The Amalfi Coast has lured travelers since Roman times with its dramatic cliffs, terraced lemon groves, and villages that pour down to the sea. Amalfi itself was a medieval maritime republic rivaling Venice; Positano was a fishing hamlet turned 20th‑century artists’ hideaway. Today, ceramic-tiled domes, frescoed chapels, and tiny lanes still frame views of boats skipping across a cobalt Tyrrhenian Sea.

Fun facts to prime your wanderlust: Amalfi’s cathedral holds relics of St. Andrew and a staircase grand enough for a film set. Nearby Ravello inspired Wagner and Gore Vidal; its gardens hang in the clouds. The region’s famed sfusato lemons become limoncello, delizia al limone cakes, and granita served in frost-cold cups.

Practical notes: peak season runs late May–September; ferries operate most frequently April–October, while SITA buses run year‑round but get busy. Pack light—many lanes have stairs—and prebook boats, hotels, and key tours. Cash is welcome for beach loungers and buses; comfortable shoes are a must for cobbles and coastal hikes.

Positano

Positano tumbles down the cliff in a cascade of pastel houses and bougainvillea, with classic striped umbrellas fanning out on Spiaggia Grande. Explore Fornillo’s quieter cove, browse bespoke leather sandal workshops, and sip a sunset spritz as church bells ring from Santa Maria Assunta’s tiled dome.

Top highlights include beach time at Fornillo, a beach-boat hop to Laurito, scenic cocktails above the waves, and day cruising along sea grottoes and hidden inlets. Food in Positano runs from family farms in Montepertuso to chic seaside trattorie—perfect after a swimming-and-sun day.

Where to stay (Positano): Splurge on Le Sirenuse or hilltop-view favorite Hotel Poseidon. Browse apartments and villas via VRBO Positano or hotels on Hotels.com Positano.

Getting there: Fly into Naples (NAP). For flights within Europe, search Omio Flights; from outside Europe, compare Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Train to Naples/Salerno via Omio Trains, then ferry (in season) via Omio Ferries to Positano (1.5–2.5 hours total), or SITA bus via Sorrento. Private car from NAP to Positano runs ~1.5–2 hours; expect roughly €130–€220 depending on season and group size.

Day 1: Arrival in Positano

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a short stroll down Via dei Mulini to Spiaggia Grande for your first swim. For a light, fresh lunch or snack, Casa e Bottega serves vibrant salads, smoothie bowls, and lemon cake that set the tone for the week.

Evening: Golden hour at Franco’s Bar brings postcard views and classic Negronis; arrive early for a rail-side perch. Dinner on the waterfront at Chez Black delivers old-school Positano—handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and the celebrity-favorite “heart” pizza—while Il Capitano offers elevated seafood with twinkly sea views above Fornillo.

Day 2: Beach Day, Boutiques, and Montepertuso Flavors

Morning: Espresso and sfogliatella at the Bar La Zagara garden, then walk 10 minutes to Fornillo Beach for a quieter morning. Rent loungers from Da Ferdinando Beach Club and swim along the rocky coves where the water turns glass-clear.

Afternoon: Boat shuttle to Laurito Beach for lunch at Da Adolfo—grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves and spaghetti alle vongole taste better with toes in the sand. Back in town, browse artisanal sandal-makers (get custom straps fitted) and Ceramiche Casola for handmade, lemon-splashed ceramics.

Evening: Taxi up to Montepertuso for a farm-to-table feast at La Tagliata: antipasti from their garden, pappardelle rolled that morning, and house wine poured like you’re family. Nightcap gelato from Buca di Bacco as the beach lights shimmer.

Optional hikers’ add-on: If you’re keen, the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) runs Agerola–Nocelle in 2–3 hours with astonishing cliffside views. Go early, wear sturdy shoes, and carry water; buses link Positano with Nocelle/Bomerano (check Omio Buses for schedules).

Day 3: Private Amalfi Coast Boat Trip

Spend the day skimming past sea caves, hidden beaches, and fishing villages with swim stops accessible only by boat.

Private Amalfi Coast Boat Trip from Positano, Praiano or Amalfi — Your local captain customizes the route—think Li Galli islets, Nerano’s bays, and grottoes—with prosecco on ice and time ashore if you wish.

Tips: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light cover-up, and euros for beach restaurants. Typical private charters range €700–€1,200+ for a full day, depending on boat size and season.

Evening eats: Back in Positano, dine at Next2 for modern takes on seafood (consider the crudo selection) or Da Vincenzo for beloved classics like scialatielli ai frutti di mare. Finish with a limoncello nightcap.

Day 4: Capri by Sea (Full-Day Cruise)

Capri is an essential Amalfi Coast day trip—sheer cliffs, turquoise grottoes, and glamorous piazzette. Today is a full-day boat excursion; bring a hat and motion-friendly footwear.

