How to Spend 5 Days on the Amalfi Coast: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary
TravelTalk24 Team
Travel Experts

Ready for an unforgettable journey along the stunning Amalfi Coast? Known for its picturesque coastal towns, sheer cliff drops into the Mediterranean, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine, this region is a slice of paradise.
Based on the insights shared by 'Exotic Vacation', we have put together the ultimate 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. While Sorrento and Capri aren't technically part of the Amalfi Coast, they are so close and make such a fantastic base for exploring that we’ve included them in this trip!
Watch the Complete Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
When to Visit & How to Get There
The ideal time to visit the Amalfi Coast is between May and October. May to June offers blooming landscapes and fewer tourists, while September to October provides warm waters with thinning crowds. (Note: July and August are peak seasons, meaning massive crowds and premium prices).
Your adventure will likely begin at Naples International Airport. From there, take a shuttle bus to Sorrento for ~$20 USD (takes 1.5 hours) or hop on the Circumvesuviana train for ~$5 USD. Sorrento serves as the perfect, well-connected base for this itinerary.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento: Highly recommended as a base due to its excellent transport links to all coastal towns and Capri.
- Positano: For picture-perfect luxury. Boutique hotels and villas start from ~$300 USD per night.
- Amalfi Town: Offers a charming, slightly more laid-back vibe with traditional guest houses ranging from $150 to $250 USD per night.
- Maiori: The best option for budget travelers, with accommodations starting around $100 USD.
The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary
| Day | Location | Highlights & Dining |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sorrento | Stroll through Piazza Tasso, relax at Parco Villa Fiorentino, and have lunch at Bagni Delfino down in Marina Grande. Enjoy dinner at Ristorante 'O Parrucchiano La Favorita in their famous lemon garden. |
| Day 2 | Positano | The crown jewel of the coast! Take a morning bus or ferry from Sorrento. Wander the winding streets, relax on the vibrant beach, and enjoy the iconic cascading cliff views. |
| Day 3 | Capri | Take a ferry from Sorrento to the luxurious island of Capri. Ride the chairlift up Mount Solaro for panoramic views, wander through the Gardens of Augustus, and explore the luxury boutiques. |
| Day 4 | Amalfi Town | Visit the historic Duomo di Amalfi (St. Andrew's Cathedral) with its striking Moorish-influenced architecture. Relax by the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood for lunch. |
| Day 5 | Ravello | Perched high in the mountains above Amalfi. Visit Villa Cimbrone and stand on the 'Terrace of Infinity' for the most spectacular, uninterrupted views of the entire coastline. |
Getting Around: Ferries vs. Buses
The Amalfi Coast is connected by SITA buses and ferries. SITA buses are budget-friendly (around $2 - $3 USD per ride or $12 for a 24-hour pass) but can get incredibly crowded and involve winding, stomach-churning roads. Ferries cost more (~$10 - $23 USD depending on the route) but offer a much more relaxed, scenic, and comfortable way to travel between towns like Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.
Food & Dining Tips
- Sorrento: Try the 'Cannelloni alla Sorrentina' at Ristorante 'O Parrucchiano La Favorita, followed by their famous limoncello cake.
- Ravello: Dine at Osteria Ravello or Da Nonno Alfonso (make a reservation!) for incredible pasta paired with fantastic views.
- Limoncello: Many local restaurants will offer complimentary limoncello after your meal. Do not pass it up—it is the signature drink of the region!
Simplify Your Italian Itinerary
From coordinating ferry schedules to Capri to booking reservations at Sorrento's best lemon garden restaurants, planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast requires precise organization. Streamline your Mediterranean adventure effortlessly with the travel planning app, TravelTalk24.
Tags

