Best 5 ITINERARY options for 4 DAYS in Amalfi Coast

Planning the activities for 4 days in Amalfi Coast can be quite challenging, especially if you want to visit other nearby places. 

I am thinking here of Pompeii, the Vesuvius, Sorrento and I could keep going.

Preparing your itinerary in advance will give you a significant advantage: you will get to see and experience so much more.

In this guide, you’ll find five different itineraries for four days in Amalfi Coast that suit all tastes and ages, whether you’re a beach fan, getting away with the family, planning a romantic weekend, or want a mix of everything.

Now, without further ado let’s get into it

Four days in Amalfi Coast – in a nutshell

With 4 days in Amalfi Coast, my recommendation is to stay in only one town and explore from there

Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi and Maiori are all great destinations that you could use as a base.

Sorrento is more practical, Positano is more romantic, Amalfi is well connected to Naples and Salerno and finally Maiori, with probably the best beach on the Amalfi Coast.

• 4 days in Amalfi Coast for beaches: throughout the entire coast, you can find some beautiful beaches, mostly boutique-sized and with stunning views. There are some spectacular beaches you can visit in four days. You may also think of taking an organised tour to visit a few beaches or sea caves accessible only by boat. I suggest staying in Positano for its great central location. Read more below on a day-to-day beach and sea plan
• four days in Amalfi Coast for couples: This is one of the most picturesque and charming places to visit in Italy. There is no better place to stay than the romantic Positano. From there, you can plan your daily adventures. Read more below on a detailed itinerary
• For families: I suggest staying in Maiori where you will find the most family-friendly beach. From there you can also organise day trips to visit the coast by either bus or ferry. Read more below on a family itinerary
• For history: From Sorrento, you can easily reach most of the historical sites, definitely the best base for your stay. I have drafted a detailed 4 days plan for history that you should check below
• For a bit of everything: In this itinerary, I actually suggest splitting your stay between two locations, Positano and Amalfi. In this way, you will get to enjoy the most iconic sites by day and night. In the plan below, I have included a wide range of activities, like trekking, history, and beaches.

In my opinion, you shouldn’t rent a car if you have only four days, unless you plan to drive throughout Italy.

Cars add flexibility, but parking is difficult and expensive, aside from being inconvenient.

It’s easy to get around by bus or ferry, once you get used to it.

I wrote a guide about how to get around on the Amalfi Coast with or without a car, including links to timetables and tickets on the transportation websites

There are also some organised tours suggested in a few itineraries.

They all offer free cancellation policies. Great peace of mind.

I recommend booking in advance, especially for popular activities like hiking the Vesuvius

Four days in Amalfi Coast for beaches

If you have four days on the Amalfi Coast, I highly recommend staying in Positano.

From Naples Airport you can book this great value Shared Transfer Van directly to Positano. You can also opt for this Private Van Transfer if you are in 4 or more of you.

The alternative is to take multiple means of public transportation (not a real option, in my opinion)

Day	Hotel	Activities	Lunch/dinner
Day 1	Nunziata (Positano)	1. Visit Positano’s Main Beach 2. Walk to Fornillo Beach	Lunch: Posides Cafe
Day 2	Nunziata (Positano)	1. Visit Furore Fjord 2. Stop at Arienzo Beach	Lunch: Local restaurant in Furore Fjord
Day 3	Nunziata (Positano)	1. Explore Amalfi 2. Visit Atrani Beach or Castiglione Beach	Lunch: Dejavu Cafe
Day 4	Nunziata (Positano)	Beach & Snorkelling boat tour or Capri and Sorrento Coastal Tour	Dinner: Li Galli or Mirage Restaurant
Day 4 (alternative)	Nunziata (Positano)	1. Visit Minori Beach 2. Walk to Maiori via Sentiero dei Limoni	Dinner: Li Galli or Mirage Restaurant

This itinerary includes a few stops in the towns for sightseeing.

• Day 1: Positano’s Main Beach is a must-see in the morning. It has a private area, where umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented, as well as a public area. As a matter of fact, this is probably the most scenic beach on the coast, with an unparalleled view of Positano town perched on a hill. Lunch should be at Posides Cafe (the Caprese Salad is fantastic). In the afternoon, wander around town and walk to Fornillo Beach, the quieter beach of Positano accessible through a short coastal walk (steep in a few spots).
• Day 2: Visit Furore Fjord by bus, one of the most impressive beaches on the Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a difficult time finding parking there. You may be able at the local restaurant, however, you will have to eat there and parking will be extra. It can be a full day spent there, or you can return to Positano in the afternoon after stopping at Arienzo Beach, just 700m from the town.
• Day 3: Take the ferry to Amalfi and spend some time exploring the town. Dejavu Cafe is a great place for a quick lunch. The Amalfi beach is somehow disappointing. Go instead to the Atrani Beach, just 700m away, or even better to Castiglione Beach, one of my favourites. You can even think to have lunch there at the Lido di Ravello. Organise your way back to Positano with the ferry from Amalfi. 
• Day 4: Join this small group Beach & Snorkelling boat tour that will take you to lovely beaches and amazing grottos along the coast. Or this Capri and Sorrento Coastal Tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto.
• Day 4 (alternative): Take the ferry to the small beach of Minori, where you will spend the day. You can also think to stay in Minori just in the morning, and then take the lovely Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemons Walk) to the bigger Maiori for the afternoon. Back to Positano by bus for the last dinner in Positano with a view at Li Galli, for a pretentious night, or at the Mirage Restaurant. 

