Luxury Amalfi Coast Itinerary: How to Plan the Dreamiest Italy Trip

There’s something about the Amalfi Coast that just feels like a holiday. This luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary is designed to help you plan a relaxed Amalfi Coast itinerary that balances iconic sights with slow travel — without overpacking your days or bouncing endlessly between towns.

I’ve travelled this stretch of coast more than once, and this guide maps out a three-day Amalfi Coast itinerary that works in real life. Use it as a day-by-day plan, or lift individual sections to shape your own itinerary for the Amalfi Coast depending on how long you have.

This guide is part of my Italy Travel Guide Series, which brings together what to see, where to go, and how to plan your time.

If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, this town-by-town guide to boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast helps narrow it down by location, atmosphere, and views.

Day 1: Sorrento to Positano (Amalfi Coast itinerary – Day One)

Start the day in Sorrento, ideally with a cappuccino and cornetto somewhere like Fauno Bar, right on Piazza Tasso. It’s buzzy, central, and a good spot to ease into holiday mode. If you’ve just arrived from Naples, take your time — there’s no rush. You’re here to feel the Amalfi Coast, not race through it.

If you’re up for a detour, swing by Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a hidden cove just outside town with ancient Roman ruins and ridiculously clear water. It’s an early hint of the kind of magic this coastline pulls off without trying too hard.

Then hit the road — the legendary Amalfi Drive is waiting for you. The drive to Positano takes about an hour, but you’ll want to stop for photos. Two easy favourites: the viewpoint near the Colli di San Pietro (just past Piano di Sorrento), and the curve before Hotel Le Terrazze, where the cliffs open up and Positano comes into view for the first time. Trust me — you’ll want to have your camera ready.

This first day sets the pace for the rest of your Amalfi Coast itinerary, easing you into the coast without rushing straight into Positano.

🤩 Recommended: From Sorrento: Positano and Amalfi Boat Trip with Transfer

Day 1 Afternoon: Exploring Positano

Once you roll into Positano, things slow down — in the best way. Drop your bags at your hotel (something dreamy like Le Sirenuse if you’re splashing out, or Villa Franca for serious views and a rooftop pool). Either way, get that welcome spritz and soak in the setting — pastel houses stacked like macarons, bougainvillaea spilling over balconies, and the sea winking in the distance.

After a quick refresh, head out for a wander. Positano is made for lazy exploring. Duck into La Bottega di Brunella for handmade linen pieces, pick up lemon-scented gifts at Sapori e Profumi, and pop down to Spiaggia Grande to feel the pebbles under your feet. If you’re in the mood for a beach club, L’Incanto is an easy option right on the main beach — or save it for later.

By now, the late afternoon light will be turning golden (aka: perfect people-watching time). Grab a gelato or an early aperitivo and settle in — you’ve officially arrived.

For a tighter shortlist here, this guide to stylish places to stay in Positano breaks it down by location and feel.

🤩 Recommended: Private Amalfi Coast Vespa Tour with Audio-guide and Driver

Day 1 Evening: Dinner and Drinks in Positano

As the sun starts to dip, Positano turns up the charm. For a pre-dinner drink with a side of wow, head to Franco’s Bar — the views are straight-up cinematic, and the cocktails are just the right side of fancy. It’s walk-in only, so aim to get there before the golden hour crowds roll in.

Dinner tonight? Make it special. La Sponda is the move if you’re after soft lighting, Michelin stars, and a dining room strung with hundreds of candles. It’s tucked inside Le Sirenuse and worth the splurge. For something a little more low-key but still delicious, Next2 offers creative Mediterranean plates and a great wine list, just a short walk uphill.

After dinner, take a slow stroll back to your hotel. The lanes are quieter now, the air smells like jasmine and sea salt, and the whole town feels like it’s exhaling. It’s the kind of night that makes you wish you’d booked an extra day.

