Amalfi Coast

Which day trips are worth the time and money?

Not all day trips are equal. Some are overcrowded, expensive, or swallowed by traffic. For 2026, the three best are Positano, Ravello, and Capri. Each offers something the others do not.

Positano gives you the classic vertical beach town. Ravello offers silence and gardens. Capri delivers glamour and hiking. All three are reachable within 1-2 hours.

Skip Vietri sul Mare unless you want ceramics. Skip Atrani if short on time. Both are fine but not special.

Comparison: Top three day trips

How do you get from Amalfi to Positano?

SITA bus line A runs every 30-60 minutes from Amalfi bus station. The ride takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Cost is EUR 2.50 one way. Pay cash at a tabacchi before boarding. Validate your ticket onboard in the yellow machine. Failure to validate means a EUR 60 fine.

Summer 2026 schedule: first bus 06:30, last bus 22:30. Midday buses fill up fast. Stand at the front of the queue. If the bus is full, wait for the next one. Do not trust the driver to count people. They just close the door.

For a faster but pricier option: take a taxi-boat from Amalfi port. EUR 15-20 per person, 15 minutes, runs 09:00-18:00. Book at the yellow kiosk near the pier.

Is Ravello worth a full day?

No. Half a day is enough. Ravello is small. The main draws are Villa Rufolo (EUR 7, gardens and the famous terrace) and Villa Cimbrone (EUR 10, the infinity terrace). Both together take 2-3 hours.

From Amalfi, take SITA bus to Scala (EUR 2.70, 40 minutes). From Scala, walk down 400 steps into Ravello. The bus goes no further. Wear proper shoes. In July 2026, the steps are in full sun by 10:00. Bring water.

Alternatively, take a taxi from Amalfi. Fixed price EUR 30 one way. Worth it if you have mobility issues or hate stairs.

Lunch tip: Da Salvatore on Via Frusa. A set menu costs EUR 25 for two courses. Book a table on the terrace. The view costs nothing extra.

How do you reach Capri for a day?

Two ferry companies run from Amalfi to Capri: Alicost and NLG. The trip takes 50-80 minutes. Tickets cost EUR 21-48 round trip depending on season and type. In July 2026, a same-day return costs EUR 42. Book online a day ahead through ferryhopper.com or buy at the port kiosk. Queues at the port in July are 20-30 minutes.

Once on Capri, buy a single ticket for the funicular (EUR 2.20) to reach Capri town. Do not take a taxi. The fare is EUR 25 for 2 km. No joke.

Skip the Blue Grotto unless you love waiting 2 hours in a small boat. Instead, hike up to Villa Jovis (EUR 6, 45 minute walk from town, ruins and the best panoramic point). Or take chairlift to Monte Solaro (EUR 14 one way, 12 minutes, open 09:30-17:00).

Return ferry: last boat to Amalfi leaves at 17:45 in summer. Check the board at the port before you explore.

Can you visit Pompeii as a day trip from Amalfi?

Yes but only if you start early. From Amalfi, take SITA bus to Sorrento (1 hour, EUR 4.50). Then Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi (30 minutes, EUR 3.80). Total one way: 1 hour 45 minutes. Leave Amalfi by 07:30. Return by 17:00.

Ticket for Pompeii: EUR 19 at the gate. Online booking costs a EUR 2 fee but saves 30 minutes in queue. Buy at ticketone.it. Audio guide rental EUR 8 at the entrance. Worth it.

One warning: July heat at Pompeii is brutal. No shade. Bring a 1.5 L bottle and a hat. The site closes at 19:30 but last entry is 17:30.

What about going to Sorrento for the day?

Sorrento is a good backup if Positano or Capri are too crowded. From Amalfi, SITA bus takes 1 hour, costs EUR 4.50. Sorrento has a historic center, good lemon groves, and cheap food.

Do not go for the beach. The Marina Piccola is small and rocky. Instead walk the Villa Comunale park for free views. Eat at La Fenice for pizza (EUR 12-15). Buy limoncello at Il Convento (EUR 15 per 500 ml).

Ferries from Sorrento to Capri run every 30 minutes (EUR 21 one way, 20 minutes). So you could combine both in one day if you wake up at 06:00.

What is the worst day trip mistake?

Trying to do three towns in one day. I see tourists who cram Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello into one bus ride. They end up spending 3 hours waiting for buses and 2 hours eating rushed pasta. Pick one place. Stay there until 15:00. Then go home.

Another mistake: wearing flip flops. The Amalfi Coast is uphill stairs and cobblestones. You need rubber soles with grip.

Last mistake: not buying bus tickets before 18:00. Tabacchi close at 20:00. If you need a bus after dinner, you are walking.

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