5-Day Amalfi Coast, Italy Couples Itinerary
Arrive at Naples International Airport · Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela · Franco's Bar · Villa Rufolo · Duomo di Amalfi · Valle delle Ferriere
Part one
Is this trip for you?
The Amalfi Coast defines vertical cliffside living, where limestone mountain ridges plunge directly into the Tyrrhenian Sea. While a trip to the Cinque Terre offers similar coastal drama, it lacks the specific Moorish-influenced architecture and terraced lemon groves that ground the Amalfi identity. This itinerary is for the traveler seeking sensory immersion in sea air, salt-cured anchovies, and steep staircases over flat museum-hopping.
Your itinerary covers 7 must-have experiences
A Romantic Sunset Rooftop Bar
✓ Day 1: Franco's Bar
A Boutique Ceramic Shopping Walk
✓ Day 1: Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela
Historic Waterfront Cathedrals
✓ Day 2: Duomo di Amalfi
Cliffside Gardens and Palaces
✓ Day 2: Villa Rufolo
Scenic Coastal Hiking Trails
✓ Day 2: Valle delle Ferriere
A Secluded Cove and Beach Club
✓ Day 3: Arienzo Beach Club
Limoncello and Culinary Experiences
✓ Day 4: Amalfi Lemon Experience
📅 Best Time to Visit
Visit in May, June, September, or October for mild weather between 15C and 25C. July and August are stiflingly hot and crowded with tourists. Winter offers lower prices and smaller crowds but expect rain and temperatures near 5C.
Part two
The plan, day by day
5-day trip
Positano anchors the first three nights because it provides the most coastal access for early, quiet starts. We put the Ravello day-trip in the middle to break up the stay before the transfer to Amalfi on day four. Ending in Amalfi allows you to transition into the lower-density eastern towns for the final two nights.
This flow ensures your heaviest travel happens on day four, leaving your final day entirely local and unburdened. This plan prioritizes a relaxed, deep immersion in Positano and Amalfi over a frantic dash along the entire coastline. You miss the quieter village of Praiano and the boat-heavy excursions to Capri, which require full-day commitments that would disrupt this pacing.
This sequence works for the traveler who prefers to know two towns well rather than merely seeing five from a bus window. Add two days to explore the island of Capri. Spend an extra night there to hike the Path of the Pizzolungo after the last ferries leave and the day-trippers vanish.
No food-focused activities (cooking class, food tour, street food) were included
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Positano· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Scialatielli ai frutti di mareSettle into the coastal rhythm with a bowl of thick, hand-cut pasta served with fresh clams and mussels sourced locally this morning.
Typical $18–28 - 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela· 2 hrs
FREE - Evening🕐 Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
05:00 PM - Franco's Bar· 2 hrs
USD 20 (~EUR 18) 07:30 PM - Dinner: Spaghetti al limone in Positano· 1 hr 30 min
USD 30 (~EUR 28)Spaghetti al limoneEnjoy a classic coastal dinner featuring the bright, zesty flavors of local Amalfi lemons in a quiet seaside setting.
Typical $12–20
Positano Center
Central location offers immediate access to the beach, main shops, and local transport links while providing stunning clifftop views.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Villa Rufolo· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 7 (~EUR 6) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Insalata Caprese in Ravello· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 14)Insalata CapreseEnjoy a fresh plate of buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and basil from the local hills at a terrace overlooking the gardens.
Typical $10–18 - 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Duomo di Amalfi· 2 hrs
USD 3 (~EUR 3) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Frittura di Paranza in Amalfi· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Frittura di ParanzaDine on crispy, fresh-caught local seafood at a casual spot near the water, followed by a glass of chilled local limoncello.
Typical $10–20
Positano Center
Central location offers easy access to the harbor and bus links to Ravello and Amalfi, making travel between towns efficient.
- Morning
- Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Zuppa di Cozze in Positano· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Zuppa di CozzeSavor fresh mussels cooked in a spicy tomato broth at a seaside terrace.
- Closes 6 PM · 4h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Arienzo Beach Club· 4 hrs
USD 50 (~EUR 46) - Evening
08:00 PM - Dinner: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Positano· 1 hr 30 min
USD 35 (~EUR 32)Scialatielli ai frutti di mareIndulge in handmade pasta featuring the day's fresh local catch.
Typical $18–28
Positano Center
Central location allows easy access to beach ferries and mountain trailheads, making it perfect for our active itinerary.
- MorningCloses 12 PM · 2h here⚠️ Closed on Saturday🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Basilica di Santa Maria Maddalena· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Amalfi· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Scialatielli ai frutti di mareEnjoy fresh handmade pasta tossed with local catch of the day in a seaside square.
Typical $18–28 01:00 PM - Museo Diocesano di Amalfi· 2 hrs
USD 5 (~EUR 5)Explore this museum located in the historic cloister of the cathedral, showcasing religious art and treasures of the Amalfi coast.
