7-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary - Naples, Pompeii, Positano & Capri

Dreaming of a trip to Italy’s most breathtaking coastline? In this episode, I’ll guide you through the ultimate 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary - from the ancient streets of Naples and the ruins of Pompeii to the sun-drenched cliffs of Positano and Capri.

We’ll cover where to stay, how to get around, the best local food and wine, plus plenty of insider tips to avoid the crowds while soaking up la dolce vita.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:03

Imagine a coastline where colourful villages cling to dramatic cliffs, where winding roads curve above turquoise waters, and where every turn feels like a postcard come to life. Lemongroves scent the air, fishing boats bob gently in the harbour, and at sunset the entire coast glows golden against the sea. Welcome to this week's destination. It's the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Hello friends and welcome back to another episode of Travel with Tyler, your cozy corner of the internet where we indulge your European wonder loss. If you're new here, this is the podcast where I walk you through dreamy European itineraries, not just the highlights, but the real details of how to spend your days, where to stay, what to eat, and those little travel secrets that make a trip feel truly special. In today's episode, I'm taking you on a journey through one of Italy's most breathtaking destinations. From the historic streets of Naples to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the glamorous cliffside towns of the Atlantic coast. I'll also be sharing a detailed seven-day itinerary that balances history, adventure, downtime, and of course incredible food and wine. I'll include insider tips, personal experiences, and little warnings along the way. Because let's be real, not everything in Italy works smoothly. It's my hope that by the end of this episode, you'll feel confident to go ahead with planning your very own trip to the Amalfi coast. So whether you're dreaming of cruising along the coastline by boat, hiking the legendary Path of the Gods, sipping lemoncello as the sun sets, or learning to cook a traditional meal under a lemon grove, this episode will give you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. So sit back, relax, and let's escape to the Amalfi Coast together. Today I'm very excited because we're heading somewhere extra special. It's the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Now I'm sure you've seen the pictures of those pastel-colored houses tumbling down the cliffs, lemongroves clinging to the mountains, and boats bobbing in the water. It certainly looks like a fantasy. But in the spirit of being honest, I have a little confession to make. Simply showing up and winging it is a recipe for disaster. The Amalfi Coast is very popular and busy, so trying to figure out where to stay, how to get around, and what's actually worth your time can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. But thankfully, you do not need to stress anymore as I'm going to share all the things I did and tips you'll need to ensure you have a memorable trip for all the right reasons. We're starting off strong with when to go. The Amalfi Coast is absolutely stunning year round, but timing makes a huge difference to your trip. High season is considered June through August, which means you'll get the best beach weather, but also the biggest crowds and the highest prices. Expect packed ferries, long lines, and very hot afternoons. The shoulder seasons, from April to late May, as well as September and early October, are my favourite. The weather is still warm enough for swimming, the light is golden, and you'll find fewer tourists in general. But you should always expect popular places and towns like Positano, Amalfi and Capri to be packed with tourists. In these specific places, it's all about timing your visit and choosing where to base yourself. In winter, from November through March, many hotels and restaurants are actually closed. The coast becomes quiet and peaceful, but it's not the time for beach days or boat tours. It's very different from what you will have seen all over social media, but if you're curious about what this coastline holds during this period of hibernation and stillness, then it's still a unique and memorable experience. Moving on to who this itinerary is for. Now these seven days in Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast have been designed for the travelers who want a mix of culture, relaxation, and memorable activities. If you love history, food, and dramatic coastal scenery, then it's perfect for you. It's also great for couples seeking a romantic escape, small groups of friends, and families with teen or adult children. Families with young children can still do it, but you might want to slow the pace a little and skip a few of the longer tours. Plus, please make sure to pick your accommodation and transport carefully because