If there is one place that embodies the magic of the Amalfi Coast, it is Positano.
Colorful houses tumble down dramatic cliffs toward the sea, bougainvillea spills from balconies, and every winding lane seems to lead to another breathtaking view. It is the village that graces postcards, travel magazines, and Instagram feeds around the world… and after spending four days here, we completely understood why.
The last time we were here, we stayed in Sorento and did a one day road trip to Positano and Amalfi. Ever since I have been wanting to come back and spend some more time… exploring and enjoying the coastal life.
For this trip we chose to stay in Positano and use it as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. It allowed us to settle into a slower rhythm while taking easy day trips to Capri, Ravello, and Amalfi.
If you are planning your first visit to Southern Italy, here is our perfect 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Why Stay in Positano?
Many visitors debate whether to stay in Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, or Positano.
For us, Positano was the perfect choice.
Yes, it is busy during the day, but once the ferries depart and day-trippers leave, the town takes on a completely different atmosphere. The narrow streets become quieter, restaurants glow with candlelight, and the lights of Positano sparkle against the cliffs.
Waking up each morning to views of the Mediterranean and ending each evening watching the sunset over the sea was worth every step of Positano’s famous staircases.
The Perfect 4-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Positano, Capri & Ravello
Day 1: Arriving in Positano
There is something unforgettable about seeing Positano for the first time.
Whether you arrive by ferry or along the winding Amalfi Coast road, the colorful village appears almost impossibly beautiful.
We hired a car and driver to take us from Naples airport to Positano. We were arriving from Sicily.
Tip: If you are renting a car and driving yourself, make sure to arrange for a spot in one of the parking garages in Positano. Porters will bring your bags to the hotel in their small vehicles. Most hotels do not have inhouse parking.
After checking into our hotel, we spent the afternoon simply exploring.
Wander Through Positano’s Streets
One of the joys of Positano is getting lost.
Narrow stairways connect colorful homes, hidden courtyards, boutiques, and cafes. Every corner reveals another postcard-worthy scene.
The town is built vertically, so be prepared for lots of walking and plenty of stairs.
Stop for gelato or lemony treats like Sfogliatella Santa Rosa, Sorbetto al Limone, Limoncello or some Delizia al Limone.
Delizia al Limone (Lemon Delight) is a Amalfi Coast delicacy. It is a dome-shaped sponge cake is soaked in limoncello syrup, filled with a zesty lemon custard, and draped in a velvety lemon glaze.
Sfogliatella Santa Rosa is another classic, shell-shaped flaky pastrythat blends sweet ricotta with lemon custard and candied fruit.
Visit Spiaggia Grande
Positano’s main beach offers one of the most iconic views on the Amalfi Coast.
From the shoreline, the colorful village rises dramatically above the sea, creating one of Italy’s most recognizable landscapes.
Sunset in Positano
As evening approached, we found a terrace overlooking the coastline and watched the sun slowly sink into the Mediterranean.
This was the moment we truly fell in love with Positano.
Day 2: Day Trip to Capri
One of the easiest and most popular excursions from Positano is a day trip to Capri.
The ferry ride itself is part of the experience, offering spectacular views of the coastline from the water.
Explore Capri Town
Elegant piazzas, luxury boutiques, and charming lanes make Capri one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations.
Yet despite its reputation, it still retains plenty of Mediterranean charm.
Visit Anacapri
We enjoyed Anacapri even more than Capri Town. Capri was pretty crowded, after a quick look around, we took one of those cute Capri Taxis over to Anacapri.
Located higher on the island, it offers a quieter atmosphere, beautiful views, and a glimpse of local life away from the crowds.
See Capri from the Water
If time allows, take a boat tour around the island.
Seeing Capri’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters from the sea provides a completely different perspective.
Return to Positano
By late afternoon we were back in Positano, just in time for another unforgettable sunset and a leisurely dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 3: Ravello and Amalfi
Our third day combined two of the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful towns.
Morning in Amalfi
Amalfi was once one of Italy’s great maritime republics, and its rich history is still evident today.
The town feels livelier than many of its neighbors, with bustling piazzas, waterfront cafés, and charming alleyways.
