The world-famous coastline visits Positano (most photogenic), Amalfi (historic maritime republic), and Ravello (hilltop gardens). Each town merits 1-2 hours and the scenery en route is spectacular.
The Amalfi Coast runs about 50 km along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Campania, Italy, with the famous corniche road (SS163 Amalfitana) hugging the cliffs between Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. From Naples it takes roughly 1.5-2 hours to reach the coast: the usual public route is the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, then a SITA Sud bus along the coastal road (around €3-5 per leg). In summer, ferries from Sorrento or Salerno to Positano and Amalfi (about €12-20) are slower-building but far more scenic and skip the road's notorious traffic. A workable one-day arc starts west and moves east: begin in Positano, the most photogenic village, where vertical lanes of pastel houses tumble to Spiaggia Grande and the majolica-domed Church of Santa Maria Assunta; allow 1-2 hours. Continue by bus to Amalfi, the historic maritime republic, for its striped Cathedral of Sant'Andrea reached by a dramatic staircase, the Cloister of Paradise and the Paper Museum, plus a seafront lunch of scialatielli ai frutti di mare. In the afternoon, ride or take a local bus up to hilltop Ravello for Villa Rufolo's gardens and Villa Cimbrone's celebrated Terrace of Infinity, with views straight down the coast. Each town merits 1-2 hours, and the scenery between them is the real attraction, so travelling light and not over-scheduling is wise. The best window is May-June and September, when the weather is warm but the road and buses are less jammed than in July-August; an early start beats the worst of the bus queues. Local cafes and gelaterie line every piazza, and limoncello made from the region's giant sfusato lemons is the signature stop. Buses are frequent but crowded and the road is winding, so travellers prone to motion sickness should sit toward the front.
Highlights
- Positano village photos
- Amalfi Cathedral
- Ravello Villa Cimbrone Terrace of Infinity
- Scenic SITA bus ride
- Local seafood lunch
Tips for visiting
- Take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, then the SITA Sud bus west along the SS163; buy bus tickets in advance from tabacchi shops.
- In summer, use the Positano-Amalfi ferries to skip the gridlocked coast road and gain the best sea views.
- Go west to east: Positano first, then Amalfi for lunch, then up to Ravello in the afternoon.
- Avoid driving your own car in peak season; parking is scarce and very expensive, and the road is tight.
- Sit near the front of the SITA bus if prone to motion sickness, and validate tickets on boarding.
- Start early to beat the bus queues, which lengthen sharply by late morning in high season.
When to visit
Visit in May-June or September for warm, less-crowded conditions, and set off early to avoid the long bus queues that form by late morning in high season.
Accessibility
The coast's steep stairs, narrow lanes and crowded buses make it challenging for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, particularly in vertical Positano and Ravello. Ferries and the seafront promenades in Amalfi are the most manageable options.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples?
Take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, then a SITA Sud bus along the coast road, or a seasonal ferry from Sorrento or Salerno to Positano and Amalfi. Allow about 1.5-2 hours.
Is it better to drive or use public transport?
Public transport and ferries are generally easier than driving, as the SS163 is narrow and winding with very limited, costly parking, especially in summer.
Can Positano, Amalfi and Ravello all be done in one day?
Yes, if you start early. Spend 1-2 hours in each, using buses or ferries between them, and accept that the journey scenery is part of the experience.
When is the best time to visit?
May-June and September give warm weather with lighter crowds than the July-August peak, when buses and the coast road are heavily congested.