4-day road trip on the Amalfi Coast: itinerary and budget
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Welcome to Italy’s glittering jewel: the Amalfi Coast. A paradise where mountains meet the sea, where narrow streets overflow with color and life. This Mediterranean treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mosaic of steep cliffs, pebble beaches and charming fishing villages. From Sorrento to Amalfi, every turn offers a new postcard. It was in Ravello, this hidden gem, that we fell in love with most. Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty, rich history and delicious cuisine of the Amalfi Coast.
Map of the Amalfi Coast
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
The ideal time to discover the Amalfi Coast varies according to your expectations:
– If you’re looking for a mild climate and nature in full bloom, spring (April to June) is perfect. The days grow longer, the sun becomes more intense and the bougainvilleas bloom in an explosion of color.
– Summer (June to August) is characterized by high temperatures, ideal for swimming. However, this is also the tourist season par excellence, and the influx of visitors can make exploring the Amalfi Coast chaotic (restaurants fully booked, no parking spaces, traffic at a standstill, public transport saturated…).
– To escape the crowds, autumn (September and October) is an interesting alternative, which is when we chose to visit. The climate remains pleasant.
– Finally, if you’re looking for a more peaceful and authentic experience, winter is a good option, although many hotels and restaurants close their doors during this season.
How long is the drive from one town to the next?
- Naples – Sorrento : 1h15
- Sorrento – Positano : 35 minutes
- Positano – Amalfi : 40 minutes
- Amalfi – Ravello : 20 minutes
- Ravello – Naples : 1h30 (not via the coast but inland)
How easy is it to drive and park on the Amalfi Coast?
Traffic on the Amalfi Coast :
Our trip to the Amalfi Coast began with a car rental in Naples. From there, we headed south to Ravello, with a stopover in Sorrento. Driving in this region is an adventure in itself, with narrow, winding roads, particularly between Positano and Atrani. It’s a picturesque sight that lends the region its unique charm. However, to avoid stress, I highly recommend choosing accommodation with parking, as we did in Sorrento and Ravello. Once settled in, we explored the surrounding area on foot or using public transport, mainly buses. The Amalfi Coast is well served by bus, which makes getting around much easier. It’s also possible to take water cabs between the towns, an experience I highly recommend for superb views of the different towns!
Parking on the Amalfi Coast :
Parking is a constant challenge on the Amalfi Coast, especially in Positano. There are parking lots that could be described as “semi-private”. If you’re planning to stay in Positano with your vehicle, I’d advise you to make arrangements with your accommodation to reserve a space in the nearest parking lot. Valet parking is often included in the hotel room rate. Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, a valet can pick up your rental car and park it in a reserved spot.
Between Positano and Amalfi, parking becomes more complex, with a single narrow road winding along the coast. Local residents have innovated when it comes to parking, digging “underground” parking lots into the cliffs, erecting multi-storey buildings, or even building caves. If you manage to find a space along the road, consider yourself extremely lucky!
In Sorrento, parking is simpler, with rates of €25 for a day and €2.50 for an hour.
Finally, Ravello, nestled atop the Amalfi Coast, is a town that’s best visited on foot. If you’re not planning to stay overnight, I’d advise you not to go by car. Access to Ravello is regulated and can be complex. The road leading up to Ravello from Amalfi is a two-way street, but traffic is regulated by a traffic light, which can make it difficult to get through.
Itinerary for 4 days and 5 nights
The day before, we drove from Naples to Sorrento (1h15).
Night 1 in Sorrento.
Day 1 : Day trip to Sorrento.
Night 2 to Sorrento
Day 2 : Road between Sorrento and Scala (near Ravello).
Day trip to Ravello.
Sorrento –> Scala (38km – 1h15min)
Night 3 to Scala
Day 3 : Morning in Positano and afternoon in Amalfi.
Night 4 to Scala
Day 4 : Morning in Atrani and afternoon in Praiano.
Night 5 to Scala
Budget for 2 people (4 days and 5 nights)
Trip made in September 2021, prices have probably changed since then…
Car rental: €31/day or €124.
Petrol: approx. 90km (Naples -> Ravello via Sorrento) for this itinerary, i.e. 10€.
Public transport (bus and boat): 55€.
Accommodation: bookings on Booking for 2 nights camping in a Bungalow in Sorrento (70€/night) and 3 nights in Scala (next to Ravello) (68€/night) for a total of 344€.
(details of accommodation at the bottom of the article).
Visits and parking: 32€.
Shopping: 83€.
Restaurants/drinks and ice creams: 170€.
TOTAL: 818€ for 2 people, not including airfare.
SORRENTO
Located near Capri, Sorrento is a lively town with 17,000 residents. Surprisingly, it attracts more tourists than the Amalfi Coast, probably because Sorrento is often the starting point for many excursions and the gateway to the coast.
What to see and do in Sorrento ?
1 | Visit the historic city center
Its narrow streets, reminiscent of villages in the south of France, are lined with stores selling traditional products such as Limoncello.
2 | Stop at Piazza Tasso
3 | Discover the Madeleine cloister
4 | Visit Sorrento Cathedral
5 | A stroll along the Marina Grande harbour
I suggest you take your tour of the town a step further, towards Marina Grande. This ancient port is reminiscent of old Italian villages. Here, a multitude of family restaurants and local establishments line the quayside.