there are a lot of stairs and windy roads along the coast. With that being said, if you or your traveling companions have any mobility issues, then you may also want to rethink visiting the Amalfi coast. There are so many other beautiful coastal areas to explore in Italy, which are much more accommodating and include the nearby Cilento Coast as well as even further south in Puglia. And lastly, solo travelers can still do this trip, but you may want to get a little more savvy with your budget, as the biggest expenses are going to be your accommodation and private transport. Ideally, you will want to split this or even base yourself in somewhere like Sorrento, which is easily reached by train from Naples, there is plenty of cheaper accommodation, and it's a great place for taking day trips to Capri and the Amalfi coast. Okay, now with that initial introduction out of the way, let's start at the very beginning of our trip. Welcome to day one of your Southern Italian adventure, and we're going to begin our explorations in the bustling city of Naples. And let me just start by saying: Naples is not Rome with its grand buildings and capital status. It's also not like Florence with its artistic beauty and elegance. Instead, Naples is raw, chaotic, noisy, and a little bit dirty, but also full of life. This city has a soul, and the longer you spend here, the more you'll find its gritty surface starts to fade away, and what's underneath will leave you completely spellbound. Now you'll probably arrive either by train from Rome, which is super fast and easy, or by flying directly into Naples International Airport. Please pay attention because the very first tip I want to give you is an important one. When you take a taxi from either the train station or airport, or even just while exploring in Naples, please do not just hop into the first one you see and hope for the best. Naples taxis have a bit of a reputation for overcharging tourists, refusing card payments, and even taking longer routes than necessary to inflate the fare. Now the best way to avoid this is to book through an app called App Taxi, which will give you an estimate of how much the fare should be, and then at the end of your trip, you can choose to pay by card in the app. This will save you the awkward haggle at the end and make sure your trip gets off to the best start. For your accommodation in Naples, I highly recommend staying near the historic centre. That's where you can really feel the electric energy of the city and it makes walking around and exploring so much easier. Once you've settled in and freshened up after your travel day, I then suggest heading out for a leisurely afternoon wander around the centre. You can start your explorations on Via de Tribunale or Spaconapoli. These two narrow streets are the heartbeat of the old town. Imagine laundry strung between balconies, scooters weaving through crowds, and the smell of pizza dough baking in wood-fired ovens. It's a little chaotic, but that's all part of the charm. Next, make a stop at Naples Duomo, the city's main cathedral. It's gothic, it's dramatic, and it's free to enter. Inside there is also a famous vial which is believed to hold the blood of Saint Genarius. This vial is brought out several times a year during a sacred event known as the Miracle of Liquefication, where if the blood liquefies, it is considered a blessing and sign of the saints' continued protection. And if it doesn't, then it's considered a sign of impending misfortune. Now if you consider that Naples sits at the bottom of an active volcano, it does make sense why living here you'd want some extra guarantees. Then as evening sets in, you've got two options. If you want to dive right into the food culture, and since this is the birthplace of pizza, you really should, I highly recommend joining an evening food tour. Meet your local guide who will walk you through hidden chattorias and street food stalls, sampling everything from fried pizza pockets to sweet pastries. It's a fun chance to explore Naples at night and enjoy some delicious food along the way. But if you'd rather have a more relaxed sit-down dinner, then you simply must try a classic Neapolitan pizza. The iconic places to go include Sobillo, L'Antica Pizzerella di Michele, and Di Matteo. These are not fancy restaurants and you'll probably have to wait in line as they are very popular. Once inside, you'll sit at a plain wooden table and order your pizza. I recommend choosing something simple like a margerita or marinara, because in Naples it's all about the crust and the sauce. They really are the stars of the show. And trust me, you'll never forget your first bite of pizza in Napoli. After dinner, I suggest taking a walk down to the seafront along via Partenope. From here you can see Castle dell'Orvo, the oldest castle in Naples, glowing against the water. It's the perfect way to end your first night in Italy and leave so much still to look forward to tomorrow. Day two is all about soaking in Naples history and culture, and trust