7 perfect days on the Amalfi Coast

If you wanted to film the perfect Italian scene for a movie, you would start with a view from above the Amalfi Coast. It’s got Insta-worthy scenes at every turn and hidden gems begging to be discovered. It's no surprise the southern coast has been the favored haunt of classic Hollywood stars, poets, and artists.

Our seven-day itinerary groups all the top sites by location so that you can save time, money, and precious travel energy. We've got something for the history buff, the food lover, the adventure seeker, and much more.

Really, all you have to do is book the ticket and answer two critical questions: "pizza or pasta?" and "white wine or prosecco?"

Start your day with a stroll down the Corso Italia, the main street of Sorrento. With a backdrop of mountains and a never-ending lemon theme, you could easily spend hours dipping into the town's boutique clothing stores, gelato shops, and traditional cafes. If you fall in love with souvenirs on the Amalfi Coast, it's far cheaper to buy them in Sorrento than in Positano or Capri.

Stop for lunch at TavernAllegra, a rustic Italian spot inside a 15th-century palace. Go for the seafood risotto and a glass of the house white wine.

While Sorrento may not have beaches in the traditional sense (it's a town built on a cliffside), it does have beach areas and beautiful views to match. If you're more into R&R rather than history, wander down from the Old Town to Peter's Beach, where you can rent a sunbed and a parasol for far cheaper than the neighboring hotel beach clubs. Spend a few hours relaxing in the sun and swimming in the lake.

When sunset approaches, walk 10 minutes down to the harbor for a picturesque view of the island of Ischia. Or, if you'd rather save your steps for later in the week, dip into La Villa for a sunset drink before dinner.

SORRENTO TOUR OPTIONS

For dinner, sit amongst the lemon trees at 'O Parrucchiano and try the squash blossoms and/or the lobster pasta. Say yes when you're offered Limoncello at the end of your meal. Warning: you'll probably have to book your table in advance, as this restaurant fills up fast during high season.

Known for its enticing blue waters, rugged cliffs, and old-money vibe, Capri can't be missed. Start your day with a boat ride to Capri and a tour of the Blue Grotto – a sea cave with water so intensely blue it glows. For the full experience, take the tour that sails beneath the arching Faraglioni rock formations. From here, we recommend meeting a private driver instead of joining a tour. Sure, the tour is cheaper, but you won't see the off-the-beaten-path parts of this fantastic island.

Up next: Head over to the Monte Solaro chairlift. It's the best way to scare your parents back home and experience panoramic views of Capri, Salerno, and the Bay of Naples at the same time. All jokes aside, the chair lift is perfectly safe and one of the most incredible things to do in Capri.

Avoid the tourist-trap restaurants in Anacapri and dine beneath the lemon trees at Da Paolino. The smell of citrus and sea salt in the breeze makes the atmosphere a true 10/10. Plus, there's a dessert room where you can pick anything you want for a fixed price – um, yes, please.

When you've had your fill, take a meandering walk through the dreamy gardens of Villa San Michele. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this 19th-century villa offers plenty of Instagram-friendly photo ops and an impressive private art collection.

The second part of your afternoon takes you to Lido del Faro, a breezy beach club nestled into the cliffs. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, cliff jump (with caution, please), or get that perfect Sophia Loren-esque shot of yourself emerging from the crystal-clear waters. Order a cocktail or walk to the lighthouse for a different perspective as the sun sets.

CAPRI TOUR OPTIONS

You're probably a little tired, but we promise the short drive into the city center of Capri is worth it for a look at the luxury shops along Via Camerelle. If you're staying overnight in Capri, freshen up and then walk along the winding paths to Le Grottelle – a restaurant built into a natural grotto. For those staying in Positano or elsewhere on the coast, it's time to take the boat back and kiss Capri goodbye.

You won't find massive nightclubs in Capri, but the nightlife is rich and perfectly suited to warm summer evenings. Sip on a cocktail at one of the many bars by the Piazzetta, then cap off the night with live music and dancing at Anema e Core Taverna.

If you saw a gorgeous picture of the Amalfi Coast and instantly thought, "I have to go there!" it was probably taken in Positano. Tiers of pastel-hued houses climb the rugged cliffs. Set against the aquamarine waters, it is literally postcard-perfect. The best way to see the town is from the water, so we recommend taking the ferry from Capri to Positano.

