Unveiling the Enchantment of the Amalfi Coast
Are you ready to embark on a journey along the mesmerizing Amalfi Coast? This picturesque stretch of the Italian coastline is a dream destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. In this curated itinerary, we will guide you through the must-visit gems of the Amalfi Coast, ensuring your trip is nothing short of magical.
Exploring the Amalfi Coast in 5 Days -
Let's dive right into the heart of the Amalfi Coast adventure. From the vibrant town of Amalfi to the tranquil shores of Positano, here's an itinerary that will take you through this enchanting region:
Day 1 - Amalfi Day 2 - Positano Day 3 - Ravello
Day 4 - Capri Day 5 - Sorrento
Day 1: Amalfi - The Heartbeat of the Coast
Embracing History in Piazza Duomo
Start your journey in Amalfi by exploring the historic Piazza Duomo. During the summers, the Piazza is extremely busy with tourists who come to visit the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral. At ground level, the square is home to a number of shops, restaurants and the Fontana di Sant'Andrea. This is an emblematic fountain located in the historic centre of Amalfi. The Baroque-style fountain dates back to 1760.
Amalfi Cathedral: A Marvel of Architecture
The Amalfi Cathedral is a stunning example of medieval Italian architecture. It has an immense staircase of 62 steps and an amazing facade that will surprise you with its stunning beauty. From March to June it is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:45 pm;
From July to September it is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:45 pm;
November through February it opens daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Day 2: Positano - The Gem of the Coast
Positano is a hugely popular resort town and the jewel of southern Italy's iconic Amalfi Coast. Until 1950, this town was a quiet fishing village but in recent years Positano has exploded as a popular tourist destination.
This town is built on two steep hills. Walking through Positano can be hard work so make sure you have your most comfortable walking shoes on!
The beautiful beaches sit at the bottom, along with the famous marina.
Spiaggia Grande: Relaxation and Scenic Views
Positano is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Spiaggia Grande is the crown jewel. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach of Positano, visited every year by thousands of people. It can be reached on foot starting from the centre of the town (Piazza dei Mulini).
The beach stretches for about 400 meters and on the side, there is the pier from which you can depart and arrive. Here you can catch ferries and shuttles to nearby beaches; you can also buy boat or Kayak trips.
Day 3 - Ravello
Perched on a hilltop more than 1200 feet (365 meters) above the Mediterranean and far removed from the crowds, Ravello is a real hidden treasure and is known as the balcony of the Amalfi Coast.
Ravello is one of the quietest places along the Amalfi Coast, set away from the seaside and the busy beaches.
Villa Cimbrone: A Garden to Enjoy
Sitting high atop a cliff Villa Cimbrone offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the dramatic coastline below. With its large and well-kept gardens and dramatic views, the villa is a popular place for weddings, honeymoons, and receptions.
Take a walk through the garden for some stunning scenery and views.
Ravello Festival
The Ravello Festival is also popularly known as the "Wagner Festival" and is an annual summer festival of music and the arts held in the town. Look for details of when the festival will be held and what is involved.
Day 4: Capri - The Island of Dreams
The amazingly beautiful island of Capri is one of the most famous destinations in Italy and a place that is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Located just in front of Naples, it has fabulous swimming and boating spots and has wonderful romantic atmosphere. But like many other popular destinations, it can get very crowded with tourists at certain times of the year.
May, to early June and early September are the best times to see the island with more limited crowds while July and August get fantastic weather the number of visitors is high.
Blue Grotto: A Natural Wonder
One of the must-see boat trips is to the Blue Grotto, a mesmerizing sea cave with clear blue waters. It's a natural wonder that you will never forget.
Opening hours: each day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with good and favourable sea conditions (when there are high winds, the cave mouth is inaccessible). The grotto is closed to visitors during rough seas or high winds, and it's always closed on December 25th and January 1st.
Gardens of Augustus -
Explore the Gardens of Augustus, a beautiful botanical garden with panoramic views. Close to the centre and only steps away from the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, the Gardens of Augustus are comprised of a series of panoramic flower-decked terraces overlooking the Faraglioni on the one side and the Bay of Marina Piccola on the other.
Day 5: Sorrento - Overlooking The Bay of Naples
Sorrento is amazing, it gives a stunning panorama of the Bay of Naples with its picturesque narrow streets and many parks, lemon, orange and olive groves.
Small independent workshops are packed together onto a maze of cobbled alleys, with the inevitable mix of locals and tourists bustling through the centre.
Limoncello - A Unique Drink
Sorrento is famous for Limoncello, a lemon liqueur. Visit a local distillery and savour the refreshing taste of this regional speciality.
Historic Center Exploration
Take a leisurely stroll around Sorrento's historic centre, filled with narrow alleyways and charming shops. The rich architectural heritage makes the historical centre a must-see, with its mansions, historic homes, and numerous churches.
Final Thoughts
The Amalfi Coast offers an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and rich culture. Whichever way you decide to visit you'll discover the true essence of this dreamy destination. From the historic charm of Amalfi to the natural wonders of Capri, your trip along the Amalfi Coast will be a treasure trove of memories.