The Perfect 4 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

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The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. With its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and endlessly picturesque towns, the Amalfi Coast is a photographer’s dream come true. If you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous corner of the world, here’s the perfect 4 day Amalfi Coast itinerary that will help you make the most of your time.

The Best 4 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

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The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy. With its cliffside towns, dramatic vistas, and turquoise waters, it’s no wonder that this UNESCO World Heritage site is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

Here is a quick snapshot of the 4 day Amalfi Coast itinerary,

• Day 1 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Arrive in Rome, explore the Pompeii archaeological site, and then stay overnight in Sorrento
• Day 2 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Explore and spend one day in Vietri Sul Mare (from Sorrento). Beachtime and sightseeing
• Day 3 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Visit Positano and Amalfi Town in one day (optional stay overnight in Amalfi Town)
• Day 4 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Exploring Ravello or Capri Town and Blue Grotto 

How to plan the perfect Amalfi Coast trip

Getting there

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (NAP), which is about an hour’s drive away. 

Once you arrive in Naples, you can take a bus, or ferry to reach your final destination. 

There are several car rental companies located at the Naples airport, but we advise against renting a car unless you’re comfortable driving in southern Italy. 

The roads on the Amalfi Coast are very narrow, and parking can be difficult to find (and expensive!). 

We recommend taking a shared transfer or a bus when you’re staying overnight in Sorrento or Amalfi. 

You can book: Naples Airport to Sorrento or Amalfi Coast shared transfer

In the itinerary below, we will share sightseeing options from Rome, as Rome–Fiumicino International Airport – Leonardo da Vinci has better flight connections from North America (and that’s where we arrived when flying from Canada).

You may like this guided tour: 3-Day Tour to Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri from Rome

Best time to visit: 

The Amalfi Coast is beautiful any time of year, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, shoulder season (April to May and September to October) is the best time to go. 

You’ll still be able to enjoy nice weather, and smaller crowds mean more opportunities to get that perfect photo without someone photobombing you! 

You’ll also find lower prices on hotels and airfare during these times.

If you don’t mind crowds and want to experience all the Amalfi Coast has to offer, then summer (June to August) is the time for you. 

This is when the Coast comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and street markets. Just be prepared for higher prices and crowded beaches. 

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

There are countless hotels and Airbnbs along the Amalfi Coast, so finding accommodation that suits your needs shouldn’t be difficult. 

However, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, we recommend staying in one of the cliffside towns like Ravello or Praiano. 

If you are on a budget then consider staying in Sorrento, and then taking the bus or public transportation to various towns. You will find a variety of accommodation options in Sorrento

We will share the top picks for staying on the Amalfi Coast below, 

• Elys Suites (Sorrento): We love everything about Elys Suite. It is centrally located and each room has its own balcony and is spacious inside. The suites are clean, and very bright and airy. The hotel is located in the central part of the city, and from here you can easily get to sightseeing in Sorrento and beyond. Book your stay here
• Other places to stay in Sorrento:  Hotel Regina Sorrento (with a view) | Sorrento Pool&Suites (affordable) 

• Terrazza Duomo (Amalfi town): This gorgeous hotel is located in Amalfi town, which is a great place to stay on the Coast for sightseeing, beaches, and accessibility to other destinations. From the name you might guess that it is close to the Amalfi Cathedral, and you are right – they also have rooms offering views of the piazza and the Duomo. Click to check availability here
• Rosa e Valentino (Ravello): Located in the town of Ravello, this fuss-free hotel offers buffet breakfast along with a clean and comfortable stay. Rosa e Valentino also has a nice terrace where you can chill out. You can also rent bicycles and cars at the property. Check prices and book your stay here

Now, let’s go ahead with the Amalfi Coast 4 day itinerary in more detail.

Day 1 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Arrive in Rome, get to Pompeii and Naples

We recommend Sorrento as a base to make the most of your 4 days on the Amalfi Coast. 

After arriving in Rome, Italy, make your way to the south. 

If interested, this is the perfect opportunity to stop by Pompeii and Naples before checking into your Sorrento hotel. 

Getting to Sorrento: Trains from Rome to Sorrento via Napoli Centrale and Napoli P. Garibaldi take around 3.50 hours. Flixbus offers routes that take around 4.50+ hours, one way. 

