3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: The Perfect Plan with the Highlights
This 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary covers all the highlights: Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano.
Plus the less visited but wonderful town: Vietri Sul Mare.
You can also explore Furore Fjord and villages like Cetara.
Public transport works, but on the Amalfi Coast ferries are faster and more reliable than buses.
For a smoother trip, hire a private driver for a day to see more and skip the logistics.
Tip: During summer, the 3. day, instead of getting the ferry or bus, take a full-day boat trip from Amalfi. This tour lets you visit Positano, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. You can disembark to explore Positano or enjoy lunch at one of the coastal restaurants, accessible by boat.
Day 1 on the Amalfi Coast
Day 1: 1st Stop – Vietri Sul Mare
Start with a walk in the city of Vietri Sul Mare.
Vietri is the first village on the Amalfi Coast when arriving from Salerno.
Vietri is world-famous for its ceramic production. The historical center is in the upper part of the town. Wander through the Corso Umberto I, where almost every shop sells ceramics.
Walk along the cobblestone alleyways. Visit the town’s most important church. The Church of St John the Baptist has a cupola with yellow and green majolica tiles. This is classic architectural element of the Amalfi Coast. You will see similar cupolas in churches in Maiori and Positano too.
Souvenir shopping in Vietri is fantastic. Offering everything from little ceramic knick-knacks to incredible home decor objects.
Visit the Solimene Ceramic Factory’s store: the building is a work of art itself. And the inside is a treasure hunt. I always find new pieces for my vietrese ceramic collection here.
For a special experience, try a ceramic-making class.
Where to eat in Vietri Sul Mare?
We recommend Lucia 34, located in a charming little square in Vietri.
For breakfast, caffe and snacks: Bar Russo. A local cafe with sea-view terrace, professional service, and great desserts. (They offer many gluten-free options, including yummy profiteroles)
Vietri Marina is The seaside part of the town.
If you arrive by ferry, start your visit here before heading up to the town center.
Admire the iconic rocks in the sea called “Due Fratelli“. And don’t forget to visit the Case Colorate (colorful houses). These vibrant blue-painted homes are the stars of many Instagram feeds!
From here you can also take the ferry to our 2nd stop: Cetara.
Day 1: 2nd Stop – Cetara (Optional)
The Fishing Village of Cetara
If the weather is good, spend the afternoon in Cetara.
Walk around the port to admire the colorfully painted fishing boats. Go out onto the dock for a beautiful view of the village from the sea.
This tiny fishing village offers some great beaches to have a swim.
Lannio Beach is more secluded than the main beach. To find Lannio Beach, start from the main street near the tower. From there, it’s a short walk down to this hidden shore.
In Cetara, you can shop for local products. The most famous culinary delicacy of Cetara is the local fish sauce, Colatura di Alici. Also other than the famous limoncello you will find different local liquors. Like meloncello, finocchietto, liqurizia, or liquors with mandarin, and many more flavours.
For dinner, choose one of the village’s many restaurants.
Ristorante Al Convento is very famous. Or opt for a more budget-friendly pizza down at the port (Il Piennolo Pizzeria).
Where to Sleep at the first day?
For the first day of the itinerary from Vietri to Cetara, you can stay in Salerno and reach the villages by ferry. In the summer, ferries run until late evening, making it possible to have dinner in Cetara. In the lower seasons, check the schedule, as the last bus from Cetara back to Salerno usually leaves around 9 PM.
We recommend staying in Vietri Sul Mare. 4-star option: Voce del Mare.
If you prefer to stay in Cetara, consider the 4-star Hotel Cetus. It offers a great experience with a private beach access and an elevator that brings you down to the seaside.
If you are traveling lightly without too much luggage, you can continue to Minori or Maiori for the night.
Or base yourself in the same village for this 3 days itinerary: Minori or Maiori are the best options. Both are located centrally enough to visit the Amalfi Coast, and not too crowded. You can find more tips on accommodations at the end of this post.
Day 2 on the Amalfi Coast
Day 2.-1st Stop: The town of Amalfi
Take a ferry or bus to Amalfi.
Visit this historic town that was once the capital of the Marine Republic.
The center of Amalfi is often very busy. And at first glance may seem overcrowded with souvenir shops. But venture in the smaller alleyways and you will see a different side of the town.
Things to Visit
- The Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Duomo di Sant’Andrea) and the Cloister of Paradise. The cloister has a €4 entry fee and is a great example of of 12th-century Moorish-style architecture. The visit also includes access to the museum and the crypt of the cathedral. If the main cathedral is closed, you can still visit by entering through the cloister. Don’t miss the bronze door cast in Constantinople in the 11th Century.
