Few places feel as cinematic as Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Pastel houses cascade down cliffs toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, lemon groves scent the air, and winding roads reveal breathtaking views at every turn.
While many travelers rush through the region in a day or two, the Amalfi Coast rewards a slower pace. With a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the beauty of Positano while also exploring nearby towns, historic villas, and the glamorous island of Capri.
After spending a week based in Positano, I’ve put together a relaxed 5–7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary that balances iconic sights with time to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Why Positano Makes the Perfect Base
Among the towns of the Amalfi Coast, Positano offers one of the most central and scenic locations.
From here you can easily reach Capri by boat, Amalfi by ferry, and Ravello by taxi or bus. At the same time, Positano itself offers more than enough to fill several days with wandering streets, beach time, and unforgettable meals overlooking the sea.
If you’re planning your stay, you might also enjoy my full guide to things to do in Positano, which covers restaurants, shopping, and insider tips from locals.
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset in Positano
Most travelers arrive via Naples Airport, followed by a scenic transfer along the Amalfi Coast.
Once you reach Positano, resist the urge to over-plan your first day.
Instead:
• settle into your hotel or villa
• wander down toward Spiaggia Grande
• enjoy your first Aperol or Limoncello spritz overlooking the water
The town is built almost vertically along the cliffs, so the simple act of walking through Positano becomes part of the experience.
For dinner, choose a terrace restaurant where you can watch the lights slowly appear across the hillside. Hotel Posa Posa was less than 10 minutes from our rented villa and their Ristorante Mirage was delightful.
Day 2: Explore Positano
Spend your second day fully immersed in Positano itself.
Start the morning with a cappuccino and pastry before wandering through the town’s maze of staircases and boutique-lined streets.
Things to enjoy:
• browsing shops for locally made linen clothing
• stopping for gelato along the main road
• relaxing on Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach
For lunch or dinner, Positano offers several memorable restaurants, including favorites like Saraceno d’Oro, Da Vincenzo, Ristorante Pupetto, or Lo Guarracino.
The last two on the list have incredible ocean views in addition to warm hospitality and delicious food.
Day 3: Boat Day to Capri
One of the most unforgettable experiences on the Amalfi Coast is a boat excursion to Capri.
Chartering a small boat from Positano allows you to explore the coastline from the water, passing ancient watchtowers, hidden grottos, and the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
Highlights often include:
• swimming in turquoise water near Capri
• cruising past the Li Galli islands
• docking near Marina Piccola for lunch
Instead of navigating the crowded main port, we visited the quieter side of the island and enjoyed an incredible lunch overlooking the sea.
If you’re considering this excursion, I share more details in my guide to the best day trips from Positano.
Day 4: Amalfi & Ravello
Another perfect day trip from Positano combines visits to Amalfi and Ravello.
Start by taking the ferry from Positano to Amalfi. The ride itself offers spectacular views of the coastline.
Once in Amalfi:
• visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea
• wander through the lively Piazza del Duomo
• explore the narrow shopping streets
From Amalfi, take a taxi or bus up the mountain to Ravello.
Ravello is known for its stunning historic villas and gardens.
Two highlights include:
Villa Rufolo
A 13th-century estate with Moorish architecture and sweeping views of the Gulf of Salerno.
Villa Cimbrone
Home to the breathtaking Terrace of Infinity, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the entire Amalfi Coast.
Day 5: Cooking Class & Local Experiences
After several days of sightseeing, spend a day enjoying the culinary culture of the region.
A cooking class with a local chef offers a memorable way to learn traditional Italian dishes while connecting with local families who have lived along the coast for generations.
Another wonderful experience is visiting a limoncello producer, where you can see how the region’s famous lemons are transformed into liqueurs and marmalades.
These smaller moments often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
Day 6: Relax & Wander
I scheduled the limoncello experience (it’s about 2 hours) in the morning, then left the rest of the day open.
The Amalfi Coast is best enjoyed slowly.
You might:
• spend a relaxed morning on the beach
• browse Positano’s boutiques for handmade linen clothing
• enjoy a long seaside lunch
• watch the sunset from a terrace overlooking the town
Sometimes the best experiences are the ones that aren’t planned at all.
Day 7: Farewell to the Amalfi Coast
On your final morning, take one last stroll through Positano.
Stop for a cappuccino, enjoy the sea air, and soak in the view of pastel houses stacked along the cliffs.
As John Steinbeck once wrote:
“Positano bites deep.”
And after a week along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll understand exactly what he meant.
Planning Your Amalfi Coast Itinerary
If you have more time, additional destinations worth visiting include:
• Pompeii (near Naples)
• Sorrento
• the Path of the Gods hiking trail
But even with just five to seven days, a Positano-based itinerary offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Between boat days, historic villas, seaside dining, and the quiet magic of Positano itself, the Amalfi Coast quickly becomes a place that stays with you long after you leave.
More Amalfi Coast Travel Guides
If you’re planning time along the Amalfi coast, these guides dive deeper into the region’s most unforgettable experiences.
• Things to Do in Positano: Insider Local Tips
• Day Trips from Positano: Capri, Amalfi & Ravello
