Amalfi Coast Travelers Recommend

On a trip to the Gulf of Naples, you won’t want to miss the island of Capri. Reachable only by boat, if offers hidden caves, charming villages, and stunning ocean views. Here's what to know if you’re planning on a day trip to Capri from Sorrento.

Group Tours

Group tours are a great value, allowing you to maximize your time and check off all the top attractions in one day. Most tours include a boat ride to the Blue Grotto, a view of the famous Faraglioni rock formations, and visits to the towns of Capri and Anacapri. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour.

Private Tours

Private tours mean the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences and you can enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. With a private boat transfer to the island, you’ll have free time to check out sights such as Villa Jovis, the Gardens of Augustus, Marina Grande, and the Capri town funicular, or you can combine an island tour with a visit to ancient Pompeii, Positano, or the Amalfi Coast.

Things to Know

• Reachable only by boat, the island is located in the Bay of Naples, right off the Sorrento Peninsula.

• Day tours from Sorrento usually take six to eight hours, and most include hotel pickup and round-trip transport by hydrofoil.

• If you’re visiting during summer, be sure to bring sunblock and stay hydrated.

The ancient city of Pompeii, buried in volcanic ash after an epic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most visited archaeological treasures. Today the compelling sight makes a popular day trip from Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Here are some tour options from Sorrento.

Half-Day Tours

With limited time, a half-day Pompeii tour from Sorrento allows you to take in all the highlights on a walking tour. Accompanied by an expert guide, hear how the Roman city’s ruins were so magnificently preserved, then learn more about Roman life as you see the Forum, the Thermal Baths, and the Teatro Grande amphitheater. To maximize your time, opt for a tour that includes hotel pickup and entrance fees.

Full-Day Tours

Full-day tours from Sorrento mean you can combine a Pompeii tour or shore excursion with a visit to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Herculaneum and enjoy free time to explore each site independently. Other possibilities include sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast, a stop in the seafront town of Positano, or an afternoon cruise out to the island of Capri. Some full-day tours also include extras such as hotel pickup, skip-the-line entrance, or a delicious Italian-style lunch. 

Things to Know

• Pompeii is located about 16 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Sorrento. 

• It’s about a 45-minute drive or 20-minute train ride to reach Pompeii from Sorrento.

• Day tours from Sorrento typically last around eight hours, and many tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transportation by bus. 

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain. If you’re visiting Pompeii in summer, be sure to wear sun protection and drink plenty of water—there is little shade at the archaeological site.

Whether you’re making your way along the Amalfi Coast or visiting on a day trip from nearby Naples, the colorful seaside town of Positano promises to enchant you. One day is just enough time to explore the town, sample local cuisine, and admire the coastal views. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Positano.

Morning: Strolling and Shopping

Positano’s cobbled streets lend themselves well to walking tours, which help you navigate the maze of lanes and provide tailored tips on where to eat, drink. Most tours follow the main street of Viale Pasitea as it winds up the hillside and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

After your tour, spend an hour browsing boutiques, art galleries, and cafés before heading down to the seaside, where the Spiaggia Grande beach is the ideal spot to cool off with a swim; this is also a great spot to photograph the town from below.

Afternoon: A Taste of Positano

The Amalfi Coast and the neighboring Sorrento Peninsula are both renowned for their cuisine, so it’s worth devoting an afternoon to regional produce. Whether you join a food tasting tour, take a cooking class, or enjoy wine tasting at a local winery, food lovers will find plenty to get excited about in Positano. Must-try dishes include fresh seafood, ndunderi (a local variety of gnocchi), and Treccia mozzarella, which is best accompanied by a glass of Tramonti wine and followed by delizia al limone, a dessert made with lemons from Sorrento. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of limoncello (lemon liqueur) as a souvenir.

Night: Sunset Cruise

You can’t visit Positano without admiring the Amalfi Coast from afar; for time-pressed travelers, a boat cruise is the best way to get unobstructed views of the UNESCO-listed landscapes. Views of Positano, Amalfi, and the Li Galli islands are most magical during sunset, when numerous evening cruises set sail from Positano Port. Opt for a romantic Champagne cruise on a private boat or join a lively catamaran excursion.

Back in Positano, there’s still time for a cocktail at one of the beachside bars, or you could head to Music On The Rocks, a nightclub that’s carved into the rocks on the seafront.

