The Perfect 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The dramatic cliffs, the colorful towns stacked on top of each other, the crystal-clear water, and some of the best food in Italy make it one of the most beautiful destinations in the world!

The good news is that even with just 3 days on the Amalfi Coast, you can see the absolute highlights without feeling like you’re rushing through everything.

This 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary covers Positano, a day trip to Capri, and the charming towns of Amalfi and Ravello, giving you a great mix of beaches, scenery, and culture.

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Overview of Your 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Three days is a great amount of time to experience the best of the Amalfi Coast without feeling like you’re constantly on the move. You won’t be able to see everything, but you’ll hit the absolute highlights and still have time to actually enjoy each place.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the 3 days are structured:

• Day 1: Positano
• Day 2: Amalfi & Ravello
• Day 3: Capri

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

The closest airport is Naples, which is well connected to most major European cities.

From Naples Airport, the most budget-friendly option is taking the train from Naples Central Station to Sorrento, which takes about an hour and then from Sorrento, you can then hop on a ferry or bus to Positano or Amalfi.

If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free arrival, booking a private transfer directly from the airport to your hotel is a great option, especially if you’re arriving with a lot of luggage.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

For this itinerary, I recommend basing yourself in either Positano or Amalfi for the full three days. Both towns have good ferry and bus connections, making it easy to get around without a car.

Positano is the more glamorous and photogenic of the two, but it’s also more expensive and gets very crowded during the day. If you’re after that classic Amalfi Coast experience and don’t mind paying a bit more, it’s a fantastic base.

Amalfi, on the other hand, is a bit more affordable, has a wider range of restaurants and services, and is slightly better positioned for visiting Ravello and Atrani. If this is your first time on the Amalfi Coast, I’d personally lean towards Amalfi as your base.

Here are some amazing hotels to check, depending on your budget:

• Luxury: Hotel Marincanto | Le Sirenuse | Hotel Miramalfi
• Mid-range: Hotel Conca d’Oro | Terrazza Duomo | Hotel Residence
• Budget-friendly: Casa Mandara B&B | B&B Valentì | Amalfi Casamia B&B

Day 1: Positano

If you’re based in Positano, you’re already in the right place. If you’re staying in Amalfi, you can easily get here by ferry or bus, but make sure to start your day early as both options get very crowded later in the morning.

Positano is hands down the most iconic town on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s not hard to see why. Colorful houses cascading down the cliffs, bougainvillea spilling over every wall, and that beautiful stretch of beach at the bottom. It’s as photogenic as it looks in photos.

Cristoforo Colombo Viewpoint

Start your morning at the viewpoint on Via Cristoforo Colombo, one of the most famous spots in Positano. The views over the town and the coastline from here are incredible, and it’s worth arriving early before the crowds show up.

Right next to the viewpoint, you’ll find Angelo Cafe, a small and charming spot where you can grab a coffee and a croissant while taking in the view. The pastries are really good and it’s a lovely way to ease into the day!

Exploring the town

After breakfast, spend some time wandering through the streets of Positano. Just be prepared for a serious workout as the town is built on a very steep hill, and getting anywhere involves a lot of stairs. Comfortable shoes are a must!

The ceramic shops are absolutely worth browsing, with beautiful handmade pieces in the classic blue and white Amalfi Coast style. There are also plenty of cute fashion boutiques if you’re in the mood for some shopping.

The beach

Head down to Spiaggia Grande, the main beach in Positano, for the afternoon. You can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, or just find a spot on the free section of the beach if you prefer.

It’s a beautiful spot to relax, take a dip, and soak up the atmosphere. Just keep in mind that the beach gets very busy in high season, so arriving earlier in the afternoon is a good idea.

Sunset & dinner

Positano has some great bars for a sunset cocktail, and this is honestly one of the highlights of any Amalfi Coast itinerary. Since many of the popular bars don’t take reservations, the trick is to show up right at opening time to grab a good spot.

For dinner, reservations are pretty much essential at most restaurants in Positano, especially in summer. Make sure to book ahead or you might find yourself waiting a long time for a table.

Day 2: Ravello & Amalfi

Today is a packed day, but a really good one! You’ll be splitting your time between Ravello, a hilltop town sitting high above the coast, and Amalfi, one of the most historic towns on the coastline.

If you’re based in Amalfi, you’re well positioned for both. If you’re staying in Positano, take an early ferry or bus to Amalfi first and start from there.