For more beaches, check out this exhaustive list where I mention also the costs for sunbeds and umbrellas (unfortunately, they do not come cheap). 

If you are wondering where to stay in Positano on a budget, probably La Nunziata is all you are looking for. Just keep in mind that there is no cheap accommodation in Positano, but you can certainly find good value for money.

Four romantic days on the Amalfi Coast for couples

I find the Amalfi Coast to be so romantic. 

Among all the picturesque towns, Positano is my favourite.

Visit other places while staying there, including a fascinating walk between waterfalls

Day	Hotel	Activities	Lunch/dinner
Day 1	Alcione (Positano)	1. Stroll and shop in Positano 2. Visit the main beach and walk to Fornillo Beach or Arienzo Beach	Lunch: Posides Cafe
Day 2	Alcione (Positano)	1. Ferry to Amalfi and explore the town 2. Ferriere Valley walk 3. Visit Duoglio Beach	Lunch: Dejavu Cafe Dinner: Li Galli or Mirage Restaurant
Day 3	Alcione (Positano)	1. Ferry to Sorrento and explore the town 2. Swim at Bagni Salvatore	Lunch: Bagni Salvatore
Day 4	Alcione (Positano)	Vespa Tour on the Amalfi Coast	–
Day 4 (alternative)	Alcione (Positano)	1. Ferry to Cetara 2. Explore the old town	Lunch: Spadone

If you want to avoid spending time on multiple transportation options, I recommend booking a direct Shared Transfer from Naples Airport to Positano.

• Day 1: Take a stroll in Positano with some shopping too, the perfect way to start the day. Posides Cafe for lunch (fantastic Caprese Salad). In the afternoon, check out the main beach and take the coastal trail to Fornillo Beach, which is much quieter. You can also walk to the boutique Arienzo Beach, 700 meters away from Positano.
• Day 2: Grab the ferry to Amalfi. Wander around town and go for the Ferriere Valley walk, between gorges and waterfalls (DIY with the free MAPS.ME app). In the afternoon, grab the local boat (2-3euro) to Duoglio Beach, under an impressive cliff. In addition to the public beach area, there is a private part where you can hire sunbeds and have some food/drinks. Afterwards, you can take the bus back to Positano by walking up the stairs until you reach the main road.
• Day 3: Enjoy another trip into the Bay of Naples by ferry to Sorrento. Explore the town in the morning. Don’t miss a swim in Bagni Salvatore in the afternoon (accessible by lift), a real gem of Sorrento, as well as a fabulous place for food. On the way back to Positano, take this time a bus to enjoy the views of the coast.
• Day 4: join the Vespa Tour on the Amalfi Coast, the coolest way to explore the area in Italian style with a guide
• Day 4 (alternative): take the ferry to Cetara, a town off the beaten path. It can still be busy on the weekends and in August, but besides that, you will have a more secluded time. I suggest booking your sunbeds as you arrive there, then take your time to explore the old town. For lunch, have a check at Spadone.

Here below are a few accommodations in Positano that may work perfectly for your stay, besides the link to the unique Vespa Tour.

Four days in Amalfi Coast for families

Maiori is one of the best destinations for families on the Amalfi Coast.

The biggest highlight here is the great sandy beach. It’s wide and long, perfect for families with kids.

The long beach is divided into two parts. The central parts of both have better sand, without stones or pebbles.

Villa Hermosa is a good place to rent a couple of sunbeds for the day.

You can also think to rent a boat at the end of the beach, to have a day out with your family exploring the little coves and hidden beaches accessible only from the sea

There is also a small playground with swings for the little ones. 

From Maiori, you can do the short Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemons Walk) to Minori, to explore another town and a different beach

Take a ferry or a bus to Amalfi or Positano, for a day trip.

Another interesting tour is by ferry to Cetara, a much quieter coastal town direction of Salerno with a lovely beach

4 days in Amalfi Coast for history

There are many historical sites in the area, and Sorrento has excellent public transport connections, which makes it the ideal place to explore them.

