Planning to spend one day in Amalfi town? Or a road trip whilst soaking in the gorgeous views? Here is everything you need to know about crafting the perfect one day in Amalfi Coast itinerary!
Italy is unique for many things, so besides visiting the popular hot spots of Rome and Venice it is highly advisable to spend at least a day on the stunning vacation destination of the Amalfi coast.
One day in Amalfi Town: Amalfi Coast one day itinerary
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The coast lies between the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Naples and is easily accessible from most major cities of Italy, by public transport and a network of ferry connections.
Fine cuisine, medieval charm, and panoramic views are just a few things you won’t find anywhere else in Italy. This scenic Mediterranean landscape was voted a UNESCO World Heritage Site way back in 1977, and believe us no matter if you are traveling solo or honeymooning, Amalfi will leave you fascinated.
You can visit Amalfi Coast towns any time of the year, but the ideal time to go is either May or September when the weather is sublime and the tourist hordes are long gone.
In summer you will find no space to move and in winter most of the cafes and restaurants down their shutters.
Here is a quick snapshot of the places we will cover,
One day in Amalfi Town (Sightseeing if using public transportation)
- Coffee and cake at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi
- Visit Duomo di Amalfi
- See the fountain of St Andrea
- Grab some lunch at Da Gemma or Trattoria La Paz
- Visit Amalfi Handmade Paper Museum
- Go souvenir shopping in Amalfi Town
- Wander the town, and soak in the sunset from the waterfront
- In the summer months, hang out at the Spiaggia Grande beach
Things to do on the Amalfi Coast in one day (Road trip stops)
- Positano
- Amalfi town
- Ravello
- Sorrento
Small group tours in the Amalfi (Starting from Naples or Rome)
Without a car, or public transportation you can use a small group tour to craft your Amalfi Coast day trip itinerary
To make your one day trip to Amalfi town a complete success, you need to understand the topography of the area. There are thirteen towns located on the relatively steep Amalfi coast.
The 50 km (31 miles) long Amalfi Coast Highway is the only land route through this area, running from Positano in the west to Vietri Sul Mare towards the east.
The Amalfi Drive offers some charismatic cliffside views, not to be missed.
Navigation on the road is tough as traffic can be an issue both in summer and the off-season as well.
As a result, you cannot possibly see all the towns in one day, so it is best to limit this itinerary only to the most popular places on the way.
How to get to Amalfi Coast: Tours Amalfi Coast, trains, car rental, and private transfers
There are plenty of options to get to the coast, but the easiest way is to take a group tour from either Naples, Sorrento, or even Rome.
Amalfi day tours
Boat tours
Ferries to Amalfi
Another way to travel, especially from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is to catch the direct ferry which runs from Naples to Positano and Amalfi.
The trip takes about an hour and a half and runs throughout the day.
Trains to Amalfi
From Rome take the high-speed train to Naples (1 hour and 10 minutes) and then the ferry from Naples (1 hour and 30 minutes to Positano and Amalfi town).
Keep in mind, the only train station on the Amalfi Coast is located in Vietri Sul Mare, which is linked with the stations of Naples and Salerno.
Driving to Amalfi
Sorrento is just an hour’s drive from Amalfi Coast, but it depends upon the traffic. Car rentals are available, but the road trip is not only challenging, there are parking issues.
If you are only spending one day, book a private transfer instead, and then explore on foot.
Or book an Amalfi Coast sightseeing by Vintage Fiat 500 or 600, so that a local can drive and show you around!
One day in Amalfi Town: Perfect for off-season visit
Amalfi town is located on the coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the province of Salerno, Italy.
The town is home to a number of historical landmarks as well as a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, which is why we have this section on spending one day in Amalfi town only!
You can use this itinerary below if you are arriving in Amalfi town by car or bus (SITA bus).
There is a bus station super close to Spiaggia Grande beach, and a few minutes from there, you will be inside the town with the cathedral, shops, and trattorias calling you.
During the off-season, it will be easy for you to find shops and attractions open in Amalfi town!
