Perfect 3 Day Trip on the Amalfi Coast

Written By Ashley & Kelly Peachy Passports

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth (pictures just don't do it justice), but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming and expensive if you don’t plan right. Thanks to TikTok, it feels like every influencer and their grandma has made a pilgrimage here, driving up prices and packing the streets with tourists who have no idea how to navigate the bus schedule. Don’t be fooled by those dreamy Instagram shots of empty Positano streets—those are taken at 5 AM, and even then, there’s probably a line of people waiting to take the same photo.

But here’s the thing: Amalfi is still worth it. You just have to do it right. With the right mix of planning, avoiding the overhyped (and overpriced) traps, and knowing when to splurge, you can have an unforgettable experience that feels authentic, not just like a crowded amusement park. 

That’s where we come in! Here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you explore like a local, balancing budget-friendly gems with a few splurge-worthy experiences. While highlighting accessibility considerations so everyone can enjoy the Amalfi magic!


TL;DR: Your 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

  • Day 1: Ravello & Amalfi – Start with a peaceful morning in Ravello, wander its dreamy gardens, have a long lazy lunch in Amalfi, then unwind with sunset drinks in Atrani.

  • Day 2: Boating & Hidden Beaches – Rent a small boat (best decision ever), discover secret coves, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch in Praiano, and end the day with a golden-hour hike along the Path of the Gods.

  • Day 3: Cetara & Praiano – Wake up slow in a tiny fishing village, eat the best seafood of your life, shop for ceramics in Vietri sul Mare, and finish with an unforgettable sunset dinner in Praiano.

  • Getting Around: Use SITA buses, ferries, and private drivers. Avoid renting a car unless you enjoy white-knuckling the steering wheel while Italian drivers zoom past.

  • Where to Stay: Atrani (budget), Praiano (quiet views), Ravello (serene retreat), Positano (iconic but pricey).

Where to Stay & How to Get Around

Where to rest:

Choosing the right base on the Amalfi Coast can make or break your trip. Here are four solid options based on accessibility, budget, and overall experience:

  1. Atrani (Budget-Friendly & Local Feel) – Right next to Amalfi but way less crowded. Easy access to ferries and buses, plus a quiet village vibe.

  2. Praiano (Best for Sunsets & Less Crowds) – Between Positano and Amalfi, with stunning views. Buses run frequently, but some areas have steep climbs.

  3. Ravello (Serene & Scenic) – Perfect for those who want tranquility. Not directly on the water, but offers a more relaxed experience with easy bus access.

  4. Positano (Iconic But Pricey) – Ideal for first-timers who want the classic Amalfi experience. Be ready for crowds and stairs. We personally wouldn’t choose it, if you have the means and want the convenience, it can be a good fit. But keep in mind the best view of Positano is from the water.

Getting Around:

The Amalfi Coast is not the easiest place to navigate, but if you plan ahead, you can get around smoothly:

  • SITA Buses (€2-3 per ride) – The most budget-friendly option, but expect long wait times and packed buses during peak season.

  • Ferries (€8-20 per ride) – The best way to avoid traffic and get stunning views of the coast. Runs between major towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno.

  • Private Drivers (€80-150 per ride) – Pricey, but if you’re traveling with a group or want to avoid the stress, it’s worth considering.

  • Walking & Hiking – Many places are best explored on foot, but be mindful of the many stairs and steep paths.

Renting a Car or Vespa? Think Twice.

We get it—riding a Vespa along the Amalfi Coast sounds like a dream. But in reality, it can be terrifying for most drivers. Here’s why:

  • Narrow, Winding Roads – The roads are barely wide enough for two cars, and buses take up a lot of space.

  • Traffic & Aggressive Drivers – Local drivers know these roads inside out and will tailgate you if you hesitate.

  • Limited Parking – Finding a parking spot is nearly impossible, and even if you do, it’ll cost you €5-10 per hour.

  • Steep Cliffs with No Guardrails – Need we say more?

  • One-Lane Sections & Blind Curves – Some parts of the road are literally only wide enough for one car at a time, meaning you have to back up (sometimes on a cliffside) if another vehicle is coming. Add in blind corners where you can’t see oncoming traffic until the last second, and you have a recipe for anxiety.

Unless you’re a very confident driver, stick to public transport and ferries. It’s less stressful, cheaper, and allows you to actually enjoy the scenery instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel.


Day 1: Ravello & Amalfi - A Perfect Coastal Introduction

Morning: Ravello - The Peaceful Escape

Ravello feels like the kind of town you’d stumble upon in a fairy tale. You wake up to birds chirping, mist rolling off the cliffs, and the smell of fresh espresso wafting through quiet streets.

Start your day wandering the Villa Cimbrone Gardens (€7)—the Terrazza dell’Infinito will make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

Next, explore Villa Rufolo (€7), where vibrant gardens spill over stone terraces. Music often drifts from hidden courtyards here, adding to the dreamlike feel.

Stop at Caffè Calce for an espresso and a sfogliatella (a crunchy, ricotta-filled pastry that is life-changing). This is a moment to savor—no rushing allowed.

🚨 Accessibility Note: While the gardens are breathtaking, there are some uneven paths and stairs. If mobility is a concern, Villa Rufolo is the easier of the two to explore.

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: Capture the stunning view from the Terrazza dell’Infinito, it’s postcard-perfect!

🚌 Getting to Amalfi: Either hike down Valle delle Ferriere (1.5 hours), a scenic trail past waterfalls and lemon groves, or take the SITA bus (€2) for a breezy ride.