Strategically located between the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the ideal basecamp for exploring the Italian coast. Three days allows you to see the highlights, especially when you use tours and day trips to help maximize your time. Here’s how to spend three days in Sorrento.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is an ideal way to discover Sorrento, combining the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent sightseeing. Start by heading out of the city along the Sorrentine Peninsula and jumping out to admire the views at Masa Lubrense and Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi. Return to Sorrento center to stroll through Villa Comunale park and ride the lift down to Marina Grande for lunch at an oceanfront seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the rest of Sorrento’s sights on foot. Stop by Piazza Lauro and Piazza Tasso, snap photos of the Basilica of Sant’Antonino and Sorrento Cathedral, and browse the shops along Corso Italia—perhaps picking up Sorrento’s famous limoncello (lemon liqueur) to take home. In the evening, set sail along the coast on a sunset cruise or perhaps cruise out to Capri island, stopping along the way to swim in the Mediterranean.

Day 2: Cruise the Amalfi Coast

Just south of Sorrento is the Amalfi Coast, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its picturesque coastline. Take a full-day tour to soak up the scenery without worrying about directions or parking, or self-drive along the coastal roads or cruise the shore. Popular stops along the way include the coastal village of Positano, where you can admire the multi-colored houses clinging to the cliffside and walk down to the beaches below. Further along the coast, the fishing village of Amalfi affords coastal views, while nearby Ravello has a number of notable medieval buildings. After a busy day of traveling, relax with dinner at one of Sorrento’s restaurants. It’s not hard to find tasty cuisine in Sorrento, and the town has several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 3: Visit Ancient Pompeii

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site within day-trip distance of Sorrento is the archaeological site of Pompeii. Buried in ash after the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the ancient Roman city is one of the best-preserved in the world. A guided walking tour offers extra insight into the ancient ruins and covers all the highlights including the Forum, Thermal Baths, and Teatro Grande amphitheater. After a morning exploring Pompeii, choose to visit the nearby Herculaneum archaeological site or take in the views from Mt Vesuvius. Alternatively, head to Naples for a pizza lunch and spend the afternoon sightseeing in the city. On your final evening in Sorrento, enjoy some traditional Italian entertainment by attending an opera concert or a Sorrento musical theater show

Two days in Sorrento means you can explore the coastal Italian town and visit some of the surrounding sights. Plan ahead to maximize your time, prebook tickets for top attractions, and learn about Sorrento's culture and people. Here are your options. 

Day 1:  City Sights and Coastal Views

**Morning:**A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a convenient way to take in the central sights. Head to the hilltop Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi for a view of Capri Island, admire the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, and browse the shops along Corso Italia. Stop at Piazza Tasso for a coffee at a terrace cafe.  

**Afternoon:**Join a food tasting tour and fill up on local specialties such as fried rice balls and limoncello, or take a cooking class and learn to make Italian gnocchi or gelato. Alternatively, stroll through Villa Comunale park and climb the steps down to Marina Grande, home to top Sorrento seafood restaurants. 

**Night:**Continue sightseeing into the evening with a sunset cruise and enjoy stunning views as you sail around the Sorrento Peninsula. Perhaps cruise out to Capri Island for a night tour of the island’s beaches, enjoy an on-board dinner, or dive in for a swim in the Mediterranean.

Day 2: Explore the Amalfi Coast

**Morning:**Set out on a full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most picturesque coastlines. Alternatively, take an express tour to UNESCO-listed Pompeii, and spend the morning exploring the ancient Roman ruins. Afterwards, return to Sorrento or pay a visit to Naples. 

**Afternoon:**Stop at viewpoints along the Amalfi Coast for ocean views and visit three villages—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Each village has its own character and offers cobbled streets, colorfully painted buildings, and handicrafts shops.

**Night:**Spend your final night in Sorrento enjoying traditional Italian entertainment. Book ahead of time to guarantee your experience, which might be an introduction to Italian opera with a performance by The Three Tenors or a Sorrento musical theater show.

The UNESCO–listed Amalfi Coast lies on the southern shores of the Salerno Gulf in Italy, attracting sun-worshippers and adventure-seekers alike. As the sun shines and the Mediterranean waves roll in, here are a few ways to enjoy coastal Italy.

• Hit the waves and soak up rays in style on a private cruise to the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

• Hire a private guide to explore the coast with ease on a day trip from Naples.

• Discover top attractions and hidden landmarks around Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento.

• Explore the volcanic ruins of ancient Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sample the mozzarella, pizza, and spaghetti for which the region is famous.

