3 Days on the Amalfi Coast: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

The Amalfi Coast runs from Positano to Vietri sul Mare along the Gulf of Salerno, and three days are enough to see Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, with a hike in the hills above. Base yourself in Amalfi, Positano or Ravello.

No coastal village has a railway station, and Amalfi restricts car traffic in its historic center, so the plan leans on buses and boats and leaves out the far ends of the coast.

At a glance

• Recommended length: 3 days
• Best base: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello or Praiano
• Cheapest base: Salerno
• Main transport: bus and boat (Travelmar advises the sea to avoid car queues)
• Length of the coast: about 31 miles (50 km)

Is 3 days enough on the Amalfi Coast?

Three days cover the three names that matter most: Amalfi with its Duomo and old shipyard, Ravello with its two villas and gardens, and Positano. They also leave room for one walk in the hills, the Sentiero degli Dei. The coast has 13 municipalities, so the far ends stay unvisited.

With one more day, add Minori and Maiori, where the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path) starts and a Roman villa stands in Minori. You could also see the Grotta dello Smeraldo at Conca dei Marini, or Vietri sul Mare for its ceramics.

With one day less, drop the Valle delle Ferriere and the Museo della Carta in Amalfi, and keep Amalfi, Ravello and Positano.

When to plan 3 days on the Amalfi Coast

The coast is easiest on foot from April to June. April has a high of 69°F (21°C) and about six rainy days. May reaches 78°F (25°C) with four rainy days, and June reaches 85°F (30°C) with two. July climbs to 91°F (33°C), which makes the stairs of Ravello and the hill paths hard work at midday. Winter is cooler and wetter: January has about nine rainy days. Go early in the day on the paths and keep the afternoons for the sea.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast for 3 days

Amalfi is the best base for this plan. Positano, Ravello and Praiano are the other villages where you can sleep directly on the coast. Positano is the most expensive and most crowded. Praiano is the quietest and most residential. Ravello sits about 1,150 feet (350 m) above the sea and has no beach.

Salerno is the cheapest base, with a regional railway station and ferry and bus links to Amalfi. Sorrento is practical for the train to Naples. In high season, book the base first.

Getting around the Amalfi Coast in 3 days

Travelmar advises discovering the coast by sea, to avoid long car queues and parking problems. Amalfi’s historic center is a limited traffic zone, open for access and parking only to residents with a permit. A new access control system started there on January 1, 2026. A rental car is a poor fit for this plan. Between Positano and Praiano, the local Mobility Bus runs. In Praiano, a local bus connects Praiano Alto with the Marina di Praiano beach and the shopping center.

To arrive, Salerno has a regional railway station, plus ferry and bus links to Amalfi. Sorrento has a train to Naples. Maiori to Sorrento costs 29.50 euros one way for adults on the NLG service. Capri can only be reached by ferry or hydrofoil.

3 Days on the Amalfi Coast, day by day

Day 1: Amalfi and the Valle delle Ferriere

Start in Amalfi, a former maritime republic. The Duomo dates from the 9th century. The Arsenale della Repubblica is the only rock shipyard still existing today. The Museo della Carta sits in an old paper mill at the start of the road to the Valle delle Ferriere.

Amalfi’s center is a restricted traffic zone, so leave any car outside and walk.

Day 2: Ravello, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone

Ravello sits on a rocky spur in the center of the coast, at about 1,200 feet (365 m). Villa Rufolo is at Piazza Duomo. It was built in the 13th century, and its gardens hang between sky and sea. Wagner drew inspiration from it. Villa Cimbrone has gardens and the Terrace of Infinity.

Go early, before the heat and the crowds, and spend the afternoon back at sea level.

Day 3: Positano and the Path of the Gods

Spend the day around Positano, with its colorful little houses and majolica-domed churches. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is an ancient path and a good morning walk.

The Mobility Bus runs between Positano and Praiano. Bring water and start early in summer.