Afternoon: Amalfi - The Historic Heart

By now, Amalfi is buzzing. The smell of the sea mixes with fresh citrus from the famous lemon stands. Wander through Piazza del Duomo, grabbing a lemon granita to cool off.

For lunch, grab a table at Da Maria (€10-15) for ridiculously good pizza or Eolo (€50+) for ocean-view seafood.

🚨 Accessibility Note: Amalfi can be crowded, especially in peak season. The main square is flat, but side streets have stairs.

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: Stand at the foot of the grand staircase at the Duomo for an epic shot.

Evening: Sunset Drinks in Atrani

Stroll 10 minutes to Atrani, a tiny town where life moves at a slower pace. Sip an Aperol Spritz at Bar Birecto, where drinks come with free snacks (a budget traveler’s dream!).

🚨 Accessibility Note: Atrani is much smaller and easier to navigate than Amalfi, making it a great alternative for those avoiding crowds.

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: Atrani’s beach at sunset is pure magic.

Day 2: Boating & Hidden Beaches - A DIY Adventure

Morning: Rent a Small Boat & Explore

Trust me, renting a small boat is the move that will take this day from good to unforgettable.

Head down to Lucibello Boat Rentals (Positano)—if you’re traveling with friends, split the cost (€120 for 2 hours), which is way cheaper than a guided tour. Make sure to book your boat rental ahead of time as they do sell out, especially during busy season. There are many affordable boat rentals along the Amalfi Coast, this is just one option. No boating license? No problem! The rental staff will give you a quick how-to (and reassure you that yes, even first-timers can do this).

As soon as you push off from the dock, you’ll feel the thrill of freedom. The open sea, the dramatic cliffs, the tiny colorful villages that seem to defy gravity, it’s the kind of thing that makes you pinch yourself.

The best part? You get to decide where to go and how long to stay, no tour guide hustling you along. You can even jump out and swim!

Where to Stop:

  • Furore Fjord – This hidden cove looks straight out of a movie. The towering cliffs and stone bridge create a secluded oasis where you can jump into the cool, crystal-clear water. It’s postcard-perfect, but surprisingly not too crowded early in the morning.

  • Emerald Grotto (€6 entry) – Think of it as Capri’s Blue Grotto’s underrated cousin. The sunlight filtering through the underwater cave gives everything an ethereal green glow. The boat rental team can point you toward it.

  • Secret beaches near Conca dei Marini – Some of the best beaches in Amalfi are only accessible by boat. No crowds, just you, the waves, and maybe a few other in-the-know travelers.

🚨 Accessibility Note: If you have mobility challenges, renting a boat allows you to see stunning beaches without navigating Amalfi’s steep steps or crowded docks.

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: A shot from your boat with Positano’s colorful cliffs in the background is a must!

Afternoon: Lunch & Beach Time in Praiano

Dock your boat in Praiano, a laid-back alternative to Positano, where everything moves a little slower. By now, you’ve worked up an appetite, and this town knows how to feed you right.

Grab a table at Trattoria San Gennaro (€15-20), where the seafood is ridiculously fresh, and the terrace view makes everything taste even better. Order a plate of spaghetti alle vongole (clams in white wine sauce) and soak in the view of endless blue sea. If you’re in the mood for something fancier, head to Il Pirata (€40+), a stunning spot literally built into a cliffside.

After lunch, stretch out on the sand at Marina di Praia Beach, a lesser-known gem tucked between cliffs. The sound of gentle waves lapping the shore, the occasional seagull squawking overhead, the warmth of the sun on your skin—this is what an Amalfi vacation should feel like. ☺️

🚨 Accessibility Note: While Praiano is much less crowded, note that Marina di Praia Beach has uneven rocky terrain, so water shoes are recommended!

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The stunning cliffside views at Il Pirata make for a dreamy Amalfi Coast Instagram shot!

Evening: Sunset at Path of the Gods

If you still have energy left, a sunset hike along the Path of the Gods is a surreal way to close out the day. The hike itself isn’t overly strenuous if you start from Bomerano, but the views? Unreal. The golden light spilling over the cliffs, the villages glowing below. It’s pure magic.

Alternatively, if hiking sounds like too much effort, sip a limoncello spritz at Franco’s Bar in Positano while watching the sun sink into the sea. Either way, you’ll go to bed feeling like you just lived through the best day of your life.

🚨 Accessibility Note: The Path of the Gods has uneven terrain and steep drop-offs, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility concerns. Opting for sunset drinks in Positano is a great alternative!

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The dramatic cliffs and golden sunset along the Path of the Gods make for an unforgettable shot.

Day 3: Cetara & Praiano - Seafood & Coastal Sunsets

Morning: Slow Start in Cetara - A Fishing Village Escape

Today, we’re taking it slow. Cetara, a tiny fishing village, feels like a world away from the tourist-heavy hotspots. Here, life revolves around the sea—locals chat over espresso in the piazza, fishermen mend their nets, and the scent of freshly grilled seafood drifts through the air.

Start your morning at Pasticceria Pane e Cioccolato, where the cornetti (Italian croissants) are buttery perfection. 🤤

Grab a table outside and just be. No rush, no crowds, just the sound of waves and the occasional Vespa zipping by.

🚨 Accessibility Note: Cetara is mostly flat, making it one of the easiest towns to navigate for those with mobility concerns.

📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The fishing boats lining the Cetara harbor at sunrise.

Not a Planner? Try These GetYourGuide Experiences!

For those who prefer guided adventures, here are fantastic, stress-free experiences:

Ashley & Kelly Peachy Passports
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