Amalfi Coast Itinerary: 10 Days, Where to Stay, What to Do and Costs

Planning an Amalfi Coast itinerary? Here’s exactly how to spend 10 days in Italy, including where to stay, what to do and what it really costs.

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The Amalfi Coast had been on my bucket list for years, and I finally ticked it off with a ten night trip, travelling with two friends. Here’s exactly how our trip played out, from where we stayed to how we got around.

If you are planning a similar trip, it is worth checking accommodation options along the Amalfi Coast early to compare prices and availability, as they vary a lot depending on location and season.

While people often refer to Sorrento and Capri as part of the Amalfi Coast, the actual stretch runs from Positano to Vietri sul Mare. For simplicity, this itinerary covers the wider Campania region including Sorrento, Capri and Naples.

If you’re after a specific town or day trip, you can browse my full Amalfi Coast guides here, including Positano, Capri and more.

Amalfi Coast Itinerary Overview

• Days 1–3: Sorrento
• Day 4: Positano
• Day 5: Path of the Gods
• Day 6: Amalfi & Ravello
• Day 7: Capri
• Day 8: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
• Days 9–10: Naples

Jump to:

• Accommodation
• Transport on the Amalfi Coast
• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 4: Positano
• Day 5: Path of the Gods
• Day 7: Capri
• Day 8: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
• Day 10: Naples
• Budget Breakdown

Accommodation

If you are planning a similar trip, it is worth checking accommodation options along the Amalfi Coast early to compare prices and availability.

Sorrento (8 Nights)

For most of our trip, we stayed in a simple Airbnb cottage just outside Sorrento, about 20 minutes from the town centre. The nearest village was Sant’Agata, and there was a SITA bus stop right outside the gate, which made getting around easy.

We paid £659.90 in total for 8 nights between three of us, which worked out at roughly £220 each. We paid a 50% deposit when booking in February, with the balance due in August ahead of our trip.

The cottage itself was basic but had air conditioning, Wi-Fi and an incredible panoramic view of Mount Vesuvius. It was spread across two floors and run by a lovely host named Claudia, who was incredibly helpful throughout our stay.

If you are planning a similar trip, it is worth checking accommodation just outside Sorrento as you can often get better value while still being close to the main town.

Book Claudia’s Cottage

Naples (2 Nights)

We ended our itinerary with two nights in Naples, staying in this Airbnb in the Old Town. We paid £223.62 in total, which worked out to roughly £75 each between the three of us. We paid in full at the time of booking, with the option to cancel for free up until the day before check in, which was a nice bonus.

We chose this place mainly for its location, right in the heart of the Old Town, with easy access to metro lines, shops and restaurants. What really made it stand out, though, was the private terrace, which was perfect for relaxing in the evenings after long days exploring.

Book Paola’s Art Terrace

Transport on the Amalfi Coast

Transfers from Naples

Since none of us were keen on driving abroad, especially along those winding coastal roads, we skipped the hire car and booked a private transfer from Naples to Sorrento, which made arrival completely stress free. We paid £45 each for door to door service from Naples Airport to our Airbnb near Sorrento, with free cancellation and a driver waiting at arrivals. It was one of the easiest parts of the trip.

Getting Around: Buses, Ferries & Taxis

We mainly relied on SITA buses, which cover most of the Amalfi Coast including Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. They are budget friendly but often crowded, especially in peak season, so it is worth getting to the stop early if you want a seat.

For Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, the SITA buses were the easiest option, although timetables can be a bit unreliable. We found it helpful to board at Sponda in Positano rather than Chiesa Nuova to avoid the queues.

We also used taxis for more remote spots or when timing was tight, such as getting to Maya Beach or heading back after dinner. Expect to pay around €16 to €20 per ride within Sorrento and €50 or more for longer journeys. We often split fares between the three of us, which helped keep costs down.

On our day trip to Capri, we used a boat tour with transfers included from Sorrento, which was much easier than trying to coordinate ferry times ourselves.

If you prefer a smoother start to your trip, it is worth booking a private transfer from Naples in advance rather than relying on taxis at the airport.

Travel Tips for the Amalfi Coast

• Use the Unico Campania app for SITA bus tickets as it saves queueing at kiosks
• Use Google Maps for rough bus timings, but expect some variation
• Carry cash, as smaller towns and buses are not always card friendly
• Book taxis through your accommodation where possible, as pricing can vary

10 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary (Day by Day Guide)

Day 1: Arriving on the Amalfi Coast

After arriving in Sorrento and settling into our Airbnb just outside town, we spent a few hours soaking in the views, unpacking and easing into the trip after a day of travel.

That evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at O’Parrucchiano La Favorita, the famous lemon grove restaurant that had been all over TikTok and featured in almost every travel guide I came across beforehand. It has become so popular that bookings are only accepted 15 days in advance by phone, with a €30 minimum spend per person. I called at 10:30am UK time and was able to secure a reservation easily, with no deposit required.

Since our accommodation was a little outside the town centre, our host kindly gave us a lift into Sorrento. For the return, we used a local taxi driver recommended by our host, which cost €50 for the 20 minute journey back to Sant’Agata, split between the three of us.

It was the perfect first evening, with great food, a beautiful setting and that feeling of finally being on the Amalfi Coast.

If you are planning to visit, it is worth booking restaurants like this in advance, especially during peak season.

Day 2: Sorrento

Maya Beach Experience

We kicked off our first full day with some luxury downtime at Maya Beach Experience, a beach club just outside Sorrento. We pre-booked VIP Pool Sunbeds which cost €50 per person, paid on arrival. That covered our sunbeds, towels, umbrellas, bottled water, and access to the main saltwater pool.

The beach club has a few different areas to choose from, but we wanted prime spots by the pool — worth it for a full day of relaxing. We arrived around 11am and spent the day lounging, swimming, and enjoying food and drinks ordered directly to our beds. Between the three of us, we spent around €55 each on lunch and drinks.

We stayed until about 4.30pm, then headed back to the Airbnb to freshen up before dinner.

If you are visiting in summer, it is worth reserving beach club sunbeds in advance as they book up quickly.

Traditional 3 Course Italian Meal with a Local Family

That evening, we booked an Eat With experience hosted by Barbara, a local who prepared a traditional multi course Italian meal using ingredients from her own garden.

The experience cost £34 per person and was advertised as a 3 course meal, but it ended up being closer to five courses, with homemade pasta, vegetables and desserts all served al fresco on her terrace. It was one of the most authentic and intimate experiences of the trip.

If you are looking for something more local and personal, it is worth booking an Eat With experience to get a more authentic taste of Italian food and culture.

You can read about my full experience here.

Day 3: Exploring Sorrento

After a relaxing day at the beach club, we were ready to explore Sorrento properly. Our Airbnb was located just outside the town, but we had a pedestrian route into the centre that took about an hour with a few photo stops along the way.

Breakfast at Bar Ercolano

We started the day with breakfast at Bar Ercolano, a casual local spot in the heart of town. We grabbed coffee and pastries and sat outside watching the town come to life.

Shopping in the Old Town

Next, we wandered through Via San Cesareo, Sorrento’s busy old town street filled with independent shops selling leather sandals, handmade ceramics, limoncello and souvenirs. It is narrow, lively and a little chaotic, but definitely worth exploring. We also walked along Corso Italia, the main street, which is wider and lined with a mix of local boutiques and familiar brands.

Vallone Dei Mulin

Just a few steps from Piazza Tasso, we stopped at Vallone dei Mulini, also known as the Valley of the Mills. It is an abandoned 13th century flour mill surrounded by greenery and tucked into a deep ravine. You cannot go inside, but the view from above is striking.

Lemon Grove and Limoncello Tasting

We booked a 60 minute tasting and tour at I Giardini di Cataldo, a lemon grove and limoncello producer in the centre of Sorrento. For €32 per person, this included:

• A walk through the lemon grove
• A short history of limoncello making
• Tastings of lemons, jams, limoncello, other liqueurs and lemon ice cream
• A small DIY limoncello bottling experience to take away

It was a nice experience, although in hindsight not the best value as there are free lemon gardens nearby. If you are mainly interested in trying limoncello, it is worth looking for smaller tastings or visiting local shops instead, but this is a good option if you want a more structured experience.

Tip: bring mosquito spray

Cooking Class with a View

To end the day, we booked a 4 hour evening cooking class in Sorrento, which included a scenic 20 minute transfer to a villa overlooking the sea. The setting was beautiful, with lemon trees, a warm breeze and views across the coastline as the sun began to set.

During the class, we made eggplant parmesan, fresh gnocchi in tomato sauce and tiramisù, all based on the host’s family recipes. After cooking, we sat down with the other guests to enjoy the meal together, which made the whole experience feel even more special.

If you want a similar experience, it is worth booking a Sorrento cooking class in advance as they often sell out in peak season.

You can read about my full cooking class experience here.

Day 4: Day Trip to Positano

We took the SITA bus from Sorrento and spent the day exploring Positano — from brunch at Casa E Bottega and boutique shopping to a relaxing afternoon at Spiaggia Grande with pre-booked sunbeds. It was a beautiful (and busy) day trip, but we were glad we stayed based in Sorrento rather than in Positano itself.

