You know that feeling when you stumble across those Instagram-perfect coastal photos and think “there’s no way this place actually exists”? Well, I’m here to tell you the Amalfi Coast is absolutely real, and it’s even more stunning than those filtered shots suggest. After spending ten incredible days exploring this Italian paradise, I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary that’ll help you squeeze every drop of magic out of this Mediterranean gem.
Trust me, you don’t want to wing it here – the Coast demands a game plan if you want to hit all the highlights without losing your mind (or your wallet) in the process.
Day 1-2: Sorrento – Your Perfect Home Base
Let’s kick things off in Sorrento, and here’s why this town rocks as your launching pad. It’s got killer connections to everywhere you want to go, decent prices compared to the coastal hotspots, and enough charm to keep you busy when you’re not island-hopping.
Where to Stay and What to Do
Book yourself into the Hotel Villa di Sorrento or something similar in the old town. You’ll want to be walking distance from Piazza Tasso – that’s where all the action happens. Spend your first afternoon getting your bearings with a proper Italian lunch (I’m talking real pasta, not tourist trap nonsense) and maybe a limoncello tasting. FYI, the lemons here are massive and the limoncello is dangerously good 🙂
Day two? Capri day trip. Take the hydrofoil from Marina Piccola – it’s about 20 minutes and way more reliable than the ferries. Once you’re there, don’t skip the Blue Grotto. Yeah, it’s touristy, but some tourist traps exist for a reason.
Key Sorrento highlights: • Marina Grande for sunset dinners • Villa Comunale gardens for epic coastal views
• Local markets for authentic Italian vibes • Day trips to Pompeii (if you’re into ancient ruins)
Day 3-4: Positano – The Instagram Darling
Time to move to Positano, the poster child of the Amalfi Coast. Fair warning – this place will absolutely destroy your camera storage, but in the best possible way.
Getting There and Settling In
The SITA bus from Sorrento takes about an hour and costs practically nothing. Pro tip: grab a window seat on the right side for those jaw-dropping coastal views. Just don’t look down if you’re scared of heights – the road literally hugs cliffsides the entire way.
Hotel Poseidon or Hotel Villa Franca are solid mid-range options, but honestly? Even the budget places here have million-dollar views. The town is built vertically (seriously, pack comfortable walking shoes), so everything’s either uphill or downhill from wherever you’re staying.
Positano Must-Dos
You can’t leave without doing the Path of the Gods hike. It sounds dramatic, but it actually lives up to the name. The trail connects Positano to Praiano and gives you those money-shot views everyone posts online. Start early – Mediterranean sun gets brutal by midday.
Spiaggia Grande is the main beach, but it’s basically a pebble party with overpriced umbrellas. Still gorgeous though, and perfect for that “I’m living my best life” selfie.
Evening plan? Dinner at Da Adolfo (if you can get a reservation) or just grab some gelato and people-watch from the main square. The sunset here hits different – IMO it’s the best on the entire coast.
Day 5-6: Amalfi Town – Historical Heart
Amalfi town gets overlooked because everyone’s obsessed with Positano, but this place has serious historical street cred. It was once a major maritime power, and you can still feel that grand legacy everywhere you look.
Cathedral and Culture
The Amalfi Cathedral dominates the town square with its Arab-Norman architecture that’ll make your art history professor weep with joy. The bronze doors were crafted in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), and the whole complex screams “we used to run the Mediterranean.”
Climb the cathedral steps for the perfect photo op, then explore the Cloister of Paradise – it’s this peaceful courtyard that feels like stepping into a medieval movie set.
Paper Museums and Local Crafts
Ever wondered why high-quality paper is called “vellum”? Museo della Carta (Paper Museum) tells the whole story of Amalfi’s paper-making tradition. It sounds boring, but it’s actually fascinating how this town cornered the European paper market back in the day.
Must-visit spots: • Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve • Limoncello tastings at local distilleries • Arsenal of the Maritime Republic ruins • Beach time at Marina Grande
Day 7: Ravello – The Sophisticated Sister
Take a bus up the mountain to Ravello – this town sits 365 meters above sea level and serves up the most sophisticated vibes on the entire coast. It’s where the wealthy Romans built their summer villas, and honestly, they had excellent taste.
Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone
Villa Rufolo has gardens that inspired Wagner to compose parts of Parsifal. The Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone offers views that’ll ruin all other coastal views for you forever. I’m not being dramatic – the Mediterranean stretches endlessly below you, and on clear days you can see forever.
Both villas charge admission, but it’s worth every euro. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon wandering the grounds like some Renaissance noble.
Ravello Festival
If you’re visiting in summer, check if any Ravello Festival concerts are happening. They host performances in Villa Rufolo’s gardens with the coast as a backdrop. It’s magical, but book ahead – locals and tourists alike pack these shows.
Day 8: Furore and Hidden Gems
Time to get off the beaten path! Furore is this tiny village split between the mountains and sea, and it’s home to one of the coast’s best-kept secrets.
The Fjord Beach
Fiordo di Furore isn’t technically a fjord (geography nerds will correct you), but this narrow inlet with its tiny pebble beach feels otherworldly. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series uses this spot, so you know the location is spectacular.
Getting down to the beach requires a bit of scrambling, but the isolation makes it worth the effort. Perfect for escaping the Positano crowds.
Local Wine Tasting
The mountains behind Furore produce some incredible wines that never make it off the coast. Cantina Marisa Cuomo offers tastings with views that pair perfectly with their Fiorduva white wine. It’s a small-batch operation that’ll spoil you for mass-produced wines forever.
Day 9: Atrani and Minori – Local Life
Atrani claims to be Italy’s smallest municipality, and it feels more like a movie set than a real town. The main square fits maybe 50 people, and the whole place has this authentic charm that hasn’t been Instagram-ified yet.
Real Italian Living
Walk around Atrani in the morning when locals are doing their daily shopping. The old ladies gossip from their balconies, kids kick footballs in the tiny square, and the pace of life moves at proper Mediterranean speed.
Minori produces the coast’s best ceramics and limoncello. The Villa Romana archaeological site shows off ancient Roman luxury, and the beach here actually has some sand mixed with the pebbles.
Local experiences: • Morning coffee with fishermen at dawn • Cooking classes using coastal ingredients
• Ceramic workshops in family-run studios • Beach days without tourist crowds
Day 10: Salerno and Departure Prep
Your final day starts in Salerno, the coast’s largest city and your most convenient departure point. It’s grittier than the tourist towns but offers authentic Southern Italian city life.
Medieval Quarter and Modern Harbor
The medieval old town centers around the beautiful cathedral with its stunning mosaic floors. Salerno feels lived-in rather than preserved for tourists – locals actually use the piazzas for daily life instead of just photo opportunities.
The modern harbor area hosts great seafood restaurants where you won’t pay Positano prices. Osteria dei Sapori Perduti serves traditional Campanian dishes that locals actually eat.
Final Coastal Views
Take the funicular up to Castello di Arechi for your final Amalfi Coast panorama. The 8th-century castle offers views over Salerno’s bay and back toward the dramatic coastline you’ve just explored.
Transportation Tips That Actually Matter
Forget renting a car unless you enjoy white-knuckle driving on roads built for donkeys. The SITA buses connect everything, run frequently, and cost almost nothing. Buy a weekly pass and save yourself the hassle.
Hydrofoils and ferries operate between major towns from April to October. They’re more expensive than buses but offer amazing coastal perspectives and skip the winding mountain roads entirely.
Walking between some towns is totally doable – the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) and coastal paths offer incredible hiking with killer views as rewards.
Budget Reality Check
The Amalfi Coast isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to bankrupt you either. Budget around €100-150 per day for mid-range experiences including accommodation, meals, and activities. Splurge on a few special dinners and save money with picnic lunches featuring local ingredients.
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) offers better prices and fewer crowds while maintaining great weather. July and August are gorgeous but prepare for packed viewpoints and premium pricing.
Your Amalfi Coast Reality
Ten days gives you enough time to experience the coast’s different personalities without rushing. You’ll taste limoncello that puts store-bought versions to shame, hike trails that inspired classical composers, and understand why this stretch of coastline has captured imaginations for thousands of years.
The secret? Balance the must-sees with spontaneous discoveries. Sure, get your Positano photos and Ravello sunset shots, but also chat with fishermen in Atrani and discover that tiny restaurant locals actually frequent.
The Amalfi Coast delivers on every Instagram promise and then surprises you with authentic moments that no filter can capture. Just remember to look up from your camera occasionally – some experiences are better lived than photographed. Trust me on this one.