Four Days in Amalfi Coast

Few places in the world can rival the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. With its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and crystal-clear waters, this stretch of coastline is a paradise for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re wandering through Positano’s charming streets, admiring Ravello’s panoramic views, or savouring fresh ingredients in Amalfi, every corner of this UNESCO-listed region feels like a postcard.

For this trip, we chose to stay in Sorrento, not only because it was the most budget-friendly option, but also because it’s the perfect base to explore Capri, Amalfi, and Positano. With excellent ferry and bus connections, it made moving around the coast smooth and hassle-free.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the perfect 4-day itinerary to experience the best of the Amalfi Coast, from iconic spots to hidden gems.

Day 1 – Sorrento

Sorrento is a dream destination with rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. This itinerary ensures you experience the best of the city while enjoying authentic Italian flavours.

Cathedral of Saints Philip and James

(9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)

Start your day at this 15th-century cathedral, famous for its stunning frescoes and intricate woodwork.

• Open: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Entry: Free

Opera Diocesana Pellegrinaggi

(9:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 4 minutes on foot)

A peaceful religious site showcasing beautiful architecture and a glimpse into Sorrento’s traditions.

Vallone dei Mulini

(10:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 7 minutes on foot)

A 13th-century abandoned mill covered in lush greenery, making it a must-see spot for photography lovers.

• Free to view from above

Piazza Tasso

(10:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 2 minutes on foot)

Sorrento’s lively main square, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee.

Vegetarian-friendly recommendation: Try a caffè nocciolato (espresso with hazelnut cream) at Fauno Bar and pair it with a sfogliatella, a crispy pastry filled with ricotta and citrus.

Basilica Sant’Antonino

(11:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 3 minutes on foot)

A historic 11th-century church with fascinating maritime relics and a crypt dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint.

• Open: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Entry: Free

Lunch at Trattoria da Emilia

(12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, 12 minutes on foot to Marina Grande)

Located at Marina Grande, this charming trattoria serves fresh, homemade Italian food with great vegetarian options.

Vegetarian-friendly recommendations:

• Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – Baked potato gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella
• Eggplant Parmigiana – Layers of eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil

Villa Comunale di Sorrento

(5:00 PM – Sunset, 15 minutes on foot)

End your day with the best panoramic view in Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The perfect spot to watch the sunset.

• Free entry

Day 2 – Capri

A day in Capri is a must when visiting Sorrento. With its breathtaking views, charming streets, and crystal-clear waters, this island offers an unforgettable experience. Since Capri can be very expensive, we opted for a budget-friendly approach, bringing sandwiches from a supermarket in Sorrento and exploring most places on foot.

Ferry from Sorrento to Capri

(9:25 AM Departure, 20-30 minutes)

We took the Caremar ferry from the Port of Sorrento at 9:25 AM, arriving in Capri in about 30 minutes.

• Round-trip ticket: 38 euros per person
• Return time: 6:40 PM

Piazzetta di Capri

(10:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by funicular)

Upon arrival at Marina Grande, we walked up to the famous Piazzetta, the heart of Capri’s social life, where locals and visitors enjoy their coffee with a view.

For those who prefer, the Capri funicular offers a quick and scenic ride to the Piazzetta.

• One-way ticket: 2.20 euros
• Round trip: 4.40 euros
• Luggage supplement: 2 euros per bag

Parrocchia Santo Stefano

(10:30 AM – 10:45 AM, located in the Piazzetta)

A beautiful 17th-century church right in the heart of the Piazzetta, with a peaceful atmosphere and stunning baroque architecture.

• Open: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Entry: Free

Explore the Hidden Streets of Capri

(10:45 AM – 11:30 AM, around the Piazzetta)

Capri’s small alleys are full of charm, lined with whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and lemon-scented courtyards. Take your time to wander, away from the crowds.

Walk Along Via Roma

(11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5 minutes on foot from the Piazzetta)

Via Roma is one of Capri’s main streets, connecting Marina Grande to the town center. It’s a great place to admire local shops or stop for a quick snack.

Picnic Lunch in Capri

(12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Since food in Capri is incredibly expensive, we brought our own sandwiches from a supermarket in Sorrento. This allowed us to save money and enjoy lunch with an amazing view.

Spiaggia Marina Grande

(1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 15 minutes on foot from the Piazzetta)

After lunch, we headed down to Marina Grande beach, the largest and most accessible beach in Capri. It’s a perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the island’s clear waters.

• Free public beach area
• Optional sunbed rentals available

Boat Tour Around Capri

(4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, departure from Marina Grande port)

To end the day in the best way possible, we took a boat tour around the island, admiring the Faraglioni rocks, hidden caves, and stunning coastline. This was one of the highlights of the trip.