Hop off the ferry and grab a light lunch at Casa e Bottega, a restaurant and design shop offering a selection of healthy bites to break up your carb fest. Go for the Casa Bowl with seared tuna—you'll thank us later. Don't forget to browse the locally-produced ceramics, jewelry, and linens in Case e Bottega and the surrounding businesses.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters and imagine you're a leading lady in a glamorous 1950s film bound to be a classic. While Positano Beach is one of the largest along the Amalfi Coast and attracts quite the crowd, Fornillo Beach is much calmer and just as beautiful. For a better daybed price, keep walking down the beach.

If you need a break from the sun, pop into Ristorante Pupetto for a limoncello spritzer. But keep in mind, it's just prosecco and Limoncello, so take it slow.

POSITANO TOUR OPTIONS

As the afternoon fades to evening, refresh at your hotel (AKA put on that one dress you brought exclusively for the gram), and stroll to La Sponda for dinner.

Picture the soft sunset illuminating bougainvillea growing over the white-washed walls of a terrace. Don't worry—the ocean's there too. The menu is seasonal, but the lemon risotto with capers is a must-try. Remember, it's a Michelin-starred restaurant in a 5-star hotel, so expect splurge-worthy prices and make a reservation.

Positano isn't a nightlife hotspot, but you can have a few cocktails and get your dance on at Music on the Rocks. Located inside a cave, this nightclub overlooks the ocean and is the place to be on a Friday night.

Don't worry: it's okay to take it slow today. Have your driver meet you at your hotel, and enjoy the scenic drive down the coast. Make sure you have your camera at the ready because the vistas will take your breath away.

On your way to Ravello, stop in Amalfi to see the jaw-dropping Amalfi Cathedral. Moorish, Baroque, Byzantine, and Romanesque elements overlap to create a cathedral that is genuinely different from the churches in the rest of Italy.

Next, sample two local specialties at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi: sfogliatella (a flakey pastry filled with creamy ricotta) and delizia al limone (a citrusy cake with decadent icing). They'll haunt your dreams in a good way.

Although Positano gets all the attention, there's something special about Ravello. This hillside town is unlike anything else along the Amalfi Coast, featuring lazy, cobblestone streets, family-run shops, and historic buildings covered in vines. When you arrive, you'll probably be hungry, so grab a table overlooking Ravello and enjoy a home-style meal at Osteria Ravello.

Walk off your food coma with a stroll through Villa Rufolo's manicured gardens. Overlooking the ocean, this Moorish-style villa is the perfect place to get all the floral shots.

From here, you can head into the narrow streets of Ravello. Don't forget to try the olive oil tasting at Gusti & Delizie, and browse the rows of colorful ceramic bowls at Ceramiche d'Arte Pascal Ravello.

For sunset (or even after sunset), try an innovative cocktail at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel's Bar Caruso and enjoy the atmosphere around one of Italy's most beautiful swimming pools. A stay at this hotel is too big of a splurge, but a cocktail with some live music is doable.

Tomorrow will be jam-packed, so you'll want an early night. On your way home, stop at Ristorante L'Abside for a low-key dinner and people-watching by the piazza. The lobster linguine is still living rent-free in my head.

While many visitors pass through Salerno without stopping, this port city is highly underrated. You can get here by bus or ferry, but taxi is the quickest option. This is your chance to experience authentic hospitality and see how a modern city beautifully coexists with its ancient history.

Get your caffeine fix along with a croissant at the unpretentious Pucci Street Cafè. As you soak in the busy city energy, take a walk through the Old City, stopping at the Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno.

Featuring five terraces overlooking the city, Giardino della Minerva is a breath of fresh air compared to the more crowded attractions along the coast. You'll learn about all sorts of medicinal plants and herbs on a self-guided tour. Plus, the entry fee is only three euros.

Before you leave the old city, enjoy a meal at Salerno's hidden gem: Osteria Angolo Masuccio. This informal restaurant is what La Vita Dolce is all about – slow living, great food, and good company. Everything is to die for, but you can't leave without trying the steamed local mussels and the truffle pasta.