One day in Amalfi Town,
- Coffee and cake at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi
- Visit Duomo di Amalfi
- See the fountain of St Andrea
- Grab some lunch at Da Gemma or Trattoria La Paz
- Visit Amalfi Handmade Paper Museum
- Go souvenir shopping in Amalfi Town
- Wander the town, and soak in the sunset from the waterfront
- In the summer months, hang out at the Spiaggia Grande beach
09:00 AM – Start your day with a cappuccino and some pastries at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi. This historic cafe has been serving up delicious coffee and pastries since 1892. Make sure to try their famous sfogliatelle and other traditional and Neapolitan cakes!
10:00 AM – Take a walk through the streets of Amalfi and take in the architecture and sights. Be sure to visit the Amalfi Cathedral or the Duomo di Amalfi, which was built in the 9th century.
Entry to the cathedral is 3 euros. The stairway to the main door is absolutely stunning, and if you walk up you can also take in the views of the Amalfi town below!
Right outside the Duomo is the fountain of St Andrea, which is one of the iconic sports in Amalfi town.
12:00 PM – Grab some lunch at Da Gemma or Trattoria La Paz in the heart of town. These restaurants offer fresh and traditional Italian favorites.
After lunch, take some time to enjoy the town by wandering around.
2:00 PM – Next, explore cute shops and boutiques. Pop into some of the paper stores to pick up some handmade paper products or souvenirs. Or pack limoncello or other edible souvenirs.
If interested you can also check out the Amalfi Handmade Paper Museum.
5:00 PM – In the evening, head down to the waterfront for some relaxation time before dinner. Enjoy the lovely breeze and take in the beautiful sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Tip: When you come to Amalfi town in the summer months, you will first see the main and the largest beach called Spiaggia Grande – filled with colorful beach chairs – and this is perfect for a nice evening walk as well!
7:30 PM – Have dinner, then take a stroll through Amalfi’s narrow streets before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Or get back to Naples – after spending one day in Amalfi town.
Amalfi town is not only a beautiful place with stunning sights – of beaches, cliffs, and colorful buildings, but it is rich in historical landmarks. It had been a significant maritime town from the 9th to 12th centuries.
So if you are visiting in the off-season or looking to explore landmarks other than relaxing at the beach, this is the town to be in and spend a full day!
One day Amalfi Coast Road Trip Itinerary
This Amalfi Coast itinerary is a road trip guide, and it checks off 3-4 spots on a day trip from Sorrento.
This itinerary can be done from Naples as well. You can rent a car, or book private transportation.
We had a private transfer and that made it easier to navigate and explore! Click to check private transfers available during your travel day
Positano (for 2 hours)
If you are coming from Sorrento, the first gorgeous town on the way will be Positano. But before you enter the town, stop at the Madonna di Lourdes statue for some of the most stunning views of Positano.
The picture-perfect town is etched on the sides of a cliff and looks as if it has been painted on the cliff walls as you drive into Positano.
Step down and climb up to take a close look at the homes in brilliant shades, seeming glued to the cliffside. The views are so pretty, you will hardly be aware of your aching feet.
On a day trip, a couple of hours is all you will get in Positano, so make the most of your time and wander the roads of this lovely town, walk down to the beach and sip limoncello in a cafe overlooking the waters.
Do not forget to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta, home to many Byzantine treasures dating back to the 13th century.
Staying options in Positano:
Amalfi Town (for 2 to 3 hours)
On a day trip, two hours is the maximum you can spare for Amalfi town, even though it is smaller than Positano and has fewer attractions to visit.
That said it is enough time to get a feel of the place and maybe return to see the rest on some other day.
If you are visiting in the offseason, plan to spend the extra hour or so here, and also grab lunch.
If you are a lover of architecture, do visit the Duomo di Amalfi or the Duomo di Sant’Andrea, both of which are stunning, and enjoy the pride of the place in the town.
From the front of the steps, you can take great pictures of this busy little town and the pretty Fontana Sant’Andrea in front of the church.
Additionally, the main road, Via Mercanti, has some pretty little souvenir shops worth exploring, and if you are hungry stop at Ristorante L’Abside in the main city square which specializes in seafood and excellent hot chocolate for dessert.
If you are traveling by car, there is a large car park on the seafront which you can take advantage of during your couple of hours’ stay in the town.