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral
The magnificent cathedral dominates the town center and is one of the most impressive landmarks on the coast.
Explore the Historic Center
Wandering through Amalfi’s maze of streets is one of the highlights of visiting.
You’ll find artisan shops, lemon products, ceramics, and countless opportunities to stop for an espresso or gelato.
Afternoon in Ravello
While Amalfi sits by the sea, Ravello occupies a lofty perch high above the coastline. It is one of my favorites places.
The views alone make the trip worthwhile.
Villa Rufolo
The gardens of Villa Rufolo are among the most beautiful we visited in Italy.
Terraces filled with flowers overlook the sea and provide stunning panoramic views.
You probably have seen this photo in postcards of Amalfi Coast, it is iconic.
Villa Cimbrone
No visit to Ravello is complete without walking to the Terrace of Infinity.
Standing above the Mediterranean with endless views stretching across the coastline is one of the most memorable experiences on the Amalfi Coast.
We had a lovely lunch at Hotel Caruso before heading back to Positano.
Did I mention we had rented a electric Fiat Topolino for the day. We had thought about renting a vespa but when we saw the how cute, open and easy to drive the Topolina was, we were convinced it was perfect for our trip.
Evening Back in Positano
Returning to Positano each evening felt like coming home.
With the crowds gone, we enjoyed leisurely dinners and quiet walks through the illuminated streets.
Day 4: A Slow Day in Positano
After three days of exploring, we dedicated our final day entirely to Positano.
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make on the Amalfi Coast is trying to see too much.
Positano deserves time.
Browse the Boutiques
The town is famous for handmade sandals, linen clothing, ceramics, and local artisan goods.
All those lemon motifs are so adorable aren’t they!
Enjoy a Long Lunch
One of our favorite travel memories is often not a monument or attraction, but a meal.
A leisurely lunch overlooking the sea perfectly captures the spirit of the Amalfi Coast.
Relax by the Water
Spend time on the beach, enjoy a boat ride along the coast, or simply sit with a spritz and soak in the view.
The colors reflected off the pastel buildings while fishing boats drifted across the water below.
One Last Sunset
As our four days on the Amalfi Coast came to an end, we watched one final sunset over Positano. This time from Zass, a Michelin-starred located at Il San Pietro di Positano. This was a splurge for this trip which gave us panoramic views outside of town.
Dinner ar Zass was the perfect ending to an unforgettable stay.
Other Positano Restaurants
- La Sponda: This is one of the beautiful restaurants in Positano. Located at the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel, the Michelin-starred spot is romantic, is famous for its candlelit dining room and celebrity guest list. Aldo’s is a great alternate if you want the same view but something a bit more casual.
- Il Capitano: Located in Hotel Montemare this place offers a great terrace with view of the sea. The sophisticated restaurant offering innovative seafood dishes.
- Zass: Located at Il San Pietro di Positano, Zass is a Michelin-starred fine dining with panoramic views outside of town; ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
- Il Tridente Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Elegant with panoramic terrace views and creative cocktails. It is part of the Hotel Poseidon. This restaurant is one of Positano’s best spots for an aperitivo before dinner or a romantic meal overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
Advanced reservations are definitely required for the places mentioned!
Best Amalfi Coast Hotels
- Villa Tre ville, Positano
- Le Sirenuse, Positano
- Hotel Miramalfi, Amalfi
- Palazzo Avino, Ravello
- Il San Pietro di Positano
- Casa Angelina, Praiano
- Hotel Caruso, Ravello
- Jumerial Capri Palace, Capri
- Hotel La Palma, Capri
- Hotel Marincanto, Positano
- Hotel Caesar Augustus, Anacapri
- Hotel Poseidon, Positano
Is Four Days Enough for the Amalfi Coast?
For a first visit, absolutely.
Staying in Positano allowed us to experience the best of the Amalfi Coast without constantly changing hotels. We explored Capri, Amalfi, and Ravello while still having time to enjoy Positano itself.
The Amalfi Coast is not a destination to rush through.
It is a place to linger over meals, wander without a plan, and pause often to admire the view.
Four days gave us just enough time to do exactly that.
And even then, leaving was the hardest part.
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