Travel Tips

Three Days on the Amalfi Coast: A Practical Itinerary for Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

TravelMe Editorial·Reviewed by Ryan Thayer·8/28/2026

Getting There and Staying Put

You start your trip in Naples because it has the closest airport to the region. From there, you have a few options to reach the coast. You can hire a car for flexibility, but you must book early; experts say you should be booking your car 8-12 weeks in advance. If you prefer public transport, take the train from Naples Central Station to Sorrento, which takes about an hour. From Sorrento, you can catch a local SITA bus or a ferry to Positano or Amalfi.

For your base, choose between Positano and Amalfi. Both towns offer great transport connections for exploring the rest of the coast. Positano is the more glamorous and photogenic option, but it is also more expensive and gets very crowded during the day. Amalfi is slightly more affordable and provides a wider range of restaurants and services. I would not recommend renting a car if you stay in these towns because the roads are very narrow and parking is a nightmare.

Day One in Amalfi and Ravello

Start your itinerary in Amalfi, the namesake town of the coast. It was once a powerful maritime republic, and you can still feel that history in its cathedral and museums. You should arrive early to beat the crowds. Aim for 9 to 10 AM so you can explore before the buses and boats start arriving.

Enter the town through Porta della Marina, Amalfi’s historic seaside gateway. There has been a city gate here since the 12th century, marking the spot where travelers and traders have entered for centuries. From the gate, walk to Piazza del Duomo to see the famous staircase of the Duomo di Sant Andrea Apostolo and the Fountain of Saint Andrew. Afterward, take a bus or drive up to Ravello to enjoy the views from its hills.

Day Two Exploring Positano and the Coast

The Amalfi Coast consists of 13 picturesque towns along a stretch about 60 kms from Naples. On your second day, head to Positano. This vertical village is one of the most famous spots on the coast and offers stunning views of the turquoise water. Steinbeck described the region with this quote: "It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone".

If you want to switch towns, take the ferry or bus from Positano to Maiori. Maiori Beach is the largest beach on the Amalfi Coast, offering more space to relax than the smaller coves in Positano. You can spend the afternoon walking along the Path of the Lemons between Maiori and Minori for scenic coastal views.

Timing Your Visit

Plan your visit carefully to avoid the worst of the crowds. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months on the coast. If you want warmer weather with fewer people, aim for May, June, September, or October.

Travel demand is currently high. Travel demand in April this year is already 41% higher than it was pre-pandemic at the same time. This surge means that activities and transport will be more intense than in previous years. Book your car rental and boat tours well in advance to secure your spot.

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