Situated on the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site, has the most stunning cliffs and vibrant villages.
Also referred to as “heaven on earth,” this place made me cry when I left. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
I’ve been a luxury traveler for over 15 years. I had the privilege of traveling for both work and pleasure to some of the most amazing destinations.
I’m an expert at fitting in several activities in a short amount of time!
If you are short on time, but still want to explore this wonderful place, steal my 2-day itinerary below. You will get to experience the essence of La Dolce Vita in a short time, but you will never forget it.
As you can probably tell, I absolutely loved the iconic Amalfi Coast. The stunning views of the coastline were just dreamy.
I included a two day stay in Amalfi as part of a longer trip to Italy. It was not enough time by far.
If you’re like me, then you love experiencing new and different things while traveling. We try to do something unique and unconventional during every vacation.
Simply doing the top 5 things American tourists do when visiting a country isn’t for me.
I want an immersive cultural experience.
Below, you will see a mixture of the must see attractions, and a few unique experiences that will make your stay unforgettable. Pick and choose the different attractions based on your travel style.
Amalfi Arrival
Rome to Naples
We came to Amalfi via Rome, and took the train, which was about an hour and 20 minutes direct. We booked our tickets online using the Italia Rail website.
There were 4 classes of tickets, Standard, Premium, Business Quiet, and Executive. The prices vary by schedule, but the cost for two adults ranged from $118 for Premium to $292 for Executive.
While I love an upgraded seat experience, we didn’t feel it was necessary for such a short trip. Your Premium ticket still gets you: reclining seats, power outlets, air conditioning, and food and beverage (for purchase).
If you wanted to splurge for the Executive, you would get: spacious ultrawide leather seats with lots of extra legroom, single seats on each side of the carriage, complimentary access to Freccia Club lounges in stations, complimentary welcome drink & snacks, access to on-board executive meeting space with HD monitor, extra room for luggage, free Wi-Fi & power outlets, and air conditioning.
Once in Naples, we arrived at Centrale station. Once there, there are options for a Ferry, Bus, or Train to Sorrento. Since we had limited time, we opted for a private transport to Amalfi.
We heard renting a car would be difficult due to the windy roads and cliffs. And we were so glad we hired a private car. We used Sorrento First Choice Car Service, which has over 1,000 five star reviews on Trip Advisor.
Our driver was fantastic, and we ultimately used him to drive us back to the airport upon departure.
Uber, Lyft, and Bolt don’t operate in the Amalfi Coast. If you want to get around, you will have to book a taxi in advance, or take the SITA bus.
Naples to Sorrento: Circumvesuviana Train
If you choose to take the train from Naples to Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana will carry you to Sorrento.
The Circumvesuviana train station connects Sorrento to Naples and various destinations in between, including the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Its carriages, though modest, offer an authentic Italian commute, bustling with daily passengers and curious travelers alike.
On the Circumvesuviana, passengers are treated to views of the Italian countryside, Mount Vesuvius, and the Campania region.
This ride is an experience in itself, setting the tone for the adventures that await on the Amalfi Coast.
Once you arrive in Sorrento, if you choose to stay in Amalfi (which I recommend) or Ravello. You can take a bus or ferry to your next step.
Most will choose the SITA bus, which is an affordable public transit option. It will likely add another hour and a half to your journey if heading to Amalfi.
You could also choose to hire a transfer/private car from there. Sorrento First Choice Car Service is another option and would cost less than the ride from Naples into Amalfi or Ravello.
Day 1 Options: The Town of Amalfi, Vietri sul Mare and the Museo della Carta
We stayed in the actual town of Amalfi. It is situated between Ravello and Positano. We felt that it would be easy to take public transportation to the neighboring towns if our home base was centrally located..
I also chose Amalfi (versus Ravello or Positano) because of the wonderful hotel that I found. We did not go in the high season of the summer months, so the hotel offered reasonable prices for luxury accommodations.
We stayed at the Anantara Convento Do Amalfi Grand Hotel. The website alone pulls you into an immersive experience and will have you booking this trip almost immediately.
It was an absolutely stunning property. Our room had one of the most beautiful views along the coast.
Every corner of the property was just as beautiful as Amalfi itself. When we arrived, we had a welcome drink on the veranda.
Explore the ceramic shops in Vietri sul Mare
Located in Salerno, start the first day of your Amalfi adventure with the vibrant allure of Vietri sul Mare, an artistic haven known for its hand-painted ceramics.
Wander through colorful streets lined with shops showcasing locally-made crafts, allowing you to take a piece of Italian culture home with you.
In Vietri sul Mare, each ceramic shop is a treasure trove of creativity, a vibrant showcase of the town’s rich artisan heritage.
The narrow streets burst into life with displays of stunning ceramics, each piece uniquely hand-painted, reflecting the hues of the Mediterranean.