• Hike into the hills for spectacular views of the coastal scenery.

Things to Know

• The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist draw all year-round, but gets especially busy in summer from May through September.

• To score a spot on the sand at the busier beaches, you’ll need to stake your claim early in the day. Alternatively, head to one of the more remote beaches, such as Fornillo or Laurito.

• Keep in mind that larger crowds mean tours to nearby sites like Pompeii, Naples, Capri, and Mount Vesuvius are also likely to sell out well in advance.

• Accommodation options range in price along the coast, from apartment rentals to luxury hotels, but do note that all prices go up in summer.

• You can get around by bus, car, or motor scooter year-round, but in summer it’s also possible to get from town to town by boat.

• Two major Italian holidays fall in summer: the Festa Della Repubblica on June 2 and Ferragosto (also called Assumption Day) on August 15. Expect some closures.

Whether visiting on a day trip from Naples or stopping by on route to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento in southwestern Italy has much to offer visitors. One day is just enough time to see the sights, sample Sorrentine cuisine, and admire the coastal views. Here’s how to spend one day in Sorrento. 

Morning: City Sights and Coastal Views

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is an ideal way to discover Sorrento. Ride the bus out of the city to Massa Lubrense, enjoying the scenery as you wind through lemon orchards and olive groves, and climb along the coast of Sorrento Peninsula. Jump out at the hilltop Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi for a view across the Gulf of Naples and Gulf of Salerno, and spot Capri Island and Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. Afterwards, return to town and explore Sorrento’s sights on foot. Stroll the lively Piazza Lauro and Piazza Tasso, and browse the shops along Corso Italia.

Afternoon: A Taste of Sorrento

Foodies will find plenty to get excited about in Sorrento—the coastal town is known for fresh seafood, gnocchi, and lemons. Join a food tasting tour and sample specialties such as fried rice balls and sweet pastries. Along the way, stop to admire landmarks such as the Basilica of Sant’Antonino and Sorrento Cathedral, and take in views from Villa Comunale park. Take a cooking class to learn to make gnocchi, gelato, or Treccia mozzarella under a chef's guidance. After filling up on tasty foods, don’t forget to pick up a bottle of lemon liqueur (limoncello) as a souvenir.

Night: Sunset Cruise

Sorrento is known for its sunsets, and the best views are from the water. Set sail on a sunset cocktail cruise or a dinner cruise, stopping along the way to take a swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. There are many tour options available. Some cruises take you to Positano along the Amalfi Coast, while others might visit nearby Capri Island. The island is striking at sunset and heading ashore at night means you have the beaches to yourself. 

Tucked between Naples and the Amalfi Coast in Italy’s Campania region, the lush landscapes of the Sorrentine Peninsula are a paradise for foodies, dotted with lemon and orange groves, cliff-top vineyards, and tiny fishing villages. Here are your options for Sorrento food and wine tours.

Must-Try Dishes

The Campania region is one of the best places to eat in Italy, home to Neapolitan pizza, Caprese salad, and buffalo mozzarella cheese. Signature dishes in Sorrento include gnocchi alla sorrentina (gnocchi pasta with a tomato and mozzarella sauce),spaghettoni di Gragnano(a thick spaghetti pasta), Risotto alla Pescatora (fish risotto), and an abundance of fresh seafood including squid, mussels, octopus, and anchovies. Pair them with regional red wines such as aglianico and piedirosso, or whites such as fiano and falanghina.

Sorrento is also famous for its lemons. The tangy citrus fruits are found everywhere—drizzle lemon-infused olive oil over your salad, try the tasty dessert liqueur Limoncello, or indulge in delicious lemon gelato or lemon tiramisu.

Must-Do Experiences

• Taste your way around Sorrento on a small-group walking tour of Marina Grande and the historic center.

• Learn the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking lesson, a cheese-making masterclass, or a pasta-themed cooking class.

• Visit the estates and wineries of Irpinia and sample Campania’s award-winning varietals on a wine-tasting day tour led by an experienced sommelier.

• Sip Limoncello, try your hand at pizza making, and enjoy a demonstration of treccia-style mozzarella braiding during a visit to a local farmhouse.

• Hunt for truffles in Monti Picentini park, then tuck into a scrumptious truffle dinner on a private tour.

The allure of the Amalfi Coast lies in its colorful villages, waterfront restaurants, and dramatic cliffs. Explore the region through cooking classes, boat tours, and visits to nearby archeological ruins. Here are a few ways to spend 3 days in the Amalfi Coast. 