POSITANO
Positano, one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast, reveals itself to you as you approach the town by car. Despite its modest size, it’s a town on several levels, with a maze of steps and slopes to climb to discover all its secrets. Ceramics are a veritable institution here.
What to see and do in Positano ?
1 | Strolling the streets of Positano
I don’t have any specific instructions for visiting the city, just let yourself be guided by its narrow streets and climb to the heights of the city.
2 | Go to the beach, which offers one of the city’s most beautiful views
Don’t forget to make a detour to Positano beach, which offers one of the finest panoramic views of the city. A large part of the beach is private, and access to a deckchair will cost you the modest sum of €25!
3 | Take a boat from Positano to Amalfi
This outing is a practical option for visiting the towns of the Amalfi Coast using public transport. The cost is €18 per person for a round trip. What’s more, it offers a view of the towns from the sea.
Where to eat in Positano ?
We discovered the Casa E Bottega restaurant on Via Pasitea, which I can’t recommend highly enough. Their menu is a true tribute to Italian cuisine, with particular attention paid to fresh, quality ingredients. The setting is simply stunning, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I particularly appreciated their approach to cooking, with its emphasis on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
PRAIANO
Nestled between the lively towns of Amalfi and Positano, don’t hesitate to stop and discover Praiano away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. This charming town offers an authentic experience of Italian life, with its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, historic churches and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. I, for one, was not disappointed! With its discreet charm and relaxed atmosphere, Praiano is a little hidden treasure on the Amalfi Coast.
What to see and do in Praiano ?
1 | Relax on the beach at Marina di Praia
2 | Stroll through the city’s picturesque alleyways
AMALFI
This small community of 5,000 souls is brimming with charm and hospitality. The streets are lined with restaurants and stores that invite you to discover the local way of life.
Parking: You’ll find one of the town’s few parking lots on the beach, whose entrance is discreetly hidden behind the seawall, just past the “Lo Smeraldino” restaurant.
What to see and do in Amalfi ?
1 | Strolling the city streets
Amalfi’s streets are unique, most running under buildings, offering refuge from the heat and an opportunity to climb for breathtaking views of the town. The hillsides surrounding Amalfi are adorned with lemon trees.
2 | Visit the magnificent Sant’Andrea Cathedral
The highlight of the city is undoubtedly Sant’Andrea Cathedral, a Byzantine monument that dominates the city from the top of its sixty steps. For €3, you can admire the magnificent Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso) and a crypt housing the relics of the apostle Saint Andrew.
3 | Climb to the heights of Amalfi
I recommend climbing up to the Monumental Cemetery in the hills above Amalfi. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the town. Access can be a little tricky to find with all the stairs and little streets going off in all directions, but don’t hesitate to ask for directions.
Where to eat ice cream in Amalfi?
Stop off at Cioccolato e Gelato Andrea Pansa on your visit to Amalfi, you won’t regret it!
This ice cream parlour is a veritable local institution, renowned for its delicious artisanal ice creams. The flavors are authentic and the ingredients top quality. Although the choice of flavors is more limited than at other ice-cream parlors, the quality is undeniable.
ATRANI
Located close to Amalfi, Atrani is a destination less frequented by tourists and retains its authentic charm. The village has preserved its local character, with locals gathering for a drink in the central square.
What to see and do in Atrani ?
1 | Strolling the city streets
2 | Getting to the edge of town
One of Atrani’s major attractions is the breathtaking view of the cliffs overlooked by the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.
RAVELLO
Surely the most beautiful village on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello nestles in the hills above the sea. It’s our coastal favorite. It’s famous for its music festival, the passage of Wagner, and above all for its spectacular gardens. Don’t hesitate to book a meal in one of the town’s restaurants.
What to see and do in Ravello ?
1 | Discover Villa Rufolo with its gardens and sea view
Villa Rufolo, the most famous, boasts breathtaking gardens and a museum that tells the story of the villa and the illustrious personalities who have stayed there. But the most impressive thing about Villa Rufolo is undoubtedly its view.
A plunging view of the sea, magnified by the famous umbrella pine that rises above the Church of dell’Annunziata. It’s one of the most famous panoramas in the world. Admission costs €6/person.
2 | Strolling through Villa Cimbrone
You can also visit the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, a renowned hotel offering a daily tour for €7 from 9am. This is another opportunity to admire the panorama from the Terrazzo dell’Infinito.
3 | Stroll through Ravello’s hypercentre
Where to sleep on the Amalfi Coast?
As I mentioned above, if you have a vehicle, I strongly recommend that you choose accommodation with parking facilities. Nightly rates in this area are quite expensive, rising quickly to €180-200 per night in towns like Positano or Amalfi. Don’t hesitate to look at accommodation in smaller towns such as Praiano, Atrani, Minori, Maiori, etc.
For our part, we chose to spend 2 nights in Sorrento and 3 nights in Scale, which is not far from Ravello. In Sorrento, the cheapest accommodation option was to sleep in a bungalow in a campsite. For Ravello, we found an excellent accommodation plan with optional parking for just €70 per night.
Thanks for reading!
Mylène
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