To visit the Museo della Carta (Paper Museum), walk a bit uphill on the main road. This museum offers insights into the region’s paper making tradition. Visitors can even try making paper themselves with guidance from the museum staff.
Nature and hiking lovers can continue up to the Ferriere Valley. A lush, shady area filled with waterfalls and ferns.
You can also visit the Museo Arsenale di Amalfi at the port. Here you can learn more about the history of the Marine Republic.
Where to eat?
The historical Café “Pasticceria Pansa”: Located in the right side of the he cathedral’s step. The perfect spot to try a traditional Italian dessert. Besides classic sweets, they offer candied orange and lemon peel, which is heavenly.
In Amalfi, you can also enjoy one of the tourist favorites: Lemon Sorbet. Many spots around the main square offer lemon sorbet served in an actual lemon. Often presented with fresh lemon leaves.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try a classic local street food: Cuoppo Fritto.
This is a cone-shaped paper filled with different fried foods.
It’s a tasty snack you can carry around and eat while you walk.
Usually made of variety of sea food, like shrimp and calamari. But there are also versions with deep-fried mozzarella balls and fries.
My favorite place to get it is Cuoppo Amalfi, located just behind a small alley, very close to the main square. They use rice flour, for the seafood versions, so it is also gluten-free.
Day 2: 2nd Stop- The town of Ravello
Afternoon and / or Evening in Ravello.
From Amalfi is easy to take a bus up to Ravello. The regular Sita buses or the shuttle service. The touristic shuttle is a bit pricier but it comes with guaranteed seat.
Once in Ravello Visit the famous gardens. Enjoy the sunset from the Infinity Terrace of Villa Cimbrone. Or from Villa Ruffolo‘s fantastic gardens. Please note, if you want to visit both gardens, you would need at least 3 hours to do so.
Check out the Cathedral of Ravello. Sip a caffe on the main square. Or visit the little coral museum.
If you staying in Minori, you can walk down from Ravello. To get down to Minori by feet, would take less than 1 hour.
Where to stay at the 2. night of your Amalfi Coast trip?
For a real romantic experience, stay the night in Ravello.
Day 3 on the Amalfi Coast
It’s time to visit the famous Positano!
Take a ferry or bus to get there. If your accommodation is in Minori or Maiori, the ferry is the better option. Since taking the bus involves a long journey on winding roads. From Amalfi, you can also try the bus. Or consider a full-day boat trip from Amalfi that includes Positano.
Spiaggia Grande
Spiaggia Grande is the iconic main beach of Positano. Here you’ll find Positano’s famous restaurants, like Chez Black, Rada, and Buca di Bacco. Enjoy the views of the vertical city and beach clubs with their striped umbrellas.
For a more relaxed beach day, head to Fornillo Beach. In Fornillo you can also escape some of the crowds. The path starts at the ferry port, below Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll reach Fornillo Beach. Known for fewer crowds and more affordable sunbed and umbrella rentals. There are also restaurants and bars here.
To explore Positano, walk up to visit the Cathedral. Don’t miss the MAR Museo Archeologico Romano to see the Roman villa hidden beneath the town.
Where to eat in Positano?
For desserts and coffee, try Zagara with its cosy inside terrace. This is one of the most famous patisseries in Positano.
For aperitifs and delicious ice cream, head to Buca del Bacco on the main beach, Spiaggia Grande.They also sell snacks and pizza slices.
For great street food, go to Simone’s Burger. It’s delicious and very affordable, though it usually only opens in the late afternoon.
Bruno’s Restaurant, located higher up in the town, offers tables on the side walk with one of the best views of the city.
For a truly luxurious experience, visit the restaurant at Hotel Murat, called Il Palazzo, hidden away in a lush botanical garden.
Best Photo Spots in Positano:
There are two iconic spots for taking pictures with Positano in the background. They are far apart, so it’s best to pick one:
- Near the bus stop “Sponda“.
- The higher viewpoint marked as “photo point” on Google Maps.
And of course the main beach of Positano is also a fantastic place to take pictures.
Afternoon in Positano (optional)
You have a few options for your afternoon:
Head up to Monte Pertuso: Visit the “Buco“. The natural hole in the mountain. Have a dinner at the famous La Tagliata (you’ll need to take a small local bus to reach Monte Pertuso).
Rent a kayak and explore hidden beach coves only accessible by sea.
Book a sunset boat tour and watch as the setting sun paints Positano’s towering houses in pastel colors.
Chill on one of the Beach Clubs of Positano, like Arienzo or Laurito (Da Adolfo). You can find little shuttle boats on the port to reach them.