We know you're probably a little full, but it's time for a 40-minute taxi or a one-hour bus ride to the Archaeological Park of Paestum – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved Greek temples. This archaeological park is much smaller than Pompeii, so it's like a warm-up for your big archeological adventure on day seven.

SALERNO TOUR OPTIONS

Like many Mediterranean cities, Salerno comes alive at night when the temperature lowers. If you can sneak in a nap after visiting Paestum, your body will thank you. After resting, join the locals for a casual walk along the two-kilometer Promenade, which travels from the Old City to the harbor. Don't be afraid to eat a gelato (or two) during your journey – you've earned it.

Finally, visit another traditional restaurant with unbelievable food: Taverna Santa Maria De Domno. The intimate and warm atmosphere features wooden tables covered with thick linens. The seared tuna and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) are pure perfection.

We have two separate itineraries: one for the R&R fans and one for the go-go-go travelers. But everyone has to eat, so you'll start with a breakfast of fluffy pancakes at Cafe Novanta Quattro.

More ambitious travelers should embark on a 4-hour hike along the Path of the Gods and be rewarded with truly incredible views of the Amalfi Coast. We'd rank the trail difficulty as medium to medium-difficult. Don't forget to bring plenty of water.

For more laid-back travelers, the day can be easy. Walk to the stunning Marina di Praia and rent a sunbed for a few hours. When you're ready for a snack, walk to Trattoria Da Armandino for fresh seafood and a selection of wine.

Our hikers will still be trekking, napping hard, or eating a late lunch at a restaurant in Nocelle, but our beach-goers have a few options. You can fully take advantage of your sunbed rental and stay for the rest of the day or hop on the bus to the Emerald Grotto.

Sunlight illuminates this karst cave, creating the illusion of emerald waters. For 10 euros, a guide will take you around the small Grotto and explain its history. The good news is that there's an elevator, so it's truly a low-stress excursion.

For sunset, head to the rooftop bar at Hotel Le Fioriere for gorgeous views and cocktails that won't break the bank.

PRAIANO TOUR OPTIONS

If you're tired from your hike, order dinner at Hotel le Fioriere and call it a night. For those still standing, Ristorante Il Pino is just down the road and offers authentic cuisine that's truly mouthwatering.

What sets this restaurant apart is the welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly owners. While the restaurant is open until 11:00 p.m., don't stay out too late because tomorrow is all about the adventuring.

Head back to your room in Praiano and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the moon reflect off the sea, or fall into bed immediately and sleep like the dead. We're leaning towards option two.

Calling all history buffs—today's for you. The ruins are spread out, and you're off to hike a volcano, so you'll get your steps in.

There are a few ways to reach Mount Vesuvius, but a private driver is the best option. The trek to the crater rim is about four kilometers, featuring views of the Bay of Naples and the Tirone Reserve. It's challenging enough to be fun without making you regret not waiting in the car.

Now that you've broken a sweat, it's time for lunch at Cantina Del Vesuvio Winery Russo Family. Enjoy a glass of Vesuvio Lacryma Christi, a slow lunch, and views of the volcano you just hiked.

Depending on the time of year, Pompeii Archaeological Park closes between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You'll probably want to spend three hours here, so try to arrive by 1:00 p.m. at the latest. To avoid fatigue, check off your big hitters first: the House of Faun, the Forum, the Amphitheater, the Forum Baths, the Brothel, and the Temple of Apollo. Remember to reapply sunscreen and bring extra water.

Not to be missed: the frescoes depicting initiation into a pagan cult at Villa Dei Misteri. It's located outside the main area, so feel free to ask for directions.

POMPEII TOUR OPTIONS

It's time to drive back to Naples and sample the best pizza in the world. But it seems unfair to the other pizzas to only try one, so we'll include a few options. Put your name on the waitlist at Sorbillo, or try the pizza montanara in all its fluffy-doughy glory at Starita.

Naples has the best nightlife compared to the tiny towns along the Amalfi Coast. Get caught up in the lively atmosphere around Cammarota Spritz and make new friends. Soak up the bohemian vibes at Shanti Art Musik Bar, or visit one of the underground pubs, such as Bucopertuso - Public House.