Maybe you want to head to this favorite Italian hotspot, but you wonder, “How many days on the Amalfi Coast?” Soaking in the wonders of one of the most popular destinations in Italy, you will want to spend more than a day here since the Amalfi Coast has 13 towns and villages and every one of them offers you something unique to see.
The Amalfi Coast is so beautiful that it often attracts celebrities like Beyonce, Michael Jordan, Jennifer Lopez, and Mick Jagger. All of the colorful towns take you through steep and narrow streets, and what makes them so popular is their rich historical heritage and artistic flare. You won’t be happy if you come here for just a short visit because it will leave you longing for what you missed.
Join us as we explore the question of how many days to take on the Amalfi Coast, and we’ll look at a couple of different ways that you can split this to fit everyone’s itinerary.
How Many Days Does It Take to Visit the Amalfi Coast?
How many days to spend on the Amalfi Coast? At a minimum, I’d recommend two days to see the Amalfi Coast, but I would only recommend that number for those on a tight budget or a strict time frame. You can see all the essentials in two days, but you need to plan your trip carefully to see everything you want.
You may want to consider three days because it will give you more time to see Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Vietri sul Mare, and Atrani. Furthermore, you can throw in Capri and Sorrento as well for 3 days. The 3-day trip is one of the most budget-friendly options where you won’t need to cut out as much.
Next, you could visit the Amalfi Coast for five days. Five days will provide you with plenty of time to soak in the vibes and learn why this region of Italy has captivated visitors since the Ancient Roman days. I recommend this choice because the Amalfi Coast deserves a thorough tour. Rushing through it will leave you feeling like you missed part of it.
Asking yourself, “How many days in Amalfi Coast?” Five days will open an opportunity for you to take a boat tour of the many secluded beaches and grottos of this region. I’d recommend the Runghetiello Grotto to see the finest beaches and stunning rock arches. This ranks as one of the most hidden sea caves on the Amalfi Coast. Next, you may want to try the Baths of Queen Giovanna or the Bagni della Regina Giovanna.
Finally, you have the most ideal number of days, which is seven. When you allot seven days, you can see all the things that you want to see without rushing through the Italian region that inspired Salvador Dali, Humphrey Bogart, and so many others.
Itineraries to Visit the Amalfi Coast 2, 3, and 5 Days
Visit the Amalfi Coast in 2 Days
Day 1
To pull off this itinerary, you may find it especially helpful to fly into the Naples Capodichino Airport. On Day 1, you will check out Vesuvius and Pompeii. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are 1 hour from the Amalfi Coast and 40 minutes outside of Naples, so you would see them along the way. Pompeii opens a window into the lifestyle of the Ancient Romans. Buried beneath the ash are well-preserved insights into history.
Day 2
On Day 2, you will see Sorrento, Positano, and Praiano. Sorrento offers fantastic coastal views, historic buildings, and picturesque streets. Positano is a must-see because of the colorful buildings, luxury villas, and rooftop bars. Finally, you would want to see Praiano because of its stunning buildings built right into the side of a mountain.
The Amalfi Coast in 3 Days
Day 1
If you’re wondering, “How many days do you need in Amalfi Coast?” Going for three days is a good budget plan. On Day 1, you would arrive in Naples and head to Vesuvius and Pompeii due to their proximity to Sorrento.
Day 2
On Day 2, you will visit Sorrento, Positano, and Praiano. I highlight those three cities because of them being essential to any itinerary for, “How many days in Amalfi Coast?”
Day 3
On Day 3 for this itinerary, you will visit Salerno. This experience is worthwhile because you will see the Greek ruins of Paestum along with sparkling beaches. Salerno offers a pleasant waterfront in an old compact town. Salerno can help you beat the crowds because it isn’t as popular as its cousins. However, it has restored medieval gardens and a beautiful Norman Cathedral. While in Salerno, try the famous mozzarella di bufala or the Amalfi lemons. Because Salerno is less touristy, you could use it as a base for more affordable accommodations.
The Amalfi Coast in 5 Days
Day 1
Asking, “How many days in Amalfi Coast?” The number of five days will probably give you one of the best ways to see this destination. Again, you would arrive in Naples and see Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius since it’s right along the way.
Day 2
On Day 2, you will check out Sorrento, Capri and Anacapri. I covered the other ones already, but Anacapri is a quieter destination where you can escape the crowds. You could check out the San Michele Church or the Villa San Michele. Important to note: Check out the sightseeing map to get all the main points of interest in the historic old town of Anacapri. You can locate the sightseeing map at several locations throughout the town.