Staying options in Amalfi:
Ravello (for 2 hours)
This quaint and charming town of Ravello is a wonderful last stop on a one day itinerary to the Amalfi region.
Full of large homes, castles, and villas belonging to the traders who made a lot of wealth in the middle ages, it is worth just exploring the ancient streets and admiring the incredible views.
You will need to spend at least an hour and a half on your day trip to the Amalfi Coast, but no matter how much time you have, a villa visit is a must.
Head to the stunning Villa Rufolo known for its beauty and great views.
It may look simple from the outside, but the San Pantaleo Cathedral (Duomo di Ravello dedicated to Saint Pantaleon) is striking from the inside. Established in 1807, it is adorned with sculptures dating back to medieval times.
Staying options in Ravello:
Sorrento – Return/dinner
From Ravello, plan to leave the town for your return trip to Sorrento at around 07:30 pm.
This will take around two hours so we suggest having an early dinner in Sorrento itself or driving down the mountain and having dinner somewhere along the coast.
You can also wait till you reach Sorrento, dump your vehicle and relax with a well-earned drink.
Alternate tour recommendations: Amalfi Coast Itinerary
When you visualize a trip to Amalfi Coast, the images of dramatic landscapes and high-end villas will come to mind. That said, there are some stunning beaches in this region that are worth visiting.
Most of the good stretches of sand are Amalfi and Positano. Some pristine hot spots are:
- Marina Grande Positano: This is the most popular beach here where you can simply rent a chair and watch the celebrities pass by.
- Spiaggia Arienzo, Positano: You will have to climb down 300 steps to reach this beach, but once there you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Santa Croce, Amalfi: Accessible only by boat from the main pier terminal, this secluded beach is home to two exclusive beach clubs Da Teresa and Santa Croce.
Vallone delle Ferriere
Take a break from the unique things and the beaches of Amalfi Coast and instead hike deep in the Valley of the Ferriere.
The hike begins from Pontone, a short distance from Ravello, and continues for 5 km (3.1 miles) till it ends in Amalfi town.
A historic landmark that you will pass on the way is the water mills that served as a source of power to the region’s famous paper-making industry.
The trail passes through forests and streams till it reaches its central park running through a protected reserve.
Hike the Path of the Gods
If you choose to hike the Path of the Gods, you will discover some of the incredible hidden gems of Italy on this coast.
The hike offers such beautiful views no one can imagine, not only of the Amalfi coastline but the stretches from Bombersno to Nocelle.
The distance covered is about 6.4 km (4 miles) and takes about 2.5 hours, from start to finish.
To make the most of this trip, head here before sunrise and make sure to stop at the Belvedere viewpoint for some heart-pumping views.
Not only that, you will get to experience some fabulous lesser-known towns like Nocelle and Bomerano. You can also book a guided hike here
Day trips from Amalfi Coast towns
Whichever town you are staying in, you can surely extend your trip by venturing outside
Isle of Capri
When visiting Amalfi Coast, an ideal getaway to something special is the Isle of Capri.
The island is so beautiful, with the blue sea and the rugged landscapes in the background, that a visit here suits every traveler, regardless of budget.
Capri island is divided into two small parts, Capri and Ana Capri. Once you reach here you will be in Piazza Vittoria.
From here, climb the cable car to access Mount Solero. In fact, the cable car ride will be an experience in itself we promise you.
Walk down on your way back and make a small detour to see the hermitage and Church of Cetrella, an important religious place of Capri, perched high up on the rocks with incredible views.
Blue Grotto is another attraction that is on top of the tourist radar. This cave is located just off the sea at a point where the water turns into a brilliant shade of luminous blue.
Atrani
The municipality of Atrani has a surface area of only 0.12 km (.07 miles), thereby making it the smallest of its kind in the whole of Italy, but what makes it stand apart from Amalfi is authenticity.
Atrani represents the true lifestyle of Italy, with its small narrow streets, only ten minutes from Amalfi town.
The beach at Atrani is a perfect place to chill and spend some quality time. The Le Arcate restaurant on the seafront boasts of the most perfect wood oven pizza cooked in perfection.