If you’d rather skip the public transport and make the most of your time, booking a private Amalfi and Ravello tour from Positano is a great option. You’ll get to see both towns without having to worry about bus schedules or connections.

Ravello

Ravello is not on the coast itself, which surprises a lot of people, but don’t let that put you off. The views from up here are honestly some of the best you’ll find on this 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, and the town has a quieter, more refined atmosphere compared to the busier coastal towns.

To get to Ravello, take the local bus from Amalfi. It runs regularly and takes about 25 minutes. The road up is winding and narrow, but the views on the way up are already stunning.

Start your morning at Villa Cimbrone, one of the most beautiful gardens on the Amalfi Coast. The highlight is the Terrace of Infinity, a clifftop terrace with panoramic views over the coastline that are absolutely breathtaking. Make sure to arrive early as it gets busy later in the morning.

Just a short walk away, Villa Rufolo is another must-visit. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the views from the tower are spectacular. It’s also worth checking if there are any concerts scheduled during your visit, as the gardens regularly host open-air events.

After the villas, take some time to explore the town itself. The Duomo di Ravello is right on the main square and well worth stepping inside. The square is a great spot to sit down for a coffee before heading back down to Amalfi.

Amalfi

Head back down to Amalfi by bus and spend the rest of your day exploring the town. Amalfi is one of those places that feels a lot bigger than it actually is, with a maze of small streets, archways, and little squares to discover.

The Duomo di Amalfi is the centerpiece of the town and one of the most stunning cathedrals in southern Italy, with a beautiful facade and a long staircase leading up to it. It’s absolutely worth going inside too, so make sure to factor in some time for that.

After the Duomo, wander through the small streets branching off from the main square. You’ll find local shops selling limoncello, ceramics, and handmade paper, which is actually a traditional craft that Amalfi is known for. It’s a great area to browse and pick up a few souvenirs.

If you have time and energy left, head down to the beach for a late afternoon swim. It’s not the most beautiful beach on the coast, but it’s a nice spot to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

If you’re feeling energetic and have time to spare, Atrani is just a short walk from Amalfi and is one of the most charming and least touristy towns on the coast. It’s tiny, but really lovely and well worth a quick visit if you can fit it in.

Day 3: Capri

How to get to Capri

Capri is easily reachable by ferry from both Amalfi and Positano, making it a perfect day trip to add to your 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary. The first ferries depart around 9am, so aim to be at the port early to make the most of your day.

The journey takes around 30-35 minutes from Positano and about an hour from Amalfi. When booking, pay attention to the ferry times as journey times can vary quite a bit between different services.

I highly recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially in July and August when they sell out fast. Also keep in mind that the last ferry back leaves around 6-6:20pm, so plan your day on the island accordingly.

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride, there are also great guided options available from both Positano and Amalfi. You can join a full-day Capri tour that takes care of all the logistics, or opt for a private cruise if you’re looking for something more special.

Exploring Capri

Capri is small enough to cover a lot of ground in one day, but trust me, you won’t be short of things to do. The island gets extremely crowded in high season, so the earlier you start your morning the better.

Keep in mind that with just one day on the island, you won’t be able to see everything. Pick the things that interest you most and don’t try to cram it all in.

One of the best ways to see Capri is from the water. A boat tour around the island is absolutely worth it, giving you views of the famous Faraglioni rocks and the dramatic coastline that you simply can’t get from land.

Most boat tours also offer the Blue Grotto as an optional add-on. Just keep in mind that the visit is short, quite expensive, and depends on sea conditions, so don’t build your whole day around it. That said, if conditions are good and you have the chance, it’s a pretty unique experience.

After the boat tour, head up to Capri town and start at the Piazzetta, the small main square that is the heart of the island. It’s a great spot for a coffee and some people watching, though prices here are on the higher side.

From the Piazzetta, Via Camerelle is just a short walk away. It’s the main shopping street lined with designer boutiques, worth a stroll even if you’re not planning to shop.

Make sure to visit the Gardens of Augustus before leaving Capri town. The gardens offer some of the most stunning views on the island, looking out over the Faraglioni rocks and the coastline below.

For a completely different atmosphere, take the short bus ride up to Anacapri. It’s quieter, less touristy, and has a much more relaxed vibe. From there, you can take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, for absolutely breathtaking panoramic views.

If you want to escape the crowds altogether and don’t mind a longer walk, the path to Villa Lysis or the Natural Arch are both great options. There is no public transport to either, so it’s a proper walk, but you’ll have far fewer people around and the scenery makes it well worth the effort.