If I were doing this Amalfi Coast itinerary again, I’d still avoid driving wherever possible — ferries are calmer, faster, and far more enjoyable.

If you’re still choosing a base for each stop, this town-by-town edit of Amalfi Coast boutique hotels helps compare what works best along the route.

Day 2: Positano to Amalfi by Boat (Amalfi Coast itinerary – Day Two)

This morning, it’s time to swap wheels for waves — and trust me, the views are better by sea. I took the ferry from Positano to Amalfi, and honestly? It was such a fun, easy ride. You glide past hidden beaches, lemon groves clinging to the cliffs, and towns that look like they’ve been painted onto the rock face. Grab a seat on the top deck for the breeze and that sea-salty smell — it’s worth it.

Day two is the most scenic stretch of this Amalfi Coast itinerary, swapping roads for water and ending above the coastline in Ravello.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can always go for a private boat charter and stop off at Fiordo di Furore or take a dip near Conca dei Marini. But even the regular ferry feels special. It only takes about 30 minutes and gives you that proper Amalfi Coast perspective — all rugged coastline and colour-pop towns clinging to the edge.

🤩 Recommended: From Positano: Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise – Group Tour

Day 2 Afternoon: Ravello (Views, Villas and a Slower Pace)

After lunch, it’s time to leave sea level behind and head uphill to Ravello — one of the dreamiest spots on the Amalfi Coast. I spent a night here and it was such a contrast to the buzz of Positano and Amalfi. It’s quieter, greener, and feels like it’s floating above the coastline. The drive up is full of switchbacks, lemon groves, and peekaboo views, so take your time.

First stop: Villa Rufolo. The gardens are stunning, and the view from the terrace is the one you’ve probably seen on every postcard — tiled domes, cypress trees, and the Tyrrhenian Sea stretched out below. Then walk over to Villa Cimbrone for the Terrace of Infinity. The name might sound dramatic, but when you’re standing there surrounded by marble busts and blue horizon, it delivers.

If you’re staying the night (which I’d absolutely recommend), check in before dinner and enjoy the peaceful pace. I stayed in Ravello and loved how the town empties out in the evening — all the day-trippers head back down the hill, and suddenly it feels like it’s just you and the sunset.

Day 2 Evening: Dinner in Ravello

As golden hour settles in, find a terrace and settle in — this is Ravello at its best. For something romantic and refined, Rossellinis is hard to beat. It’s part of the elegant Palazzo Avino, and the tasting menu is as pretty as the view. Or for a more relaxed vibe, Trattoria Cumpà Cosimo does hearty local classics in a family-run setting — think handmade pasta and big pours of wine.

After dinner, take a slow walk through the quiet lanes. With the crowds gone and the lights twinkling below, Ravello feels like another world. It’s the kind of place you leave whispering, “Let’s come back here next time — but for longer.”

Day 3: Final Day in Positano (3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary)

For your final day on the Amalfi Coast, it’s all about slowing down. Wake up to the sound of seabirds and sunlight bouncing off pastel walls, and take your time over breakfast — Casa e Bottega is a fresh, breezy spot for smoothie bowls, lemon pancakes, and proper coffee.

Spend the morning down by the water. If you’re feeling social, L’Incanto Beach Club is right on Spiaggia Grande, and you can rent a lounger and people-watch between dips. But if you want something more tucked away, head to Arienzo Beach Club — it’s a short boat ride or walk down the steps and feels like a secret spot carved into the cliffs.

I loved just wandering Positano’s little backstreets on this day — picking up ceramics, linen dresses, and maybe one last bottle of limoncello to stuff into the suitcase. It’s also a good chance to revisit your favourite café or grab a slice of lemon cake at La Zagara.

Final Afternoon: Last Lunch and Departure Planning

You could easily squeeze in a long lunch with a view — Da Vincenzo is a classic, or Chez Black if you want something more casual right on the beach. Then make your way back to the hotel for one last soak in the pool, a final shot of espresso, and a bit of wistful sighing.

