The Perfect Three-day Itinerary for the Amalfi Coast
Some of our Edge Magazine writers have been fortunate enough to see the Amalfi Coast for themselves this fall while studying abroad. We’ve been watching them shop, eat and swim at the most wonderful spots with jaw dropping vistas. So trust us, and make sure that Amalfi Coast is at the top of your bucket list!
How to get there…
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport. There are plenty of non-stop flights from other European countries, but only a slim amount of non-stop flights from The United States. The possible layover or two to land in Naples, Italy is 100% worth the effort. The lower level of the Naples International Airport is packed with private drivers (can be reserved through multiple companies online), and taxis (this ends up being just as much as a private driver but not as reliable or comfortable), and finally buses (all buses to Sorrento are a minimum of a two hour ride). Before you take off to Naples International Airport, make sure you have your next leg of travel arranged to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
When to go…
Summertime is the peak of tourism throughout the Amalfi Coast, so the prices and crowds spike exponentially. In late May or mid-September, you will have missed the peak of tourist season but not have missed the warm waters, blooming flowers and open local businesses.
Photo by Michael Giugliano from Pexels.
What to bring…
The answer to this all depends on what your airline allows you to bring! If you are traveling cost-efficiently, you will likely be limited to a small under-the-seat bag that leaves you with about an outfit a day, which is totally fine as the weather is very temperate during May and September. But if you decide that your outfits are worth the additional luggage prices… then you will want to pack two outfits a day. Those who have recently travelled to the Amalfi Coast suggest an outfit for the day and then a fresh outfit to change into for the night because the water and sea breeze is so salty that you will be happy to have a spare pair of clothes.
Where to go…
You must allow a whole day to explore these three spots: Sorrento (we suggest you begin with this), Capri and Positano.
Photo by Katie Everitt.
What to do in Sorrento…
Morning
Spend the morning strolling through the narrow streets filled with local artisan and tourist stores. Start at the Piazza Tasso which is the heart of Sorrento. You will come across the beautiful Baroque Church del Carmine and the statue of S. Antonio Abbate.
Afternoon
About a 30-minute stroll will land you by the beautiful bay with the strikingly blue Mediterranean water. On the bay you can find both public and private beaches, but we suggest you get the best of both worlds and reserve a spot at Maremo Beach Club where you can lounge, swim, eat and drink by the ocean. You will see that these beach clubs enclose part of the bay and put lounge chairs in the ocean to make it like a true saltwater pool, not the manmade ones we have in the states.
Night
The nightlife in Sorrento is rather relaxed. Embrace the evening culture in Sorrento and stroll down the streets hoping to find different wine cafes or pubs. Before you settle back at your hotel make sure to stop at Raki for what is known to have the best Gelato in all of Sorrento.
Photo by Katie Everitt.
What to do in Positano…
Morning
Immediately after exiting the ferry, you will be greeted by boat tour companies bargaining prices for private expeditions. Don’t be reeled in by the first companies because they tend to have the higher prices. The stands that are right beside the public beach have great prices for small group tours that bring you to private swimming holes, cliffs and caves that are unattainable otherwise. We suggest you choose a two to four tour that will land you back in Positano by lunchtime.
Afternoon
You’ll get off the boat right next to the one and only Spiaggia Grade. This is the beach that you have seen millions of engagement and celebrity Instagram posts with colorful umbrellas. Here you have the option to swim at the public beach or walk two minutes down the boardwalk and find a beach club where access ranges from 20 to 40 euros.
Night
Music on the Rocks is the BEST place to find snacks, cocktails and music at dusk in Positano. This bar is tucked into the steep rocks of Positano with a trendy nightclub and upscale eatery. Unlike other nightclubs, the interior architecture is completely directed by geology. The purple lit tables fall into little nooks of the cave, making you feel like you are in the ruins.
Photo by Katie Everitt.
What to do in Capri...
Morning
In the main square downtown there is a ticket station where you can buy tickets for a train ride up to the high end shops and restaurants that are perched over the tourist shops. This train ride is cheap and is full of great panoramic views of the island! Once you land at the top, stroll around the shops. There are tons of custom-made leather sandal shops that are so fun to design your dream sandal for yourself!
Afternoon
If you are like us, you will have to pull yourself away from the shopping scene so you don’t go into immediate debt! A great distraction from the shopping opportunities is the Monte Solaro Chairlift Ride. The ride up lasts about 13 minutes and takes you to the highest point of Capri which is about 1,000 feet up. The top of the chair lift is the perfect spot for a photo-op!
Night
After all of these steps you have definitely earned a big pasta dish! And what better place to get a seafood pasta dish than Mammá? The chef has constructed a menu boasting the finest Mediterranean dishes. It was awarded two Michelin stars within the first two years of opening and its excellence and prestige has not declined since.
Wherever you find yourself on the Amalfi Coast tag us at @theedgemag to remind us of one of our favorite places in the world!