You can read about my full Positano day trip here.

Day 5: Hiking the Paths of the Gods

The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is known as one of the most scenic hikes in the world. We followed the most popular route from Bomerano to Nocelle, which took us just over two hours, with plenty of photo stops. After reaching the end, we made our way down the 1,700+ steps to Arienzo Beach for a well-earned dip in the sea.

You can read our full hiking experience here.

Day 6: Amalfi & Ravello

We set off early to explore two of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic towns, Amalfi and Ravello. Since Ravello sits above Amalfi, it made sense to visit them both in one day. We took the SITA bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, but when we saw the queue for the bus up to Ravello, we decided to split a taxi instead. It was a bit more expensive, but worth it to stay on schedule and avoid the wait.

Lunch at Belmond Caruso

In Ravello, we had a long, relaxed lunch at the Belmond Hotel Caruso, which has incredible views and was easily one of the highlights of the trip. After lunch, we visited:

• Villa Rufolo
• Villa Cimbrone, including the famous Infinity Terrace

We then made our way back to Amalfi for a quick visit to the cathedral and its cloisters, followed by a casual dinner before heading back to Sorrento.

Tip: it is worth getting to the bus stop early, as queues build quickly in the late afternoon.

If you are planning a similar day, it is worth allowing extra time or budgeting for a taxi between Amalfi and Ravello to avoid long waits.

Day 7: Capri

We booked this Capri boat tour from Sorrento, which ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The tour included stops at the Blue Grotto, swimming spots around the island and time to explore Capri itself, making it an easy way to see everything without having to organise it ourselves.

If you are short on time, this is one of the easiest ways to visit Capri without worrying about transport or timings.

The day started early, with a 7:30am meeting time, and we were back in Sorrento by 2:30pm, which still left plenty of time to explore, shop and enjoy dinner in the evening.

Entry to the Blue Grotto costs €18 and is paid separately on arrival by small boat. It is touristy, but also genuinely magical if the tide and sunlight line up.

After returning to Sorrento, we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the town and taking it easy.

If you are planning a visit, you can read about our full Capri experience here.

Day 8: Pompeii & Vesuvius

Rather than squeezing it in on the way to Naples, we dedicated a full day to visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, and we are glad we did.

We booked this Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius day tour, which made the whole day much easier to manage. The tour included transport, a guided walk through Pompeii, lunch and a drive up Mount Vesuvius followed by a short but steep hike to the crater.

Having everything organised meant we did not have to worry about logistics or timings, which made the experience far more enjoyable. At £114.89 each, it was one of the more expensive activities of the trip, but also one of the most memorable and definitely worth it.

We were back in Sorrento by 4:30pm, just in time to wind down at Spa Ulysses, a relaxing little spot in town where we booked a 2 hour spa session for €25. This included use of the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and pool, and it was exactly what we needed after a full day of exploring.

If you want to visit both in one day, it is worth booking a Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour as it removes the need to plan transport.

Dinner at Bellevue Syrene

To mark our last evening in Sorrento, and on the Amalfi Coast, we treated ourselves to a luxury dinner at Bellevue Syrene, one of the most iconic hotels on the peninsula.

We contacted the restaurant by email to request a reservation for one of two possible dates, and they replied the next day confirming a table on La Pergola, their panoramic terrace overlooking Piazza della Vittoria and the sea.

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt special. We were welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine that was so good we spent the rest of the trip trying to find it again in Naples, and I eventually ended up ordering it online once I got home.

It was the perfect send off, with peaceful views, elegant food and that “can’t believe we are really here” kind of feeling.

Day 9: Travel to Naples & Pizza Pilgrimage

After checking out of our Airbnb in Sorrento, we caught the Campania Express to Naples, which is a more comfortable upgrade from the standard Circumvesuviana train. We pre booked online for €15 per person, which included reserved seating and an e ticket, so there was no need to validate it at the station. The journey took around 1 hour and 20 minutes, arriving at Napoli Garibaldi.

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele a Forcella

First stop was pizza, obviously. We headed straight to L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele a Forcella, the iconic spot made even more famous by Eat, Pray, Love. Despite the hype, it absolutely delivered.

The menu sticks to the classics, Marinara, Margherita or Cosacca, all for around €5.50. We went for the Marita, which is half Margherita and half Marinara, but honestly the Margherita alone was the standout. It was easily the best pizza of the trip.

