There are places that seem almost too perfect to exist — the Amalfi Coast is one of them.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to experience this unforgettable Amalfi Coast trip itinerary for yourself.
Choosing the Best Time for Your Amalfi Coast trip
The Amalfi Coast changes with the seasons, and timing your visit can make all the difference.
Springtime, from April to early June, was absolutely magical. Everywhere we looked, the hills were bursting with flowers, and the towns hummed with life without feeling overwhelming.
September would be just as lovely — warm days, cooler nights, and a calmer rhythm after the summer crowds leave.
If you’re visiting in July or August, expect a dazzling but busy scene: packed beaches, bustling piazzas, and long, golden days.
By October, the coast softens into a quieter, gentler version of itself — cooler, yes, but still so full of life.
Even winter, with many hotels closed, carries its own serene beauty, if you’re looking for peace and solitude.
Whether you’re planning summer trips to Amalfi Coast or dreaming of a peaceful autumn escape, there’s never truly a bad time to visit.
Best Ways to Get to the Amalfi Coast: Car, Ferry, Train, or Tour
Depending on when you visit, there’s more than one beautiful way to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
If the season is right, you can hop on a ferry and glide across the water, stopping at charming places like Sorrento and Capri along the way.
The whole journey feels almost like a mini-vacation in itself — about two to three hours of sparkling blue views and salty breezes.
If you prefer something faster, the Freccia Rossa train from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento is smooth, affordable (about 15 euros per person), and gets you closer to the coast in just an hour.
But if you’re anything like us — always chasing freedom and little adventures — renting a car might call your name.
As soon as we landed in Naples, we made a beeline for the car rental counter. A tiny white Fiat became our travel companion for the week, and we hit the road with hearts full of excitement and a playlist ready to go.
We didn’t realize at the time just how wild driving here would be.
For the next few days, my husband bravely wrestled that little Fiat through the chaos of Naples traffic, across winding highways, and into the tangled ribbons of narrow village roads.
Meanwhile, I sat in the passenger seat, clutching the dashboard, the seat, even my own knees — anything to keep my nerves steady!
When we finally reached the coast, the road seemed to tighten into a single thread, twisting along cliffs so high and close to the sea it felt like we were floating.
If you dream of an epic, heart-racing driving experience, the Amalfi Coast will deliver it in spades.
But if you’d rather lean back and soak in the beauty without the stress, hiring a local driver is a wonderful choice.
There’s also the public bus system — simple, affordable, and ready to carry you from town to town at a more relaxed pace.
No matter how you choose to arrive, one thing is certain: the journey to the Amalfi Coast is a breathtaking adventure in itself.
How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast
Having our own car once we arrived was pure freedom.
We could pull over whenever a stunning view demanded it, or wander off the main road to discover tiny fruit stands where the lemons looked like golden treasures and cherries tasted sweeter than anywhere else on earth.
Those little stops — the unexpected ones — became some of my favorite memories.
But the coast has its challenges too.
Parking isn’t easy, and in the busy summer months, it can feel nearly impossible. Even in late May, parking fees were steep — often around €5 an hour. Thankfully, we always managed to find a spot, but we knew July and August would be a whole different story.
If the idea of circling for parking stresses you out, there’s no shame in leaving the car behind.
Organized day trips let you enjoy every gorgeous corner of the Amalfi Coast without worrying about queues, traffic, or parking fines.
So if you’re trying to decide whether to rent a car, here’s my simple advice:
Think about how you like to travel.
Do you love spontaneous detours, lazy roadside stops, and the thrill of the open road?
Or do you dream of gliding from town to town with nothing to worry about except where to get your next gelato?
Either way, the Amalfi Coast has a rhythm — and somehow, whichever way you choose to move through it, it finds a way to sweep you off your feet.
Thinking about driving along the Amalfi Coast? Be sure to check out our full guide to renting a car in Italy.”
Where to Stay During Your Amalfi Coast Trip: Best Towns and Tips
Choosing where to stay was one of the hardest decisions because every town along the coast has its own magic.
We chose Amalfi Town — it was lively but not overwhelming, and we could easily catch ferries and buses when we wanted to explore further.
We stayed at Hotel Centrale, right across from the grand Duomo, and waking up to the sound of church bells and seagulls felt like living inside a painting.
For a quieter experience, Sorrento or Ravello would be perfect bases — perched above the coast, a little cooler, and just as breathtaking.
These towns are great options if you’re looking for relaxed Amalfi Coast trips with easy access to explore nearby villages.
The Towns We Fell In Love With
Every town along the Amalfi Coast tells its own story.
In Atrani, we wandered narrow alleyways and stumbled across quiet piazzas where locals gathered for afternoon coffee, away from the tourist buzz.
Ravello was pure magic — a place where time seemed to slow down.
At Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, we walked through ancient gardens and gazed out over the sea, feeling like we were suspended between sky and earth.
Furore was like a secret waiting to be found — a tiny fjord hidden from the main road, where fishing boats bobbed quietly and sunbeams filtered down through the cliffs.
And then there was Positano — the town that lives up to every postcard and photograph you’ve ever seen.
We wandered through its steep streets lined with colorful boutiques, cooled off in the crystalline waters at Marina Grande Beach, and watched the sun set in a sky streaked with pink and gold.
In Praiano, we met Salvatore, the warm-hearted owner of a fruit stand overflowing with Amalfi’s famous lemons and juicy peaches.
It was one of those small, perfect moments that stays with you long after the trip is over.
If you’re crafting your perfect Amalfi Coast trip itinerary, make sure to include time for these quieter villages — they hold just as much magic as the famous spots.
Tips We Learned during our Amalfi Coast Trip
If you decide to drive, take it slow. The roads are tight and curvy, but if you embrace the pace, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views at every turn.
Pack light — trust me, you don’t want to be dragging heavy suitcases up steep staircases under the Mediterranean sun.
Carry cash; some of the best little shops and cafés are cash-only.
And book early during high season: a spontaneous dinner might sound romantic, but reservations save you from long waits and missed sunsets.
Most importantly: don’t rush. Let the days unfold slowly. Wander, explore, and leave space for magic. That’s the true spirit of unforgettable trips to Amalfi Coast.
Our Amalfi Coast trip wasn’t just about the places we saw — it was about the way we felt.
It was in the scent of lemons floating on the breeze, in the soft lapping of waves against ancient stone, in the golden light that made everything — even the simplest moments — feel extraordinary.
If you’re dreaming of a journey filled with wonder, beauty, and memories that will live in your heart forever, the Amalfi Coast is waiting for you.
Buon viaggio!