Amalfi Coast 7 Day Itinerary: The Perfect Week in Paradise
Seven days on the Amalfi Coast is the sweet spot—long enough to move beyond tourist highlights and discover the coast's authentic rhythm, short enough to maintain the excitement of discovery. This itinerary balances iconic experiences with hidden moments, designed from the perspective of someone who calls these cliffs home.
Why Seven Days Is Ideal
Three days leaves you exhausted and unsatisfied. Two weeks risks the magic fading into routine. Seven days allows you to visit every major destination while still having time to sit in a piazza, swim in a quiet cove, and let the coast work its slow Mediterranean magic.
Crucially, seven days means you can base yourself in one location rather than changing hotels constantly. We recommend Ravello—elevated above the crowds, central to everything, with views that redefine the meaning of "sea view."
Day 1: Arrival & Ravello Introduction
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Naples Airport or train station. Take a private transfer or SITA bus to Ravello (approximately 90 minutes). The drive along the coastal road is your first taste of the coast's dramatic beauty.
Late Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation. If staying at Villa Mansi, pour a glass of local wine and simply absorb the view from your terrace. This moment—the first time you see the coast spread beneath you—is one you'll remember.
Evening: Explore Ravello's piazza. Visit Villa Rufolo gardens if open. Dinner at a local restaurant with terrace seating.
Day 2: Deep Ravello & Hidden Beaches
Morning: Visit Villa Cimbrone and its famous Terrace of Infinity—arrive early to have it nearly to yourself. The gardens are among Italy's most beautiful.
Late Morning: Walk down to Atrani, the smallest town in southern Italy, via the ancient stairway. The descent takes about 30 minutes and reveals hidden churches and terraced gardens.
Afternoon: Beach time at Castiglione beach (accessible from Atrani) or the beaches below Ravello. The water is cleaner and crowds thinner than Positano or Amalfi.
Evening: Return to Ravello for sunset from your terrace or a local bar. Dinner featuring local specialties.
Day 3: Positano Exploration
Morning: Take the bus or drive to Positano (45 minutes from Ravello). Park at the upper level and walk down through the cascading streets. The descent reveals why this village became famous—every angle is a photograph.
Midday: Beach time at Spiaggia Grande or the quieter Fornillo beach. Lunch at a beachside restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore the boutiques (Positano is famous for linen fashion). Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its Byzantine icon.
Evening: Return to Ravello. The contrast—from Positano's energy to Ravello's calm—highlights why we recommend basing yourself above.
Day 4: Amalfi Town & Coastal Walk
Morning: Head to Amalfi (20 minutes from Ravello). Visit the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea—its Arab-Norman architecture reflects the town's history as a medieval maritime power.
Late Morning: Explore the ancient paper mills in the Valle dei Mulini, or walk the lemon groves above town.
Afternoon: Walk from Amalfi to Atrani along the coastal path (15 minutes). This easy walk connects two towns that feel worlds apart—Amalfi bustling, Atrani intimate.
Evening: Aperitivo in Atrani's tiny piazza, watching locals gather as the sun sets. Return to Ravello.
Day 5: Capri Day Trip
Early Morning: Ferry from Amalfi to Capri (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). Arrive before the day-trippers from Naples.
Morning: Take the funicular to Capri town. Walk to the Giardini di Augusto for views of the Faraglioni rocks.
Midday: Optional: Blue Grotto visit (weather dependent). Or: chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Bus to Anacapri, the quieter upper village. Lunch at a local trattoria. Walk the philosopher's path.
Evening: Return ferry to Amalfi, then back to Ravello.
Day 6: Path of the Gods Hike
Morning: Take an early bus to Bomerano (departure point). The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is arguably Europe's most scenic coastal hike—7 km of trails carved into cliffs 500 meters above the sea.
The Walk: 3-4 hours of moderate hiking with constant sea views. The path ends in Nocelle, a tiny village above Positano. Wear proper shoes; bring water.
Afternoon: From Nocelle, descend 1,700 steps to Positano (or take the local bus). Reward yourself with beach time and a long lunch.
Evening: Return to Ravello. Tonight might be perfect for a Ravello Festival concert if visiting in summer.
Day 7: Slow Morning & Departure
Morning: Your last morning deserves to be unhurried. Watch sunrise from your terrace. Take a final walk through Ravello's quiet streets. Visit any spots you want to see again.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final swim, a leisurely brunch, or one last espresso overlooking the coast.
Departure: Transfer to Naples airport or continue your Italian journey.