Street Food Tour

Later, we joined a Naples street food tour that we had pre booked for £32.67 each. It lasted around 2.5 hours and included about six tastings, but in truth we found it a bit underwhelming. The guide was friendly, but the stops felt fairly generic and not quite the hidden gem experience we had hoped for. If we did it again, we would probably follow our own list and explore the food scene at our own pace.

If you are planning something similar, you can check Naples food tours to compare options.

Day 10: Exploring Naples

With just one full day left, we wanted to make the most of our time in Naples, so we followed a loose route that balanced sightseeing with plenty of food stops.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

We started our day at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in the world for Roman history and artefacts. It is well worth a visit, even if you have already seen Pompeii, as it adds much more context. We booked tickets online in advance for around €22.50 per person. If you are planning ahead, it is worth checking tickets for the Naples National Archaeological Museum to avoid queues and secure your entry time.

Galleria Umberto I, Castel Sant’Elmo & More

From there, we visited a few of Naples’ best known spots:

• Galleria Umberto I, the kind of place that makes you look up constantly
• Castel Sant’Elmo, with incredible views over Naples
• Piazza del Plebiscito, a great photo spot
• Via Toledo, ideal for a bit of shopping
• Cafe Gambrinus, one of the oldest cafes in Naples and perfect for a late morning espresso

Da Brandi a Chiaia

For lunch, we made our way to Da Brandi, the birthplace of the Margherita pizza. It is a more formal setting than Da Michele, but still relaxed and full of history. It is definitely worth adding to your list if you are doing a pizza pilgrimage through Naples.

Wandering the Spanish Quarter

In the afternoon, we wandered through the Spanish Quarter, which is colourful, chaotic and full of character. It is a great area for soaking up the local atmosphere, spotting street art and picking up last minute souvenirs.

Day 11: Departure

Our time on the Amalfi Coast and in Naples had flown by, and just like that, it was time to head home. Naples Airport was easily one of the most chaotic we have experienced, with poor signage and constant delays on the departure screens. If you are flying from here, it is worth arriving early and checking your airline app rather than relying on the airport monitors. We were back on UK soil by early evening, tired, sun kissed and very well fed.

If you are planning your trip, it is worth comparing flights early to get the best prices.

Expenses & Budget Breakdown for the Amalfi Coast

Here is a full breakdown of what I spent during 10 nights on the Amalfi Coast. Prices are approximate as some were converted from euros. This was a bit of a splurge trip, but it shows what a realistic mid to high range budget can look like.

Total trip cost: approximately £2,090 per person

Flights and Accommodation

• Flight from Birmingham to Naples: £37
• Flight from Naples to London Stansted: £90
• Sorrento Airbnb: £220
• Naples Airbnb: £75
• Birmingham airport hotel: £46
• Tourist tax: £14

Total: £468

Transport

• Private transfer from Naples Airport to Sorrento: £45
• Train from Sorrento to Naples: £13
• Local transport including taxis, buses and metro: approximately £170

Total: £231

Activities

• Maya Beach Experience: £43
• Sorrento cooking class: £83
• Capri boat tour: £128
• Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour: £115
• Naples street food tour: £33
• Spa Ulysses: £22
• Other attractions and entry fees: approximately £130

Total: £553

Food and Drink

Food and drink varied quite a lot depending on the day, from quick local meals to more expensive restaurants.

Total: £478

Shopping and Souvenirs

This included gifts, ceramics, clothing and a few personal items.

Total: £361

Quick Summary

• Budget trip: £1,200 to £1,500
• Mid range trip: £1,800 to £2,200
• Luxury trip: £2,500+

If you are planning a similar trip, it is worth booking accommodation and key activities early to secure better prices and spread the cost.

Explore more Amalfi Coast guides

If you are planning your trip, you might also find these helpful:

• A Day Trip Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius
• A Day Trip to Capri and the Blue Grotto
• Hiking the Path of the Gods
• The Viral Cooking Class in Sorrento
• Eat With The Bimonte Family in Sorrento

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 days enough for the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, 10 days is enough to explore the Amalfi Coast at a relaxed pace, including Sorrento, Positano, Capri and nearby highlights like Pompeii.

Where is the best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

Sorrento is one of the best bases thanks to its transport links, range of accommodation and easy access to nearby towns like Positano and Capri.

How much does a trip to the Amalfi Coast cost?

A typical trip can range from £1,200 for a budget itinerary to £2,500 or more for a luxury experience, depending on accommodation, activities and dining choices.

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

The Amalfi Coast can be expensive, especially in peak season, but it is possible to visit on a mid range budget by staying in places like Sorrento and planning activities in advance.