How to Spend 4 Days in the Amalfi Coast

No trip to southern Italy would be truly fulfilling without a journey to the captivating Amalfi Coast. Based out of the charming town of Amalfi, this 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary promises a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

In this blog post, I cover everything you need to know to make the most of your Amalfi Coast adventure, including how to get there, the best time to visit, top places to stay, and a wide range of activities to enjoy along this iconic coastline.

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Where is the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is a 55km section of picturesque coastline located along the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy, stretching from the western edge of Sorrento to the eastern side of Salerno.

This iconic coastline includes charming towns such as Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello, Minori, and Maiori. Each town along the coast is beautiful and boasts cliffside architecture, beaches, lemon groves and endless views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO world Heritage Site and is iconic for many reasons. With its unmistakable steep cliffs, Mediterranean views, pastel hued villages perched on tiered hillsides, and lemon groves, it’s no wonder this coastline makes its way into every traveller’s wish list.

While the region has gained a reputation for luxury, exploring the coast can remain within reach for budget-conscious travellers with careful planning.

Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast’s popularity as a vacation destination peaks during the summer months between June to August. The land and sea temperatures are ideal, causing the crowds and prices to skyrocket. The small, quiet towns and beaches become congested and filled with tourists.

Visiting during the early spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) is a great time to plan your trip. Restaurants and ferries will be fully operational, and the beaches will not be as crowded. Temperatures in the spring hover around 15- 20 degrees Celsius and around 25 degrees Celsius in the fall.

I visited in March and found the weather to be beautiful and the streets quiet. Daily temperatures were around 15 degrees Celsius and perfect for hiking. Hotels were very affordable during this time.

The only issue I had with visiting during this time was that the ferries between the towns (Positano to Amalfi) are not operating and some roads and restaurants were closed for construction. This is still a great time of year to visit if you plan around these closures.

Ferries do not operate during the winter months along the coast, as the sea crossings can be rough. They typically run between the months of April to October. When I visited at the end of March, ferries to the island of Capri were in operation from the town of Amalfi.

How Many days Do You need

The duration of your exploration along the coast depends entirely on your preferences. Most travellers find themselves based in one or two towns and take day trips around the peninsula.

Spending 3-5 days is sufficient to get a taste of the expansive coast, while still not feeling rushed.

If you find yourself with only a single day to explore the coast (which is a shame), my suggestion is to opt for an organized tour departing from Sorrento.

Numerous tour operators provide inclusive packages with lunch and transportation, eliminating the hassle of navigating logistics on your own.

Here are several tours to choose from.

popular towns along the coast

One of the hardest decisions to make while visiting the Amalfi
Coast is choosing where to base yourself. Here are some of the sought-after regions to consider for
your stay along this stunning stretch of coast:

Positano

When people think of the Amalfi Coast, the luxurious Positano springs to mind. Cliffside buildings overlooking the famed Spiaggia Grande create a picturesque and dreamy scene. Bursting with upscale boutiques, gourmet eateries, and artisanal shops, many travellers find themselves walking along the narrow streets of Via dei Mulini, Positano is a lively hub that caters to every traveller’s whim and fancy.

Ravello

Ravello is a peaceful town tucked into the hills along the coast near Amalfi. While Ravello does not offer direct access to the beach, it compensates with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Notable villas and viewpoints, such as Villa Cimbrone and Belvedere dalla Torre, grace the town, providing spectacular vantage points for visitors.

Amalfi

Amalfi, though quaint, holds a central position along the Amalfi Coast. Its historical treasures include the Duomo di Amalfi (St. Andrews Cathedral), the Museo della Carta (Museum of Paper), and the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills). Amalfi also offers easy access to the Valle delle Ferriere, a picturesque nature reserve enclosed in hills and waterfalls.

Praiano

Praiano, nestled between Amalfi and Positano, offers a serene escape from the bustling pace of the Amalfi Coast. Marina di Praia and La Gavitella Beach beckon as idyllic havens to unwind and soak up the coastal charm. For the adventurous spirits, Praiano serves as a gateway to the renowned Path of the Gods trail, promising breathtaking vistas, and memorable hiking experiences.