• Rome to Pompeii is 240 km (149 miles) away. It will take about 2 hours to get to Pompeii via high-speed trains
• Pompeii to Sorrento train station is 30 km (18 miles) away. It will take about 30 minutes to arrive in Sorrento

Once you arrive in Pompeii, set aside 3 hours to explore the archeological site and grab lunch/food before starting for Sorrento. 

Pompeii is located about 242 km (150 miles) southeast of Rome, and there are several ways to get there. 

The easiest way is to take a train from Roma Termini station directly to Naples, and then get to the underground Circumvesuviana station to Pompeii. 

The journey takes about 2 hours, and tickets can be purchased at the train station or online here.

In Pompeii, you can join a guided tour of the site of Pompeii with an archaeologist. This is what we did, and it allowed us to explore the area and learn more about Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius and the events that took place that day. 

We do recommend buying your ticket online so that you can skip the line, and see everything that Pompeii has to offer in a relatively short amount of time. 

A visit to Pompeii will take anywhere from 2 – 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring each area. There are numerous homes, temples, public baths, and more to see. 

Be sure to visit the Civil Forum, which was the main square in Pompeii where people would gather to socialize and do business. Pompeii’s theatres and shops are hard to miss. 

When you join the tour you will learn about the civilized mode of living in Pompeii from trade to drainage systems and beyond.

Lastly, the view of Mount Vesuvius is one to behold and remember forever. Nowhere else in the world quite compares to Pompeii, so if you find yourself in Rome or Naples with some spare time on your hands, make sure you add it to your itinerary. It’ll definitely be worth it!

Plan to arrive in Sorrento by evening, and check in to your centrally located hotel like the Elys Suites. 

After that, head outside for a walk in the city centre and enjoy your dinner in Sorrento. 

Tip: You can skip Pompeii, and directly arrive in Sorrento and explore the city, and make arrangements for sightseeing on the Amalfi Coast.

Tours: You can visit Pompeii from Sorrento and back as well, on a day tour

Day 2 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Explore and spend one day in Vietri Sul Mare

Begin your sightseeing with Vietri Sul Mare!

Vietri Sul Mare is a beautiful, historic town located on the Amalfi Coast. While it may be best known for its stunning ceramic tiles, there is much more to explore in this quaint seaside town. 

Getting there from Sorrento:

The best way to get to Vietri Sul Mare from Sorrento is by train. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and the views of the coast are simply breathtaking. 

Keep in mind, the only train station on Amalfi is located in Vietri Sul Mare. 

We set aside one full day here so that you can enjoy the beach, sunshine, and coast views. 

Once you arrive in Vietri Sul Mare, head to Spiaggia Della Crestarella – one of the cleanest and most well-known beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Rent a sunbed, soak up some sun, and enjoy the stunning views.

Another option is to walk the Marina Di Vietri, and take in the sunny vibes! 

After beach time, head into the center of town to explore the shops selling beautiful ceramic tiles as Vietri Sul Mare is famous for them. 

If interested you can also visit the Museo Della Ceramica Vietrese to learn more about ceramics and its history in the town. 

Be sure to also stop by the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista or the Cathedral of Vietri, one of the town’s architectural gems. 

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up fresh, local seafood. 

Day 3 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi Town (optional stay overnight in Amalfi Town)

On day 3 of the Amalfi 4 day itinerary, check off the showstoppers of the coast – Positano and Amalfi town. You can get to either destination by ferry or bus. 

From Sorrento to Positano, ferries depart approximately every two hours and take about 40 minutes to get there. 

Buses take about 50 minutes, and a cab ride will get you there in 30.

The SITA bus stop in Amalfi town is located just by the main beach, and a short walk from there, you will arrive at the Terrazza Duomo to check in to your hotel and the Cathedral for sightseeing. 

You can stay in Sorrento as well for the entire duration of your trip and just spend the day here. 

Day tours: There are lots of day tours available from Sorrento to Amalfi and Positano, such as this one.

And another one that covers Ravello as well. It is worth booking a day tour when you are pressed for time and do not wish to navigate public transportation routes. However, if your plan is to relax at the beach, then this will not work for you!

Once you arrive in Positano, spend the day exploring the winding streets of this picture-perfect village, and soak in the views of the stunning cliffside houses. 

In the first half of the day, you can relax at the beach or lace up and hike Sentiero Degli Dei (trail) from Agerola-Bomerano to Positano. 

Before you leave for Amalfi Town, visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta – one of Positano’s most iconic sights. This 13th-century church features a beautiful Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary, as well as an incredible dome. 

