The Amalfi Coast, Done Right: A 5-Day Itinerary Beyond the Postcard

But the Amalfi Coast rewards those who move through it slowly, with a local's rhythm rather than a tour bus timetable. Here's how to do it.

Getting There

Fly into Naples, then head straight for the coast by train, arriving into Sorrento — your base for the days ahead. From here, everything on the Amalfi Coast opens up.

Sorrento: Your Home Base

Sorrento gets a bit of an unfair reputation as "just the gateway town" — but honestly, it deserves more than a passing glance. Perched on cliffs above the Bay of Naples, it's got that perfect mix of lemon-scented old town charm and easy access to everywhere you actually want to go. Wander the narrow streets of the historic centre, stop for a limoncello tasting (you're basically obligated), and grab a table with a sunset view over the bay — the light here does something special in the evenings.

Base yourself just outside the town centre for a quieter stay with easy access in and out. Renting a scooter in Sorrento is genuinely one of the best decisions you'll make on this trip — the whole coastline suddenly becomes yours to explore at your own pace, no waiting on buses, no rigid schedules.

Don't skip: a kayak trip along the Sorrento coastline. Paddling past hidden coves and cliffside grottoes, with the water that impossible shade of turquoise beneath you, is one of those experiences that ends up being the highlight nobody expects going in.

Day Trip: Positano

One full day, and it's enough to fall completely under Positano's spell. Pastel houses cascading down the cliffside, boutique shopping, and a beach worth lingering on. Go early if you can — this is the coast's most photographed town for a reason, and you'll want your moment before the crowds arrive.

Day Trip: Amalfi

A different flavour altogether — more historic, more grounded, with a stunning cathedral anchoring the town square. Spend the day wandering the backstreets, stopping for granita, and soaking in a slower, less polished side of the coast.

Capri: The Perfect Final Chapter

From Sorrento, hop a ferry over to Capri for a day of glamour, dramatic cliffs, and that famous blue grotto. It's a fitting way to close out the trip — a little more refined, a little more indulgent, before heading home.