5 Days on the Amalfi Coast: Positano and Amalfi
Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela · Franco's Bar · Villa Rufolo · Basilica di Santa Maria Maddalena · Museo Diocesano di Amalfi · Amalfi Lemon Experience
5-day Italy trip — Positano to Amalfi. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
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.
Positano
Duomo di Amalfi
Day 2 · Historic Waterfront Cathedrals
Villa Rufolo
Day 2 · Cliffside Gardens and Palaces
Valle delle Ferriere
Day 2 · Scenic Coastal Hiking Trails
Franco's Bar
Day 1 · A Romantic Sunset Rooftop Bar
Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela
Day 1 · A Boutique Ceramic Shopping Walk
Arienzo Beach Club
Day 3 · A Secluded Cove and Beach Club
Amalfi
Amalfi Lemon Experience
Day 4 · Limoncello and Culinary Experiences
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
The Amalfi Coast is best enjoyed during the transition into summer when the sun feels warm on the cliffs and the sea air remains refreshing. Pack light layers for the cooler evenings, and plan to head indoors or seek shade during the height of the summer heat.
Best time to go: May and June
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F / 10°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 13 | 7:23 AM – 4:58 PM |
| Feb | 53°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 11 | 6:55 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Mar | 56°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C (cold) | 11 | 6:13 AM – 6:07 PM |
| Apr | 63°F / 17°C | 48°F / 9°C | 7 | 6:23 AM – 7:40 PM |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 7 | 5:45 AM – 8:11 PM |
| Jun | 77°F / 25°C | 62°F / 17°C | 3 | 5:30 AM – 8:33 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 67°F / 19°C | 2 | 5:43 AM – 8:31 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 67°F / 19°C | 3 | 6:12 AM – 7:59 PM |
| Sep | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 8 | 6:42 AM – 7:10 PM |
| Oct | 68°F / 20°C | 55°F / 13°C | 8 | 7:12 AM – 6:21 PM |
| Nov | 61°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 14 | 6:48 AM – 4:43 PM |
| Dec | 54°F / 12°C | 42°F / 6°C (cold) | 10 | 7:18 AM – 4:34 PM |
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Positano· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Iconic dish
Coso (CC BY 2.0)Settle into the coastal rhythm with a bowl of thick, hand-cut pasta served with fresh clams and mussels sourced locally this morning.
Typical USD 18-28 (~EUR 16-25)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Spaghetti al limone in Positano· 1 hr 30 min
USD 30 (~EUR 27)Iconic dish
Luca Nebuloni from Milan, Italy (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a classic coastal dinner featuring the bright, zesty flavors of local Amalfi lemons in a quiet seaside setting.
Typical USD 12-20 (~EUR 11-18)
Where to Stay Tonight
Positano Center
· Central location offers immediate access to the beach, main shops, and local transport links while providing stunning clifftop views.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Insalata Caprese in Ravello· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Iconic dish
Rainer Zenz (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy a fresh plate of buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and basil from the local hills at a terrace overlooking the gardens.
Typical USD 10-18 (~EUR 9-16)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Frittura di Paranza in Amalfi· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Try the dish
Tamorlan (CC BY 3.0)Dine on crispy, fresh-caught local seafood at a casual spot near the water, followed by a glass of chilled local limoncello.
Typical USD 10-20 (~EUR 9-18)
Staying at Positano Center since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Zuppa di Cozze in Positano· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Try the dish
Albarubescens (CC BY-SA 4.0)Zuppa di CozzeSavor fresh mussels cooked in a spicy tomato broth at a seaside terrace.
- Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Positano· 1 hr 30 min
USD 35 (~EUR 31)Iconic dish
Coso (CC BY 2.0)Indulge in handmade pasta featuring the day's fresh local catch.
Typical USD 18-28 (~EUR 16-25)
Staying at Positano Center since Day 1
- Morning4A
10:00 AM - Basilica di Santa Maria Maddalena· 1 hr 30 min
FREECloses 12 PM · 2h hereClosed on Saturday - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare in Amalfi· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Iconic dish
Coso (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy fresh handmade pasta tossed with local catch of the day in a seaside square.
