The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and a place we know intimately. Seth lived in Italy for over two years and visited the coast multiple times from Florence, leading tours and building genuine relationships here — we know the bartenders at the English Inn in Positano, boat operators in Capri and Positano, and the owner of what is now Mare by Casa Tua restaurant in Marina Piccola in Positano. This 3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary is built entirely from that firsthand knowledge — this Amalfi Coast itinerary and every recommendation on it is one we stand behind personally.
Three days is the ideal length for this Amalfi Coast itinerary to explore Positano properly, spend a full day on Capri, and visit Pompeii before heading on. It is one of the strongest three-day stretches you can do anywhere in Italy.
HOW TO GET TO THE AMALFI COAST
The closest major airports are Naples (NAP) and Rome (FCO). From Naples, Sorrento is about an hour by ferry or Circumvesuviana train — Sorrento is the best base for exploring the coast by bus or ferry. From Rome, the train to Naples takes about 70 minutes on the high-speed Frecciarossa, then connect to Sorrento.
Once you are on the coast, the SITA bus is the most affordable way to get between towns — a day pass costs around €10 from Sorrento and covers the whole coast including Positano. Ferries run between the main towns in season and are scenic and efficient. Book ferry tickets in advance during peak summer months.
Pro Tip: Grab an eSIM before you leave home so you have data the moment you land. Saily is our go-to — use code THEJETLAGJOURNEY25 for 25% off. Airalo is a great alternative (code JLJ10 for 10% off).
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AMALFI COAST
May, June, and September are the ideal months — warm enough to swim, not so crowded that Positano becomes difficult to navigate. July and August are peak season: the beaches are packed, the roads are gridlocked, and prices spike significantly. If you are going in high summer, get to the beaches early and book everything well in advance. April and October are shoulder season — cooler but still beautiful, with far fewer crowds and better prices.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE AMALFI COAST
Sorrento — the best base for first-timers. More affordable than Positano, excellent transport connections to the whole coast, and a lovely town in its own right. From Sorrento you can reach Positano by bus (€10 day pass), ferry, or taxi.
Positano — staying in Positano is an experience in itself. The town tumbles down a cliff face to the sea and everything is vertical. Expect steep stairs everywhere and a higher price point, but the setting is extraordinary. Book well in advance for summer.
Praiano — a quieter alternative between Positano and Amalfi town, with beautiful views and lower prices. A good option if you want to be on the coast without the full Positano crowds.
THREE DAY AMALFI COAST ITINERARY
Day 1: Explore Positano
Positano is the centrepiece of the Amalfi Coast and deserves a full day. Start early — get to Spiaggia Grande (the main beach) before 10am to claim a spot before the crowds arrive. It is free to access and fills up fast. Spiaggia di Fornillo, a short walk west of the main beach, is smaller and slightly more relaxed.
For the famous orange umbrellas of La Scogliera beach, there is a minimum spend to reserve a spot but you get more space and a better service. Worth it for a half-day if the budget allows.
For dinner, head to Mare by Casa Tua in Marina Piccola — a restaurant we know well through the owner and one of the best settings for a meal on the entire coast. The food is excellent and the location right on the water is hard to beat.
End the evening at the English Inn in Positano — a bar we have been coming to for years and where we know the bartenders well. It has a great atmosphere, strong cocktails, and a genuinely welcoming crowd. A perfect end to day one.
Day 2: Ferry to Capri
Take the morning ferry from Positano directly to Capri — it runs in season and takes about 50 minutes. Book the ferry in advance during summer. We have friends among the boat operators on this route and the ferry journey itself, with the coast dropping away behind you, is one of the great short journeys in Italy.
On arrival at Marina Grande, take the funicular up to Capri Town. At the top, the first thing to do is get a granita with vodka — order it at one of the bars right at the top of the funicular. It is a Capri institution and one of our favourite things to eat or drink anywhere on the coast. Ice cold, citrusy, and exactly what you need after the ferry on a hot morning.
From Capri Town, walk to the Giardini di Augusto for the best views on the island — the Gardens of Augustus look directly down over the Faraglioni rocks and the sea below. Stunning.
In the afternoon, take a boat tour around the island to visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) — a sea cave where the light turns the water an extraordinary electric blue. Book the boat tour in advance and go in the morning when the light is best. We know the boat operators on the island and can tell you the tour is absolutely worth it.
Take the last ferry back to Positano in the evening and have a simple dinner somewhere on the waterfront.
Day 3: Pompeii
Take the morning bus or ferry back to Sorrento, then the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi station (about 30 minutes). The ancient city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. Allow at least three to four hours. Buy tickets in advance online — queues at the gate can be very long in summer.
If time allows, the Pompeii visit can be combined with a hike up Mount Vesuvius itself — the crater rim walk takes about an hour return from the car park near the summit and the views over the Bay of Naples are spectacular.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR AMALFI COAST TRIP
Start early every day — the coast gets very crowded from mid-morning onwards in summer and the difference between arriving at a beach at 8am versus 11am is enormous. Book ferries, boat tours, and restaurant tables in advance. Wear comfortable shoes with grip — the paths between towns and the streets in Positano involve a lot of stairs and steep surfaces. Pack light — you will be carrying everything up and down those stairs.
Download TheFork before your trip for restaurant reservations across Italy. And if you want to experience the Amalfi Coast and the wider Mediterranean from the water, check out Voyage — our boutique sailing trips through the Mediterranean including Italy.
ETIAS — WHAT AMERICAN TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW
From late 2026, American travelers will need ETIAS authorization before visiting Europe, including Italy. It takes around 10 minutes to apply and costs €20. Read our complete ETIAS guide for everything you need to know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AMALFI COAST
How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?
This Amalfi Coast itinerary covers three days as a solid first visit — enough for Positano, Capri, and Pompeii. Five days gives you time to explore Amalfi town, Ravello, and the quieter parts of the coast at a more relaxed pace. A week lets you truly slow down and appreciate it.
Is Capri worth visiting from the Amalfi Coast?
Absolutely — it is one of the best day trips in Italy. The ferry from Positano takes about 50 minutes, the Blue Grotto is extraordinary, and the granita with vodka at the top of the funicular in Capri Town is one of our favourite things to eat or drink anywhere. Do not miss it.
What is the best base for the Amalfi Coast?
Sorrento for value and transport links, Positano for the full immersive experience. Both work well — Sorrento is significantly cheaper and has the €10 SITA bus day pass that covers the whole coast. Positano puts you right in the heart of the action but at a higher price point.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
May, June, and September give you the best combination of warm weather, swimmable seas, and manageable crowds. July and August are beautiful but extremely busy and expensive. April and October are quieter and cheaper — still lovely but cooler for swimming.
Is Pompeii worth visiting from the Amalfi Coast?
Yes — it is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and very accessible from Sorrento by train. Allow at least three to four hours and book tickets in advance. Combining it with a hike up Vesuvius makes for an exceptional full day.
MORE FROM THE JET LAG JOURNEY
Planning more of Italy? Read our guides to things to do in Florence and our 3 day Venice itinerary. For the full Italian experience from the water, read about Voyage — our boutique Mediterranean sailing trips. And for planning your wider European trip, our guide to how to plan a trip to Europe covers everything from start to finish.