Minori/Maiori

Linked by the footpath famously dubbed the Path of the Lemons, Minori and Maiori stand as sister towns along the coast. Despite their modest size, these family-friendly locales provide budget-friendly accommodations and claim the largest beach along the entire coastline. Both towns feature a wealth of historic sites and churches, including the Basilica of Saint Trofimena and the San Nicola de Thoro-Plano Castle.

Where Do you Start

So, which option should you go for?

During my visit to the Amalfi Coast, I opted to stay in the town of Amalfi. It met all my criteria: affordable accomodations, proximity to hiking trailheads, and accessibility to public transportation.

While Positano is appealing, I found the bus system to be more sporadic and lacked information.

In this guide, I’ll detail transportation options for reaching Amalfi, highlight attractions and activities, and suggest accommodations for your stay.

how to get to Amalfi

Most travellers looking to explore the Amalfi Coast begin their journey from Naples. This chaotic, yet lively city can be a little overwhelming for those first entering Italy. As hectic as Naples can be, the city has an excellent transport network connecting either end of the Amalfi Coast.  

By Public Transit

To reach the Amalfi Coast by public transit, you will need to take a train and then a local bus

• Naples Central Station: P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy
• Arrival: Salerno
• Duration: 40 minutes- 1.5 hours
• Price: 5.50 euros

From Naples Centrale, take the train towards the east side of the coast to Salerno. Trains leave multiple times a day for Salerno and the journey can range from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your route.

Trenitalia is the main service provider and tickets can be purchased in the main concourse (near platform 18) or online here.

Once in Salerno, you will need to take a local bus (SITA bus). Just before you exit the train station, on the left-hand side, there will be a small newsstand. Bus tickets can be purchased here and usually cost around 2.40 euros.

The SITA bus stop is located steps outside the main train terminal on the right-hand side. The journey to Amalfi takes about 1 hour and is a gorgeous drive.

Check the bus timetable here.

I’d recommend getting to Salerno as early as possible to avoid the crowds on the buses. The earliest train leaving Naples departs at 05:40am.

By Car

The drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast takes less than 1.5 hours. Car rentals in Naples are reasonably priced, typically starting at around 25-40 euros per day.

However, I advise caution if you choose to drive along the coast, as the roads are narrow, busy, and winding. It’s best to leave the driving to a professional if you lack experience navigating such terrain.

By Transfer

An alternative way to access the Amalfi Coast is through private or shared transfer services. While this option may be the priciest, it’s a convenient choice for those who prefer to avoid multiple train and bus transfers.

Transportation in Amalfi

If you are based in Amalfi, SITA bus services the coast and is an affordable option. Their buses depart in a timely manner as well. The only issue I encountered with the SITA bus was finding stores that sold the bus tickets. Tabacchi stores (type of convenience store) are located throughout the coast and sell the tickets.

The main one in Amalfi is in Piazza Flavio Gioia Square, across from the bus stops.
Stores are not always open or close at varying hours. I would suggest buying a return ticket at the time of purchase.

I was able to buy a ticket from the bus driver on a return journey but am not sure if that is widely accepted throughout the coast.

SITA provides a list of places that sell tickets here.

Transportation to Capri

Located off the Sorrentine Peninsula, this tiny island is home to some beautiful walks. It can be reached by Naples and Sorrento year-round via ferry. As mentioned earlier, ferry services usually begin from the town of Amalfi in April-October (end of March if you are lucky).

There are various tours that range from half day to full day, private, or group tours. Find amazing tours here.

It takes 1 hour to reach Capri from Amalfi and there are various companies to choose from including NLG, Alicost and Positano Jet.  A round-trip ferry ride can range from 50-60 euros.

Book your ferry here.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN AMALFI

During my March visit, I discovered Amalfi to be quite affordable. However, it’s worth noting that my trip occurred during the off-peak season. Prices may vary significantly depending on the time of year you choose to explore the Amalfi Coast.