Typical USD 18-28 (~EUR 16-25)
- 4B
1:00 PM - Museo Diocesano di Amalfi· 2 hrs
USD 5 (~EUR 4)Explore this museum located in the historic cloister of the cathedral, showcasing religious art and treasures of the Amalfi coast.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Spaghetti al limone in Amalfi· 1 hr
USD 22 (~EUR 20)Iconic dish
Luca Nebuloni from Milan, Italy (CC BY 2.0)Taste the signature pasta dish prepared with the fragrant local lemons grown just above the town.
Typical USD 12-20 (~EUR 11-18)
Where to Stay Tonight
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.- Morning5A
9:00 AM - Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Magdalene 'Penitente'· 1 hr
FREEClosed on SaturdayScheduled at 9:00 AM but opens at 10:00 AM — verify before visiting 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)Iconic dish
dags 1974 (CC BY 2.0)Stop at a small cafe along the pedestrian streets to enjoy a refreshing lemon sponge cake.
Typical USD 5-9 (~EUR 4-8)
2:00 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.
4:00 PM - Depart from Naples International Airport (NAP)· 5 hrs
USD 150 (~EUR 134)Private transfer to the airport for your evening flight. Ensure you arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
Staying at Amalfi Town Center since Day 4
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
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Amalfi Coast
Limoncello
Delizia al limone
Day 5 · lunch
Spaghetti al limone
Days 1 and 4
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Days 1, 3, and 4
Frittura di Paranza
Day 2 · dinner
Capri
Insalata Caprese
Day 2 · lunch
Where to eat · Amalfi town center, Marina Grande in Positano
- Amalfi town center · Amalfi Coast — Historical pastry shops specializing in lemon-based desserts
- Marina Grande in Positano · Amalfi Coast — Fresh seafood caught daily and upscale waterfront dining
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch is strictly 12:30-2:30 PM. Dinner service rarely begins before 8 PM. Many kitchens close during the afternoon hours.
- Tipping
- Service is often included in the bill. You are not required to tip, but rounding up the bill is common.
- Water
- Tap water is safe and delicious here. Bring a reusable bottle to refill at the many public fountains found in town squares.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians have excellent options like pasta, eggplant parmigiana, and fresh mozzarella. Vegans must ask for oil instead of butter, as dairy is central to local cooking.
- Payment
- Cash remains king in smaller coastal villages and cafes. Cards are standard in upscale restaurants, but carry some euros for small bar tabs.
- Etiquette
- Expect a coperto, a flat fee for the table, on your bill. Tipping is not expected, but leaving small change for excellent service is a polite gesture.
Top 6 souvenirs
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Amalfi
Limoncello di Amalfi
Amalfi coast paper (Bambagina)
Dating back to the thirteenth century, this thick, textured paper remains a local marvel.
Vietri sul Mare

Hand-painted Vietri ceramics
Positano
Custom handmade leather sandals
Linen resort wear
Lightweight and breathable, these garments are designed specifically for the humid coastal climate.
Ravello

Lemon-infused olive oil
Where to shop · Amalfi main street, Positano town center
- Amalfi main street · Amalfi Coast — Bambagina paper, ceramics, and local lemon specialties.
- Positano town center · Amalfi Coast — Linen fashion and custom leather sandals.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Non-EU travelers can bring back duty-free goods up to specific value limits set by your home country. Check local regulations on carrying liquids like limoncello if you are flying with only carry-on luggage.
- Tax refund
- Non-EU residents can request a tax refund on purchases over 155 Euro. Ask the shop for a Tax Free form at checkout and present it at customs before leaving.
- Payment
- Cash is king in smaller artisan stalls, but most boutiques and shops accept major credit cards.
- Bargaining
- Fixed prices are the norm for boutiques and ceramics. You might haggle gently at small markets for multiple items, but do not expect heavy bargaining.