Day 1: The Taste of the Amalfi Coast

Begin your day with a visit to the region’s renowned lemon groves and learn how to make the popular local liqueur, limoncello, in a hands-on class led by a chef. A multi-course lunch with local wine and limoncello often is included in these culinary tours. Then, make the most of the coastline’s stunning sunsets by signing up for an early evening cruise aboard a small wooden boat or speedboat. Some tours include a stop for swimming, as well as a glass of prosecco for toasting the setting sun.

Day 2: Coastal Villages By Boat

While a drive along the winding coastal road can be charming, see the Amalfi Coast from a different perspective with a scenic boat tour. Choose between half-day or full-day itineraries that cruise along the coastline offering views of secluded coves and stops at cliffside villages, including Positano and Amalfi. Or, customize your trip to your interest with a private tour. Itineraries often include a time on land to explore the villages at your leisure, as well as stops for swimming and snorkeling. While onboard, boat captains and guides share stories from history and insights into local culture.

Day 3: Wine Tasting and Archeological Ruins

On your final day, explore the area surrounding the Amalfi Coast with a day trip. Choose between tour itineraries with a wine focus, a history focus, or those that combine both in one full-day trip. On a wine tour, you’ll learn about the challenges of winemaking in volcanic soil and taste several wines under the guidance of a sommelier—all while admiring the views of nearby Mount Vesuvius. 

To make a full day of your exploration, see the archeological site of Pompeii, a city buried beneath Mount Vesuvius’s ashes when the volcano famously erupted in AD 79, and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Skip the line to enter the ruins with a tour offering priority access tickets. Some full-day tours also include a visit to Villa Dei Misteri, an ancient Roman villa known for its beautiful frescoes.

Two days in Positano give you enough time to explore the coastal town, sample local cuisine, and soak up the scenery along the Amalfi Coast. Plan ahead and book tours and tickets in advance to maximize your time. Here’s how to spend two days in Positano.

Day 1: Sightseeing & Sunset Cruise

Morning: The best way to discover Positano’s cobbled lanes and brightly-painted buildings is on foot; a walking tour takes you to the best viewpoints and offers cultural insight you may otherwise miss. Most tours stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and give you time to browse boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés.

Afternoon: Join a food tasting tour to sample local specialties such as ndunderi (a local variety of gnocchi) and delizia al limone, a dessert made with lemons from the Sorrento Peninsula. Alternatively, book a wine tasting tour to sample the region’s renowned Tramonti wine; don’t forget to pick up a bottle of limoncello (lemon liqueur) as a souvenir.

Night: The best views of Positano, Amalfi, and the Li Galli islands are undoubtedly from the water, so set sail on an evening cruise along the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast. Watch the sunset with a glass of champagne on a romantic private tour or join a catamaran cruise.

Day 2: Explore the Amalfi Coast

Morning: Half-day Amalfi Coast tours are popular with visitors who want to avoid the stress of car hire, and tend to cover the villages of Ravello and Amalfi. Alternatively, adventurous travellers can walk along coastal cliffs on the Path of the Gods on a half-day hiking tour.

Afternoon: Back in Positano, spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Spiaggia Grande beach is the most popular, but boats run regularly to the less-crowded Laurito Beach, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak, or just enjoy swimming and sunbathing.

Night: Party the night away at the most famous nightclub on the Amalfi Coast—Music On The Rocks. Built into coastal cliffs and looking out over Spiaggia Grande beach, it’s an atmospheric spot to drink, dance, and toast your final night in Positano.

Located on the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, Positano is an ideal base for discovering coastal villages, the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula. Three days gives you time to take it all in, especially if you use tours and day trips to help maximize your time. Here’s how.

Day 1: A Perfect Day in Positano

Positano is best explored on foot, so spend the morning strolling around on a walking tour; peek inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and browse shops, art galleries, and cafés. Then, check out the town’s main beach Spiaggia Grande, where you’ll find the most impressive views of the town from below.

For lunch, head to a beachside restaurants to sample the region’s renowned seafood. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the Mediterranean Sea or rent a kayak or paddleboard. 

Alternatively, foodies can opt for a gastronomic tour of the neighboring Sorrento Peninsula, a culinary hotspot famous for its lemons, mozzarella, and limoncello. As well as tasting locally produced cheeses and olive oils, you’ll get to feast on homemade Italian pizza. 