I stayed at Hotel Fontana, nestled right in the center of Amalfi. This charming hotel is discreetly situated amid the town’s bustling buildings. Its rooms offer fantastic views and overlook the main square.

This hotel also happens to be conveniently located less than 100m from the main bus and ferry terminal.

Additional Places To Stay

Hotel Bellevue Suite
Villa Lara Hotel
Amalfi Luxury House

The perfect 4 DAY ITINERARY

This action-packed itinerary promises to get your heart racing, legs aching, and immerse you in rich history. In my opinion, the best way to discover the coastline is by using the network of footpaths that wind their way through and interconnect the towns.

DAY 1: VALLE DELLE FERRIERE/AMALFI/POGEROLA

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Valle delle Ferriere. This nature reserve showcases waterfalls and ancient ruins from former mills. The trail begins at the centre of Amalfi passing by the architectural wonder of Duomo di Amalfi. Walking the entire length of the main road in Amalfi, you will pass by cafes, museums, and local artisan shops.

The trail proceeds by lemon groves and begins climbing into the hills. The elevation gain is around 500-600m, as with most trails along the rugged coast.

Stop off at Pogerola for lunch and explore the small town before heading back down towards Amalfi. Indulge in some gelato from Piazza del Duomo, then spend the next few hours strolling along the main promenade, admiring the harbor, and eventually finding the perfect spot to relax on Marina Grande.

READ MY FULL VALLE DELLE FERRIERE GUIDE HERE

DAY 2: PATH OF THE GODS: PRAIANO TO POSITANO

Catch an early morning bus ride to either Bomerano (or Praiano if you want more of a challenge), where you will find the trailhead to the world-famous Path of the Gods. This stunning hike hugs the coast, providing endless views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This trail will pass through the quaint town of Nocelle, where you can have lunch and grab lemon slush at the Lemon Point, before heading through Montepertuso and towards Positano.

Take the final descent into Postiano slowly, before making your way to rest your legs at the ever-scenic Positano Spiaggia. After dinner, catch a bus back to Amalfi.

READ MY FULL PATH OF THE GODS HIKE GUIDE HERE

DAY 3: AMALFI/MAIORI/MINORI/RAVELLO

From Amalfi, follow the footpath towards the quiet town of Ravello. Marvel at the many beautiful villas and ancient churches the town has to offer.

Find lunch and then proceed to the Path of the Lemons trailhead. This trail connects both the sister towns, Minori and Maiori to Ravello. Pass by many lemon groves, terraced hills, and panoramic views of the bay.

Explore either sister towns (or both), enjoying the coast’s biggest beach and walking through the family friendly avenues. Catch an evening bus back to Amalfi after dinner.

READ FULL AMALFI TO RAVELLO HIKING GUIDE HERE

DAY 4: DAY TRIP TO CAPRI

Catch a ferry ride to Capri and spend the day exploring the island. In the morning, take the chair lift from Piazza Vittoria up to the highest point of the island: Mount Solaro. Opt to hike down on the return, passing by Castello Barbarossa.

In the early afternoon, take a boat tour to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) and/or Faraglioni.
If time permits, visit Villa Jovis, the ancient ruins of Emperor Tiberius on the east coast of the island. Return to Amalfi in the early evening.

TIPS FOR THE AMALFI COAST

• If you want affordable accomodations, travel outside of the summer season and aim for early spring. While ferries may not be operational, the weather is still fantastic and fewer crowds.
• Ditch the car: the roads are narrow and dangerous to drive (or walk for that matter). Opt for pedestrian footpaths connecting towns, local buses, or taixs.
• If you want quiet streets and trails, head out before 9am.
• The elevation gains and loses are extreme along the coast. As an avid hiker, I was caught off guard by the gains. Do not underestimate the terrain.
• It’s possible to do a multiday hike along the coast, using the footpaths (and some buses). I’d recommend starting in Maiori and ending in Positano
• Bring cash with you for smaller items like snacks, buses, and treats. Bigger souvenirs or hotels can be paid by card.