Full Day Capri Island Cruise from Praiano, Positano or Amalfi — Sail under the Faraglioni, swim in quiet coves, and enjoy time on the island for a stroll to the Gardens of Augustus or a chairlift up Monte Solaro in Anacapri.

Food & drink: Light breakfast from Collina Bakery (excellent cornetti). On Capri, grab panini at a salumeria or a sit-down lunch of insalata caprese and fritto misto. Back in Positano, celebrate with grilled fish at Il Grottino Azzurro or a late pizza at Saraceno d’Oro.

Amalfi

Once a seafaring powerhouse, Amalfi fans out around its grand Duomo, where bronze doors and striped arches preside over a lively piazza. Wander to tiny Atrani—five minutes along the cliff—for a miniature square, kids kicking footballs, and trattorie serving pasta alle vongole like nonna makes.

Highlights include the Paper Museum (and its ancient watermills), the cathedral cloister, and easy ferry access to Ravello via Amalfi’s buses. Food-wise, expect lemon-inflected desserts, incredible anchovies from Cetara, and clever degustation menus overlooking the bay.

Where to stay (Amalfi): Book terrace views at Hotel La Pergola. If you prefer a quieter base between the two hubs, Hotel Margherita in Praiano has sweeping views and a shuttle. Explore more stays via VRBO Amalfi and Hotels.com Amalfi.

Getting from Positano to Amalfi: Ferries (April–October) take ~25 minutes and cost ~€10–€14; book via Omio Ferries. Year‑round SITA buses take ~35–50 minutes (around €2–€3; see Omio Buses). Depart Positano in the morning to maximize your afternoon in Amalfi.

Day 5: Transfer to Amalfi, Duomo Drama, and Atrani at Dusk

Morning: Ferry from Positano to Amalfi. Drop bags and grab espresso with a slice of delizia al limone at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa, the 19th‑century pastry icon anchoring the square.

Afternoon: Tour the Duomo and its cloister, then stroll to Atrani for a late lunch in the tiny piazza—try A’Paranza for spaghetti with anchovies from nearby Cetara. Swim at Atrani’s petite beach and dry off on the stones like a local.

Evening (Hands-on experience): Join a farmhouse kitchen for an immersive dinner you cook yourself: Hands-On Cooking Class & Farmhouse Tour on the Amalfi Coast. Learn to knead pasta, simmer ragù, and pair local wines while the sun melts into the hills.

Day 6: Pompeii From Amalfi (Archaeology + Vesuvius Views)

This is a history-lover’s day out, revealing everyday Roman life frozen in ash since 79 AD. It’s a longer excursion—plan comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection.

Pompeii Guided Tour from Amalfi Coast — An expert guide brings forums, villas, and frescoes to life; many tours include transport from Amalfi and options to add Mount Vesuvius.

Dinner back in Amalfi: Book Eolo for refined seafood with panoramic terraces (the lemon-scented tasting menu is a highlight) or choose Da Gemma for traditional recipes in an elegant setting. Gelato nightcap at Porta della Marina on the beach promenade.

Day 7: Morning in Ravello, Then Departure

Morning: Bus or taxi from Amalfi up to Ravello (20–30 minutes). Wander Villa Rufolo’s gardens, then continue to Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity for horizon-to-forever views. Coffee at a garden cafe before dropping into the Duomo square.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Cumpà Cosimo—warm service, ragù‑rich pastas, and seasonal contorni—then return to Amalfi for your transfer to Naples. For Europe-wide trains or airport buses, check Omio Trains and Omio Buses; for flights in Europe use Omio Flights, and for global options compare Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Private transfers Amalfi–NAP typically take 1.5–2 hours.

Extra ideas if you add time:

• Hike the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve from Amalfi—ferns, waterfalls, and the coast’s oldest paper mills.
• Nerano lunch by boat (spaghetti alla Nerano with zucchini and provolone del monaco is a local classic).
• Wine tasting in Tramonti’s high-altitude terraces, home to rare pre-phylloxera vines.

Hotel quick picks recap: In Positano, book Le Sirenuse or Hotel Poseidon. In Amalfi, choose Hotel La Pergola. For a serene mid-coast base, consider Hotel Margherita in Praiano.

Another boat-day option (if weather shifts one of your days): Amalfi Coast Private Boat Tour from Amalfi for snorkeling, caves, and beach time along the Divine Coast.

Seven days on the Amalfi Coast gives you sun-sparkled seas, cliffside villages, and meals you’ll daydream about long after you return. With Positano’s glam beaches, Amalfi’s history, Capri’s coves, Ravello’s sky gardens, and Pompeii’s ancient streets, this itinerary balances iconic sights with local flavor.