Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii
The Amalfi Coast and Pompeii in One Day
Port: Naples, Italy
Budget: $600
The Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 picturesque villages along the Southern edge of Italy. The coastal road winds from the clifftop city of Sorrento to the port of Salerno and boasts some of the most beautiful views of colorful white-washed houses, Mediterranean coastline, terraced gardens, and 11th century architecture.
For us, this was one of our stops on a 7-day Western Mediterranean cruise with Norwegian. We will definitely be coming back to explore more of the Amalfi Coast! This destination is a must-see and ranks up with our all-time favorite spots in the world! Consider this destination for your next anniversary.
Good morning!
This was our view of Naples, Italy, from the balcony of our room. We enjoyed a quick breakfast on the boat and headed off as soon as we were able to.
When you only have one day in the Amalfi Coast.....
We ported at Naples and immediately headed toward the famous coastal villages that I had been dreaming of … this coastline was the inspiration for our entire trip. After making friends with the kindest guide in Pisa, Italy, yesterday, she made a recommendation for a company that offered private chauffeurs for the Amalfi Coast. Yes, please!! He was waiting for us as soon as we stepped off the boat and drove us right past all the bustling tour buses in his sleek black Mercedes. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND not taking an organized bus excursion to the Amalfi Coast, as the buses are only able to take their guests so far because of the narrow roads and often get stuck in traffic. We were able to zip around the traffic and head to local spots that were more intimate and quiet. We drove past Pompeii, but will explore the famous ruins on our way back at the end of the day. The drive from Naples to Positano is very scenic. Make sure to stop at least once for a picture.
Tip #1: Book a private tour for the day.
Expect to pay between $2-300 per person for the private local driver, but if you only have one day in the Amalfi Coast, I recommend spending the extra money. It’s worth every penny! I can’t remember what company we used, but a quick google search led me to Star Cars. There are many others, so just do your research and read reviews to find one that fits your needs. The pictures below were taken along the coast as we made a stop or two before reaching Positano.
Itinerary for Amalfi Coast and Pompeii (1-day)
- Drive from Naples to Positano: 1 hour and 30 minute.
- Between Sorrento and Positano, make a stop for a photo (see ours above)
- Shop and explore Positano: 1 hour
- From Positano travel to Amalfi: 30 minutes
- Enjoy Amalfi: 1 hour
- Have lunch at the Ristorante Lido Azzurro: 1 hour
- From Amalfi head to Ravello: 15 mins
- Explore the Lemon and Fig Groves in Ravello: 1 hour
- Find a shop along the way to shop for pottery
- Drive to Pompeii: 45 minutes
- Explore the famous ruins of Pompeii: 1 hour
- Return to Naples: 30 minutes
- Total: 8-9 hours
Positano
Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Positano
Our kind and friendly guide for the day.
Leaving Positano
Where Food is Culture
The Amalfi Coast is home to many renowned restaurants. Don’t make the mistake of not taking the time to enjoy a famous local Italian dish by the water. We enjoyed stunning views and delicious cuisine at one of Amalfi’s top restaurants, Ristorante Lido Azzurro.
Tip #2: Enjoy lunch by the water
Located on a jetty, the outdoor dining was perfect! We were ready for some relaxation after walking on cobblestone streets. With a view of the harbor and the brightly colored houses perched on the mountains above us, it was a scene I could’ve enjoyed for a week (I plan to come back to do just that.) The setting allowed for a relaxing respite in the middle of our explorations.
Kyle wasn’t sure of the chef’s recommended dish of freshly made pasta with the catch of the day in zesty lemon sauce, but it was, indeed, delicious. After lunch, we walked along the harbor for a bit, watching the boats sway in the water.
Ristorante Lido Azzurro, Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri, 5, 84011 Amalfi, Italy
The beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew can be found in their town square. The expansive staircase leads up to the church with its bell-tower in Arab-Norman style and the Cloister of Paradise. The Handmade paper Museum and the Ancients Arsenals of the Republic are also located here in Amalfi.
Amalfi
The most adorable boutique overlooking the sea.
Leaving Amalfi
Ravello
The town square, Piazza del Duomo.
Tip #3: Ravello is not to be missed
Welcome to Ravello. The hilltop village that peers down upon Amalfi’s picturesque coastline and turquoise waters. This town is much less populated by the vast crowds of tourists. Ravello has one of the most beautiful landscapes with gardens, acres of terraced lush lemon groves, hidden gardens, and its main square, the Piazza del Duomo. Ravello is also known for its open-air music and arts festivals from June till October.
We wandered through gardens, archways, and mysterious doorways to find the most breathtaking views of ancient ruins of Villa Rufolo, set along a backdrop of the sea down below. The German composer Wagner was inspired to write some of his opera Parsifal at the Villa Rufolo.
I could’ve stayed a week in Ravello.
Pompeii
Tip #4: In order to have time for Pompeii, stay on Schedule
In hindsight, we should’ve stopped for a few less pictures along the way, because we reached Pompeii with little time to explore these important Roman ruins. It really is worth your time to see, as it is one of the most unique archaeological sites in Italy. Once a wealthy and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under 13 to 20 feet of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site gives a unique glimpse at Roman life frozen in time. Vesuvius is still an active volcano. It has erupted over 30 times since 79 A.D. and will most likely erupt again.
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