If the weather is rainy, Positano is a great place to book a cooking class. This one is actually on the rooftop of the famous Rada restaurant. It’s right on the main beach, so super easy to find.
Day 3: 2nd Stop (Optional)
Fjord of Furore
If you don’t plan to spend the entire day in Positano, visit the most iconic looking beach of the Amalfi Coast. Take the Sita bus from Positano in the direction of Amalfi to visit Furore Beach. The bus stops at the beginning of the bridge, where you can walk down to this unique and picturesque shore.
Keep in Mind: The direct sun on the Furore beach is limited. Depending on the season. In summer, shade arrives around 4 PM.
If your accommodation is in Minori or Maiori:
I recommend enjoying your last evening on the Amalfi Coast at one of the excellent trattorias and restaurants in town.
- In Minori: Try La Botte for delicious fish dishes and the local pasta type, “Ndunderi“.
- For a more upscale experience: Ristorante Giardiniello in Minori
- In Maiori: visit Pizzeria and Restaurante dell’Olmo. Great food at very affordable prices. They also offer gluten-free pizza.
- It is easy to walk between Minori and Maiori.
Day 4 on the Amalfi Coast
Before leaving, explore a spot near your accommodation:
- Maiori and Minori: Walk along the famous Lemon Path. Check out my post about the Path of Lemons for details.
- Amalfi: Pay a visit to the charming village of Atrani. It’s just around the corner.
- Salerno: Visit the Cathedral of Salerno. If you have a full day, take the train to see the Greek temples of Paestum.
- Vietri sul Mare: Take the train for one stop and visit the town of Cava de’ Tirreni.
- Positano: Take a bus or ferry to Sorrento or enjoy a day trip to Capri.
- Ravello: Visit the tiny village of Minuta (Scala). Here you can see the ruins of the Church of Sant’Eustachio.
Where to stay during your 3 day trip to Amalfi Coast?
If you prefer not to move around and want to base yourself in one place:
We recommend Maiori or Minori. Both towns are central enough, to reach most parts of the Amalfi Coast. Maiori’s center is also more flat compared to Positano. And has a long seaside and a pleasant promenade to walk around.
Click here to check available accommodation’s in Minori.
Click here to check available accommodation’s in Maiori.
Amalfi is another great option. As it serves as a major hub for ferries and buses. So if you rely on public transport staying here make sense logistically.
Check available accommodation in Amalfi.
If you wish to stay in a place with private beach access, check out my list on some of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
If you don’t mind changing accommodations:
For this 3-day itinerary, it’s ideal to stay in 2-3 different places. Spend the first night in Vietri, and the second and third nights in Minori or Maiori. Staying in Amalfi would also work well. If possible, spend your last night in Positano to enjoy dinner without worrying about returning to another location.
Accommodations in Vietri Sul Mare
Accommodations in Positano. I highly recommend Covo dei Saraceni in Positano for its fantastic location. Or Palazzo Murat is also excellent and central.
For a real romantic experience, stay a night in Ravello.
How Long to Stay on the Amalfi Coast?
3 days is enough time to see the highlights of the Amalfi Coast. If you want to explore more, hike, or discover its beaches, I recommend planning for 5-7 days. With 3 days, you can still get a good feel of the region.
Who is this itinerary great for?
This itinerary was created with first-time visitors in mind who also want to explore some lesser-known parts of the Amalfi Coast.
It’s perfect for first-time visitors.
As this 3 day itinerary let’s you explore both the must-see spots and some hidden gems. It includes highlights like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello with Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Also introducing you to the village of Vietri sul Mare and the fishing village of Cetara. You can stay in Minori and walk on the famous Lemon Path.
The itinerary is perfect for 3 or 4 days. In 3 days (2 nights) on the Amalfi Coast, you can visit Vietri, Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. With 4 days (3 nights), you can also explore the Furore Fjord, the village of Cetara, and add Minori and Maiori to your list.
Please note:
This itinerary is about the Amalfi Coast, and filled with great attractions. Does not includes other popular destinations nearby, like Capri, Pompeii or Sorrento. As they are not part of the Amalfi Coast.
This itinerary focuses on the Amalfi Coast. If you plan to visit Sorrento, Capri, or Pompeii, you may need to add extra days to your trip.
Sorrento is a great base for visiting Pompeii and Capri. But, it is not recommended as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
The closest part of the Amalfi Coast to Sorrento is Positano, which takes around 1 hour to reach by bus. Everything beyond Positano, such as Amalfi or Ravello, is much farther. And can be logistically challenging to reach. Especially during seasons with limited ferry service.
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