7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Amalfi Coast

  • Day 1: Naples to Sorrento
    1 hour 20 minutes (21 miles) by train from Naples to Sorrento

    Start your journey in Naples and take a train to Sorrento, a scenic coastal town known for its beautiful views and stunning architecture. Check out the Piazza Tasso, the main square in Sorrento, and wander around the narrow lanes lined with restaurants and shops selling locally-made limoncello.

  • Day 2: Positano Beach and Piazza dei Mulini
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) by bus from Sorrento to Positano

    Head to Positano, a colorful coastal town with houses stacked like legos on the mountainside. Stroll along the beach, and have a cup of coffee on the Piazza dei Mulini. Take a paddleboard lesson or relax on the beach.

  • Day 3: Hike the Path of the Gods and see the Fiordo di Furore
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) by bus from Positano to Bomerano, start of hiking trail

    Spend a day exploring the beautiful nature around Amalfi Coast. A must-do is the Path of the Gods, a scenic hiking trail overlooking the coastline. Stop by the charming Fiordo di Furore that's a natural wonder tucked between cliffs.

  • Day 4: Amalfi Cathedral and Paper Museum
    30 minutes (9 miles) by bus from Positano to Amalfi

    Visit Amalfi, the historic town with a colorful vista. The most famous spot is the Amalfi Cathedral, an iconic 9th-century church. Other great sights are the Paper Museum and Valle dei Mulini, the nearby lemon groves and mills.

  • Day 5: Pompeii and Herculaneum
    1 hour 15 minutes (28 miles) by train from Sorrento to Pompeii and 1 hour (17 miles) from Pompeii to Herculaneum

    Take a day trip from Sorrento to explore ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These once-populous cities are well-preserved under ash and debris from Vesuvius eruption in AD 79. Herculaneum is smaller and lesser-known, but just as fascinating.

  • Day 6: Paestum and Salerno
    1 hour (26 miles) by train from Sorrento to Salerno and 1 hour 15 minutes (24 miles) from Salerno to Paestum

    Paestum and Salerno are a little off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. Paestum is a remarkable archaeological site with three preserved Greek temples while Salerno is a lively port town with museums, medieval castle, and a long promenade.

  • Day 7: Ravello and Minori Beach
    20 minutes (5 miles) by bus from Amalfi to Ravello and 10 minutes (2 miles) from Ravello to Minori Beach

    End your trip on a high note with Ravello, a quiet town perched on the hilltops with stunning gardens, scenic lookouts, and Villa Cimbrone. For a refreshing dip, head down to Minori Beach that is tucked below the stunning cliff towns.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Naples to Sorrento Train (1 hour, €4-€6)
  • Sorrento to Positano Bus (30 minutes, €2-€3)
  • Path of the Gods Hike (3 hours, free)
  • Amalfi to Pompeii Train (1 hour 15 minutes, €7-€9)
  • Pompeii to Herculaneum Train (1 hour, €4-€6)
  • Sorrento to Salerno Train (1 hour, €4-€6)
  • Salerno to Paestum Train (1 hour 15 minutes, €5-€8)
Total Estimated Costs: €22-€38

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting more beaches such as Arienzo Beach, Duoglio Beach, and Marina Grande Beach. You can also take a boat trip from Positano to Capri island to see the sea stacks, Blue Grotto, and Faraglioni Rocks. However, if you have less time, consider removing Paestum and Salerno as they are not directly on Amalfi Coast. Also, skip Herculaneum and just visit Pompeii if you're short on time.

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