The Ultimate 2-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Top Places To See And Things To Do
Planning a short trip to the Amalfi Coast and wondering how much you can actually see in 2 days? I’ve been there too.
There are 13 towns, lots of coastal roads, and so many beautiful spots that it’s hard to know where to start. Two days might not sound like much, but with a good plan, you can still enjoy a lot.
When we visited, we only had two days before our flight, so we had to plan wisely, and it worked out perfectly. In this guide, I’ll show you what we did each day, where to stay, what food to try, and a few little tips to help you make the most of your trip.
If you have only two days on the Amalfi Coast, here are my recommended places to stay:
$$$ Hotel Marina Riviera
$$ Hotel Residence
$$ DieciSedici
$ D’Amalfi Hospitality
2 Days On The Amalfi Coast: Our Itinerary
Here’s how we spent our two days exploring the Amalfi Coast. I’ll take you through each town, what we did, where we ate, and a few tips for your trip.
Day 1. Ravello and Amalfi
Ravello is one of those towns you have to visit when exploring the Amalfi Coast. Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and, during the peak season, to make sure you get a seat on the bus.
Take the bus from the main station in Amalfi Town to Ravello. You’ll buy your tickets from the man in a yellow vest near the bus stop. Don’t forget to get return tickets too. A one-way bus ticket costs €1.5.
The ride is quite an experience! The road climbs high above the coast, twisting through the cliffs, and the sea views are incredible.
Once you arrive, spend some time walking around the center of Ravello, filled with colorful souvenir shops and a small church. It’s a peaceful town and perfect for photos.
The top things to do in Ravello are visiting its famous villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. We chose Villa Cimbrone, and it was beautiful. The walk there takes you through quiet lanes lined with lemon trees, giving you a real taste of authentic Italy.
Entrance to Villa Cimbrone costs €10, and the gardens are lovely. But the best part is the Infinity Terrace, where the view of the coast is just unbelievable. It’s something you shouldn’t miss.
Tip: Try to get there by 11 a.m. for great photos before it gets too crowded.
We found Ravello to be pricier, so we went back down to Amalfi Town for lunch, where there are many restaurants to choose from. We found Trattoria e Pizzeria da Meme hidden in a narrow alley, and we enjoyed the food.
After lunch, we spent some time exploring Amalfi Town, shopping for souvenirs, and trying a traditional lemon cake at Andrea Pansa Café.
Souvenirs in Amalfi were noticeably cheaper compared to Ravello or Positano, though Andrea Pansa is more expensive because it’s such a popular place.
In the main square, Piazza Duomo, there’s the beautiful Duomo Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. We planned to visit later in the evening, but it was already closing when we got there.
In the evening, we explored Atrani Town, where we stayed, which looks so pretty after sunset. We shared a pizza, grabbed some ice cream, and sat on the beach, a nice and simple way to finish our first day.
Day 2. Positano and the Beach
On our second day, we wanted to see the famous Positano. We took an early morning ferry from Amalfi Town, and it was already quite full since it came from another stop along the coast.
Taking a ferry on the Amalfi Coast is a must-do experience. Watching the colorful towns built into the cliffs while feeling the sunshine and sea breeze is something you’ll always remember. The ferry from Amalfi to Positano costs €10 one way.
Positano really is as beautiful as it looks on Instagram, but we did feel it’s a bit overhyped. Prices for restaurants and accommodation are much higher than in other towns. Still, it’s a place you have to visit at least once when you’re on the Amalfi Coast.
You can walk up through narrow streets full of souvenir shops and enjoy the views at every corner. We stopped for breakfast at Angelo Café, which had an amazing view. I highly recommend it. Delicious pastries and coffee at reasonable prices (coffee €6, pastry €3).
After breakfast, we walked around the coast, took some photos, and then headed back to Amalfi Town.
Tip: If you plan to eat in Positano, remember, the higher up you go, the lower the prices get.
In Atrani, we went to see the Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena Church, but it wasn’t open. At least we got to take some beautiful pictures of the coast that we probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Then we spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach in Atrani, and in the evening went for dinner in Amalfi Town. After dinner, we had the famous lemon sorbet served in a lemon, a classic dessert on the Amalfi Coast.
The next day, it was time to head to the airport. If we had one more day, we definitely would have gone to Capri Island. It’s still on our list for next time!
What Else To Do On The Amalfi Coast
There are so many more things to see and do on the Amalfi coast. The coast has 13 towns: Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Maiori, Minori, Cetara, Furore, Conca dei Marini, Tramonti, Praiano, Scala, and Vietri sul Mare, with Sorrento and Salerno on the outskirts.
Two days is not enough to explore all of them, but if you have more time, here are some activities and experiences you can enjoy on the Amalfi Coast, either on your own or by booking a tour:
- Take a day trip to Capri (don’t miss the Blue Grotto)
- Hike the Path of the Gods
- Take a boat tour
- Visit different towns by bus or by ferry
- Have a romantic dinner with a sea view
- Go for a lemon farm and Limoncello factory tour with tasting
- Explore the Pompei Ruins
- Go kayaking
How To Get To The Amalfi Coast
Getting to the Amalfi Coast was honestly the hardest part for me when planning this trip. The first thing you need to know is which town you’ll be staying in.
