The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations — a stretch of coastline so stunning it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture pastel villages clinging to dramatic cliffs, winding roads that open to endless sea views, and bougainvillea spilling over terraced gardens. This is the kind of place where a casual seaside lunch effortlessly turns into an afternoon at a beach club, followed by a cliffside dinner and a nightcap of limoncello under the stars. Every town along the coast has its own personality: Positano dazzles with its iconic vertical views, Amalfi blends history with seaside charm, Ravello enchants with mountaintop villas and sweeping terraces, and Capri adds a touch of jet-set glamour.
Whether you’re wandering through historic piazzas, lounging on sun-soaked beaches, or dining on fresh seafood with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast has a way of slowing you down and making every moment feel cinematic. This five-day itinerary is designed to capture the best of it all: the must-see highlights, the hidden corners, and the experiences that will make your first trip to the Amalfi Coast nothing short of unforgettable.
Tips for Visiting The Amalfi Coast:
Day 1: Arrive in Positano and Explore the Town
Start your journey in Positano, one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colorful cliffside houses. Positano is arguably the most picturesque town in The Amalfi Coast… if you plan on visiting, we recommend making Positano your “home base”, and taking day trips to the other villages in the region.
Check out our post, Where To Stay in Positano for our recommendations for Positano accommodations.
During your time in Positano, we recommend visiting Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. For a quieter experience, visit Fornillo Beach, a less crowded but equally beautiful spot. To get to Fornillo Beach from Spiaggia Grande, just head west and walk the Via Positanesi d’America until you hit Fornillo Beach. This route is approximately a 10-15 minute walk.
For a spiritual experience, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its majolica-tiled dome and Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Art lovers can explore local galleries featuring Mediterranean coastal art.
In the evening, I recommend having dinner at Rada Beach Restaurant, which is located on Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach. You can dine either on the beach level, or on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the coastline. Be sure to make reservations in advance on their website, and double-check to book your table at your preferred location. On their website, Rada Beach is the casual beach-side trattoria version of the restaurant, and Rada Ristorante is the fine-dining version, located on the terrace.
Rada Beach & Ristorante; Località Grotte dell’Incanto, 51, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Day 2: Discover Amalfi and Atrani
Take a scenic ferry ride or boat tour along the Amalfi Coast to the historic town of Amalfi. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi), a stunning medieval church with Arab-Norman architecture. The Cloister of Paradise next door showcases fascinating mosaics and historic artifacts Built in the 13th century, the cloister is a stunning example of medieval architecture, featuring elegant columns and rounded arches.
Stroll through the town’s piazzas and explore local artisanal shops selling handmade ceramics and limoncello. Just a short walk away is Atrani, a charming and less crowded village with beautiful seaside views and quaint streets. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon at a café, indulging in espresso and sfogliatella pastries.
For adventure seekers, a scenic coastal hike from Amalfi to Ravello is an option, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline.
Day 3: Ravello’s Scenic Beauty and Culture
Head to Ravello, a town known for its breathtaking panoramic views and rich cultural heritage. Visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, both offering stunning gardens and terraces overlooking the coastline.
If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Ravello Festival, a renowned music and arts festival featuring performances in the stunning cliffside setting. For those interested in history, a visit to the Ravello Cathedral (Duomo di Ravello) provides insight into the town’s medieval past.
Enjoy lunch at a family-run trattoria and sample traditional Tuscan dishes with fresh local ingredients. Take a leisurely walk through vineyards and lemon groves, or book a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard.
Day 4: A Day at the Beach and a Boat Tour
Spend the day unwinding at one of the best beach clubs on the Amalfi Coast, like Arienzo Beach Club or La Scogliera, where sunbeds spill onto the rocks and the sea is just steps away. Once you’ve had your fill of lounging, head out on a private boat tour — truly the most unforgettable way to experience the Amalfi Coast. Whether you spend a few hours or the entire afternoon, exploring by sea is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this coastline. Below are some of my favorite and most highly-rated boat tours in The Amalfi Coast:
After your boat tour, head back into town for a seaside dinner with a view — the perfect way to end the day. In my Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast, I’ve included more than one hundred restaurant recommendations, ranging from casual trattorias and authentic pizzerias to fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants with unforgettable terrace views.
Day 5: Explore Sorrento and Capri
On your final day, start with a visit to Sorrento, often called the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. This charming town feels less dramatic than Positano but just as atmospheric, with its cliffside views across the Bay of Naples and streets perfumed by lemon groves. Stroll along Corso Italia, the main thoroughfare lined with boutiques, gelato shops, and cafés, then wander into the historic center where narrow lanes lead to artisan workshops and hidden piazzas. Don’t miss a stop at Marina Grande, the colorful old fishing village where waterfront trattorias serve delicious seafood dishes.
For something truly local, I recommend booking a tour of one of Sorrento’s famous lemon farms. You’ll walk through fragrant groves, learn about the town’s centuries-old tradition of lemon cultivation, and sample lemon-infused treats that capture the essence of the region. Another memorable experience is joining a hands-on Sorrento cooking class, where you can master the art of homemade pasta and prepare authentic Campanian dishes that you’ll be able to recreate long after your trip.
Back in Capri town, wander the cobblestoned streets lined with designer boutiques and elegant cafés, then make your way to the Gardens of Augustus, where manicured terraces frame one of the most iconic views of the Faraglioni rock formations. If you have time to linger, spend an hour or two at Marina Piccola Beach, a sun-soaked cove perfect for a swim before your return ferry.
Final thoughts
As your five days along the Amalfi Coast come to an end, you’ll realize that this stretch of Italy has a way of lingering — in the scent of lemon groves that follows you home, in the sound of waves brushing against Positano’s cliffs, in the way the light hits the sea at golden hour and makes everything feel softer. Whether you decide to spend your days sipping espresso in sun-drenched piazzas or chasing views along winding coastal roads, the Amalfi Coast has a rhythm that stays with you. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, savor each moment, and fall in love with the art of “la dolce vita”.