Day 2: Explore the Amalfi Coast

Hailed as one of Italy’s most impressive coastlines, the Amalfi Coast warrants an entire day of exploration. Set sail on a full-day cruise, which tend to stop at the coastal villages of  Amalfi and Ravello, home to medieval buildings and handicraft shops. You’ll also pass natural wonders such as the cliffs of Fiordo di Furore; visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo); and stop at beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat. 

Alternatively, adventurous travelers can hike the dramatic Path of the Gods route on a hiking tour that reveals some of the area’s best coastal views. 

Back in Positano, head to Music On The Rocks on Spiaggia Grande beach to drink and dance the night away. Carved into cliffs overlooking the ocean, it’s the most famous nightclub on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 3: Visit Ancient Pompeii

Spend your final day visiting the archaeological site of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. For the best value, choose a day trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and visits to other nearby sights. 

Most tours begin with a walk around the Pompeii ruins— highlights of which include the petrified Forum, Thermal Baths, and Teatro Grande amphitheater—and then visit the nearby Herculaneum archaeological site. Some also take in the views of Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for Pompeii’s demise. 

Another popular addition to a day tour is a boat cruise along the Sorrento Coast, which features swimming and snorkeling stops. 

By boat, by car, or on foot, there are many ways to explore the postcard-perfect villages of the Amalfi Coast. During a visit meet a local chef for a class on how to make limoncello and board a boat for a sunset cruise. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in the Amalfi Coast. 

Day 1: Cliff-Top Villages and a Sunset Cruise

**Morning:**Get your bearings with a walking tour of the town of Amalfi, seeing its historic sites on your own or with a guide. Go in-depth as part of an Amalfi village guided tour, or choose an itinerary that includes neighboring towns, such as Atrani.

**Afternoon:**Discover the coastline with a guided drive to visit nearby villages, including Positano and Ravello. Use free time to explore the villages, shop in boutiques, and enjoy Italy’s café culture. Some popular driving tours take wine enthusiasts to a winery near Mt. Vesuvius for a guided tasting.

**Night:**Maximize the sunset hours with an early evening cruise. Board a boat and sail the coastline with a glass of prosecco in hand to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Captains and guides often share local culture and history during cruises, and some schedule stops for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: Local History and Cuisine

**Morning:**Visit the archeological ruins at Pompeii, one of the region’s renowned historical attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Small-group and private tours offer on-site history lessons, while some also include transportation and stop at a winery near Mt. Vesuvius for a tasting.

**Afternoon:**Taste local flavors with an afternoon focused on the region’s famous fruit, the lemon. Lemon-themed tours offer the opportunities to see large groves of lemons, join a hands-on class to learn how limoncello is made and taste this popular liqueur, and even relax over a multi-course lunch.

**Night:**Get to know the Amalfi Coast after dark. The area’s historic villages seem designed for an evening stroll, with stops in wine bars, cafés, and restaurants along the way. Find out the top food and drink destinations by customizing a private tour with a local guide according to your interests.

One of the most famous stretches of shoreline in Italy, the Amalfi Coast attracts travelers with its colorful villages and cliff-top views. During a visit, see historic landmarks, sip local limoncello, and head out on a boat for a sunset tour. Here are a few ways to spend 24 hours in the Amalfi Coast. 

Morning: Get to Know Amalfi

Get your bearings in the Amalfi Coast with an introductory stroll through the village of Amalfi and see top landmarks, including its cathedral and the Museum of Paper. Join a local tour to learn about the region’s culture, food traditions, and how limoncello is made. You can even go further afield with a walking tour that includes other villages, such as Amalfi and Atrani, or opt to customize a private tour according to your interests.

Afternoon: Explore the Coastline

Take a guided drive to admire the coastal views, stopping to explore nearby villages, including Ravello and Positano. Enjoy free time in the towns to wander among side streets, shop in boutiques, and do some people watching over a coffee. Other popular driving tours focus on local winemaking. Visit a winery near Mt. Vesuvius and learn about the unique flavors and challenges of wine made from vines grown in volcanic soil and sip a range of wines during a guided tasting.

Night: See the Sunset By Boat

Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast from a new perspective with an evening boat tour. Choose between a sunset cruise or a captained boat rental, and watch dusk fall along the dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and colorful villages of the Amalfi Coast. Some itineraries include stops for swimming, so wear a bathing suit if you’d like to get into the water.