me, this city has many layers. Start your morning with a strong coffee. Choose between a cappuccino or an espresso, and pair it with a sweet pastry. My personal favorite is the city's most famous, Asfoglietella. Think soft flaky pastry filled with a delicate cream interior. It's delicious and the best way to start your day in Naples. Then when you're ready, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. This place is incredible. If you're planning to see Pompeii later in your trip, this is where many of the best artifacts actually live. Statues, mosaics, frescoes that were taken from the ruins to preserve them. Walking through here feels like connecting the dots between the ancient world and the modern city outside. But if museums aren't your thing, then I've got an alternative. Instead, take the funicular up to Castle St. Elmo. The ride itself is fun, and once you're at the top, the views are incredible. You can see the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the entire sprawl of the city below. For lunch, you can enjoy a tasty bowl of pasta at a nearby restaurant or get a pizza frita to go, which is a fried pizza and a super popular street food here in Naples. Then spend the afternoon exploring near Castle Nuovo and Piazza del Plebecito. The castle looks straight out of a medieval painting, and the piazza is a wide open square that feels like a stage. The nearby Spanish quarter is also lots of fun to explore, with its many narrow cobblestone streets that you can easily get lost in. For something a little different, you could also go underground. Naples is literally built on top of itself, and tours like Napoli Soterania take you down into ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and even World War II bomb shelters. It's eerie but also incredibly fascinating. In the evening, treat yourself to a nice dinner in the Chiaia neighborhood. This area has a much more elegant vibe, think seafood restaurants, cozy wine bars, and stylish locals out for the night. Order fresh clams with pasta, sip on a crisp white wine, and toast to your first full day in Italy. Then head back to your hotel for a good night's rest because tomorrow we leave the city behind and head for the coast. Good morning and welcome to day three. It's time to make our way to the glittering Amalfi Coast, the highlight of our trip. But first we're going to make a stop in Pompeii. Now there is a local train called the Circum Vesuviana that goes from Naples to Sorrento and stops in Pompeii. And yes, it is cheap and can get you from A to B, but let me just tell you from experience that it can be very crowded, confusing, and quite stressful to navigate. So if this is your first trip to Italy, then please avoid doing this. I've gotten quite confident navigating public transport in Italy after many months of failures and mistakes made whilst living there. But to this day, I still get frustrated and annoyed with the public transport in Italy. And typically it does become less reliable the further south you go. Instead, take my advice and book a private transfer. A driver will pick you up at your hotel in Naples, help you with your luggage, and you just get to sit back and enjoy the ride. It's one and a half to two hours to the coast depending on traffic, and it's worth every penny. But this also leads me to the best part. You can book a transfer which includes a stop at Pompeii along the way. Now your journey has turned into quite an adventure. Pompeii is one of those places that just sticks in your memory forever. We've all either learned about it in high school history classes, watched a documentary, or referenced it at some point in our lives. So to be able to visit and walk through an entire Roman city that was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD is truly mind-blowing. Streets, houses, bakeries, even graffiti on the walls. It's all still there and incredibly preserved. You'll want at least three hours to explore, and I highly recommend either booking a guide or getting an audio tour. Otherwise, it can feel like you're just wandering ruins without really understanding the stories behind them. Now I've been to Pompeii twice, and the first time I went was on a guided tour, while the second time I followed along to Rick Steve's audio guide. Both experiences were fantastic and took me to completely different parts of the site. So even though it was my second visit, I got to see things that I missed the first time. Which goes to show just how big and spread out Pompeii really is. After Pompeii, you'll continue driving onwards to your accommodation on the Amalfi coast. And this is where the big question comes in. Where do you stay? Well, here's my honest breakdown. Torento is by far the most practical choice as it's cheaper, offers easy transport options, and has plenty of hotels and Airbnbs. But it doesn't really feel like the Amalfi coast. Think of it as more of a gateway. If you're a bit more restricted by your budget or you want to have a base which gives you access to lots of