If your onward travel isn’t until later, grab a last spritz on the terrace at Franco’s Bar or anywhere with a sea view. It’s the kind of setting that’ll have you mentally planning your return trip before you even leave.

Day 3 Alternate Option: Capri Day Trip (Optional Amalfi Coast itinerary add-on)

Capri works best as an alternative to your final day in this Amalfi Coast itinerary, not as an extra stop.

If you’ve got the energy and the weather’s playing nice, a day trip to Capri is a tempting way to end your Amalfi Coast itinerary. It’s glitzy, yes — but it’s also genuinely beautiful and worth the hype if done right.

Catch the morning ferry from Positano (or a private boat if you’re going full luxury), and you’ll be on the island in under an hour. Once you arrive, head up to Anacapri and take the chairlift to Monte Solaro — it’s the highest point on the island and the views are unreal. From there, you can meander through Villa San Michele or just wander through town with a gelato in hand.

Capri town is a polished little jewel box — expect designer shops, glossy piazzas, and price tags to match. But it’s also home to legendary beach clubs like La Fontelina, where you can sip rosé and swim beneath the Faraglioni rocks. Just make sure to book ahead if you’re planning to stay for lunch.

If boat tours are your thing, consider a quick trip around the island (most include the Blue Grotto, though it can get crowded — early is better).

Back in Positano by late afternoon, you’ll still have time to freshen up before your final aperitivo.

Not sure which to choose? If you’re feeling recharged after Ravello and want one last big adventure, Capri’s the move. But if you’d rather end with lazy beach hours and a slow goodbye, stick with Positano — you won’t regret it.

🤩 Recommended: From Positano: Day trip to Capri – Group Tour by boat

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast

Getting to the Amalfi Coast isn’t tricky — it just takes a little planning. If you’re flying in, Naples is the closest major airport. From there, you’ve got a few options:

• Private transfer: The smoothest (and priciest) way to get to Positano or Ravello. Ideal if you’re arriving with luggage or just want to start your trip stress-free.
• Train + ferry: Take the train to Sorrento or Salerno, then hop on a ferry to Positano or Amalfi. Scenic and fairly straightforward.
• Rental car: Only for the confident. Parking is limited, roads are narrow, and the views are distracting in all the wrong ways.

Once you’re based on the coast, ferries are the most enjoyable way to move between towns — quick, beautiful, and way less stressful than local buses. For higher-end stays, your hotel may also help with private boat or car transfers.

Personal tip: I used the ferry between Positano and Amalfi and it was hands down the easiest and most scenic way to travel. Just avoid the midday rush if you can.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast (Luxe Picks by Town)

If you’re planning a luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary, the hotel makes the trip. This is the kind of place where sea views, rooftop breakfasts, and candlelit terraces are part of the everyday. Here are some of the standout stays — including a few I’ve personally experienced — that deliver serious Amalfi Coast magic.

Positano

Le Sirenuse
The ultimate Positano postcard. Elegant, iconic, and completely spoiled with views. Think hand-painted tiles, white linens, and a Michelin-starred restaurant lit by hundreds of candles. Pricey? Very. Worth it? Absolutely. Check current rates

Villa Franca
A design-forward hilltop hotel with a rooftop pool and jaw-dropping views. A little quieter than the centre but still within walking distance (though you’ll want comfy shoes). Sleek, romantic, and ideal for honeymoon vibes. Have a peek at rooms and prices

Villa Treville
If you’re going full-out, this former private villa is hidden just outside the centre. It’s discreet, exclusive, and ridiculously beautiful. Private beach, lush gardens, and the kind of service that makes you feel like royalty.It books up fast, so it’s worth checking availability

🤩 Related Post: : Best Hotels in Positano, Italy: Dreamy Views, Chic Rooms & Coastal Glamour

Ravello

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
Staying here felt like floating. It’s perched high above the coast with gardens, a famous infinity pool, and service that’s polished but warm. Waking up to that view is a pinch-me moment. You can see more details and photos, or book here

Palazzo Avino
Pretty in pink and unapologetically luxurious. A classic Ravello choice with a beach club, a gourmet restaurant, and interiors that blend old-school glamour with fresh Mediterranean touches. Rooms, views, and rates — all right over here!

