72 Hours on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

A Travel Guide

What’s not to love about the Amalfi Coast? The turquoise water is magical, the seafood is world class, the views are stunning and the people are the friendliest. It’s easy to get lost for days on end, exploring the small towns along the coast and all the local Italian charm. It’s perfect for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous trip or a romantic celebration—like Andy and Adam’s anniversary in Positano. And if you have the time, take your time. But if you’re looking for a quick jaunt, 72 hours on the Amalfi Coast is just enough to get a “taste”—literally and figuratively. And probably leave you planning your next visit. These are my recommendations for a 3-day journey along the coast.

“AND DON’T, LET ME BEG YOU, GO WITH THAT AWFUL TOURIST IDEA THAT ITALY’S ONLY A MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES AND ART. LOVE AND UNDERSTAND THE ITALIANS, FOR THE PEOPLE ARE MORE MARVELOUS THAN THE LAND”

— E. M. FORSTER

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

My favorite way to visit the Amalfi Coast is to rent a car and drive. Although you can take a train from certain places or a ferry from others, the small winding roads and amazing views make it adventurous. Not to mention, having your own car gives you the flexibility to explore. The caveat:  if you’re wary of the winding, coastal roads or you get easily car sick, you may be better off hiring a driver. 

If you start from Rome, you can rent a car and drive to Positano in about 3 hours. If you fly into Naples, the drive is only about an hour and a half. 

Day 1 | Positano

‘POSITANO BITES DEEP. IT IS A DREAM PLACE THAT ISN’T QUITE REAL WHEN YOU ARE THERE AND BECOMES BECKONINGLY REAL AFTER YOU HAVE GONE.’

— JOHN STEINBECK

First stop: Positano

Upon arrival, check in at Il San Pietro di Positano. This hotel is just outside of Positano, but is absolutely fabulous! After the drive, you’ll be ready for food and fresh air. Grab lunch down by the beach and take in the turquoise waters and clear sun. For a more private beach experience, and to avoid the beach crowds of Positano, ferry over to Treville Beach Club.

After a thorough sunning, head into Positano proper to explore the town. There’s a Linen shop on your right as you walk down the pedestrian path towards the Church piazza. The guy inside looks like Bradley Cooper and is named Francesco. Pay him a visit. His family has a linen shop up the street and he’ll give you a tour upon request. 

Before heading back to your hotel to regroup before dinner, treat yourself to an afternoon snack of oysters and champagne at La Sirenuse.

And when you’re ready for dinner, just head to the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Zass. The views—and food—are not to be missed! 

Travel Tip: Though the towns along the coast are small, and hotel options are limited, they all have great hotels. You can’t go wrong staying in any of them: Positano, Praiano, San Pietro, Amalfi, Ravello. 

Day 2 | Capri

Day 2 of your 72 hours on the Amalfi Coast is one of the most fun day trips—to the island of Capri! High-speed ferries leave from Positano frequently for the 40 minute ride. Sailing around Capri and exploring the amazing beach clubs and the stunning Blue Grotto on the north side of the island is thrilling. 

Don’t forget to visit Anacapri, the commune that sits at a higher elevation than the rest of the island. Have lunch at Terrazza Brunella and, if you can squeeze it in before catching a ferry back to Positano, dinner at Villa Margherita.

Day 3 | Amalfi + Ravello

Amalfi is about a 35 minute drive from Positano. Get an early start in the morning, and once you’re there, climb to the top of The Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale for the best views of Amalfi. It’s a 10-15 uphill climb, so best to do it in the morning when the sun isn’t high!

After getting a bit of exercise, have breakfast in one of the charming local restaurants before you wander the streets and shops for local handmade goods.

Heading to Ravello

After exploring Amalfi, you’ll spend the rest of the day taking in the views and food at Ravello. Just a 15 minute drive up the road, Ravello’s higher elevation makes you feel even further away from bustling civilization. In the afternoon, take one of Mamma Agata’s famous cooking classes, with fresh ingredients from her garden and life stories on the side! Later, take a relaxing stroll through the Villa Cimbrone hotel for gorgeous views and perfectly manicured gardens. 

Finish the day eating pizza and pasta by the infinity pool at Hotel Caruso—some of the most spectacular views in the world!

Day 4 | Ravello

Your 72 hours comes to a delicious end with a traditional meal in the little town of Ravello, where there’s a great local restaurant known as “mama’s.” It has another name, but if you ask anyone where “mama’s” is—they will know. This sweet little granny cooks traditional Italian and it’s amazing (and cheap)!

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Bookmark this page for your next—or first!—visit to Italy. And whether you spend 72 hours on the Amalfi Coast or ten days, you’ll fall in love immediately.

Can’t get away? Let my Amalfi Coast travel photography transport you from your own home.

Shop fine art prints from the Amalfi Coast here:

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