Day 3
For day 3, you will see Positano, Praiano and Ravello. Ravello enchantingly rests on the cliffs, and it stands out for its stunning gardens and extraordinary coastal scenes. Don’t miss the Infinity Terrace, also known as Belvedere. Standing 1,200 feet from the terrace, your eyes will enjoy the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the Mediterranean Sea down below. Ravello is quite small, so it won’t take long to wander the streets. As you stroll, you will enjoy the lemon citrus scents from the garden groves if you visit during the blooming season.
Day 4
On your fourth day, you will see Maiori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare. You would especially love to visit Maiori if you love the beach scene since the town has the longest sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast. Most of the beaches in this region require you to walk or climb a rocky terrain, but Maiori is easier to reach than the others. At the fishing village of Cetara, you have the chance to eat some of the best Italian seafood on the Amalfi Coast. You can eat fresh tuna caught in traditional nets. Finally, you will see Vietri sul Mare. This location is remarkable for the fact that it’s the beginning of the Amalfi Coast. It’s situated near Salerno, and most know it as the capital of artistry and traditional ceramics for the region.
Day 5
For the final day, you will end in Salerno. It’s only 3.5 mi (5.7 km) from Vietri sul Mare, and it’s known for its winding medieval streets. Ending your trip here is a guaranteed way to finish the tour on a high note. If you’re asking, “How many days in Amalfi Coast?” Five days would be the ideal number for most because it lets you see most of what this region has to offer.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Along with asking, “How many days in Amalfi Coast,” you need to know how to get there. The Amalfi Coast has no airport, so how do you get there? The nearest airport sits 37 miles (67 kilometers) to the north at the Naples Capodichino Airport. From Naples, head to the Naples Train Station and buy a train ticket to Sorrento. From there, you buy a public SITA bus ticket.
You can fly to Naples and get close, but you may choose the Rome Fiumicino instead because it connects to more airports giving you direct flights. Note: You will fly into Rome from the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport and take the bus or train. Just be aware, this transportation takes four hours.
I wouldn’t recommend a car because this is a touristy destination, and like with other popular locations in Italy, you may struggle to find parking.
Read more: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast – Complete Travel Guide
How to Get around the Amalfi Coast
How many days to spend on the Amalfi Coast will often determine your chosen transport since some options will save more time than others. You can get around using the bus, car, scooter, ferry, small boat tour, or private boat.
During the summer season, I would recommend the ferry, small boat tour, or private boat because the traffic on Amalfi Drive can backup for several kilometers—not uncommon. If you choose the bus, you need to contend with longer lines and traffic. Also, you may struggle to find parking spots with a car.
Getting around the Amalfi Coast by Boat
Not all towns along the Amalfi Coast are accessible via the water
ways. You can reach only a few towns on the Amalfi coast by boat, including:
- Positano
- Amalfi
- Salerno
- Minori
- Maiori
- Cetara
- Vietri sul Mare
A couple of different ferry companies operate along the coast including Travelmar, NLG and Alilaura Gruson. Keep in mind that the ferries only operate in Amalfi from April to October.
One of the cool things about riding by boat is how it gives you breathtaking views of the cliffs. This is why when you ask the question, “How many days in Amalfi Coast?” You would want a longer stay for the breathtaking views. The ferry gives you the cheapest way to ride by boat, but you could book a private one or a small boat tour.
A private boat is a great choice if you’d like to sip on prosecco and even visit some of the small coves and caves that a ferry can’t reach. The private boat tour, usually for 8 hours, can get expensive for most ($900 to $3,500), but if you split it with a group of four or six people, you may find it worthwhile. Any of the boat choices may not make much sense if you struggle with seasickness.
Read more: How to get around Amalfi Coast – By Car, Vespa, or Boat
Getting around the Amalfi Coast by Scooter
Now, if you wanted to get around the Amalfi Coast with a motor vehicle of some type, I would recommend the scooter. First, the scooter can fit into smaller parking spaces, and it can bypass a slow-moving traffic jam. You can also travel on your own schedule and go where you want to go. It’s cheaper than paying for a rental car or a private driver.
The disadvantage is that it can be dangerous, and you would still deal with some traffic jams. One way to get around that is to visit the Amalfi Coast during the off-season from November to February. This also happens to be the cheaper time to visit. The cheapest months to visit are usually from January to March with February being the cheapest.
An estimated 5 million tourists visit this beautiful coast every year. How many days do you need in Amalfi Coast? It depends on your unique needs, but I’d usually recommend staying longer.
The Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
No matter how many days in Amalfi Coast you have planned, you need a place to stay at the end of each night. I put together a variety of options below to suit the needs of every type of traveler:
Hotel Sorrento City
You can relax on your balcony and enjoy the sights of the Amalfi Coast. It sits 400 meters from the beach and overlooks the main street or Sorrento. You’re also located next to Piazza Tasso, the main square of Sorrento.
Alcione Residence
Located in Positano, you will get a Mediterranean-style room here with a private panoramic terrace. Alcione is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Breakfast is served on your own balcony.
