Positano may be the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, but part of its magic lies in how easily it connects to other extraordinary destinations.
From boat trips to Capri to exploring hilltop gardens in Ravello, these day trips from Positano are perfect additions to any Amalfi Coast itinerary.
If you’re planning a longer stay, nearby towns like Sorrento can also make excellent bases. We only passed through briefly on our way to Naples, but its larger size—and lively nightlife, according to our very enthusiastic 24-year-old boat captain—suggests it may offer a more affordable alternative for longer visits.
That said, Positano itself makes a wonderful home base for exploring the region.
With eight people in our group, planning excursions required balancing different interests, but the Amalfi Coast makes that surprisingly easy. Whether your passions lean toward history, food, scenery, or simply time on the water, there’s no shortage of memorable options.
Charter a Boat to Capri
One of the most unforgettable day trips from Positano is a private boat excursion to Capri.
We booked through the app GetMyBoat, which connected us with Crapolla Charters. (Yes, the name sounds amusing to American ears—but it actually refers to a historic fjord and beach nearby.)
Our captain Christopher and his crew turned the day into something far beyond a simple transfer between islands.
As we cruised along the coastline, we passed the Li Galli islands, ancient watchtowers perched along the cliffs, and distant views of Mount Vesuvius hazy on the horizon.
The highlight, of course, was boating through the iconic arch of the Faraglioni rock formations and swimming in the shimmering turquoise water nearby.
It’s difficult to fully describe the color of the sea here—somewhere between emerald and sapphire, shifting constantly with the sunlight.
A Different Side of Capri
Many visitors experience Capri as a crowded port filled with cruise ships and luxury boutiques.
Our experience was completely different.
Instead of docking in the busy marina, Christopher arranged for a water taxi to Marina Piccola, the quieter side of the island.
From there he guided us to Ristorante Ciro, perched above the water’s edge. The restaurant felt refreshingly local, with only a handful of American visitors among mostly Italian guests.
We ordered Aperol spritzes, but the owner suggested something special instead: limoncello spritzes made with second-harvest green lemons.
They were extraordinary—and surprisingly not listed on the menu.
Small moments like that often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
And yes, we later learned that Sophia Loren’s villa sits just above that very beach.
Ferry from Positano to Amalfi
For a simpler excursion, ferries connect Positano to nearby towns all along the coast.
One morning we booked PositanoJet ferry tickets to Amalfi just hours before departure. Reliable ferry service means it’s easy to be spontaneous.
An unexpected bonus? The onboard bar served excellent limoncello spritzes for €10—arguably the perfect way to arrive in Amalfi.
Things to do in Amalfi Town
- Climb the 62 steps up to Duomo di Sant’Andrea (Amalfi Cathedral) for an up-close view of the Arab-Norman architecture. €3 will get you into the Cloister of Paradise and the Basilica of the Crucifix.
- Stop and admire the Baroque influence of the Fontana di S. Andrea—Saint Andrew’s Fountain.
- Shop along Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, Amalfi’s main pedestrian street lined with boutiques and souvenir shops.
- Enjoy an Aperol Spritz with views of the beach at the outdoor terrace seating of Gran Caffè di Amalfi.
Visiting Ravello from Amalfi
The original plan was to take the bus from Amalfi to Ravello.
Unfortunately an accident halted service that day, which meant the only option left was a taxi.
And when transportation options suddenly disappear on the Amalfi Coast, prices rise accordingly.
Our group of six paid €20 per person for the short ride up the mountain—not exactly the budget-friendly option I had imagined.
But as the van climbed the narrow roads and the views opened toward the sea, the earlier hesitation quickly faded.
Ravello is simply too beautiful for anyone to stay upset for long.
Things to do in Ravello
- Piazza Vescovado, Ravello’s busy main square, is where you’ll be dropped off. Pause for a gelato at any of the cafes. Admire the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello (Cathedral).
- Discover the Museo del Corallo: a museum and shop dedicated to jewelry and other objects made from Mediterranean coral.
- Make your way to the entrance to the scenic Villa Rufolo.
Villa Rufolo
Villa Rufolo, known as the “Garden of the Soul,” dates back to the 13th century.
Its Moorish-inspired architecture and terraced gardens overlooking the sea have inspired artists and travelers for centuries.
Composer Richard Wagner visited in 1880, fell deeply in love with the villa, and completed the final opera of his career there.
Today the villa hosts the renowned Ravello Festival, where classical concerts are performed against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in Italy.
Exploring Villa Rufolo
- Ticket price is around €8.
- Best Pace: While you can walk through in 30–45 minutes, allowing an hour or more lets you enjoy the gardens and the iconic view from the terrace.
- What to see:
- Interior of the villa.
- Climb Torre Maggiore (now a museum) and be rewarded with one of the best 360-degree, elevated, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.
- The Moorish-style cloister. It’s a 13th-century masterpiece of Arab-Sicilian architecture, often compared to Spain’s Alhambra.
- Extensive, colorful gardens.
- Incredible views from the Belvedere terrace.
Villa Cimbrone
Even more dramatic is Villa Cimbrone, whose origins trace back to the 11th century.
In the early 1900s the estate was expanded by British nobleman Ernest William Beckett, who combined Gothic, Moorish, and Venetian architectural influences across the gardens.
The result feels almost dreamlike.
Winding paths lead through lush greenery and statues tucked among flowering terraces before suddenly opening onto the Terrazza dell’Infinito—Terrace of Infinity, a stone balustrade lined with marble busts overlooking the Mediterranean more than 1200 feet below.
Standing there feels like floating above the coastline itself.
Exploring Villa Cimbrone
- Ticket price is around €10.
- The villa is a hotel now so only the gardens can be visited.
- Best Pace: Plan to spend 45 to 90 minutes exploring.
- What to See:
- The Terrace of Infinity: the main attraction.
- Gardens: Expansive, well-maintained gardens featuring the Viale dell’Immenso (Avenue of Immensity) and the Rose Terrace
- Temples and Statues: Key structures include the Temple of Bacchus, the Statua di Ceres (Statue of Ceres), the Statua di David (Statue of David), and the Poggia di Mercurio (Crest of Mercury)
- The Cloister & Crypt: The entrance features a 12th-century cloister with intricate decorations, while the “Crypt” offers a panoramic terrace with a Gothic-style loggia.
- Tea Room: A quiet, scenic spot within the gardens.
The crypt and tea room were sadly closed for a private event when we visited. Call to inquire in advance if it’s a must-see for you.
The Amalfi Coast Beyond Positano
Positano may be the most photographed town along the Amalfi Coast, but exploring beyond its cliffs reveals just how rich the region truly is.
Within a single day you can swim within view of the Faraglioni rocks of Capri, wander historic villas in Ravello, or sip an Aperol spritz along Amalfi’s bustling harbor.
Each destination offers its own atmosphere, yet all share the same dramatic coastline that makes this corner of Italy unforgettable.
And sometimes the most memorable part of the journey is simply the view along the way.
If you’re planning time in Positano as well, you might also enjoy my guide to things to do in Positano.
For another destination where dramatic coastal scenery shapes the entire experience, you might enjoy our St Lucia travel guide and stay at Windjammer Landing.
If you’re drawn to destinations where nature and design meet, our stay at Diamanté K in Tulum’s National Park hotel zone offers a very different but equally unforgettable coastal escape.
For a coastal getaway closer to home, see our 3-day Hamptons itinerary in Montauk.