Villa Maria (Where I stayed)
Smaller and more personal, with garden terraces and cooking classes on site. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of charm — great if you want Ravello serenity without the full splurge. Planning ahead? This one’s worth bookmarking

Amalfi

Hotel Santa Caterina
A clifftop classic just outside Amalfi town. It has a private beach club, a sea-view elevator (yes, really), and old-world style with modern comfort. You feel tucked away, but still close enough to stroll into town. You can take a look at availability and reviews

NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
Set in a former monastery, this one wins for drama — think cloisters, cliff-hugging terraces, and panoramic poolside lounging. A gorgeous mix of history and design. If it’s on your wish list, keep an eye on rates.

Is This Amalfi Coast Itinerary Worth It With Limited Time?

If you only have three days on the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary focuses on the places that give you the biggest payoff without constant packing, queues, or long transit days. Positano delivers atmosphere and beach time, Amalfi works best as a short stop rather than an overnight base, and Ravello adds space, views, and a calmer pace that balances the trip.

What I’d prioritise on a first visit is seeing the coast by boat and staying in no more than two bases — that’s what keeps this Amalfi Coast itinerary feeling relaxed rather than rushed. If time is tight, I’d skip Capri and use that final day to slow down in Positano instead. Capri is beautiful, but it works better when you’re not trying to squeeze it into an already full 3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary.

If you have an extra day, this route stretches easily. Add a longer Ravello stay, a proper beach club day, or swap the final Positano morning for Capri — but I wouldn’t try to do everything at once. This itinerary for the Amalfi Coast is designed to feel like a holiday, not a checklist.

Amalfi Coast Itinerary FAQs

How many days do you need for the Amalfi Coast?
Three days on the Amalfi Coast is enough to see Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello at a relaxed pace. This Amalfi Coast itinerary is designed around that timeframe, with minimal travel and no constant hotel hopping. If you want beach clubs or Capri, add an extra day.

Is it better to stay in Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello?
Positano is great for atmosphere, beaches, and dining. Amalfi is central and good for ferry connections. Ravello is quieter, with the best views and luxe hotels. I split my stay between Positano and Ravello, and it worked perfectly.

Can you do the Amalfi Coast without a car?
Yes — and honestly, it’s easier. Ferries are fast and scenic, and private drivers or hotel transfers are widely available. I hired a car but still ended up using the ferry — less hassle, better views.

What’s the best way to get to the Amalfi Coast?
Fly into Naples, then either book a private transfer or take the train to Sorrento or Salerno and ferry along the coast. Avoid renting a car unless you’re confident with narrow roads and creative parking.

Where should you stay on the Amalfi Coast for a short trip?

For a short Amalfi Coast itinerary, limit yourself to one or two bases. Positano is ideal for atmosphere and beaches, while Ravello suits travellers who want views and a quieter pace. I split my stay between the two and found it worked perfectly.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) hit the sweet spot: warm weather, fewer crowds, and everything open. I visited in early summer and loved the balance of sunshine and space.

By the end of this luxury Amalfi Coast itinerary, you’ll have seen the coastline from the water, experienced its liveliest town, and escaped to the quieter heights of Ravello — all without rushing or constantly repacking. This 3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary is designed to make the most of limited time while still leaving space to slow down and enjoy where you are.

If you’re deciding what to plan next, the most natural step is choosing where to stay or extending the route by a day or two. This itinerary for the Amalfi Coast works as a standalone trip, but it also slots neatly into a longer Italy itinerary without feeling like a whirlwind.

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