Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Best places to visit in 7 days

This Amalfi Coast 1-week itinerary is a part of our broader Amalfi Coast travel guide. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information on transportation, hotels and restaurants in the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Best places to visit in 7 days

Considering we’ve made the bold choice to add neighboring destinations such as Capri, Napoli or Salerno to our 7-day guide, one needs to keep in mind there will have to be concessions. After wall, one could easily spend double the amount of time visiting the Amalfi Coast without running out of things to do and places to visit.

Still, we believe our Amalfi Coast 1-week itinerary has all the essentials to allow you to fully enjoy a visit to this idyllic destination!

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 1: An introduction to vibrant Naples

This Amalfi Coast 1-week itinerary will start in none other than Naples, the anti-hero of Italian cities. It’s a rough-around-edges type of place, a world-away from the pristine tourist areas of Florence, Venice or Rome. And yet, it still holds a lot more authenticity than you would find in any of these picture-perfect places. Plus, there is a lot of things to see and do here!

Therefore, if you’ve never been to Naples before, today will be dedicated to the city’s most popular tourist attractions. While it’s true that a single day is far too short for Naples, it will nevertheless help you understand the mindset of a city that is as complex as it is fascinating. Without further ado, we recommend starting with a walk along the Lungomare promenade and visit the Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest among all of Naples’ seven old castles. Historically, there has never been any other city with has many fortresses within its confines! After strolling through the bustling streets of the Santa Lucia district, just get back to the promenade until you reach the Royal Palace of Naples (10€), one of the old official residences belonging to the Spanish Royal Family, who ruled over the city in the 18^th century. While exploring the palace’s surroundings, don’t forget to visit the Castel Nuovo (6€), the Galeria Umberto I, built in the same style as the famous commercial arcade in Milan, and the iconic San Carlo Theater (9€ for a guided tour), the oldest continuously functioning opera house in the world, having been active since 1737! Engulfing all these places is the imposing Piazza del Plebiscito, the most famous square in the city.

On your way to the next landmark, make sure not to miss the Spanish Quarter. Previously depicted as a dirty, ugly, crime-ridden neighborhood – the result of the old habits left behind by the Spanish soldiers who used to occupy the area – this district is now one of the trendiest and most beautiful in Naples. After exploring its maze-like street grid and traditional alleyways, it’s time to visit the Sansevero Chapel Museum (10€), a small mausoleum with some of the most intricate, detailed sculptures in the whole world. Follow that up with a quick peek at the Duomo di Napoli, before ending your day at the Palace of Capodimonte (15€), which was built to serve as a Summer residence of the same entitled dudes pricks who already owned a palace like 3 km away (ah, the wonders of monarchy). Right next to the palace, you should also pay a visit to the Catacombs of San Genaro (11€), an extraordinary underground complex and one of the ultimate best things to do in Naples.

As a quick sidenote, and in case you’ve already visited Naples, you may also choose to take a train from the station Napoli Piazza Garibaldi and visit the legendary city of Pompeii (40 minutes, 3€ one-way with Trenitalia). A former roman city which ended up devoured by the ashes of a violent Vesuvius eruption, it is now possible to visit extensive sections that have already been excavated and learn more about what is surely one of the most famous roman ruins in the planet.

First day wrap-up:

• Lungomare
• Castel dell’Ovo
• Santa Lucia
• Royal Palace of Naples
• Castel Nuovo
• Galleria Umberto I
• San Carlo Theater
• Piazza del Plebiscito
• Spanish Quarter
• Sansevero Chapel Museum
• Duomo di Napoli
• Palace of Capodimonte
• Catacombs of San Gennaro

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Naples:

• Trattoria da Nennella (traditional Italian – next to the Toledo metro station)
• Osteria Donna Teresa (traditional Italian – Next to Sant’Elmo Castle)
• Sorbillo (pizzeria – Centro Storico)
• Osteria della Mattonella (traditional Italian – next to the Royal Palace)
• Tandem Ragù (Neapolitan ragout – Centro Storico)
• Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba (pizzeria – next to the Dante metro station)
• L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (pizzeria – Centro Storico)
• Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo (fried pizza – Centro Storico)
• La Masardona (fried pizza – near Villa Comunale)
• Mary’s Sfogliatella (Sfogliattele – Spanish Quarter)
• Sfogliatelle calde Attanasio (Sfogliattele – next to the Central Train Station)

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 2: The Island of Capri

Although you will still not be officially exploring the Amalfi Coast, this day will start with a ferry trip early in the morning towards the fabulous island of Capri, one of the most exclusive destinations in Italy!