From ornate vases and intricate tableware to whimsical wall art and garden decorations, the craftsmanship is unparalleled.
You can’t get these treasures on Amazon!
The artisans, often seen working in their studios, are guardians of centuries-old techniques, blending traditional patterns with contemporary designs.
These shops not only offer a visual feast for the eyes but also provide a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with the local culture, learning about the intricate process of ceramics making.
Purchasing a piece from Vietri sul Mare means bringing home a fragment of Italian artistry and the soul of its people.
Get there by taxi or by bus. It is about 40 minute car ride and hour bus ride from Amalfi.
Indulge in the Culinary Delights of Amalfi
After exploring the traditional ceramic shops, it’s time to treat your taste buds to some of the best food on the Amalfi Coast for lunch. Amalfi is home to some incredible Michelin starred restaurants that offer a unique fusion of traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists.
One such restaurant is Ristorante Marina Grande, located in a picturesque setting overlooking the harbor. Known for its fresh seafood and homemade pasta, this charming family-owned restaurant offers an authentic taste of Amalfi.
For a more casual dining experience, head to one of the many trattorias or pizzerias scattered throughout the town. We had a casual, but delicious pizza at Lo Smeraldino. Highly recommend!
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral (Piazza Duomo)
Standing proud with its dramatic staircase and striking Byzantine architecture, the Piazza Duomo in Amalfi is a bustling hub that breathes life into the town’s historic heart.
Dominated by the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral, the square is flanked by charming cafes and gelaterias, inviting visitors to pause and soak in the atmosphere.
The cathedral’s striking façade, a masterpiece of Sicilian-Arabesque architecture, casts an imposing shadow over the piazza, transporting onlookers to a bygone era.
The intricate bronze doors, a rare commodity in medieval Europe, were a gift from the Republic of Amalfi to the cathedral, symbolizing the town’s wealth and influence.
Stepping into the piazza, one is enveloped in a sense of awe, surrounded by architectural beauty and the gentle murmur of daily life, making it an essential stop in any Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Museo della Carta
Next, allow the historical Museo della Carta to unveil the secrets of ancient paper-making traditions unique to the Amalfi region.
Museo della Carta (Paper Museum) is a testament to the town’s storied past in the art of paper-making.
This museum, housed in an ancient paper mill, offers visitors an immersive journey through the traditional methods of crafting handmade paper that Amalfi is renowned for.
Through live demonstrations, one can witness the meticulous process of transforming raw materials into fine sheets of paper, a craft perfected over centuries.
The museum displays the vintage machinery and tools used in the process, and also celebrates the significant role that Amalfi paper has played in the realms of literature, religion, and commerce throughout history.
A visit to the Museo della Carta will not only enriches your understanding of this unique artisanal heritage but also offers the chance to purchase exquisite paper products, embodying the essence of Amalfi’s cultural legacy.
Evening Nourishment
Conclude your day by savoring dinner at one of Amalfi’s terrace restaurants, with views that offer a sensual feast of the coastline’s night-time beauty.
I felt like I just stared at the views for most of my time in Amalfi.
I wanted to burn it into my memory. And, I did! Retire for the evening at a cozy, cliffside hotel, dreaming of the Mediterranean moonlight.
Day 2 Options: Blue Grotto, Path of the Gods, and Spiaggia Grande Beach
Blue Grotto
On your second day, explore the the Coast! Start with a morning boat tour that includes the famed Blue Grotto, where sunlight dances through sea caves, casting an ethereal glow over the azure waters.
Note that most, if not all of the boat trip tours available that include the Blue Grotto are full day excursions. That is because they also typically include views of the entire Amalfi Coast area (Positano, Ravello, etc.), as well as Capri Island.
Obviously, they are fully worth it, but you will have to determine if you want to fit this into your 2-day itinerary, or see more sights by land. If you choose the boat, the Blue Grotto will an exciting addition to the excursion.
The Blue Grotto is a must-see marvel, a natural sea cave that captivates visitors with its vivid blue hues. Known locally as Grotta Azzurra, this enchanting cavern is illuminated by a unique natural phenomenon.
Sunlight, passing through an underwater cavity, reflects off the white seabed, lighting the cave interior with a surreal blue glow, while objects in the water appear silver.
The grotto’s magic has fascinated visitors for centuries, making it an iconic symbol of the Isle of Capri.
Accessible only by boat, the experience of gliding into this luminescent sanctuary is a highlight of any Amalfi Coast itinerary, offering a moment of serene beauty that lingers in the memory long after departure.
You may hear or see tours including the Emerald Grotto. This grotto is not the same as the blue grotto.
The Blue Grotto versus the Emerald Grotto is an ongoing debate, as both offer stunning natural beauty. However, the Blue Grotto’s unique lighting and ambiance make it a must-see attraction.