Sorrento is also connected to Naples Airport with a direct bus (Curreri Viaggi)

Day	Hotel	Activities	Lunch/dinner
Day 1	Palazzo Marziale (Sorrento)	1. Visit historical sites in Sorrento, including Vallone dei Mulini 2. Sunset and swim at Bagni Regina Giovanna	Lunch: AZZ! Italian Tavern Dinner: 86 Bistrò
Day 2	Palazzo Marziale (Sorrento)	1. Visit Herculaneum Historical Park in the morning 2. Visit Pompeii in the afternoon	Dinner: Il Buco
Day 3	Palazzo Marziale (Sorrento)	1. Ferry to Amalfi, visit Duomo and old town 2. Ferry to Minori, visit Villa Romana e Antiquarium 3. Bus back to Sorrento	Lunch: Dejavu Cafe
Day 4	Palazzo Marziale (Sorrento)	1. Ferry to Positano, explore the old town 2. Relax at the beach or ferry to Maiori 3. Visit Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano	Lunch: Maiori Food Coast

• Day 1: This day is devoted to Sorrento. There are so many historical sites to see. Vallone dei Mulini (Mills’ Valley) is probably the most fascinating one, with trees and plants surrounding the buildings, right in the middle of town. Enjoy the lovely sunset and a swim in the natural pool at Bagni Regina Giovanna, an ancient Roman Villa, best visited in the late afternoon. You can drive, catch the bus/taxi or walk there (3km).
• Day 2: In the morning, take the direct Campania Express train to the Herculaneum Historical Park (2-3 hours for a visit) and leave the afternoon for Pompeii (4-5 hours). If too much, I suggest visiting Pompeii only. This is one of the biggest Archeological Parks in the world and the entire site can take up to 1 day to visit it. Take your time.
• Day 3: Take the ferry to Amalfi to visit the Duomo, impressive, and the old town itself. After lunch, take the ferry to Minori. Once there, visit one of the hidden gems of the coast, the Villa Romana e Antiquarium (free entrance), a small house that you can explore at your own pace. Back to Sorrento by bus (quicker, for a different experience).
• Day 4: Take the ferry to Positano to explore the old town perched on the hill. The highlight of the coast. After lunch, you can either relax at the beach or grab a ferry to Maiori. Lunch at Maiori Food Coast (a family-run restaurant with gorgeous food) and walk up (1.5km) to the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano (the afternoon is usually open between 3 and 6 pm, however, ask at the restaurant to be sure it is actually open). Besides the beautiful view, the passionate guide will tell you all you need to know about the place.

The best places to stay in Sorrento are around the historical centre, however, don’t discount the other areas if you are after more value for money.

Four days to explore everything

There’s a little bit of everything in this itinerary, from historical sites to beaches.

In this case, I suggest breaking up the trip into two locations, Positano (2 nights) and Amalfi (2 nights)

Day	Hotel	Activities	Lunch/dinner
Day 1	Alcione (Positano)	1. Wander around Positano 2. Visit the main beach 3. Walk to Fornillo Beach or Arienzo Beach	Lunch: Posides Cafe Dinner: Li Galli or Mirage Restaurant
Day 2	Alcione (Positano)	1. Organised tour to Pompeii in the morning 2. Organised tour to Vesuvius in the afternoon	–
Day 3	Paradiso (Amalfi)	1. Ferry to Amalfi 2. Explore Amalfi town 3. Visit Torre dello Ziro (optional) 4. Relax at Atrani Beach or Castiglione Beach	Lunch: Dejavu Cafe (Amalfi) Lunch: Lido di Ravello (Castiglione Beach)
Day 4	Paradiso (Amalfi)	Join the Path of the Gods trekking tour	–

• Day 1 Positano: In the morning, wander around Positano. Have lunch at Posides Cafe (a family run business). Walk down to the main beach to enjoy the breathtaking views and then walk to Fornillo Beach to enjoy a more relaxing setting. Alternatively, you can stroll down to the boutique beach of Arienzo, which is located just 700m from Positano.
• Day 2 Positano: This is the biggest day on the itinerary. You will visit Pompeii in the morning and Vesuvius in the afternoon on this organised tour. You will kill two birds with one stone. You will never forget these two unique destinations.
• Day 3 Amalfi: Take the ferry to Amalfi, where you will spend the next two nights. This is one of the most iconic destinations of the Amalfi Coast, with a lovely old centre developed around the main street, now the best shopping place on the coast. Use the morning to explore the town, and if you still have some spare time, walk up to the Torre dello Ziro. In the afternoon, chill out at the beach but not the local one (not the best). Walk instead to Atrani Beach, just 700m away, or even better to Castiglione Beach, one of my favourites. You can have your lunch at Dejavu Cafe (Amalfi) or at the Lido di Ravello (Castiglione Beach).
• Day 4 Amalfi: Get ready for the best trekking day on the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods. Join this organised tour for a no-worries experience.

Frequently Asked Questions for 4 days in Amalfi Coast