Amalfi Coast – that beautiful, craggy Mediterranean pearl. It’s one of Italy’s most desirable coastal areas, just an hour away from the hectic and at times chaotic Naples. If you’re traveling to Naples, a day trip to Amalfi Coast is something you shouldn’t miss for the world.
What’s the best time to visit Amalfi Coast?
Definitely pick the warmer months (March to October). From June to early September it can be pretty crowded and pricey, but it’s the best time to enjoy the shimmering azure Mediterranean sea. Ideally, if you can choose, pick late September. At this time, the sea is still warm, but the tourist crowds are very much reduced.
What’s good to know about THE Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is a coastal stretch on the Sorrentine Peninsula, characterized by craggy cliffs, enchanting bays and turquoise waters of the Mediterranen. Coastal towns that make up this popular tourist destination are spread around the 40 kilometers long Strada Statale 163, known as the “road of 1000 bends”. In 1997, the cultural landscape of the Amalfi Coast became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One Day on Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day on Amalfi Coast.
Take a train to Sorrento
The cheapest and most convenient way to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples is to take a Circumvesuviana train from the Napoli Central train station. Grab a seat next to the window so that you can watch the lush surrounding nature, picturesque villages and the divine Mount Vesuvius. The train ride takes a bit more than an hour and costs less than 4 euros.
Renting a car can be a great option as well, but keep in mind it’s a tricky road full of bends. Also, make sure to book it weeks in advance if traveling in high season.
Do a short walk around Sorrento
Located on a very steep cliff, Sorrento overlooks the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Take a walk around the winding streets of the historic part and grab some espresso. On your way back to the bus terminal, check out the ‘The valley of the mills‘ – a deep canyon hiding an abandoned mill amidst the thick vegetation.
Take a bus to Positano
It’s time for your bus ride to Positano. The bus station is just next to the train station, and the buses depart frequently, especially when the season is at its peak. Grab a window seat for this one, too. The bendy road offers an exclusive view at the shimmering azure sea, luxury villas, vast terraces and lush lemon gardens.
Stroll around Positano
Positano often gets a label of the most beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast. Colorful houses and villas scattered over a dramatically steep cliff make Positano one of the most picturesque towns on Earth. Stroll around its streets, visit the art galleries, ceramic shops and the original fashion boutiques.
Drink limoncello on a terrace overlooking the sea
Have a seat on one of the many terraces and bars overlooking the town and the main beach. Try limoncello – locally made lemon liqueur. This famous Italian digestive is pretty sweet but very delicious!
Have a swim in the Mediterranean
Positano’s main beach surely isn’t the most unspoiled beach in the world. Yes, it can get crowded in the peak season, but it’s still a nice pebble beach to enjoy a refreshing swim. The further you swim from the coast, the more beautiful it gets.
Next stop – Amalfi town
Last but not least – Amalfi, the largest town of the Amalfi Coast. Check out its impressive cathedral Duomo di Sant’Andrea, built originally in Arab-Norman Romanesque style. Wander around busy streets and find a place that serves granita – the most refreshing, fruit-flavored Italian drink.
Have a lunch/dinner at the beach
Head to Santa Croce, a seafood beach restaurant you can only reach by boat (look up for their boat around the port of Amalfi). Enjoy the nice, next-to-the-beach ambient and order whichever seafood dish you like – from pasta with mussels, salmon salad or just a basic grilled fish. If the weather permits, you can have an after dinner swim at the beach next to the reastaurant.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?
Sorrento
Grand Hotel Ambasciatori
Via Califano 18, 80067 Sorrento
Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is an amazing hotel just a short walk from the center of Sorrento. It offers beautiful gardens, a pool area with a terrace, a restaurant, a fitness center and a private beach. You can enjoy stunning views over the Gulf of Naples and Mt Vesuvius directly from your room.
Grand Hotel de la Ville
Via Rota 15, 80067 Sorrento
Located in the heart of Sorrento, Grand Hotel de la Ville offers a really enjoyable stay with the facilities like a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mt Vesuvius. The interior is furnished with traditional Sorrento-style furnishings. You can taste some real Italian flavors in Restaurant L’Altea, since it specializes in Campania dishes.
Hotel Carlton International
Via Correale 15, 80067 Sorrento
The Hotel Carlton International is a perfect choice for those traveling around the Amalfi Coast since it’s located very close to a bus and train station and a port. Being very close to the main square, it is also a very convenient location for exploring Sorrento.
Positano
Hotel Reginella
Via Pasitea, 84017 Positano
The Hotel Reginella is a family-run hotel located in a beautiful historical building in the heart of Positano. Even though they only have 10 rooms, most of them offer a balcony overlooking sea and the town.
Hotel Bougainville
Via Cristoforo Colombo 25, 84017 Positano
From its slightly up-hill position in Positano, Hotel Bougainville provides excellent views, while being just a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Alcione Residence
Via C. Colombo 135, 84017 Positano
Alcione Residence is another place with beautiful rooms that offer amazing views of Positano. Enjoy their phenomenal Italian breakfast served on a private balcony.
Amalfi
Hotel Santa Caterina
S.S. Amalfitana, 9, 84011 Amalfi
Offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Santa Caterina is an Art Nouveau villa built on a rock that overlooks the sea. It features many terraces and a beautiful pool that’s built into the rock and is hanging over the sea. Santa Caterina’s spa area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and massage service, plus a well-equipped sea-view fitness center.
DieciSedici Amalfi
Piazza Municipio 13, 84011 Amalfi
DieciSedici Amalfi is a boutique 8 room hotel, a true gem located in the heart of Amalfi. The room and bathroom are newly renovated in modern Italian style with amazing view from the balcony.
EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING AMALFI COAST
-Don’t let a visit to this beautiful place be spoiled by something unforeseen. Besides, you don’t want to be worrying about potential accidents every second of your trip. World Nomads will make sure you have nothing to worry about no matter where in the world you go. Simply head to their website and pick up your travel insurance which you can then manage however you see fit. You will be able to extend it whenever and wherever you are, plus the list of activities these guys cover is extremely impressive.
– Always buy a bus ticket in advance because you won’t be able to purchase one on the bus.
– Check out the bus timetable in advance. Sometimes the last bus ride can be unexpectedly too early and you surely don’t want to miss that one.
– Most of the restaurants and bars charge coperto (cover charge), so it’s not customary to leave any additional tips.
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Anca B.
Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).
Drink a limoncello on a terrace on top of Positano is the best things to do in the life. Plan it and enjoy it. We did a lot of times and we are really loving those moments in the colourful Positano. A day trip is the best things and even is not expensive at all as you can think.
Can I give a little advice? If you know how to drive a scooter, RENT ONE! It’s the best way to enjoy the Amalfitan Coast and give you a total sense of freedom!