Amalfi Coast in 5 days

Cliff-clinging pastel villages, lemon groves and the dreamiest coastline in Italy. Best time to visit: May-June and September (warm, swimmable, fewer crowds than peak July-August). Average daily budget: $150 to $300 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Positano, The iconic vertical village of pastel houses, boutiques and a pebble beach.

Morning: Wander Positano. Descend the stepped lanes past boutiques to Spiaggia Grande and its photogenic dome.

Afternoon: Explore Positano, The iconic vertical village of pastel houses, boutiques and a pebble beach.

Evening: Path of the Gods. Hike the cliff-top Sentiero degli Dei for jaw-dropping coastline panoramas.

Eat: Fresh seafood and spaghetti alle vongole by the marina

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Amalfi, The coast's namesake hub with a grand cathedral, ferries and lively piazzas.

Morning: Amalfi Cathedral. Climb to the striped Duomo di Sant'Andrea and its Cloister of Paradise.

Afternoon: Explore Amalfi, The coast's namesake hub with a grand cathedral, ferries and lively piazzas.

Evening: Ravello gardens. Stroll Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone for the coast's most sublime terrace views.

Eat: Delizia al limone and limoncello made from Amalfi sfusato lemons

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Ravello, A serene hilltop town of clifftop gardens, villas and summer music festivals.

Morning: Boat day to Capri. Ferry across to the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks and chic Capri town.

Afternoon: Explore Ravello, A serene hilltop town of clifftop gardens, villas and summer music festivals.

Evening: Fiordo di Furore, a tiny fjord beach tucked beneath a soaring bridge.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Sfogliatella and pastries from Salerno-Naples tradition

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Praiano, A quieter, sunset-facing base between Positano and Amalfi with great value.

Morning: Atrani, Amalfi's miniature, less-touristed neighbour with a sleepy piazza.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Praiano, A quieter, sunset-facing base between Positano and Amalfi with great value.

Evening: The lemon-grove walks and tastings above Amalfi and Minori.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes from the Campania countryside

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Sorrento, A larger gateway town with transport links, nightlife and easier logistics.

Morning: Marina di Praia, a sliver of beach in a cliff cleft with seafood right on the water.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Sorrento, A larger gateway town with transport links, nightlife and easier logistics.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh seafood and spaghetti alle vongole by the marina, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Sorrento.

Eat: Fresh seafood and spaghetti alle vongole by the marina

Hidden gems

Fiordo di Furore, a tiny fjord beach tucked beneath a soaring bridge.
Atrani, Amalfi's miniature, less-touristed neighbour with a sleepy piazza.
The lemon-grove walks and tastings above Amalfi and Minori.
Marina di Praia, a sliver of beach in a cliff cleft with seafood right on the water.

Getting around

Forget driving unless you must - the coast road is narrow, twisting and jammed in season, with almost no parking. The smartest way to move is by ferry between Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and Salerno, supplemented by the SITA buses that grind along the cliffs. Trains reach Salerno and Naples, where you connect to ferries and buses. Within villages, expect endless steep steps, so pack light and wear good shoes.

Safety

The Amalfi Coast is very safe, with petty pickpocketing the only real concern in crowded ferries and piazzas. The biggest hazards are the steep, uneven steps and the dizzying coast road - drive only if you're confident, and let ferries do the hopping. Summer sun is fierce on exposed trails like the Path of the Gods, so carry water and start early. Book ferries and restaurants ahead in peak months.

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