Best of all, admission is free! So be sure to take some time to admire this stunning piece of architecture.

Next, start for Amalfi town. Positano to Amalfi town is 40 and 55 minutes by car and bus respectively. 

Before you begin sightseeing, enjoy a nice lunch at the Amalfi Town centre, and then take the time to explore some really cute boutiques and souvenir shops. 

Marina Grande is a popular Michelin Star restaurant – perfect to hang out and take in beach views. 

The popular beach is not far away from the centre, in fact, Spiaggia Grande will welcome you as soon as you arrive in Amalfi Town. 

After lunch, you can enjoy a lovely stroll along the beach waterfront and then head to the Amalfi Duomo. 

Dating back to the 9th century, the Duomo will catch your attention. The exterior is stunning, with large arched windows and intricate mosaics adorning the facade. 

And then there’s the gorgeous staircase that leads to the Duomo entrance. The entry fee is 3 euros, and it is worth spending some time inside to admire the beautiful architecture.

After visiting Duomo di Amalfi, stop by the fountain of St Andrea, it is located in the same square as the cathedral and is hard to miss. 

If you have some time, you can visit the Amalfi Handmade Paper Museum, one of the popular museums in town. 

Before you depart from Amalfi, stop by Pasticceria Pansa for some coffee and cake. 

If you are staying in Amalfi town, we recommend some souvenir shopping and then dinner at La Paz. For dessert, grab the famous sfogliatelle from Pasticceria Pansa. 

Day 4 of the Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days: Explore Ravello (and return to Rome)

On your last day on the Amalfi Coast, catch a bus to Ravello. Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone before enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the coast. 

In the afternoon, wander through Ravello’s pretty gardens before heading back to Sorrento for your last evening on the Amalfi Coast. 

SITA Sud buses depart from Amalfi to Ravello hourly. The journey takes 25 minutes.

In terms of getting around Ravello, there are two options: you can either walk or take a mini-bus. The mini-buses operate on a set route and will take you from the main square (Piazza Vescovado) to Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, and back again. 

If you want to explore Ravello in more detail, then walking is definitely the best option. It’s also worth noting that there are a number of steps in Ravello, so comfortable shoes are a must! 

When in Ravello, your first stop should be Villa Rufolo. This villa was once owned by a wealthy Italian family, and it’s easy to see why they fell in love with the place. 

The gardens are simply gorgeous, and there are some fantastic views of the coastline from here.

Do wander through a 13th-century, square Moorish Tower, and visit the Cloister, known for a colonnade of pointed arches, which is a fine example of the Arabic-Sicilian style of the period.

There are plenty of great places to eat in Ravello, but we recommend grabbing a pizza or some fresh seafood with a view of the sea. 

After lunch, wander through Ravello’s lanes, and stop at the Convento di San Francesco, which is a 13th-century Franciscan monastery. The monastery has limited hours for visits.

If it’s closed, head to the Church of Saint Claire instead. This church is super close to Villa Cimbrone and is worth the walk. 

After visiting the church, it’s time to visit Villa Cimbrone. This villa is set on a cliff edge, and it has one of the most breathtaking views on the Amalfi Coast. 

Explore the pergola-covered Viale dell’Immenso gardens and then head to the Belvedere.

The Belvedere or the Terrace of Infinity is lined with a series of marble busts. After soaking in the views from the terrace, take a walk through the Rose Gardens before calling it a day! 

Customizing this 4 day Amalfi Coast itinerary

There are 13 towns and villages on the Amalfi Coast and it may not be possible to see it all intimately in 4 days. 

But here are some sightseeing tips to customize your Amalfi Coast itinerary. 

Spend one full day in Amalfi and another full day in Positano 

We have included Pompeii on day one of this itinerary, you can skip sightseeing at the archaeological site and utilize the day exploring Amalfi Town (full day), and use day 3 for a full day in Positano. 

We have a detailed one day in Amalfi town itinerary, and you can surely go exploring and laze by the beach. 

Spend one day on the Capri Island

Keeping days 2 to 4 as stated above, you can also swap Pompeii for the Capri Island day trip.  

The beautiful city of Capri on the Amalfi Coast is known for its iconic Blue Grotto. People from all over the world flock to the area to explore this unique place and be captivated by its breathtaking beauty. 

The only entrance to the Blue Grotto is a tiny hole – around three metres wide – and you will get an amazing opportunity of taking a guided tour inside these caves and enjoy the magical blue light that is reflected against the walls. 

