The Amalfi Coast has been seducing travelers since the Middle Ages, when the tiny maritime Republic of Amalfi traded silk and spices across the Mediterranean. Today its stone stairways, Baroque domes, and lemon terraces tumble toward impossibly blue water, framing one of Italy’s most iconic panoramas.

In five days, you’ll balance adventure and ease: hike the famed Path of the Gods, slip into hidden coves by boat, and spend unhurried meals savoring local seafood and sfusato Amalfitano lemons. We’ll base you in two classic towns—Positano and Amalfi—for logical travel flow and maximum flavor.

Practical notes: summers are busy (book restaurants and boats ahead); spring and fall bring ideal weather and lighter crowds. Ferries run roughly April–October; in winter, rely more on buses and car services. Pack good walking shoes, a light layer for sea breezes, and water shoes for pebble beaches.

Positano

Postcard-perfect Positano is a vertical village of pastel palazzi, chic beach clubs, and bougainvillea-draped lanes. Fashion boutiques and art galleries cluster near Spiaggia Grande, while Fornillo Beach offers a quieter, old-school feel just around the headland.

Top highlights include panoramic steps down from Nocelle, the pale-gold dome of Santa Maria Assunta, and sunset aperitivi overlooking the Li Galli islets. It’s also the best launch pad for the Path of the Gods and coastal boat adventures.

• Stay: Browse cliffside villas and seaview rooms on VRBO in Positano or compare boutique hotels on Hotels.com Positano.
• Arrival to Positano: Fly into Naples (NAP) or Rome (FCO). For flights to/from Europe search Omio Flights. From Rome to Naples, take the high-speed train (about 1h10, ~$20–45) via Omio Trains. Then:
  • Private transfer Naples → Positano: 1.5–2 hours, door-to-door comfort (typical €140–€220, depending on season and group size). Book via Viator here: Private Transfer from Naples to Positano or Amalfi.
  • Ferry (seasonal) Naples → Positano: ~1h45–2h, €25–35. Check times on Omio Ferries.
  • Bus combo (budget): Naples airport bus to Sorrento + SITA bus to Positano (total 2–3h; €6–€15). For intercity buses, see Omio Buses.
• Food notes: Book Da Vincenzo or La Sponda for dinner; try lemon delizia and sfogliatelle at La Zagara; lunch beachside at Chez Black or Lo Guarracino above Fornillo.

Day 1: Arrive in Positano, Settle, and Sunset Start

Afternoon: Arrive in Positano and check in. Shake off the journey with a slow wander through the lanes around Spiaggia Grande. For a late bite or espresso tonic, pop into Casa e Bottega (bright, fresh plates and juices) or grab a pastry in the lemon garden at La Zagara.

Evening: Aperitivo at Franco’s Bar (classic Negroni, dazzling views). Dinner at Da Vincenzo (grilled octopus, scialatielli ai frutti di mare) or Il Capitano (terrace with moonlit sea). Nightcap stroll along the beach, listening to waves and late-night chatter.

Day 2: Path of the Gods + Boat and Snorkel Afternoon

Morning: Early breakfast at Casa e Bottega (try the yogurt bowl with local honey) or a cornetto from Collina Bakery. Bus from Amalfi or Agerola to Bomerano trailhead and hike the Path of the Gods to Nocelle (6.5 km; 2–3 hours; moderate, with unforgettable cliff views). From Nocelle, descend to Positano via stairs (~1 hour) or catch the local bus.

Afternoon: Reward yourself with a swim at Fornillo Beach, then join this small-group cruise for sea caves, swim stops, and coast views straight out of a painting: Amalfi Coast & Positano: Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks. Expect dramatic cliffs, old watchtowers, and time to snorkel; small groups keep it intimate.

Evening: Dinner at Next2 (modern Amalfitan cuisine; reserve the terrace) or seaside at Lo Guarracino above Fornillo (grilled fish, sea breeze). For gelato, swing by Buca di Bacco’s counter near the beach.

Amalfi

Once a seafaring superpower, Amalfi still wears its history proudly. The striped Duomo di Sant’Andrea crowns a lively piazza, paper mills curl up the Valle delle Ferriere, and boats fan out to secret beaches and Capri.

Amalfi is a comfortable base for exploring Ravello’s gardens, tasting lemon-forward cuisine, and hopping ferries along the coast. Evenings hum with passeggiata, church bells, and the clink of spritz glasses.