places, then sure, this is an ideal choice. But in my opinion, Positano really is the star of the show. It's touristy, yes, but it also has that wow factor, and staying here means you get to explore it in the early mornings and late evenings when the day trippers are gone. It's pure magic, and if you can afford it, then I highly recommend staying in Positano. Next up, we have a Malfi town, which I personally found to be very busy and touristy during the day, just like Positano. It's beautiful, of course, but it didn't amaze me in the same way that Positano did. It's not as breathtaking or dramatic, but still a very convenient place to stay, and if you can't quite afford to stay in Positano but still want to be on the Amalfi coast, then Amalfi town is an excellent second choice. With that being said, nearby Atrani is a fantastic location. It's a little more low-key and only a 15-minute walk from the port of Amalfi, meaning you can still get around the coast quite easily using ferries or joining boat tours, but you also get to escape the major crowds of Amalfi and enjoy a quieter slice of the coast. I'm not entirely sure why most tourists don't seem to make it here, but I'm happy to keep it that way for a little while longer. So there you go, that's my quick breakdown of how to choose where to stay on the Amalfi coast. They all have their pros and cons, but really it's up to you to choose the right fit for your vacation. Now for this itinerary, we're going to continue as if you're staying in either Positano or Amalfi. Once you've dropped your bags at your accommodation and settled in, it's time to take a wander around your coastal base. Enjoy a petitivo at a nearby bar and take in the stunning sunset. Or head straight to dinner for the most delicious lemon-infused seafood dishes you'll ever try. Make sure to toast to officially making it to the Amalfi Coast and soak up all those La Dolce Vita moments. You are in Italy after all, and that means slowing down and simply enjoying yourself. It's now day four, and this is where the Amalfi Coast really sparkles. Start your morning early. One of my favorite things to do here is just wander through the town before the crowds arrive. If you're in Positano, you'll see shopkeepers setting up their displays, fishermen hauling in their nets, and the morning light painting the cliffs gold. It's such a peaceful moment and something to think back on later in the heat of the day when you see the hordes of tourists. Then enjoy a morning coffee and pastry before heading down to the port for what I consider a must-do: a boat tour along the Amalfi coast. Now there are a few different types of boat tours, but the idea is the same. You'll cruise along the coastline, flipping into little coves and stopping at caves like the Grotta dell'Esmeraldo, where the water glows emerald green. Depending on your departure point, you'll also get a few hours to explore another town along the coast. So if your boat leaves from Positano, you'll likely have free time in Amalfi to see the iconic green and yellow cathedral or visit the paper museum. And if you start from Amalfi, then you'll get time to wander around Positano. Either way, it's a wonderful way to experience this draw-dropping coastline in style. No wasting time waiting for buses or trying to push through large crowds. Now that's how I prefer to travel. This is a full day activity which will have you arriving back to your accommodation in the late afternoon. Take some time to rest, shower off the salt, and maybe have a quick nap. Then if you're in Positano, the early evening is a lovely time to go shopping or take photos in the charming streets. It's less crowded, the light is softer, and the whole town just feels dreamy. While everyone else is being forced to leave and head back to their accommodations in Sorrento, you are part of a limited number of people who get to enjoy the town after sunset. For dinner, go to a restaurant with a view. Many of the restaurants high above Positano and Amalfi offer free shuttle services, making it easy to get there. Here, high up in the mountains, you won't find much seafood. Instead, you'll enjoy a more seasonal menu filled with tasty homemade dishes and lots of red meat. If you make it in time for sunset, then you'll also get to capture the spectacular views of the sun setting over the Tyranian Sea. Enjoy a glass of local wine and breathe. A cheerful sigh as you've just completed your first unforgettable day on the Amalfi coast. Day 5 is all about choosing what feels right for you. Do you want a more leisurely day of sightseeing or are you up for a bit of an adventure? Option 1 is to hire a driver for the day and head to beautiful Ravello. This clifftop town is stunning and offers incredible views of the coast. Here you can visit the gardens of Villa Ruffolo and Villa Cimbrone, where terraces overlook the entire coast. On the way, your driver can stop in at a lemon grove, pull over at viewpoints, and let you wander through little towns like Minori and Maori, places that most