Are you planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? Keep reading to discover the perfect 3-day Amalfi Town itinerary + guide packed with tips for your adventure, where to stay, the best places to eat, and all the must-visit spots in and around Amalfi Town!
During our Italian escapade, we spent three unforgettable days in Amalfi Town, the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Every moment felt like a dream, with stunning coastal views, charming cobblestone streets, and the Mediterranean breeze that makes this destination so enchanting.
Amalfi Town is a true gem, from the iconic cliffside landscapes to the vibrant piazzas and delectable cuisine. We packed as much as possible into our three days, but trust us — you’ll leave wanting more. Ready to dive into this ultimate Amalfi adventure? Let’s get started!
Amalfi Coast Background
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. It’s a stretch of coastline in the Campania region along the Tyrrhenian Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Vietri sul Mare to Sorrento, offering dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters.
During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was an influential town known for its sea trade. Today, you can still see pieces of its history, like the grand Amalfi Cathedral and old shipyards.
Now, the Amalfi Coast is a popular place to visit, known for its incredible views, lemon trees, hand-painted pottery, and tasty foods like limoncello and sfogliatella. It’s a spot where you can soak up history, enjoy nature, and relax all at once.
Amalfi Town
Amalfi town is right in the center of the coastal paradise and is ideal as your home base. It is a larger city with many different restaurants and shops and is very picturesque.
It is also well connected by public transit, making exploring other cities in the area easy.
3 Days in Amalfi Town
Later in this guide we will share how to get to the Amalfi Coast, when to visit, and where, but for now let’s jump into the best three days in Amalfi Town.
Day 1
Morning: Enjoy an Italian breakfast at one of the many cafes. Drink a cappuccino while nibbling on your cornetto.
Then, take some time to explore the town and visit the Amalfi Cathedral, built in the 9th century. It has a museum, crypt, and cloister.
Then, get lost in the cobblestone streets and shops.
Afternoon: Stop for lunch at Marina Grande to enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful views of the coast.
Then relax on Marina Grande Beach, the main beach in Amalfi. If you want a lounge chair and umbrella, reserve it early in the day or even the day before.
The water is so clear and beautiful! If you want something a little more adventurous, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the beach.
Evening: This was by far our most favorite activity that we did in all of Italy – the Amalfi Heavenly Gardens Cooking Class. The class began by taking a tour through the gardens, where Silvio (one of the owners) talked about how the garden started and then dreams for the future.
We then got to pick out the ingredients for our meal that we brought to the outdoor kitchen. They ensured everyone had a glass of wine or drink at all times and made you feel welcome. We made four appetizers and two main dishes that all tasted exquisite. And they offered coffee with lemon at the end. Dinner was served family-style around a giant table filled with drinks and food, and the conversations never ended.
It was the perfect way to end the day! Here’s the link to the exact class.
Day 2
Morning: Take a bus or taxi to Minori (or you can walk, that is what we did :)).
Minori is located right on the coast and has the cutest pebble beach. It is a smaller town that is filled with great cafes and restaurants. If you are looking to treat yourself, try Otium Spa. In the summer, their spa shifts to a private section of the beach!
Some other spots to check out in Minori is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena and Roman Villa of Minori.
Lunch: Try some local delicacies like Scialatielli, Risotto al Limone (risotto infused with the zest and juice of the famous Amalfi lemons), or Totani e Patate. And be sure to try the local limoncello!
Afternoon: For this afternoon, you have two choices: one is more relaxing, and the other is definitely more adventurous:
Option one (relaxing): Visit a local lemon grove or take part in a lemon tour to learn about Amalfi’s famous lemons. Some tours include tastings of fresh lemon products like granita, marmalade, and limoncello.
Option two (adventure): Hike the Path of the Gods. This is one of the most famous trails in the area. The trail runs high above the coastline, connecting the small towns of Bomerano (in Agerola, which is accessible by bus from Amalfi) to Nocelle (above Positano), with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages.