Sitting is available right up to the seashore, lit up by old traditional lamps, thereby setting the mood for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Drive the coastal road
Driving along the coastal road, no doubt, is an exhilarating experience, but it is not for the faint-hearted.
The lanes are narrow, the drivers wild and there are hair-raising bends in plenty (one thousand as per the local version).
Apart from that, the Amalfi Coast drive is the most stunning of all coastal trips in Europe, both breathtakingly beautiful and a bit terrifying.
The road SS163 is a little over 50 km (31 miles) long and begins from Sorrento and ends at Vietri Sul Mare.
The best of all viewpoints are at Conca Marini, a few minutes beyond the Hotel Belvedere. From here you can also see the villa of the former famous star Sofia Loren, against a perfect Amalfi backdrop.
There is a massive lack of parking on the route and if available it is very expensive. Hence we recommend hiring a scooter or chauffeur-driven vehicle for the duration of the coastal trip.
Pompeii Excavations
From Amalfi take the bus to either Sorrento or Salerno and then catch the regular Pompei Scavi train which takes forty-five minutes to reach.
The excavations of the Roman city of Pompeii, which got totally buried when the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, is an extremely popular ruin site.
To better understand the history behind Pompeii and the story behind the stones we strongly recommend visiting this archaeological park with an audio guide (€39) which lasts about two hours.
You won’t be able to see half as much on your own.
Buy fast track tickets for Pompeii in advance unless you want to waste precious time waiting in lines in the unforgiving Pompeii sun.
Also, there is hardly any shade here, so don a hat and carry lots of water.
If you love historical tours as much as we do, you can book a guided walk with an archaeologist here.
Amalfi Coast – Trip Preparation
Here are some quick planning tips,
First of all, if you intend to visit the Amalfi coast in the summer months, be advised to carry lots of sunscreens and wear a hat as the heat at this time of the year is simply scorching during the day.
Secondly, organized private tours will give you the best option to sit back and enjoy the amazing views with a tour guide at hand to describe in detail all the fascinating places you pass through.
When eating out, it is worthwhile to book ahead of time in the places you want to dine.
Most of the restaurants offer incredible views and get booked pretty fast. Make sure to request a good table while making reservations.
For example, if you want to dine in Michelin-starred restaurants like the La Sponda in Positano, consider making a reservation much earlier.
Lastly, walking the steep and uneven streets may be an issue, so make sure you don a good and comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Moreover, plan your trip well ahead as rooms in this famous destination get filled up fast, especially during the peak summer season.
Stay almost anywhere but not in Positano. The town is no doubt gorgeous, especially when viewed from the sea, but it is also very crowded and very expensive.
Instead, stay in either Ravello or Minori, about an hour away from Positano where the prices are much less.
Budget
While this part of Italy is known for its glamour, it comes with a very high price tag. Some places may be cheaper, but compared to other places in Italy this is the costliest, especially the accommodation which is the most expensive part.
You will need to keep aside €160 per person per day on your one-day vacation. This includes meals, local transportation, and a stay in an average hotel for two persons.
Safety
Amalfi is considered to be extremely safe by both local and international standards. That said, to avoid unpleasant incidents, one should adhere to some rules that a tourist would adopt anywhere. Criminals are everywhere so:
- Don’t leave valuables in unsupervised areas
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night
- Don’t leave your bag open in a bar on public transport
Additional travel information
Here is an important update. The Amalfi Coast has imposed restrictions to curb excess tourism for the season-ending 2022.
For example, cars are allowed on alternate days as per odd and even numbers. This is in place till the present and may be updated from time to time.
Even otherwise, don’t rent a car for the Amalfi Coast as the streets are extremely narrow in places, and during summer tourists arrive here in large numbers, especially during July and August.
Not only driving is tough, but parking is a major headache.
Was one day enough to explore Amalfi?
One day is surely not enough if you want to visit all thirteen municipalities or towns on the Amalfi coast, but it gives you ample time to explore the principal attractions, experience the culture, and enjoy many breathtaking views on your single-day vacation.
We suggest that you have a time plan for four to five days to see the wonders of this beautiful destination which has been captivating visitors since ancient Roman times.
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