• Price: 23 euros per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Includes: Stops near famous landmarks like the Green Grotto and White Grotto

Ferry Back to Sorrento

(6:40 PM Departure, 20-30 minutes)

After an amazing day in Capri, we took the 6:40 PM ferry back to Sorrento, enjoying the sunset over the Bay of Naples.

Day 3 – Amalfi

A day in Amalfi offers breathtaking coastal scenery, rich history, and the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Getting there from Sorrento by bus is an experience in itself, with stunning views along the way, but also a challenging ride on narrow, winding roads.

Bus from Sorrento to Amalfi

(Departing at 11:00 AM from Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis)

We took the SITA bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, which costs 5.50 euros round trip per person. Important:

• The bus leaves from Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis, NOT from the regular bus stops in Sorrento.
• If you wait at a random stop, buses might not stop, and you could miss several like we did.
• The journey offers incredible coastal views but is full of sharp curves, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared.

Saint Andrew’s Fountain

(12:30 PM – 12:45 PM)

Once in Amalfi, the first stop is Saint Andrew’s Fountain, located in the main square of the town. The fountain honors the town’s patron saint and is a perfect spot to soak in the lively atmosphere.

Cathedral of St. Andrew Apostle

(12:45 PM – 1:30 PM, located in the main square)

The iconic cathedral of Amalfi is one of the most impressive sights on the coast, with a grand staircase, stunning Byzantine-style architecture, and a rich history dating back to the 9th century.

• Open: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entry fee: 4 euros per person
• Highlights: The crypt of Saint Andrew, the Cloister of Paradise, and the intricately decorated interior

Walking Through the Streets of Amalfi

(1:30 PM – 2:00 PM)

Amalfi’s narrow streets are full of charm, with traditional ceramic shops, local limoncello vendors, and hidden alleys waiting to be explored. It’s a great place to get lost, take photos, and enjoy the authentic coastal atmosphere.

Lunch and Relaxing at the Beach

(2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

For lunch, we kept it budget-friendly by bringing snacks and sandwiches, since Amalfi can be quite expensive. Then, we spent time at the main beach of Amalfi, which offers both a free public area and paid sunbeds.

• Perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean sun
• Free public beach area available

Walk Along the Promenade

(4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

The Amalfi promenade offers stunning views of the coastline, with boats, colorful houses, and the dramatic cliffs surrounding the town. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast at a slower pace.

Return Bus to Sorrento

(Before 6:00 PM)

The buses from Amalfi get extremely full after 6:00 PM, so it’s highly recommended to arrive early at the bus stop to secure a spot back to Sorrento.

Day 4 – Positano

Positano was the strawberry of the cake, the most breathtaking stop of our Amalfi Coast adventure. This picturesque cliffside town exceeded all our expectations, with its colorful houses, crystal-clear waters, and unbeatable charm.

Bus from Sorrento to Positano

(Departing at 11:00 AM from Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis)

We took the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano, costing 5.50 euros round trip per person. Important notes:

• The bus driver won’t announce the stop, so pay attention to the ride.
• The bus drops you off high up in the mountains, and from there, you descend many stairs to reach the town. The walk down is steep, but the panoramic views are absolutely worth it.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

(12:00 PM – 12:30 PM, 5 minutes from the bus stop)

Located right in the heart of Positano, this iconic church features a stunning majolica-tiled dome and holds the famous Byzantine Black Madonna painting. It’s a peaceful spot to appreciate Positano’s history and culture.

• Open: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Entry: Free

Lunch Time

(12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 5 minutes from the church)

For lunch, we tried Casa e Bottega, a beautiful café serving fresh, healthy Mediterranean dishes.

• Recommended vegetarian options:
  • Zucchini and ricotta ravioli
  • Quinoa salad with avocado and citrus dressing
  • Homemade fruit smoothies

Positano Spiaggia And Walk Around

(2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 2 minutes from the restaurant)

After lunch, we headed to Spiaggia Grande, the main beach of Positano. This is where you truly feel the magic of the town, surrounded by colorful cliffs, turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere.

• Free public beach area available
• Optional sunbed and umbrella rentals

Returning to Sorrento by Ferry or Bus

(Departing before 5:30 PM)

To get back to Sorrento, you have two options:

1. By bus (5.50 euros, same stairs as the morning) – Be at the bus stop before 5:30 PM, as it gets extremely busy.
2. By ferry (18 euros, 40-minute ride) – A much more scenic and relaxing way back, offering unforgettable views of the coastline from the sea.

We chose the ferry, and it was the perfect way to end our Amalfi Coast adventure.

I hope this Itinerary help out other travellers coming to this incredible part of Italy!
I’ll add the link of my Italy Page to see other destinations and itineraries here.

---

---