The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is a 50-kilometre stretch of dramatic Mediterranean shoreline in Campania, southern Italy, running between Positano and Vietri sul Mare. The coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, defined by sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the Tyrrhenian Sea, whitewashed towns stacked vertically above sea caves, and terraced lemon groves perfuming the salt air. A day trip from Naples covers the highlights — Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — across roughly 60 km of coastal road.
From Naples, the most scenic and practical approach is by ferry. Alilauro and NLG ferries depart from Molo Beverello pier near the Naples port entrance, with services to Positano (75 minutes, around €22 one-way) and Amalfi (90 minutes, around €18 one-way). Services run from April through October; frequency is highest between June and September. The ferry arrival at Positano drops passengers directly below the village, offering the iconic view of pastel houses cascading to the water.
A suggested itinerary: take the 09:00 ferry from Naples to Positano. Explore the narrow lanes, the beach of Spiaggia Grande, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome until midday. Lunch at one of the restaurants on the lower beach promenade — spaghetti alle vongole (clams) and grilled sea bream are local staples. Take the SITA bus east along the cliffside SS163 road to Amalfi town (40 minutes, €1.50). Visit the Duomo di Sant'Andrea with its Arab-Norman architecture and the adjacent Chiostro del Paradiso cloister. Walk up to the Valle dei Mulini — the Paper Museum in a former medieval mill — for a quieter, cultural interlude. Then continue by bus to Ravello (20 minutes), perched 350 m above the sea, for the Villa Rufolo gardens and views across the bay. Return to Naples from Amalfi by SITA bus to Salerno (75 minutes), then Frecciarossa train to Naples (35 minutes).
Limoncello and ceramic goods are the signature local purchases along the coast. Prices in restaurants and shops are significantly higher than Naples; budget €25–40 per person for a mid-range lunch.
How to get there
- Ferry from Naples or Salerno
- SITA bus (scenic but slow mountain road)
- Private car or scooter rental
Highlights
- Positano pastel village
- Amalfi cathedral
- Ravello gardens and Villa Rufolo
- Limoncello tasting
- Swimming from coastal rocks
Tips for visiting
- Take the morning ferry from Molo Beverello to Positano for the best coastal approach; return via SITA bus through Salerno to avoid retracing the road.
- Book ferry tickets online in advance during summer — July and August sailings fill quickly and on-the-day pricing is higher.
- The SITA bus along the SS163 is extremely scenic but can be delayed by narrow road congestion; leave buffer time for the return journey.
- Driving independently is not recommended for first-time visitors — the cliff road is single-lane in places and parking is extremely scarce.
- Carry cash for buses, smaller cafes, and beach chair rentals; many small establishments along the coast do not accept cards.
- Ravello is uphill from the bus stop; a short taxi or the local bus connects the Amalfi–Ravello junction with the town centre.
When to visit
May and September are the optimal months — warm enough for swimming, low enough crowds for the narrow roads and ferries to function comfortably, and prices slightly below peak. July and August are extremely busy; ferries and buses can be delayed significantly. The coast is quieter but still beautiful in October and early November, with the lemon harvest underway.
Accessibility
The Amalfi Coast towns are built on extremely steep terrain with numerous steps, narrow alleys, and uneven surfaces throughout. Positano's beach is reached via a long staircase from the main road; Amalfi's Duomo has a broad staircase entrance. There is no continuous accessible route between key sites. Visitors with significant mobility limitations are advised to contact individual venues and the local tourist office before planning the itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to travel from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?
The ferry from Molo Beverello to Positano or Amalfi is the most scenic option and avoids road congestion. From April to October, services are frequent. Outside ferry season, the SITA bus from Salerno (reached by train from Naples) runs year-round along the SS163 coast road.
Is it possible to swim on an Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples?
Yes. Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach has both free public areas and paid beach clubs (around €20–30 for a sunbed and umbrella). Amalfi has a smaller shingle beach near the harbour. Arriving by morning ferry allows two to three hours for swimming before the afternoon sightseeing arc.
How far in advance should the ferry be booked?
In July and August, booking at least two to three days ahead is advisable as peak-season ferries sell out. In May, June, and September, same-day or next-day booking is usually possible online via Alilauro or NLG websites.
Is the Amalfi Coast accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Accessibility is very limited. Positano and Amalfi old town are built on steep terrain with many steps and narrow uneven lanes. Ravello's main piazza and Villa Rufolo gardens have some level areas but also significant gradients. Visitors requiring wheelchair access will find the coast challenging; contacting individual sites for current access information is advised.
Can Pompeii be added to an Amalfi Coast day trip?
Combining both in a single day from Naples is ambitious but possible if departing very early. A common approach is to visit Pompeii in the morning (09:00–13:00) and then travel to Positano by ferry or bus in the afternoon, accepting a shorter coastal visit. Most visitors find separating the two into different days more rewarding.