• Stay: Compare stays on VRBO in Amalfi and Hotels.com Amalfi.
• Positano → Amalfi (Day 3 transfer): Morning ferry 25–35 minutes, €10–€15—scenic and simple. Check schedules on Omio Ferries. Buses take ~40–60 minutes (€2–€4).
• Food notes: Espresso and lemon cake at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa; seafood risotto at Lido Azzurro; romantic dinners at Eolo or the contemporary Sensi; pizza under the lemon pergola at Donna Stella.

Day 3: Transfer to Amalfi, Cathedral, and a Farm-to-Table Cooking Class

Morning: Ferry from Positano to Amalfi. Drop bags, then step straight into history at the Duomo di Sant’Andrea—climb the staircase, visit the cloister, and admire the bronze doors cast in Constantinople. Coffee break at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (almond biscotti, lemon delights).

Afternoon: Dive into Campanian flavors during this hands-on experience that pairs market-fresh cooking with a farmhouse visit: Hands-On Cooking Class & Farmhouse Tour on the Amalfi Coast. You’ll make pasta or gnocchi, sip local wine, and learn how lemons and olive oil shape coastal cuisine.

Evening: Pre-dinner stroll through the old paper quarter. Dinner at Taverna Buonvicino (candlelit alley, handmade pastas) or Eolo (creative seafood; book ahead). Gelato nightcap at Pasticceria Savoia.

Day 4: Full-Day Capri by Traditional Gozzo (Day Tour)

Set sail for Capri on a small-group adventure with swim stops, sea grottoes, and a stroll in Capri town: Capri Island Boat Tour from Amalfi with Snorkeling | Small Group. Circle the island, snap the Faraglioni, and—sea conditions permitting—peek into grottoes. Back in Amalfi by late afternoon for a relaxed evening.

Post-cruise dinner ideas: Lido Azzurro by the marina (catch of the day, citrusy crudo) or Marina Grande (scialatielli and a strong wine list). For a simple, delicious option, try pizza at Donna Stella under the lemon trees.

Day 5: Ravello Morning, Then Departure

Morning: Bus or taxi up to Ravello (25–30 minutes). Start with a cappuccino at Caffè Calce on Piazza Vescovado, then wander Villa Rufolo’s Moorish gardens. Continue to Villa Cimbrone for the Terrace of Infinity—marble busts floating over a sheer drop to the sea.

Afternoon: If time allows, a hearty lunch at Cumpà Cosimo (old-school pastas, friendly service). Return to Amalfi, collect luggage, and depart to Naples. Options:

• Private transfer Amalfi → NAP: ~1.5–2 hours. Pre-book via the same Viator Private Transfer (select return).
• Ferry + train: Amalfi → Salerno by ferry (35–60 minutes; scenic), then high-speed train to Naples (~35 minutes). Check Omio Ferries and Omio Trains.

Optional if you have a late flight or an extra day: Explore the ancient city frozen in time on a guided visit: Pompeii Guided Tour from Amalfi Coast (transport and expert narration). It’s a powerful window into daily Roman life.

Daily Eating & Drinking Shortlist

• Positano Breakfasts: Casa e Bottega (fresh, bright), La Zagara (lemon garden pastries).
• Positano Lunches: Chez Black (beach classic; anchovy pizza), Lo Guarracino (sea views over Fornillo).
• Positano Dinners: Da Vincenzo (local favorite), Next2 (contemporary), La Sponda (romantic splurge).
• Amalfi Breakfasts: Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (since 1830), Pasticceria Savoia (gelato and cakes).
• Amalfi Lunches: Lido Azzurro (harbor seafood), Marina Grande (beachfront pastas).
• Amalfi Dinners: Eolo (inventive seafood), Sensi (modern tasting menus), Donna Stella (lemon-garden pizza).
• Ravello Bites: Caffè Calce (coffee with a view), Cumpà Cosimo (comfort pastas).

Practical Tips

• Ferries vs. buses: Choose ferries for speed and scenery (seasonal); buses are frequent but subject to traffic and motion sickness on curvy roads.
• Footwork: Expect stairs—pack supportive shoes. Taxis are limited; plan for some uphill walks to accommodations.
• Bookings: Reserve restaurants for dinners with views; book boat tours and transfers well ahead June–September.
• Beach gear: Pebble beaches—bring water shoes; many lidos rent loungers/umbrellas.

Five days on the Amalfi Coast will give you cliffside villages, crystalline coves, and slow, lemon-scented evenings. With two strategic bases and thoughtfully chosen experiences, you’ll see the icons without losing the magic between them.