The hike is 4.8 miles one way and takes 2.5 – 3 hours to complete. You’ll take the bus from Positano to Amalfi at the end of the hike. There are also guided tours of the hike that are offered, which is a great option!
P.S. You can ask the bus driver to drop you off at Fiordo di Furore on your way back to Amalfi for a side trip.
Evening: After an eventful day, enjoy dinner at Da Maria, grab some gelato, and walk by the sea.
Day 3
Morning: Take this final day to take a boat tour of the Amalfi coast. Boating is something you have to do while you are in Amalfi: Sail through the beautiful blue water, find hidden coves and grottoes, and swim in the perfect spots.
We opted to rent a boat by ourselves, which was a little stressful but still enjoyable. You also have the option to do a private tour or go with a group. Your boating choice just depends on your travel style. You can’t go wrong with any way you choose.
Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch at Deli Coast with fresh sandwiches, and then take a bus or taxi to Ravello.
Ravello is one of the most picturesque towns in Amalfi. It is filled with beautiful architecture and history. This town is off the sea, and you are atop the dramatic cliffs. Stroll through the gardens, admire the Moorish architecture, and take in the scenery that inspired artists like Wagner.
Another area you will want to check out is Ravello Cathedral and Piazza Vescovado.
Evening: The main reason to come to Ravello in the afternoon is to catch the sunset at one of the beautiful lookouts, like Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte.
Watch the sun dip below the horizon in the magical town.
Then, grab dinner in Ravello at Giardini Calce – Pizzeria or head down to Amalfi and enjoy a final meal at Terrazza 17, soaking in the beautiful views and cuisine.
Thoughts on the 3 Day Itinerary
And there you have 3 days in Amalfi Town. We love this area because it can be action-packed or very relaxed.
Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the area around Amalfi Town, but there is still so much more of the Amalfi Coast to see. Some people may choose to squeeze Amalfi Twon into one or two days, but we think it deserves the extra time.
Remember to stay flexible and adaptable during your travels.
We hope you found this guide helpful, and we have a few more things to cover!
When to visit the Amalfi Coast
Summer: Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the summer (June – August) has pros and cons. The weather will be beautiful and warm, with an average temperature of 75–85°F (24–29°C), perfect for swimming and boating.
However, summer is the peak tourist season in Amalfi, so the crowds will be large, prices will be higher, and traffic will be greater. We visited in the middle of July and can confirm the crowds will be big, and the temperature will be warm, but we enjoyed our time there!
Fall: Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the fall (September to October) may be the best time to plan your trip. The weather will still be favorable, with average highs ranging from 65–77°F (18–25°C) and fewer crowds.
Some businesses may be closed for the off-season, but most will be open until winter! Keep in mind that the days will start to get shorter.
Winter: Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the winter (November – February) may be the best time to visit, depending on what you are looking for. If you want to have very few crowds and cold weather with highs ranging from 60 – 56°F (15 – 13°C), then this will be perfect. It may seem like you have this whole beautiful area to yourself. It’s also a good time of year to go hiking in the area.
However, limited services will be available (many places close for the off-season), and the days will be shorter. The water temperature will be very cold, but it may be perfect if you’re into polar plunges!
Spring: Visiting the Amalfi coast in the spring (March-May) will allow you to see the coast come to life with spring blooms. The weather will be perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.
The weather can be unpredictable in the spring, so be prepared if you plan a trip during this time. Some businesses may still be closed for the off-season.
How to Get to Amalfi
In this post, we will focus on how to get to the Amalfi Coast, specifically Amalfi Town. We think Amalfi Town is the perfect place to spend your holiday, as it is a city with lots of charm, great activities, and a rich history.
But let’s see how we get to the Amalfi Coast:
Fly: Most people will fly into Naples to start their adventure. Naples is the closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast.