If you’re flying into Naples International Airport, there are a few ways to reach the Amalfi Coast, depending on your destination:
- Public transportation: This can be a bus or a mix of bus and train, or bus and ferry.
- Shuttle service: Some shuttles stop in several towns. We found and used Pintour, and it worked well for us.
- Taxi: The easiest but also the most expensive option.
- Private transfer: Easy, flexible, and reliable, plus you know the price in advance. It’s the second most expensive option, but I recommend booking with Welcome Pickups.
Some people also travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. You can take a train or a bus, depending on your schedule and budget.
Where To Stay On The Amalfi Coast
The second important thing when planning your trip is choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast. Many people pick Sorrento or Salerno because they’re more affordable.
However, both are outside the main part of the Amalfi Coast, so you’ll spend a lot of time traveling back and forth, and that can quickly add to your costs. With only 2 days, it’s better to stay somewhere more central.
I recommend staying in Amalfi Town. It’s small, lively, and has everything you need: a beach, restaurants, and a nice center to walk around. It’s also a great transport hub, with easy connections by bus or ferry to other towns.
If you can’t find accommodation in Amalfi (like in our case, since we booked last minute), Atrani is a great alternative. It’s a lovely small town just a 10-minute walk from Amalfi. If you don’t mind walking, staying in Atrani is a good option.
I’m not going to recommend the apartment where we stayed because, honestly, it wasn’t that great. The location was perfect, but the place itself felt old and outdated. I only recommend places I truly think are worth it, so I’d rather skip this one.
Tip: When choosing your accommodation, try not to book too high up. The view might be amazing, but the number of stairs you’ll climb every time is no joke!
➡️Choose accommodation in Amalfi Town here
How To Get Around The Amalfi Coast
There are several ways to get around the Amalfi Coast:
1. Public Transportation: This includes buses and ferries. Buses are the cheapest option, but they can be slow, especially in July and August when traffic is heavy. Outside of summer, buses are a good way to get around.
The public transportation company is called SITA, and you need to buy a ticket before getting on the bus. I had read that tickets could be bought in souvenir or tobacco shops, but none of those we tried were selling them.
Instead, we were directed to the bus station to buy tickets from a man in a yellow vest.
Ferries are another form of public transport. They’re more expensive than buses but faster, and they offer stunning views of the coast from the sea. I do recommend using ferries, especially in summer when the roads are packed.
2. By car: Renting a car is an option, but I only recommend it if you’re an experienced driver. The roads are narrow, often requiring you to stop for oncoming traffic, and people walk along the roadside as well.
Parking can also be tricky. In 2023, a new system based on even and odd license plate numbers was introduced to reduce traffic, so make sure you understand it before renting.
If you do rent a car, I recommend using the Discovercars search aggregator to find the best options.
3. Rent a scooter: Scooters are popular with locals and can be a quick way to get around, especially in traffic. Only consider this if you’re comfortable riding on narrow coastal roads.
4. Walking: Many places can be easily reached on foot.
5. Take an organized tour: This is the easiest and most hassle-free way to explore the Amalfi Coast. It’s pricier than traveling on your own, but you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about transport.
➡️Choose your preferred tour on the Amalfi Coast here.
What To Eat On The Amalfi Coast
There are a few dishes you simply can’t skip when visiting the Amalfi Coast. Of course, you’re in Italy, so pizza is a must! Since Amalfi is by the sea, seafood is always fresh and easy to find.
Definitely try seafood pasta or pasta with shrimp (I can tell you from experience, it’s worth it!).
The pastries and cakes here are next level. One of the traditional ones is the lemon cake, a soft sponge filled with creamy lemon goodness.
You’ll also find gelato everywhere, but if you want to try something special, go for lemon sorbet served in a lemon. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s one of those “I tried it on the Amalfi Coast” moments.
If you enjoy a drink, don’t miss Limoncello, the region’s signature liqueur. You’ll see it served and sold everywhere. In fact, anything with lemon is special here, lemon chocolate, biscuits, candies, you name it.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Amalfi Coast
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in spring or autumn. There are fewer tourists, prices are more reasonable, and the weather is still warm and pleasant.
I’d definitely avoid July and August at all costs. We visited at the beginning of June, and the crowds were already starting to build up. In the middle of summer, it’s hot, packed, and expensive, not the best mix if you want to enjoy the coast.
A local shop owner told us that winter is very quiet, most places close, and locals take time off after the busy season. So, if you’re planning your trip, March to mid-June and mid-September to the end of October are the best months to visit.
Want to see what our 2 days on the Amalfi Coast looked like? Watch my video from the trip and you’ll see the views, food, and towns we explored.
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