.
Ravello has fewer rooms than the bigger towns, so it’s smart to book in advance, especially in high season.
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Ioana was born and raised in Romania, lived in NYC for 14 years, and is now back in Romania. She fell in love with traveling when she was little and used to visit her aunt in Vienna. Then in high school she was able to visit Siberia, Turkmenistan, Istanbul, and Tokyo through chemistry competitions. As an adult she started to travel solo once she turned 30 and visited 20+ countries so far. Ioana is a full time travel blogger and content creator with an audience of 80K+ people on Instagram. She loves to share travel recommendations and tips.