- Closes 5 PM · 2h here⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:00 PM - Amalfi Lemon Experience· 2 hrs
USD 20 (~EUR 18) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Spaghetti al limone in Amalfi· 1 hr
USD 22 (~EUR 20)Spaghetti al limoneTaste the signature pasta dish prepared with the fragrant local lemons grown just above the town.
Typical $12–20
Amalfi Town Center
Staying near the main square allows immediate access to the ferry terminal and pedestrian streets while being steps away from historical sites.
- Morning⚠️ Closed on Saturday⚠️ Scheduled at 09:00 AM but opens at 10:00 AM — verify before visiting🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Magdalene 'Penitente'· 1 hr
FREE 10:00 AM - Atrani historic town exploration· 1 hr
FREEWander through the narrow, winding alleys and hidden staircases of Atrani, one of Italy's smallest and most picturesque villages.
11:00 AM - Atrani beach stroll· 1 hr
FREEWalk along the small, peaceful beach of Atrani before the day's heat sets in. It is far less crowded than the main beach in Amalfi.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Delizia al limone in Amalfi· 1 hr
USD 8 (~EUR 7)Delizia al limoneStop at a small cafe along the pedestrian streets to enjoy a refreshing lemon sponge cake.
Typical $5–9 02:00 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel in Amalfi town center, check out, and pick up your belongings before heading to the airport.
04:00 PM - Depart from Naples International Airport (NAP)· 5 hrs
USD 150 (~EUR 138)Private transfer to the airport for your evening flight. Ensure you arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
Amalfi Town Center
Central location within the Amalfi Coast, offering easy access to ferry terminals and the bus lines needed to connect toward the airport.
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Food, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
Limoncello
Amalfi Coast
Delizia al limone
Amalfi Coast
Insalata Caprese
Capri
Spaghetti al limone
Amalfi Coast
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Amalfi Coast
Frittura di Paranza
Amalfi Coast
Markets & neighborhoods
Historical pastry shops specializing in lemon-based desserts
Fresh seafood caught daily and upscale waterfront dining
Good to Know
Top 6 souvenirs
Amalfi coast paper (Bambagina)
Amalfi
Dating back to the thirteenth century, this thick, textured paper remains a local marvel.
📍 Museo della Carta, Via delle Cartiere
Limoncello di Amalfi
Amalfi
📍 Amalfi Lemon Experience, Via Maestra dei Villaggi
Hand-painted Vietri ceramics
Vietri sul Mare
📍 Ceramica Artistica Solimene, Corso Umberto I
Custom handmade leather sandals
Positano
📍 Safari Sandali, Via del Saracino
Lemon-infused olive oil
Ravello
Cold-pressed local olives and fresh lemons create an oil perfect for summer salads.
📍 Giardino dei Sapori, Via della Repubblica
Linen resort wear
Positano
Lightweight and breathable, these garments are designed specifically for the humid coastal climate.
📍 Maria Lampo, Via Cristoforo Colombo
Markets & districts
Bambagina paper, ceramics, and local lemon specialties.
A bustling hub where visitors congregate around the cathedral and main piazza shops.
Linen fashion and custom leather sandals.
Steep, narrow alleys filled with luxury boutiques and persistent foot traffic.
Good to Know
Italian Easter (Pasqua)
Pasqua
Apr 5
Italy's biggest religious holiday. Observed nationwide with Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday — the traditional outing/picnic day). Every Italian city has processions. Traditional Easter foods: agnello (lamb), colomba pasquale cake, Neapolitan pastiera. 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi' ('Christmas with family, Easter with whoever you like').
Christmas
Natale
Dec 25
Italy's Christmas season runs from Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception) through Jan 6 (Epiphany/La Befana). Elaborate nativity scenes (presepi), Midnight Mass and festive markets define the season. Rome's St. Peter's Square hosts a giant Christmas tree and nativity. Key foods: panettone, pandoro, struffoli.
La Befana (Epiphany)
La Befana
Jan 6
January 6 Epiphany — in Italy, children receive gifts from La Befana, a friendly witch who flies on a broomstick. Every Italian city hosts Befana costume parades. St. Peter's Square hosts a Befana blessing. Ends the Italian Christmas season (12 days of Christmas).
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day)
Festa della Liberazione
Apr 25
April 25 marks the 1945 liberation from Nazi occupation. National holiday with commemorative ceremonies at every city's main square, wreath-laying at Resistance monuments, and traditional partisan songs ('Bella Ciao'). Most museums and businesses closed.
Festa del Lavoro (May Day)
Festa del Lavoro
May 1
May 1 public holiday. Rome's Piazza San Giovanni hosts the massive free Concertone del Primo Maggio — 12+ hour open-air rock/pop concert with Italy's biggest artists, drawing 500,000+ attendees. Union marches in every major city. Most museums and businesses closed.
