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48 Hours of La Dolce Vita on the Amalfi Coast

From pastel Positano to cliff-top Ravello in one perfect weekend

Trip Overview

This compact two-day Amalfi Coast itinerary distills the region's greatest hits into a well paced weekend. You'll wake to sunrise over Positano's candy-colored houses, cruise past hidden coves to Amalfi town, and toast sunset from Ravello's terraced gardens. The rhythm mixes bucket-list sights with leisurely coastal living: morning espresso beside fishing boats, long lunches of fresh scialatielli ai frutti di mare, and sunset Aperol spritzes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Designed for travelers who want maximum views with minimal transit time.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$180-250 per day
Best Seasons
April-June and September-October for ideal weather and smaller crowds
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Romantic getaways, Photography ensoiasts, Food lovers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Positano's Pastel Dreams & Emerald Waters

Positano
Explore vertical Positano's winding lanes, relax on Spiaggia Grande, and boat to the glowing Grotta dello Smeraldo cave.
Morning
Sunrise at Spiaggia Grande and Positano exploration
Start early at Spiaggia Grande beach for golden-hour photos of the iconic pastel cascade, then climb the 1,700+ steps through the village's artisan shops and hidden courtyards to reach the impressive Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome.
3 hours $0 (beach and church free)
Lunch
Chez Black on Spiaggia Grande
Fresh seafood with Amalfi Coast specialties Upscale
Afternoon
Private boat to Grotta dello Smeraldo and coastal swim stops
Charter a small boat from Positano's pier for a 30-minute cruise to the ethereal Grotta dello Smeraldo cave, where sunlight creates an otherworldly emerald glow. Stop at hidden coves like Laurito Beach for swimming in clear water far from crowds.
3-4 hours $120-150 for private boat ($60-80 per person if sharing)
Book the morning of arrival at the main pier - captains gather by the ferry dock
Evening
Sunset cocktails and dinner in Positano
Franco's Bar for sunset drinks, then dinner at La Tagliata (mountain-top restaurant with shuttle service)

Where to Stay Tonight

Positano town center (Hotel Poseidon or Casa Buonocore boutique B&B)

Central location eliminates uphill climbs at day's end, plus easy ferry access for Day 2

Skip the crowded ferry queue - book your Day 2 Amalfi boat transfer directly with your hotel concierge for priority boarding
Day 1 Budget: $220-280
2

Amalfi's Maritime Majesty & Ravello's Gardens

Amalfi to Ravello
Morning in historic Amalfi town, afternoon exploring Ravello's villa gardens with panoramic coastal views.
Morning
Amalfi Cathedral and Paper Museum
Catch the 9:30 AM ferry from Positano to Amalfi (25 minutes), then explore the impressive striped-marble Cathedral of Sant'Andrea with its dramatic staircase. Visit the nearby Museo della Carta to see medieval paper-making techniques unchanged since Amalfi's 13th-century heyday.
2.5 hours $12 (Cathedral + Museum)
Lunch
Trattoria da Gemma
Traditional Amalfitan with lemon-themed dishes Mid-range
Afternoon
Ravello villa gardens and panoramic terraces
Take the 20-minute SITA bus up hairpin bends to Ravello, perched 1,200 feet above sea level. Wander Villa Rufolo's terraced gardens where Wagner composed, then Villa Cimbrone's Infinity Terrace for the coast's most photographed view stretching from Maiori to Minori.
3 hours $14 (both villa entries)
Buy the combined villa ticket at the first villa to save $3
Evening
Farewell dinner overlooking the coast
Belmond Hotel Caruso's restaurant in Ravello, or return to Amalfi for sunset at Marina Grande

Where to Stay Tonight

Amalfi town (if extending) or late ferry back to Positano (Hotel Luna Convento (converted 13th-century monastery) or overnight return to Positano)

Amalfi offers easier connections to Naples/Salerno airports; Positano if you prefer the iconic village finale

The 4:30 PM bus from Ravello to Amalfi has the best views - sit on the right side for cliff-edge vistas without vertigo
Day 2 Budget: $150-200

Practical Information

Getting Around

Ferries connect Positano-Amalfi-Ravello efficiently from April-October (€12-15 per leg). SITA buses run year-round but get crowded; buy the 24-hour UnicoCostiera pass for €10. Taxis are expensive (€80-120 between towns) but split between 3-4 travelers can be worthwhile for luggage or tight schedules.

Book Ahead

Amalfi Coast hotels book months ahead for peak season. Reserve restaurant tables at La Tagliata and Belmond Caruso. Pre-book Grotta dello Smeraldo boat tours online during July-August weekends.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes for steep stairs, swimsuit for spontaneous dips, light sweater for evening boat rides, portable charger for endless photo ops, and motion sickness tablets for coastal buses.

Total Budget

$370-480 for the weekend (excluding flights/international travel)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in Sorrento (30-minute train from Naples) and take €10 SITA buses daily. Grab pizza al taglio lunches and skip private boats for €15 group grotto tours. Total drops to $120-150 per day.

Luxury Upgrade

Upgrade to Le Sirenuse in Positano, hire a private driver for the weekend ($500/day), book helicopter transfers from Naples, and dine at Michelin-starred Rossellinis in Ravello. Expect $800-1,200 daily.

Family-Friendly

Choose Atrani over Positano for flatter terrain and a real beach. Replace Grotta dello Smeraldo with Spiaggia di Atrani where kids can play safely. Take the elevator (not stairs) to Amalfi Cathedral and reward with gelato at Pasticceria Pansa.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Amalfi Coast

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Amalfi Coast

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Amalfi Coast

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Amalfi Coast

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Amalfi Coast

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