7 Days Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Overview

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy, is renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming towns clinging to cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. This 7-day itinerary will take you through the highlights of the Amalfi Coast and nearby regions, combining scenic beauty with rich history and delicious cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October (to avoid peak crowds and heat) Difficulty Level: Moderate (involves walking, some stairs, and travel between locations) Transportation: Mix of ferries, buses, and trains; consider a private driver for convenience on some days.

Day 1: Sorrento, Positano

Morning: Arrival in Sorrento & Exploration

• Getting There: Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (approx. 1 hour) or a private transfer.
• Check-in: Settle into your accommodation in Sorrento.
• Sorrento Town: Explore the charming streets of Sorrento, visit Piazza Tasso, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Villa Comunale.

Afternoon: Positano Charm

• Ferry to Positano: Take a scenic ferry ride from Sorrento to Positano (approx. 30 minutes). This offers the best views of the coastline.
• Positano Exploration: Wander through the colorful, narrow streets cascading down to the sea. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and relax on Spiaggia Grande beach.
• Highlights: Iconic views of Positano, boutique shopping, beach time.

Evening: Dinner with a View

• Dinner in Positano: Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
• Return to Sorrento: Take a late ferry or bus back to Sorrento.
• Accommodation: Sorrento

Day 2: Path of the Gods and Amalfi

Morning: Hike the Path of the Gods

• Transfer to Bomerano: Take a bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, then another bus up to Bomerano (the starting point of the Path of the Gods).
• Hiking: Embark on the famous Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) from Bomerano to Nocelle. This moderately challenging hike offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and Capri.
• Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking.

Afternoon: Discover Amalfi

• Descent to Positano: From Nocelle, take stairs down to Arienzo or a local bus to Positano.
• Ferry to Amalfi: Take a ferry from Positano to Amalfi, the historic maritime republic.
• Amalfi Exploration: Visit the stunning Duomo di Sant'Andrea, explore the paper museum, and stroll through the charming Piazza Flavio Gioia.
• Highlights: Historic architecture, local shops, limoncello tasting.

Evening: Relax in Amalfi

• Dinner in Amalfi: Enjoy traditional Amalfitan cuisine.
• Return to Sorrento: Take a bus or ferry back to Sorrento.
• Accommodation: Sorrento

Day 3: Capri Day Trip & Travel to Bari

Morning: Enchanting Capri

• Ferry to Capri: Take an early ferry from Sorrento to the island of Capri (approx. 20-30 minutes).
• Explore Capri:
  • Blue Grotto: (Optional, weather permitting) take a small rowboat into the magical blue cave.
  • Anacapri: Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for incredible 360-degree views.
  • Capri Town: Wander through the Piazzetta, visit the Gardens of Augustus, and enjoy the Faraglioni rock formations.
• Highlights: Stunning island scenery, luxury shopping, iconic landmarks.

Afternoon: Journey to Bari

• Return to Naples: Take a ferry from Capri back to Naples.
• Train to Bari: From Naples, take a high-speed train to Bari (approx. 4 hours).
• Check-in: Settle into your accommodation in Bari.

Evening: Bari Old Town

• Bari Vecchia: Explore Bari's atmospheric old town, with its labyrinthine streets and authentic local life.
• Dinner: Enjoy fresh pasta (orecchiette) and other Puglian specialties.
• Accommodation: Bari

Day 4: Matera and Alberobello

Morning: Ancient Matera

• Travel to Matera: Take a local train or bus from Bari to Matera (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Sassi di Matera: Explore the incredible cave dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Rupestrian Churches and Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to experience ancient cave life.
• Highlights: Unique architecture, historical insights, breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Trulli of Alberobello

• Travel to Alberobello: Take a train or bus from Matera to Alberobello (approx. 1 hour, may require a change).
• Trulli Zone: Wander through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, admiring the iconic trulli houses with their conical roofs.
• Highlights: Fairytale architecture, unique cultural experience, local crafts.

Evening: Return to Bari

• Dinner: Enjoy local Apulian cuisine in Alberobello or upon return to Bari.
• Accommodation: Bari

Day 5: Polignano a Mare & Travel to Naples

Morning: Coastal Beauty of Polignano a Mare

• Travel to Polignano a Mare: Take a short train ride from Bari to Polignano a Mare (approx. 30 minutes).
• Cliffside Town: Explore the charming old town perched on limestone cliffs. Visit Lama Monachile beach (Cala Porto) for iconic views and a swim.
• Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, historic center.

Afternoon: Journey to Naples

• Return to Bari: Take the train back to Bari.
• Train to Naples: From Bari, take a high-speed train to Naples (approx. 4 hours).
• Check-in: Settle into your accommodation in Naples.

