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How many days on the Amalfi Coast? 4 days: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Capri
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
The Amalfi Coast is 50 km of cliffs south of Naples, with pastel villages stacked above the sea and one narrow road, the SS163, carved into the rock. Four days is right: one each for Positano, Amalfi with Atrani and Ravello, the Path of the Gods hike, and a boat to Capri. The key to a good trip is transport: in summer, the road is jammed, so use the ferries whenever you can, the SITA buses early in the day, and avoid driving.
Short answer
Three days covers Positano, Amalfi with Ravello, and either the Path of the Gods or Capri. Four days lets you do both, with a slower beach afternoon.
The 4-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Positano
Morning. Walk down from the top of Positano through the steep lanes and steps of the Via dei Mulini to the Spiaggia Grande and the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta.
Afternoon. Rent a sunbed at the main beach (about €25-40 for two in high season) or walk 10 minutes along the cliff path to the quieter Fornillo beach. Small boats run to the Li Galli islands and the coves along the coast.
Evening. Watch the sunset from the restaurants and bars above the beach, then dinner in town. Positano's lit houses at night are the coast's classic view, best from the path to Fornillo.
Positano is all steps. Pack light and choose a hotel with porter service or near the main road if you have heavy luggage.
Day 2: Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello
Morning. Take the ferry from Positano to Amalfi (about 25 minutes). Visit the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, with its striped façade and steep staircase, and the Cloister of Paradise (small fee). Walk the main street up to the Paper Museum, in a medieval paper mill.
Afternoon. Walk 10 minutes through a tunnel to Atrani, a tiny, untouristy fishing village. Then take the SITA bus (about 25 minutes) up to Ravello, 350 metres above the sea, for the gardens of Villa Rufolo (about €8-10), where Wagner found inspiration, and the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone.
Evening. Stay in Ravello for a concert at the Ravello Festival (summer) or at Villa Rufolo, or return to the coast for dinner.
Ravello is quieter and cooler than the beach towns, and a good place to stay if you prefer peace to beaches.
Day 3: The Path of the Gods
Morning. Take the SITA bus from Amalfi to Bomerano (in Agerola), the start of the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), about 7-8 km and 3 hours to Nocelle, mostly flat or downhill, high above the coast with views of Positano and Capri.
Afternoon. From Nocelle, walk down about 1,500 steps to Positano or take the local bus down. Swim at Positano's beach to rest your legs.
Evening. A relaxed dinner, perhaps with scialatielli ai frutti di mare, the coast's fresh pasta with seafood.
Start before 9:00 in summer: there is little shade. Wear proper walking shoes and carry 1.5 litres of water.
Day 4: Capri
Morning. Take the ferry from Positano or Amalfi to Capri (about 40-60 minutes). From Marina Grande, a small boat takes you into the Blue Grotto when the sea is calm (boat and entry fees, about €20-30 total; closed in rough seas).
Afternoon. Take the funicular up to the Piazzetta and walk 20 minutes to the Gardens of Augustus for the Faraglioni rocks and Via Krupp's zigzag, or ride the chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro.
Evening. Take the last ferry back to the coast in the late afternoon, and have dinner at your base.
A private or shared boat tour around Capri (about €80-150 per person) avoids the island's crowded buses and shows the grottoes and Faraglioni from the sea.
Only have 3 days?
With 3 days, do Days 1 and 2 and choose between the Path of the Gods and Capri.
Got extra days?
With more time, visit Pompeii (about 1 hour from Sorrento by train), the fishing village of Cetara for its anchovies, the Fiordo di Furore, or the Greek temples of Paestum to the south.
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Sorrento / Agerola | Cheaper, good transport (train to Naples, buses to the coast). | €100-160 |
| Mid-range | Amalfi / Atrani | Central for ferries and buses to everywhere on the coast. | €180-300 |
| Mid-range | Praiano | Between Positano and Amalfi, quieter, sunset views. | €160-280 |
| Comfort | Positano / Ravello luxury hotels | Iconic cliff-top hotels with pools and views. | €500-1,500 |
Getting around
Ferries (Travelmar, Positano Jet and others) link Salerno, Amalfi, Positano and Capri from about April to October and are the most pleasant way to travel. SITA buses run along the coast road (a few euros a ride) but are crowded in summer; board at the first stop. Driving is stressful and parking scarce and expensive; in summer, traffic restrictions may apply to non-resident cars. From Naples airport, take a private transfer (about €120-150) or the bus to Sorrento.
What to eat in Amalfi Coast
The coast is the land of lemons: try limoncello, delizia al limone (a lemon-cream sponge cake) and lemon granita. Eat scialatielli ai frutti di mare, spaghetti alle vongole, ndunderi (ricotta dumplings from Minori) and fresh fish. In Cetara, the local speciality is colatura di alici, an anchovy sauce descended from Roman garum. Mozzarella from the nearby buffalo farms is excellent. Dinner costs €40-70 per person, more in Positano.
Best time to visit
May, June and September are best, with highs of 22-27°C and warm sea. July and August are crowded, hot and expensive. Many hotels and ferries operate only from about April to October; in winter the coast is quiet and some villages almost close.
Month-by-month weather for Amalfi Coast →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | €70 | €140 | €450 |
| Food & drink | €35 | €65 | €140 |
| Boats & sights | €20 | €50 | €150 |
| Ferries & buses | €10 | €30 | €80 |
| Total per person, per day | about €135 | about €285 | about €820 |
Approximate 2026 high-season prices. Each town charges a tourist tax of a few euros per person per night.
Before you go
Common questions
Where should I stay on the Amalfi Coast?
Amalfi for transport, Positano for the iconic views and beach, Ravello for peace and gardens, Praiano for value and sunsets, Sorrento for budget and train links.
Should I rent a car?
Usually not. The road is narrow and congested, and parking is very expensive. Ferries and buses reach every village.
Is the Path of the Gods difficult?
It is moderate: about 3 hours, mostly downhill, with uneven ground and some steps. The descent to Positano adds about 1,500 steps.
Can I visit Capri from the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, by ferry from Positano or Amalfi in the main season. Plan a full day and check the return times.
When do the ferries run?
Most run from about April to October; in winter, only a few connections operate. Check timetables, as rough seas can cancel boats.
Are there sandy beaches?
Mostly pebbly. The main beaches are in Positano, Amalfi, Maiori (the longest) and Minori. Small coves are reached by boat.
Is the Amalfi Coast good for families?
Possible, but the steps and steep streets make it hard with strollers. Maiori and Minori, with flatter seafronts, are easier.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning southern Italy trips. Prices and ferry seasons are approximate for 2026; confirm on the official SITA Sud, Travelmar, Positano Jet and Ravello villas' websites before booking.