3 Days in Amalfi Coast: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most visually dramatic regions, defined by steep coastal cliffs, tightly packed hillside towns, and winding roads overlooking the Mediterranean. While distances between destinations appear short on a map, travel time can vary significantly depending on transport choice and seasonal traffic.
This three-day itinerary focuses on Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, structuring each day to reduce unnecessary backtracking while balancing viewpoints, coastal towns, and practical travel logistics.
Finding Flights to the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast does not have its own airport, and most travelers arrive via Naples International Airport (NAP), located approximately 60 km from Salerno.
Airlines commonly flying to Naples include:
• ITA Airways
• Ryanair
• easyJet
• Lufthansa
• Air France
• British Airways
Platforms like Kiwi allow flexible flight searches across multiple dates.
Getting to Salerno (Your Base)
Salerno is one of the most practical bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast due to its direct ferry connections, lower accommodation prices, and easier access compared to Positano or Amalfi.
From Naples Airport, travelers typically reach Salerno by train via Napoli Centrale or by private transfer, depending on arrival time and luggage.
Train travel takes around 1 hour from central Naples, while a direct transfer offers door-to-door convenience and avoids multiple connections.
Budget Places to Stay in Salerno
Hotel Montestella
Located near Salerno’s historic center and within walking distance of the ferry port, this hotel provides practical access to both transport and restaurants, making it a convenient base for exploring multiple coastal towns without daily repositioning.
Average price: €60–100 per night
B&B Amalfi Coast
Located near Salerno’s main train station and within walking distance of the ferry port, this property offers one of the most practical locations for travelers planning to explore the Amalfi Coast. Its position allows quick access to trains, buses, and ferry routes without needing additional transport.
Average price: €50–90 per night
Day 1 — Amalfi and Ravello
Starting the trip by ferry avoids the delays caused by coastal road traffic and provides a clear view of the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs and towns from the water, offering a more consistent and visually rewarding arrival in Amalfi.
10:00 – 13:00 | Explore Amalfi
Amalfi serves as one of the central hubs of the coastline, with a compact layout that allows visitors to move between its main landmarks within a short distance. The town is built around the Piazza del Duomo, where the cathedral dominates the skyline with its staircase and detailed façade.
Walking through the surrounding streets reveals narrow alleys, small shops, and coastal viewpoints that provide perspective on how tightly the town is built into the cliffs.
Highlights include:
• Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)
• Piazza del Duomo
• Harbor and coastal viewpoints
14:00 – 17:30 | Ravello
Ravello sits above Amalfi and offers a noticeably quieter atmosphere, with elevated terraces overlooking the coastline rather than direct beach access.
The town is known for its gardens and viewpoints, particularly Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, where terraces extend out toward the sea and provide some of the most expansive views on the Amalfi Coast.
Compared to Amalfi, Ravello feels less crowded and more relaxed, making it a good contrast within the same day.
Day 2 — Positano
09:00 – 10:30 | Ferry to Positano
Arriving in Positano by ferry provides the most recognizable view of the town, with layered buildings descending toward the beach, something that is not visible when arriving by road.
10:30 – 16:30 | Explore Positano
Positano is one of the most visually distinct towns on the Amalfi Coast, defined by steep stairways, narrow streets, and buildings stacked along the hillside.
Moving through the town involves descending toward the beach and then navigating back upward, passing shops, cafés, and viewpoints along the way. The layout creates constantly changing perspectives, with new angles of the coastline appearing throughout the walk.
Highlights include:
• Spiaggia Grande (main beach)
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Staircase viewpoints across the town
17:00 – 19:30 | Beach and Sunset
Late afternoon is the best time to experience Positano’s beachfront, as day-trip crowds begin to leave and the light shifts across the buildings, creating a softer contrast between the sea and the hillside.
The combination of reduced crowds and improved lighting conditions makes this one of the most visually rewarding times of the day.
Day 3 — Coastal Views and Smaller Towns
09:30 – 12:00 | Path of the Gods or Vietri sul Mare
The Path of the Gods offers one of the highest vantage points along the Amalfi Coast, following a trail above the coastline with uninterrupted views toward Positano and the Mediterranean, making it one of the most scenic walking routes in the region.
Alternatively, Vietri sul Mare provides a quieter coastal town experience with colorful ceramics, smaller beaches, and fewer crowds, making it a practical option for a more relaxed final morning.
12:30 – 15:00 | Coastal Lunch
Seaside restaurants along the Amalfi Coast focus heavily on local ingredients, with menus built around seafood, fresh pasta, and regional lemon-based dishes, all served with direct views across the Mediterranean.
Choosing a waterfront location allows you to experience the slower pace of the coast while still remaining close to transport connections.
15:30 – Evening | Return to Salerno
Returning to Salerno allows easier access to onward travel, particularly for flights departing from Naples, with private transfers offering the most direct and predictable option when managing luggage or early departure times.
Continue Planning Your Amalfi Coast Trip
For more details on transport options and how to move between towns efficiently, read our guide below.
Things to Remember Before Your Amalfi Coast Trip
• Book ferries in advance during peak season
• Stay in Salerno for easier access and lower accommodation costs
• Use ferries instead of buses to avoid traffic delays
• Install your Airalo eSIM before arrival
• Consider EKTA travel insurance
• Book attraction tours during busy seasons on Klook, Tiqets, or WeGoTrip
• Store luggage before late flights via Radical Storage
• Book airport transfers if carrying heavy luggage on Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi
• Check compensation eligibility via Compensair