The Emerald Grotto’s lighting is made with artificial light, and the Blue Grotto is recommended over Emerald.
These highly rated tours provide stops at the Blue Grotto specifically, in addition to other sights along the way.
Path of The Gods
If you choose to forgo the boat tour, start your morning with a refreshing hike that is off the beaten path, called the Path of the Gods. This path is a trekking route that offers panoramic vistas and a sky-high perspective of the coast’s rugged grandeur.
The hike is said to connect you with the mythological spirits that inhabit the realms (allegedly).
While on the hike, you can also have a picnic lunch along the path and take in the sweeping views.
Spiaggia Grande Beach
Or, if you are like me–not the hiking type, then start your morning or afternoon at the bustling and beautiful Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano.
Spiaggia Grande Beach stands as one of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic landmarks, with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery.
This large stretch of beachfront, nestled in the heart of Positano, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffside homes, painted in a spectrum of pastel hues.
The beach’s unique pebbled surface, contrasting with the clear, turquoise waters, creates a picturesque setting perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and Instagram-worthy pics.
Along the shoreline, colorful umbrellas and sun loungers dot the beach, offering a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
Spiaggia Grande is not just a beach but a lively social hub, where visitors can mingle with locals, indulge in delicious seafood at nearby restaurants, and browse through quaint boutiques.
The beach’s plethora of amenities available make it a favored destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, seeking to experience the vibrant essence of the Amalfi Coast.
There is a free area of the beach, making it accessible to everyone.
Piazza Tasso
After the beach, head to Sorrento to enjoy your final Amalfi Coast sunset from the vibrant Piazza Tasso, reflecting on the splendor you’ve encountered.
Piazza Tasso serves as the throbbing heart of Sorrento, buzzing with life and steeped in historical charm. This bustling square, named after the Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso, is surrounded by elegant buildings and is a crossroad of narrow, bustling streets that invite exploration.
By day, the piazza is alive with the comings and goings of locals and tourists alike, browsing the chic shops or relaxing in the cozy cafes that spill out onto the square.
The scent of Italian espresso fills the air, mingling with the delightful aromas from nearby bakeries and pizzerias.
By night, Piazza Tasso transforms, with street performers serenading diners who crave traditional Italian dishes under the stars.
You may want to skip the beach and head there after your boat tour!
The vibrant atmosphere is contagious, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends and relish the lively Italian nightlife.
Overlooking the piazza, historical sites such as the Chiesa di San Paolo and the Baroque facade of the Palazzo Correale add a layer of cultural depth, making Piazza Tasso not just a center of social life but a window into Sorrento’s rich past.
This itinerary matches my travel style, but here are some options you can swap if they sound more appealing to you!
- Explore Amalfi Town: Take more time to wander through the picturesque streets of Amalfi Town, the namesake of the coast.
- Visit Positano: Explore the iconic town of Positano, famous for its colorful buildings cascading down the cliffs. Relax on the beautiful beaches, browse the boutique shops, and savor delicious seafood dishes at seaside restaurants.
- Tour Ravello: Discover the serene beauty of Ravello, perched high above the coast. Visit the elegant Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with their stunning gardens and panoramic views. Attend a concert at the annual Ravello Festival if you’re visiting during the summer months.
- Make Handmade Pasta at a Farmhouse: Take a cooking class at a farmhouse in Agelora and learn how to make pasta by hand! After the class, you get to eat everything you cooked and enjoy some local wine. These are the types of experiences that I love when traveling. They are not super touristy and you get to engage with the locals and their culture. Check out this tour, which has 45 five star reviews!
- Visit the Ancient Roman Ruins of Pompeii: Take a day trip to the nearby archaeological site of Pompeii to explore the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Wander through remarkably preserved streets, homes, and public buildings, gaining insight into daily life during the Roman Empire.
- Taste Traditional Amalfi Coast Lemon Delicacies: Delight your taste buds with the unique flavors of Amalfi Coast lemons. For a truly unique experience, visit a local lemon grove or farm to learn about the cultivation process and enjoy tastings of lemon-infused treats, including lemon sorbet, lemon granita, and traditional lemon cake (delizia al limone).
The Amalfi Coast Awaits
This 2-day itinerary offers a taste of the Amalfi Coast’s infinite charm, encouraging travel enthusiasts and culture lovers to immerse themselves in a world where history, nature, and culture collide.
Each turn along the coastal road reveals a postcard-perfect scene; every bite of local cuisine is a reminder of Italy’s love affair with food.
With your spirit invigorated, you’re not just leaving with memories and photos; you carry with you the essence of the Amalfi Coast, which, like a siren’s call, beckons you to return again.
I know I’m going back as soon as possible. This time, I won’t cry when I leave.
