7 Days on the Amalfi Coast & Rome

Famed for pastel villages, steep limestone cliffs, Mediterranean sea views, dramatic roads and lemon groves, the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is a must see for many visitors to Italy. It can however be very crowded, hot and expensive so planning is key in making the most of it!

Overview

• Day 1: Salerno

• Day 2: Salerno to Maiori

• Day 3: Positano

• Day 4: Minori, Lemon Trail & Ravello

• Day 5: Sorrento

• Day 6: Sorrento (Capri/Pompeii option)

• Day 7: Sorrento to Rome (Naples option)

Day 1: Palinuro to Salerno

Our journey to the Amalfi Coast began in Puglia, leading us through the hidden gem of the Cilento Coast. Driving up from Palinuro was a relaxed and scenic way to transition from Puglia’s quiet rustic charm to Amalfi’s bustling towns and iconic cliffs.

We arrived mid-afternoon in Salerno, the vibrant port city that often serves as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, but is well worth exploring in its own right. We immediately dropped off our car and checked-in to our conveniently located hotel just steps away from the car rental agency. After short rest and shower we headed out for a stroll along the Lungomare Trieste, a wide, palm-lined promenade that stretches along the waterfront. With the sea on one side and the city on the other, it was the perfect introduction to Salerno.

We ended our day with a relaxed dinner overlooking the harbour—an easy, enjoyable evening before beginning our Amalfi Coast adventure.

Day 2: Salerno to Maiori

We started the day exploring the historic center of Salerno, a lively mix of narrow medieval streets, local shops, and bustling cafés. We made our way through the old town, stopping at the beautiful Salerno Cathedral, known for its striking bell tower and peaceful cloister. From there, we wandered uphill toward the Castello di Arechi, which overlooks the city and offers sweeping views of the coastline below.

That afternoon, we caught the ferry to Maiori, watching as vibrant villages and jagged cliffs unfolded before us from the sea. Opting for the ferry to hop between towns was easily our best decision— it turned every transit into a scenic tour and removed potential stresses from driving or taking the bus.

Basing ourselves in Maiori was perfect; its relaxed local atmosphere, beautiful waterfront, cliff side views and the region’s longest sandy beaches make it an ideal base to visit the Amalfi Coast. After checking into our hillside Airbnb with a view, we spent the evening strolling the waterfront, picking up a few groceries, and enjoying a casual dinner near the port. The climb back up to our stay was well worth it—the panoramic views over the town, mountains, and sea were absolutely stunning, especially as the sun began to set.

Day 3: Positano & Amalfi

On day three we took the ferry to iconic Positano. We headed straight to the Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters—followed, by a ice old lemon granita.

After cooling off, we began exploring the town, climbing its steep, winding streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and the iconic lemon-themed ceramics and linen shops. At every turn we stopped to take multiple pictures of the pastel buildings stacked dramatically above the shoreline.

For lunch, we stopped at Ristorante L'Ancora, enjoying fresh lemon ravioli, and tomatoes with burrata— paired with a stunning view over the town, cliffs and coastline.

After soaking in the atmosphere a bit longer, we made our way back to the port for the ferry which took us back through Amalfi where we had time to wander the lively piazza and admire the striking cathedral before continuing on. From there, we returned to Maiori—grateful for the breeze after a warm, unforgettable day.

Day 4: Minori, Lemon Trail & Ravello

Ravello, Amalfi Coast

On day four we set out by foot to hike the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Trail), a scenic path connecting Maiori to Minori. The trail winds through terraced lemon groves and shaded walkways, offering stunning views over the coastline along the way.

Once we arrived in Minori, our first stop was the famous Sal De Riso for an obligatory pastry break. Sitting on the terrace with a coffee and one of their beautifully crafted desserts was a moment to slow down and fully enjoy the Amalfi Coast.

We continued our day by hiking onward and upward to Ravello perched high above the coast with breathtaking panoramic views. We explored its charming streets and visited the beautiful gardens of Villa Cimbrone, where the famous Terrace of Infinity offers one of the most spectacular vistas on the Amalfi Coast.

We wrapped up the day with a late lunch overlooking the sea before making our way back down for a short ferry ride back to Maiori.

Day 5: Sorrento

Next stop: Sorrento. Arriving via ferry from Maiori, we had a great view of Capri on one side and the dramatic cliffs of Sorrento against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius on the other.

After taking the lift up from the port into the heart of the city, we stopped for street side lunch at local trattoria.

We then dropped our bags at our modern and conveniently located Airbnb to head out and explore the town, walking from the boutiques of Corso Italia and Piazza Tasso before diving into the artisan shops and limoncello boutiques. The highlight for us were the panoramic views of the Bay of Naplesfrom Villa Comunale.

Day 6: Sorrento (Relax or Explore)

On our final day we chose the sweetness of taking it easy, waking up later and having a leisurely breakfast followed by a slow day in Sorrento with no agenda. For travellers with a bit more time, Sorrento is the perfect jump-off point for iconic day trips like Capri or the historic ruins of Pompeii, both of which are incredibly easy to reach from the town center.

Day 7: Sorrento to Rome (via Naples)

Our vacation is coming to close, we took the morning Campania Express train from Sorrento to Naples, then continued on to Rome. While we did not stop in Naples, it’s a great option to take a bit more time to visit this fascinating city or simply stop for a taste of authentic pizza.

After checking into our convenient hotel (close to the train station) in Rome, we set out to experience as much as possible with the remaining day. Our first stop was the iconic Colosseum and from there, we wandered the historic streets toward the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.

As evening approached, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain, where the crowds gathered to toss a coin and make a wish, a quintessential Rome moment and a perfect ending to our journey—from the quiet countryside of Puglia to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, and finally to the timeless streets of Rome.

Tips:

• Visit during the shoulder seasons—spring or fall—to escape the Mediterranean heat and the height of the summer crowds.

• Stay in a quieter, local town (like Maiori) and use the ferry system to hop between coastal towns; it’s more scenic and less stressful than the roads.

• No matter where you’re headed, start your day early. The coast gets crowded and hot by midday, so an early start is key to enjoying the views in peace.

Staying a little longer? Check out 5 Days: Salento & Cilento Coast, Italy and 4 Days in Valle d’Itria: The Heart of Puglia, Italy