After disembarking at the Port of Capri, it’s time to start you self-guided tour right away, as you’ll want to make the most of your brief time in this idyllic island. The port is located in the village of Marina Grande, where you can catch a boat to what is arguably Capri’s number one tourist attraction: the Blue Grotto (14€). This sea cave is hugely popular among visitors, mostly due to the way sunlight penetrates onto the water, creating this dancing illusion that the sea is extremely bright and blue. The boat trip to the entrance of the grotto will set you back 20€ (not including the 14€ for admission), which unfortunately means this isn’t exactly a cheap activity. You can book the trip online with Motoscafisti or LaserCapri.

Once you’re back at the port (assuming you caught the boat), it’s time to ascend to the charming village of Capri. Hop on the funicular (2,40€) and when you arrive, take in the beautiful view from the Piazzetta. After that, drop off your luggage at your hotel, grab a delicious Panini, refill your water bottle and get ready for a pleasant walk to the Arco Naturale, a natural rock formation, shaped like an arch (hence its name), located in the southeast corner of the island. Once you make it to the La Grottelle restaurant, instead of retracing your steps on the way back, descend down the long staircase, admire the Casa Malaparte and take in the breathtaking views from Belvedere del Pizzolungo, as the scenic route leads you back to the village of Capri in approximately 90 minutes.

Second day wrap-up:

• Blue Grotto
• Piazzetta de Capri
• Arco Naturale
• Casa Malaparte
• Via e Belvedere del Pizzolungo

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Capri:

• Da Antonio al Faro di Punta Carena (caponata and saltimbocca – Capri)
• Pescheria Le Botteghe (fish market – Capri)
• Salumeria Rosticceria Capri (Panini – Capri)
• Verginiello (pizzeria – Capri)
• Capri Pasta (take-away pasta – Capri)
• Da Aldo (Italian sandwiches – Capri)

 

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 3: Capri: Mount Solaro

For your second day in Capri, your first stop will be in Anacapri, an adorable little town located at the island’s plateau. Filled to the brim with ancient churches and small buildings, it’s a great place for a nice little walk. However, that’s not why we came here! Head to Piazza Vittoria and get on the chairlift to the base of Mount Solaro (14€ round-trip), where you will need to walk for about an hour until you reach the top. Once up there, you’ll be rewarded with a monumental 360º view of the entire island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples.

After returning to ground level in Anacapri, hop on a bus (do it here instead of getting in at the main square where you were dropped off earlier in the morning, as queues there are nothing short of hellish) and head to the Augustus Gardens (1€), a series of decked terraces with great views over the sea and the famous Caprese rock formations called Faraglioni. From there, follow the picturesque Via Krupp until you reach Marina Piccola, where you can finally swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, before flagging a minibus back to Capri. If you still have some gas left in the tank, do not leave the island without paying a quick visit to Villa Jovis (6€), an amazing archaeological site where the Ancient Roman Emperor Tiberius himself once lived. By the end of the day, make your way back to the port and hop on a ferry to Amalfi, where you’ll be spending the night.

Third day wrap-up:

• Anacapri
• Mount Solaro
• Augustus Gardens
• Via Krupp
• Marina Piccola
• Villa Jovis

 

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 4: Amalfi, the perfect base

Considering the entire coast in named after Amalfi, it´s easy to understand that, from an historical and cultural point-of-view, this is the most important town in the region. However, do not expect to find your average big-city! Quite the opposite, as much like its neighbors, Amalfi is also a lovely little village by the sea.

In fact, that’s precisely where your day will start, with a slow morning walk along the Amalfi Marina before going up the hill towards the San Andrea Fountain and the striking Duomo di Amalfi, the most spectacular church in the coast. Take some time to explore the center before capping off your morning at the neighboring town of Atrani, one of the region’s hidden gems. Keep in mind “neighboring town” is a pretty relative term here in the Amalfi Coast, as both municipalities are just 1km away from each other. Once in Atrani, visit the San Salvatore de Birecto Church and enjoy the view from the Tower of Ziro.

In the afternoon, hop on a bus and specifically ask the driver to drop you off at the bridge over the Fiordo di Furore. Despite its rather dramatic name (fjord), this is actually one of the best beaches in the entire Amalfi Coast. Hidden inside a small canyon, it is the perfect place to rewind after a busy morning. Once you’re ready to go back, just wait at the bridge and flag any bus heading to Amalfi.

Fourth day wrap-up:

• Amalfi Marina
• San Andrea Fountain
• Duomo di Amalfi
• Atrani
• San Salvatore de Birecto Church
• Tower of Ziro
• Furore Beach

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Amalfi:

• Bistrot il Birecto (traditional Italian – Amalfi/Atrani)
• La Bottega Del Ferrari (local sandwiches – Amalfi)
• Trattoria da Maria (traditional Italian – Amalfi)
• Cuoppo d’Amalfi (Fried fish and seafood – Amalfi)

 

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 5: Ravello and the Valle delle Ferriere

Time for yet another adventure: this time, to one of the most beautiful places in the Amalfi Coast! Your day will start with a short bus trip to Ravello. Despite being extremely small, Ravello is just equally as picturesque, rewarding visitors with some of the most ludicrously awe-inspiring viewpoints one can find in our Amalfi Coast 1-week itinerary. There are two specific places that helped put Ravello on most tourist maps… curiously, two historic villas: Villa Cimbrone (10,00€) and Villa Rufolo (7,00€). Both provide excellent views over the sea and the surrounding hills, well-cared gardens, amazing terraces and religious cloisters. Between these villas, take the time to visit other local landmarks such as the Church of the Annunziata and the Duomo di Ravello.

