Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Towns, Islands and How to Plan

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Why choose the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast runs along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, south of Naples, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its towns are built into the cliffs above the sea, linked by a single winding road, with Capri and Ischia a ferry ride away in the Gulf of Naples.

Best for: sea views, couples, boat days and scenic walks. Ideal stay: 3–4 days from one base, plus 1–2 days if you add Capri or Ischia.

What to do on the Amalfi Coast

Using Naples as your base instead? Start with the Naples travel guide, and see lakes, islands and coasts in Italy for other waterside trips.

Plan your Amalfi Coast trip

How many days?

1 day: a guided day trip from Naples. 3–4 days: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello from one base. 5–6 days: add Capri or Ischia.

Where to stay?

Positano or Amalfi for the views and the ferries, Ravello for calm, Sorrento for more choice and a rail link to Naples. Staying on the coast saves hours on the road.

Getting around

There is no railway on the coast. SITA buses run the coast road, and ferries connect the main towns and the islands in season. Driving is slow in summer and parking is scarce.

When to visit?

Late spring and early fall are the best balance of weather and crowds. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season, and many hotels and ferry routes close or reduce service in winter.

Plan the rest of your trip. The coast is easier than it looks once you know how to move. These guides show you how.

• Amalfi Coast itinerary: five, seven or ten days without a car.
• Amalfi Coast ferries: routes, operators, fares and tickets.
• Naples to Positano: ferry, train, bus or transfer, with fall schedules.
• things to do in Sorrento: boat days, Capri, Pompeii and the old town.
• Amalfi Coast tours: from Rome, Naples or Sorrento, by road or by boat.

Choosing your base? Compare places to stay in Positano and Sorrento below.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Also, if you are building a longer trip, our guide to the best places to visit in Italy shows what to combine with the coast.

Also, if you are planning a night or two, our guide to where to stay in Naples and on the Amalfi Coast helps you pick the right area.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting?

Yes, if you plan around its geography. The towns cling to cliffs along one narrow coast road, so the views are the reason to go and the traffic is the price. A base on the coast, an early start and ferries instead of the bus in high season make the biggest difference.

How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?

Three to four days lets you see Positano, Amalfi and Ravello without rushing and leaves room for a boat day or the Path of the Gods. Add one or two days if you also want Capri.

Can you visit the Amalfi Coast without a car?

Yes, and most visitors do. There is no train along the coast, but SITA buses run the coast road and ferries link the main towns in season. Sorrento and Salerno are the nearest rail stations.

Can you see the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Naples?

Yes, with a guided tour that handles the driving. A day trip covers a few viewpoints and one or two towns; it works if you only have one day, but it is a long one.

Is Capri part of the Amalfi Coast?

No. Capri is an island in the Gulf of Naples, off the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. It is easy to combine with the Amalfi Coast by ferry, which is why most trips include both.