Evening: Neapolitan Pizza

• Dinner: Indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of the city's famous pizzerias.
• Accommodation: Naples

Day 6: Explore Naples

Morning: Historic Naples

• Spaccanapoli: Walk through the narrow, bustling streets of the historic center, known as Spaccanapoli.
• Naples Cathedral: Visit the Duomo di San Gennaro.
• Napoli Sotterranea: Explore the fascinating underground city beneath Naples.
• Highlights: Rich history, vibrant street life, ancient ruins.

Afternoon: Art & Culture

• National Archaeological Museum: Home to an incredible collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Piazza del Plebiscito: Visit this grand square, flanked by the Royal Palace and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola.
• Shopping: Explore the upscale boutiques along Via Toledo.

Evening: Naples Gastronomy

• Dinner: Enjoy more Neapolitan specialties, perhaps a seafood dish or a pasta classic.
• Accommodation: Naples

Day 7: Ancient Pompeii and Departure

Morning: Journey to Ancient Pompeii

• Circumvesuviana Train: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi (approx. 30 minutes).
• Pompeii Ruins: Spend several hours exploring the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
• Highlights: Forum, amphitheater, villas, frescoes, plaster casts of victims.

Afternoon: Departure

• Return to Naples: Take the Circumvesuviana train back to Naples.
• Transfer to Airport: Head to Naples International Airport (NAP) for your departure.
• Optional: If time permits, a quick visit to Mount Vesuvius (requires additional travel and time).

Practical Information

Accommodation

• Sorrento: Excellent base for the Amalfi Coast, with a wide range of hotels and B&Bs.
• Bari: Good options for hotels and apartments, especially near the old town.
• Naples: Diverse accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Food & Dining

• Amalfi Coast: Fresh seafood, limoncello, pasta dishes, sfogliatella (pastry).
• Puglia (Bari, Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare): Orecchiette pasta, focaccia barese, burrata, olive oil, Primitivo wine.
• Naples: World-famous pizza, ragù, pasta e patate, fried street food, espresso.

Transportation

• Ferries: Best way to travel between coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Capri).
• Buses (SITA Sud): Connect towns along the Amalfi Coast and to Naples, but can be crowded.
• Trains (Trenitalia, Italo): High-speed trains for inter-city travel (Naples-Bari).
• Circumvesuviana Train: Connects Naples to Pompeii and Sorrento.
• Private Driver: Recommended for comfort and flexibility, especially for day trips or transfers with luggage.

What to Pack

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring towns and ruins.
• Swimsuit: For beaches and boat trips.
• Light Clothing: Breathable fabrics for warm weather.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Adapter: Type F or L electrical outlets.
• Daypack: For daily essentials, water, and snacks.

Tips for Success

1. Book Accommodations and Ferries in Advance: Especially during peak season.
2. Start Your Day Early: To avoid crowds at popular attractions.
3. Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during summer months.
4. Embrace Public Transport: It's efficient for coastal travel, but be prepared for crowds.
5. Learn Basic Italian Phrases: Locals appreciate the effort.
6. Guard Your Belongings: Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, especially in Naples.
7. Savor the Food: Italy is a culinary paradise; try local specialties wherever you go.

Alternative Itineraries

For a Shorter Trip (4-5 Days)

• Focus solely on the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri).
• Skip the Puglia region (Bari, Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare).

For a Longer Trip (10-14 Days)

• Add a few days in Rome or Florence before or after your Amalfi Coast and Puglia adventure.
• Explore more of Puglia, perhaps including Lecce and Ostuni.
• Consider a day trip to Herculaneum from Naples.

Route Highlights

Scenic Views & Coastal Towns

• Positano: Iconic cascading houses, picturesque beaches.
• Path of the Gods: Breathtaking hiking trail with panoramic vistas.
• Capri: Glamorous island, Blue Grotto, Faraglioni rocks.
• Polignano a Mare: Clifftop town with dramatic views and cove beaches.

Historical & Cultural Gems

• Pompeii: Ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash.
• Matera: Ancient cave dwellings (Sassi), UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Alberobello: Unique trulli houses, UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Naples: Historic center, archaeological museum, authentic Italian atmosphere.

Culinary Experiences

• Neapolitan Pizza: The birthplace of pizza, a must-try!
• Fresh Seafood: Abundant along the Amalfi Coast and in Puglia.
• Limoncello: Famous lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast.
• Puglian Specialties: Orecchiette pasta, burrata, focaccia barese.

The Amalfi Coast and its surrounding regions offer an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. This 7-day itinerary provides a detailed guide to experiencing the best of southern Italy, from the iconic cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient wonders of Pompeii and the unique charm of Puglia. Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and memorable experiences.