The big events across the year
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La Befana (Epiphany)
Jan 6
Italian Easter (Pasqua)
Apr 5 – 6
Festa del Lavoro (May Day)
May 1
Ferragosto
Aug 15
Christmas
Dec 25 – 26
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 5 days
USD 1,438Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 186
- Positano → NAP · airport transfer1 taxiUSD 86
- NAP → Amalfi · airport transfer1 taxiUSD 100
AccommodationUSD 400
- Positano · 3 nights1 roomUSD 300
- Amalfi · 1 night1 roomUSD 100
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positano | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Amalfi | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
ActivitiesUSD 312
- Day 1 · Arrive at Naples International Airport (NAP)USD 100
- Day 1 · Franco's BarUSD 40
- Day 2 · Villa RufoloUSD 14
- Day 2 · Duomo di AmalfiUSD 8
- Day 3 · Arienzo Beach ClubUSD 100
- Day 4 · Museo Diocesano di AmalfiUSD 10
- Day 4 · Amalfi Lemon ExperienceUSD 40
FoodUSD 440
- Positano · 3 daysUSD 264
- Amalfi · 2 daysUSD 176
Local transportUSD 100
- Positano · 3 daysUSD 60
- Amalfi · 2 daysUSD 40
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
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.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Round-trip flight, Naples International Airport (NAP)
Day 1–5
Hotel in Positano
Nights 1–3 · Positano Center · about USD 300 · Comfortable hotel range
Getting from Positano to Amalfi
Day 4 · about USD 0
Hotel in Amalfi
Night 4 · Amalfi Town Center · about USD 100 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Franco's Bar sunset table reservation
Day 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 reservation
Day 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 tour
Day 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 guide
Day 2 · Book 7 days ahead · While public entry is possible, booking a local guide is highly recommended to navigate the protected nature reserve and understand the unique microclimate.
Travel tips
At the Arienzo Beach Club on day 3, wait at the designated small pier area for the shuttle boat; confirm your booking name with the skipper to board.
When visiting the Duomo di Amalfi on day 2, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as this is a working religious site with strict dress requirements.
For the Path of the Gods on day 3, start as early as possible to avoid the midday heat and the peak congestion of large hiking groups.
In Amalfi, use the ferry for coastal travel instead of the bus whenever possible, as the SITA buses are frequently delayed by winding coastal traffic.
When visiting the Amalfi Lemon Experience on day 4, note that the walk from the town center involves steep stairs; wear sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops.
Many small shops in Positano are cash-only for small purchases, while most restaurants accept cards; keep a small amount of change for public restrooms.
Be cautious of individuals near the major church entrances offering to take your photo or providing unsolicited directions, as they often expect a tip.
Use the UnicoCampania app to check real-time schedules for local buses, but keep in mind that the coastal geography often disrupts service accuracy.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get EUR cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Italy
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
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.
Interest coverage
2 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | 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. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated May 22, 2025 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 112 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115112 for all emergencies; 113 also reaches the state police |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Round up to nearest euro |
| Tipping: hotels | €1–2 per bag |
| Cards | Accepted at most restaurants and shops |
| Contactless | Growing rapidly |
| Cash | Cash useful at trattorias and small shops |
| Payment tip | Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type C, F, L230V · 50Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $15 for 7-30 days | Airalo website or app |
| Vodafone Italy physical SIM | 20 euro for 30 days | Vodafone stores in major city centers |
Download your maps in Google Maps before leaving your hotel. Italian train station wifi often requires a local phone number for SMS activation.
About USD 1,438 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 5 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from the US, UK, Australia, and many other nations can visit Italy for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. EU citizens can travel freely with their national ID card. Always check the latest requirements from your home country's embassy or consulate before you book.
The coast is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded spots like the SITA bus terminals. Dial 112 for the Carabinieri or 118 for medical emergencies. The main danger is the road itself, as the narrow, winding turns can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers.
Use the ferry network between Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno to bypass coastal traffic. Buses are affordable but often crowded and slow during summer. Skip driving; parking is expensive, scarce, and the roads are dangerously narrow.
No. Driving here is stressful because of the heavy traffic and tight turns. Public buses and ferries cover the major towns well. If you must have a vehicle, hire a private driver or use taxis, but avoid renting a car if you can.
Italy uses the Euro. While service charges are often included in your bill at restaurants, leaving a few extra coins for good service is appreciated. Tipping is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured to leave large amounts.
Visit during the shoulder months of May, June, or September for warm weather without the stifling heat of August. Winters are mild but quiet, as many hotels and shops close for the season. July and August are hot, dry, and very crowded.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for the steep stone stairs and rocky paths found in every town. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings, even in summer. Pack modest clothing for visiting cathedrals, as many require shoulders and knees to be covered.
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, then transfer to a bus or ferry. Alternatively, private transfers are available from Naples airport or train station. If you arrive in summer, a direct ferry from the port of Naples is often the most relaxing option.
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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