The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that has fascinated me ever since I was a little girl. There is something so magical and alluring about the picturesque buildings, vast mountains, and vibrant blue water– it’s no surprise that visiting has been on my bucket list for forever. As the world began to open back up this past year, I found myself craving sunshine and serotonin. My recent road trip through the Amalfi Coast was the perfect cure and nothing short of a dream.
Hopefully, my 10- day guide will help you plan your own adventure through the Amalfi Coast!
How to travel the Amalfi Coast: An Insider’s Guide
Day 1: Arrive in Naples
To get to the Amalfi Coast you really only have one airport option. The Naples International Airport is the closest airport to all of the cities on the Amalfi Coast. I would recommend spending at least one night in Naples because it truly has so much to offer, especially if you’re a food lover (like me). Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so make the most of your time there by eating your way through the city.
For a more in-depth guide to Naples’ best pizzerias, click here.
Day 2: Salerno
The world’s most scenic road trip begins right now. From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train to Salerno. The trip is only a half an hour, so no need to worry about wasting the entire day on the road.
There are so many ways to get around the Amalfi Coast (ferries, buses, trains– you name it). I prefer a rental car because there’s nothing better than being on your own schedule. So, when you arrive in Salerno, head to Salerno Rental and get a car.
It’s no secret that the Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination– Salerno offers a break from the hustle and bustle with peaceful nature parks and ancient historical sights. Once you arrive, check out the Salerno Duomo Cathedral and the Villa Comunale. After you’re done exploring, grab a bite to eat and listen to live jazz music at Mariterraneo, which is located in the city’s historic center.
Day 3: Vietri sul Mare
And we’re back on the road! The drive from Salerno to Vietri sul Mare is just 15 minutes– again, you don’t have to worry about wasting the day traveling on this trip.
Vietri sul Mare is known for its beautiful hand-painted ceramics. Take some time to wander the streets and look at the intricate tiles. There is an entire museum dedicated to the ceramics called the Museo della Ceramica, which is definitely worth a visit.
Day 4: Vietri sul Mare
I think a beach day is long overdue. Vietri sul Mare has plenty of beaches to choose from, but my favorite is La Baia because the sand is so soft. Make sure to get an early start, also– the beaches get busy quickly!
After a busy day lounging in the sun, head to Ristorante Sud Est for a wide variety of seafood, pizza, and pasta. The Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the stuff carbohydrate dreams are made of. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Day 5: Ravello
The drive from Vietri sul Mare is to Ravello is about an hour, so get a good night’s sleep and head out early. Ravello is nestled in the mountains just above the coast and, while it’s not as busy as Positano or Amalfi, its lush gardens and seaside cliffs make this little town worth visiting.
If you’re going to do anything in Ravello, I recommend exploring Villa Cimbrone’s sprawling gardens. The villa dates back to the 11th century and is now a 5-star hotel. The terraces and lush greenery are like something out of a storybook, making for the perfect instagram backdrop to turn your friends green with envy.
Read more: The little town on the hill: Ravello is the best kept secret of the Amalfi Coast
Day 6: Amalfi
After a short 18 minute drive to Amalfi, take some time to explore the picturesque city. Visit the street vendors, cafés, and restaurants that line the main street, Ruga Nova Mercatorum, or book a boat tour so you can appreciate the coastline from every angle.
Day 7: Amalfi
Amalfi is known for its lemons, and no visit would be complete without a lemon tour. The Amalfi Lemon Experience offers tours of the Aceto family lemon farm, as well as cooking classes and wine tasting. And yes, there’s Limoncello! This wouldn’t be the Amalfi Coast without it.
Day 8: Positano
I have to admit, I was the most excited for Positano and I’m happy to report that it lives up to the hype. The vibrant buildings perched over the glistening water is nothing short of photogenic. After wandering through the narrow streets and navigating the steep inclines, find a beach club and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun. I recommend Da Adolfo– a boat ferries you from the port in Positano to the beach club, which sits in between two cliffs. It’s a good idea to reserve a spot in advance– summer is the busiest time of year!
Day 9: Positano
If you don’t want to spend the last day in Positano at the beach, eating your way around the city is a great alternative. If you’re feeling fancy I recommend Zass, a farm to table Michelin-starred restaurant. Buca di Bacco is located on the main beach and offers a great selection of traditional cuisine, with the soft waves just a brief stroll away if you fancy some beach time afterwards. Oh and don’t forget to grab some lemon gelato on your way back to the hotel, this being the end of your itinerary and all.
Read more: A Complete Guide to Positano
Day 10: Sorrento to Naples
Unfortunately the last day will be spent on the road, but at least the view is incredible. The drive from Positano to Sorrento is a brief 35 minutes and from there you will take the Circumvesuviana train back to Naples. If you have time before your train leaves, you can take a walk around the historic center or grab a quick bite to eat to savour the last flavours of the Amalfi Coast.
This is a guest post contributed by Eleanor Jane Batten. Imagery by World of Wanderlust.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