Some people (like us) began our Italian adventure by flying into Rome. Even if you fly into Rome, you must get to Naples to reach the Amalfi Coast. Luckily, Italy has great train service between Rome and Naples.
Naples to Amalfi
Private Transfer: One of the easiest and most time-efficient ways to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples is to hire a private transfer to the city you are staying in.
This is definitely not the cheapest way, but if you want to soak up as much time in the area as possible and have way less hassle (especially if you had a long travel day), this may be the best way to go. You can expect to pay between €130 to €190 for a one-way trip without sightseeing stops.
Ferry: Porto Napoli is one of the busiest ports in Italy and has many ferries that can take you to the Amalfi Coast. Talk about an entrance!
A shuttle bus from the airport goes directly to the port for 5 euros, or you can take a taxi to the port.
You can catch a ferry to these major cities on the Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, and Salerno.
This is how we got back to Naples, and it was a smooth and easy ride. We enjoyed this mode of Transportation!
Train and Bus: Once you arrive in Naples, you can take the train to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana train runs between Naples and Sorrento about every 30 minutes. It has an annual schedule that is valid for the entire year.
The train journey takes around one hour and covers a distance of approximately 25 kilometers. The train is an affordable and convenient option for those who don’t want to rent a car or take a taxi.
This train has no air conditioning and will become very warm in summer. One of my favorite parts about taking the train was cutting through the cliff’s caves. These caves are so tiny you can practically reach out and touch the cave wall!
Once you reach Sorrento, you must hop on one of the local buses to your final destination.
Rent a Car: You can rent a car for your Amalfi Coast holiday, but it may cause more hassle than help. This is especially true in the summer with the crowds and traffic. Parking can also be complicated to find.
All the cities are well connected with public transportation, making it easy not to rent a car (plus, you can take in all the views!)
In the winter, renting a car may be very beneficial, as the traffic is much lighter and there are fewer services available.
Where to stay in Amalfi town
Once you figure out how to get to Amalfi Town, it’s time to find a place to stay. Prices can vary depending on the time of year.
Budget Friendly:
Casa Duomo: This apartment is the perfect place to stay in Amalfi. Just a few steps from Amalfi Cathedral and a 7-minute walk from Amalfi Harbour, Casa Duomo features accommodations in Amalfi with a bar.
Hotel Lidomare: Located just 80 meters from the beach, Hotel Lidomare has spectacular views across the Amalfi Coast.
Mid-Budget:
Amalfi Centro: This hotel features sea views and is a few steps from Marina Grande Beach and 600 meters from Atrani Beach.
La Bambagina: La Bambagina provides accommodations with private balconies. It’s centrally located and great for exploring.
Luxury:
Palazzo Don Salvatore: The Palazzo is in a great location in Amalfi, with views overlooking the bay from all the rooms and the breakfast terrace.
Dimora Bertella Boutique & Spa: This accommodation has access to a sauna, hot tub, and spa facilities with city views.
Common FAQ
Can I explore the Amalfi Coast in 3 Days?
Yes, you can explore the Amalfi Coast in three days. You will get a good understanding of the area and culture, but you won’t be able to visit everything or every town. Five to seven days will allow you to experience it all!
What are the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast?
Some of the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast are Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Praiano, and Minori. Each town has its unique flair and uniqueness.
How do I get to the Amalfi Coast?
There are many ways to reach the Amalfi Coast. Most people start their journey at the closest international airport, Naples, and take the train, ferry, or private car to reach the coast.
Are there beaches on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes! There are beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Most beaches are small, pebbly, and tucked into coves, giving them a dramatic and unique charm.
Is it hard to travel around the coast?
Using public transportation to get around the Amalfi Coast is very easy. It may be very crowded at times, but it’s not hard to use! There are also many taxis available in the area. Beware that taxis can be expensive.The roads are very narrow and can be challenging to drive on, but not impossible! We used public transportation for our trip, and it worked well!
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