tourists will never see. Option number two, if you're feeling active, challenge yourself by hiking the path of the gods. Now this was one of the highlights of my time on the Amalfi coast, and for good reason. The trail runs high in the mountains above the sea, and the views are simply insane. You're looking down at villages, boats, vineyards, and dramatic cliffs. It's a real pinch me travel moment. But please be aware the path is very uneven in some places and it does take a full day. So only attempt this if you are comfortable and familiar with going on long full-day hikes. Now you can book an organized small group tour or private tour with a local guide, which I do recommend if you want a bit of history and context as you hike. Plus, it includes all your transport from your accommodation to the start and end point of the hike. Lunch is usually also included and takes place in a little mountain hut where they serve freshly baked bread, local cheese, meats, and homemade wine. Or you can attempt to do this hike all by yourself. If you do go solo, then you can take the bus from Positano up to the town of Nocelle. Then follow the trail either out and back or one way towards the town of Bomerano. Just know that the transport back can be a little confusing. Buses don't always come on time and make sure to wave the driver down or they won't stop. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when failing to do so resulted in an unplanned two and a half hour walk back to Positano along the road. The views were beautiful, yes, but after already hiking for five plus hours, it was not ideal. Whichever option you choose, by evening you'll be looking forward to a cold drink in your hand with a sunset view. So find yourself a rooftop bar, order an Aperol Spritz or my personal favourite while on the Amalfi Coast, a lemoncello spritz, which uses the famous lemon liqueur made with local Amalfi lemons. It's now day six and today you've got another decision to make. Do you want to join the crowds and head to Capri, or do you want to do something a little bit different? Let's start with option number one, Capri, because it's famous for a reason. Now if you go the DIY route, then you'll take a ferry from either Positano or Amalfi. Once you're on the island, you can ride a boat out to the Blue Grotto, which is a famous sea cave where the water glows an electric blue colour. You can also take the chairlift up to Monte Salaro for sweeping views as well as wander through the town of Anacapri or visit Villa San Michele. But here's the honest truth: Capri is no secret. In summer, the lines for the Blue Grotto and the Chairlift can be very long, and no one wants to spend their vacations standing in lines for hours. And if you happen to visit on an Italian holiday, then be warned as the number of people on the island sometimes triples. So if you're going to Capri, be prepared for the crowds. Now my personal favourite way to experience Capri is with a boat tour. These tours circle the island, stopping in hidden caves, sailing past the famous Farragioni rocks, and giving you a chance to swim in spots that those who take the ferries just can't reach. Then you'll still have some free time on land to explore, but you're not tied down to the hectic ferry schedule. With visiting places as popular as Capri, it really is all about choosing the smartest ways to experience the beauty of the island without feeling like you are in a mosh pit of tourists. And then there's option C, skipping Capri altogether. Now hear me out. Instead of elbowing through crowds, you could spend the day doing something a little more relaxed and personal, like a cooking class in a local's home. Imagine you're up in the hills above the coast, surrounded by lemon groves, with a nonna teaching you how to make fresh pasta or eggplant Parmigiana. And then you sit down to lunch under the vines with a glass of homemade wine. To me that sounds like a much more magical and memorable experience. I'm a strong believer that just because everyone is going to a certain place, it does not mean that you have to as well. Planning a vacation to Europe is really about assessing all of your options and making sure to choose the things that feel right for you and your travelling companions. So whether you go to glamorous capri for the day or practice your Italian culinary skills in a lemon grove, day six is yours to create just the way you want. And here we are. It's now day seven and the last day of your trip to the Amalfi coast. In the morning, you'll want to say goodbye and maybe grab one last cappuccino. Take a wander around the town and one more photo of the spectacular views. Then, with all that complete, it's time to head back to Naples. Again, I recommend getting a private transfer as it's the most comfortable and convenient mode of transport along the coasts. One and a half to two hours later, you'll arrive at either the airport for your flight home or at the central train station if your Italian adventures are continuing. And just like that, your