There are lots of day trip excursions available from Sorrento or Amalfi towns to Capri – a boat tour is particularly epic! 

When staying in Sorrento, you can join this guided tour which includes a ferry ride to Capri – you will explore the island checking off the Natural Arch and the Faraglioni Rocks, and then visit the Blue Grotto.  

You will also get to enjoy a swim and go snorkeling. In the evening, the tour takes you back to Sorrento for dinner.

Other places to explore on the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento

If you have additional time on your hands, you can add the following spots to your Amalfi itinerary,

• The Path of the Gods Hike: Go hiking on the Path of the Gods, which presents one of the most striking panoramic views of the Amalfi. This 2.50 hour guided hike from Sorrento takes you through caves and terraces dropping from the cliffs to the sea creating deep picturesque valleys. Spots covered include Nocelle, Colle Serra, and Punta Campanella. 
• Atrani: Atrani is one of the quaint towns on the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its picturesque streets and tranquil atmosphere, and yes there are beaches and gorgeous views!
• Cetara: The fishing village of Cetara is considered a quintessential Mediterranean destination. Visitors come here to enjoy what many consider the best seafood in all of Amalfi Coast – it’s no wonder that this small town has been attracting tourists since way back when!
• Minori: Minori is one of the lesser-known and frequented places on the Amalfi Coast. People visit here to experience delicious pasta and see the watermills, but the brightly-painted houses will melt your heart! 

Explore Amalfi Coast: Sightseeing Map

Amalfi Coast Travel Tips

The Amalfi Coast is a must-see destination. From its breathtaking views to its delicious regional cuisine to the warm hospitality of its people—there are so many reasons why you should add this stunning piece of Italy to your bucket list. 

But before you book that flight, check out these tips for making sure you have everything in order for an unforgettable trip. 

Travel Insurance & Tourist Visas 

The first two things you need to take care of when planning any international trip are travel insurance and visas. 

Travel insurance is essential in case anything goes wrong during your journey, while visas will depend on the country’s entry requirements. 

If you require a visa for most of the European destinations in the EU, then you will need to apply and get a Schengen visa to enter Italy. 

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however from 2023, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return from Italy. 

Budgeting for Amalfi Coast Region

The Amalfi Coast gets super crowded in the summer months. You can save money by visiting in the off-season and using public transportation. Renting a car is not only expensive, but it could be time-consuming (parking-related hassles and driving, etc.) 

Accommodation prices can be better in the shoulder season. Plus remember that there are 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast where you can stay. 

We highly recommend skipping Positano in the prime tourist seasons – instead opt for places like Ravello or Sorrento.

Sorrento being a bigger destination, you will find hotels for all budgets. Yes, you will have to travel to the Amalfi, but whichever town you choose to stay in – there will be some commute involved (from one town/village to another). 

We were able to find mid-budget accommodation in Sorrento (around $110 to $150 USD). 

Sunbeds and umbrellas on a private beach can cost between 15 to 30 euros (pricier in Positano). 

Guided day trips will cost around $75 to $110.

Packing tips

As far as packing goes—make sure everything fits into one bag – you will appreciate it when you navigate through train platforms and tiny lanes in Italy.

Pack light but make sure all essentials are accounted for (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc.). Here is a quick list of items

• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Hiking shoes and flip flops
• Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
• Flowy tops and dresses
• Comfy linen pants
• Camera
• eReader or magazines (for entertainment)

By taking these important steps like getting travel insurance, budgeting responsibly, obtaining a tourist visa if necessary, and making sure all of your essentials get packed up safely before departing on your journey, you can ensure that nothing gets forgotten or overlooked while planning this exciting excursion!

We have a detailed EuroTrip Planner which can be printed time and again for all of your trips! Check it out here

The entire Amalfi Coast is truly one of Italy’s gems. With its breathtaking views and charming villages, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular with travelers from all over. 

While 4 days may not seem like a lot of time, with careful planning, you can make the most of your time and see all that this amazing place has to offer.

Read more posts from our Italy travel blog:

• Italy Itineraries: 7-day Italy Itinerary | 10 days in Italy itinerary | Rome Amalfi Coast itinerary 7 days | 2-week Italy itinerary with Amalfi Coast
• Italian Riviera: Best Italian Riviera Towns
• Tuscany: One day in Pisa | 2 days in Florence | 3 days in Florence itinerary | 7-day Tuscany itinerary

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