After lunch, we suggest doing a short trek on the Valle delle Ferriere (Valley of the Blacksmith, in Italian), a nature reserve with several waterfalls and cascades. It’s the ideal place to escape the early afternoon scorching sun, as the dense vegetation helps provide some much-needed shade and respite. From there, it is possible to walk your way back to Amalfi in about 30 minutes.

Fifth day wrap-up:

• Villa Cimbrone
• Church of the Annunziata
• Duomo di Ravello
• Villa Rufolo
• Valle delle Ferriere

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Ravello:

• Babel wine bar bistrò & art (Italian traditional – Ravello)
• Nino’s Pizza (pizzeria – Ravello)
• Il Panino (panini – Ravello)
• Baffone Gelateria Artigianale (Gelato – Ravello)

 

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 6: Positano and the Path of the Gods

Today you’ll want to turn on your early-riser mode and enjoy the poster-girl of the Amalfi Coast! If at any point you started developing an interest in the region, chances are that started right after seeing a couple snaps from Positano. Unfortunately, popularity always comes at a price (in this case, literally), which is why everything tends to be dramatically overpriced Positano, especially when it comes to hotels and restaurants.

In order to get there, you can rely on either the bus or the ferry… or complete the legendary Path of the Gods! Considered the most breathtaking hike in the entire Amalfi Coast, the 6km path uniting the unexpected towns of Nocelle and Bomerano is packed with incredible panoramic views and hidden caves. Despite its inspiring name, the dirt road was originally created to facilitate the passage of working donkeys/mules carrying passengers and goods between the small villages in the area. That is the ultimate beauty behind this hike, as it allows you to travel back in time and experience the way people actually moved between places before cars and road travel. In order to start this trek, you’ll get on a bus in Amalfi and leave in Bomerano, where the path heading to Nocelle starts. Once you finish this beautiful walk, just hop on another bus in Nocelle and you will arrive in Positano in around 25 minutes.

Don’t fret – an afternoon will be enough to enjoy Positano! After all, this isn’t exactly a place filled with items to cross off your bucket-list, but a destination to be experienced on a much slower pace. Here, the best you can do is to just wander through the winding streets and discover new viewpoints while taking picture after picture to your heart’s content. You can swim at the Marina Grande Beach and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta , but the truth is that a single morning/afternoon is enough to get to know Positano, even if you’re dragging a bit.

Sixth day wrap-up:

• Positano
• Marina Grande Beach
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Path of the Gods (hike from Nocelle to Bomerano)

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Positano:

• Latteria Mini Market (Sandwiches – Positano)
• Da Ferdinando (traditional Italian – Positano)
• Collina Bakery (bakery – Positano)
• Casa e Bottega (Brunch and Salads – Positano)
• The Wine Shop (Panini and other snacks – Positano)

 

Amalfi Coast 1-Week Itinerary – Day 7: Salerno and the way back to Naples

Sadly, the time has come to close the curtains on our Amalfi Coast 1-week itinerary. However, before boarding your final train towards Naples for the return flight, you’ll still have a few hours to explore Salerno.

Since you won’t have much time, we recommend starting right away with the Arechi Castle (4€), possibly Salerno’s most prominent site. Besides its historical significance, the views are definitely worth the visit as well! Back to the shore, make a quick detour to see what’s left from the old Medieval Aqueduct, before arriving in the fabulous Salerno Cathedral. Built in honor of Saint Matthew, the city’s patron saint, its interiors are an absolute must!

With your time quickly coming to an end, say goodbye to Salerno with a walk along the Lungomare promenade and the garden from Villa Comunale, before capping off your holiday at the Port of Salerno. A symbol of so many travels and farewells, I can’t think of a more suitable place to lay your trip to rest.

Seventh day wrap-up:

• Arechi Castle
• Medieval Aqueduct
• Salerno Cathedral
• Lungomare
• Villa Comunale di Salerno
• Port of Salerno

Cheap restaurant suggestions in Salerno:

• Papilla Felix (traditional Italian – Mariconda Quarter)
• La Sartania (traditional Italian – near Parco Pinocchio)
• Gika (pizzeria – Pastena Quarter)
• Mamma Rosa (fish – next to the Medieval Aqueduct)