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 5 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Curious how this stacks up? See how trip costs compare across countries in our Trip Cost Index.
Moderate to expensive -- $80-150 per night for hotels and $20-30 for casual lunches, though food costs spike at beach clubs. Tap water is safe to drink, but refill your bottle at the mountain fountains found in every town square.
The SITA bus is the cheapest way to travel between towns, costing about $2-5 per ride, while ferries are $12-25. Purchase a UnicoCostiera ticket to save on daily regional bus travel if you plan to hit more than two towns in one day.
Rent a private gozzo boat in Positano for two hours ($150-200) to reach hidden coves like Furore that are inaccessible by road. This is the best way to escape the mid-day bus crowds and see the cliffs from the water.
Skip the expensive beach loungers in main towns, which cost $25-40 per chair, and head to the free public beach zones marked as spiagge libere. Arrive before 9am to claim a spot on the pebbles before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Eat your main meal as a lunch 'menu del giorno' for $15-20, as dinner at a sea-view terrace often carries a 20% markup. Stick to house wine by the carafe rather than bottles to keep your daily alcohol spend under $15.
Franco's Bar sunset table reservationDay 1
Book 2 months ahead -- reservations for this popular bar are required to secure a view. They open their calendar on their website on a rolling basis.
Arienzo Beach Club sunbed and lunch reservationDay 3
Book 3 weeks ahead -- popular beach clubs in Positano sell out daily during the summer. Use their official website booking portal to secure transfers and spots.
Amalfi Lemon Experience tourDay 4
Book 2 weeks ahead -- these popular agricultural tours in the lemon groves often reach capacity during peak season. Must be booked via the official Amalfi Lemon Tour website.
Valle delle Ferriere guided hiking permit and guideDay 2
Book 1 week ahead -- while public entry is possible, booking a local guide is highly recommended to navigate the protected nature reserve and understand the unique microclimate.
Part five
Before you go
Trenitalia/Italo high-speed rail; major cities have metro systems
City-specific metro cards
Book Frecciarossa trains early for best prices. Validate bus/tram tickets before boarding!
- Book your Uffizi Gallery and Vatican Museum tickets online at the official sites at least 30 days in advance to skip hours of waiting.
- Use the Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains to move between Rome, Florence, and Venice; book 60 days ahead for prices as low as 19 euro.
- Validate your paper regional train tickets in the green or yellow machines before boarding to avoid a 50 euro fine.
- Carry a 1 or 2 euro coin for public toilets in train stations and near popular squares; free ones are almost non-existent.
- Avoid restaurants with picture menus or staff beckoning you from the sidewalk; these are tourist traps with low-quality food.
- Walk from Roma Termini to the Colosseum area in 20 minutes to see the city instead of taking the crowded Metro Line B.
- Skip the Pisa leaning tower climb unless you have a reservation; the view of the field from the ground is sufficient for most.
- In Venice, buy a Vaporetto pass if you plan on more than two water bus rides, as single tickets cost 9.50 euro each.
0 / 18 packed
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Stay connected abroad
Get a local eSIM — no swapping physical SIMs
Visa & Entry Requirements
US, UK, EU, and Australia citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. India citizens require a Schengen visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores in major city centers
Free public wifi exists but is inconsistent. Most cafes offer wifi only after purchase; ask for the password after ordering.
Download your maps in Google Maps before leaving your hotel. Italian train station wifi often requires a local phone number for SMS activation.
Electric Socket Guide(230V · 50Hz)
Socket Types
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Germany, Europe)
Three round pins in a row (Italy, Chile)
Tipping Etiquette
Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
118
115
112 for European emergency number. Carabinieri: 112
Payments
Cash useful at trattorias and small shops
Accepted at most restaurants and shops
Growing rapidly
Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls.
Most Western countries enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days. Other nationalities should check the official Schengen visa requirements online.
Always take the train. The high-speed rail network connects city centers directly, making it faster and cheaper than flying.
Keep your phone and wallet in zipped front pockets. In crowded tourist areas, hold your bag securely in front of your body at all times.
Yes, but carry 50 euro in small cash for cafes, markets, and public toilets where cards may not be accepted.
No. A half-day trip from Florence is enough to see the square and tower before moving on to better locations.
Plan outdoor sightseeing for 7am to 11am. Spend your afternoons inside museums or resting in air-conditioned hotels.
Walk. It is the only way to see the smaller alleys. Use the Vaporetto only when traveling down the Grand Canal.
Learning a few basics like 'buongiorno' and 'grazie' goes a long way. English is widely spoken in all major tourist hubs.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
Coastal Boat Excursions
e.g., Grotta dello Smeraldo, Li Galli Islands
An Authentic Handmade Pasta Workshop
e.g., Bonna Sera, La Cucina del Gusto
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