week on the Amalfi Coast is complete. Seven days filled with history, sunshine, incredible food, and those pinch me views that never get old. It's a trip that will stay with you for many years to come, and you'll always look back with a smile. Before we wrap up completely, I want to leave you with some practical travel tips to help you plan your very own Amalfi Coast adventures. Starting with how to get around. The coastline roads are windy and traffic can be intense, especially in summer. That's why I always recommend taking private transfers as they are experienced, often local drivers who know how to navigate these compact and tricky roads. Plus, you get to just sit back and enjoy the views, which is a major part of choosing to come here. Now, there are buses that run along the coast and they are quite cheap, but they are also incredibly crowded and often delayed. Ferries are a great alternative in the summer months connecting towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento by sea. But again, they are incredibly crowded and part of the reason many people leave the Amalfi coast feeling dissatisfied and like they've spent all their time surrounded by people. Remember, we don't want to be part of the crowd. We want to make smart choices in our trip planning so we get to enjoy those little pockets of this breathtaking coastline all to ourselves. It still exists, trust me, but you do have to work a little bit harder to find them. Now let's talk about some packing tips. First off, you're going to want to bring comfortable shoes. The towns here are vertical, meaning there are endless stairs and lots of cobbled stone streets. You'll also want to pack some layers as you will be staying along the coast and in the evenings it can be quite breezy, especially if you're dining outdoors above the cliffs. And lastly, don't forget a swimsuit, sunscreen, and maybe even some water shoes if you're going to go swimming in rocky coves or beaches. Now let's discuss a bit more about budgeting. The Amalfi Coast is not a budget destination. Meals with a view can be very pricey, and hotels in places like Positano or Rivello are some of the most expensive in all of Italy. So if you're traveling on a tighter budget, look at places like Sorrento, Praiano or even Minori. They offer great value while still giving you that coastal charm. That being said, Sorrento offers excellent connections to the entire coast and Capri with its many ferries and day trip options. While smaller places like Praiano and Minori have less connections, making it more difficult to get around on your own. Also, in my personal opinion, the Amalfi Coast is best enjoyed with a bigger budget. So either save up and splurge or choose somewhere entirely different in Italy. Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, and even the nearby Cilento Coast all offer beautiful beaches, impressive seaside cliffs, and delicious food for a fraction of the cost and way less crowded than the Amalfi Coast. Overall, going to the Amalfi Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, so if you're going to go, make sure that you have the budget to match. And finally, don't overschedule. The Amalfi Coast is meant to be savored. Yes, you're going to want to book key activities like your boat tour and cooking class in advance, but make sure to leave space in your days for slow mornings with a cappuccino, impromptu swims, and long evenings with a glass of limoncello while the sun sets. And that's really what makes this itinerary so special, because it's structured enough to guide you, but flexible enough for you to make it your own. So let's recap. In this seven-day itinerary, you've experienced a little bit of everything, starting with the chaotic charm of Naples and eating the best pizza of your life. Then you've explored the ruins of Pompeii before heading to the sparkling cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Here you've cruised along the coastline by boat, hiked above it on the path of the gods, and maybe even learned to cook your new favourite Italian dish under a lemongrove. If this episode has inspired you to start planning your own Amalfi Coast trip, then make sure to check out my ready-made itinerary linked in the show notes, which you can follow step by step. This itinerary and all previous itineraries featured on the podcast are also available from my website. That's travelwithyler.com. As always, thank you so much for choosing to spend part of your day with me here on Travel with Tyler. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, share it with a friend who loves Italy, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find the show. Next week we're heading somewhere new, somewhere you've probably never even heard of. It's a land of dramatic mountains, glittering lakes, rich Ottoman and Byzantine history, vibrant bazaars, and warm Balkan hospitality. That's right, we're off to explore North Macedonia. Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep that European wonderlust alive.