The Amalfi Coast is probably one of the first places I fell in love with.
I had planned my wedding for Positano, before opting for a castle wedding in Umbria instead, but part of me still feels a little sad for moving the wedding. In the end it worked out for the best since the week we were to rent a villa ended up being a week of rain versus just the one day of rain (on my wedding day) in our castle in Umbria, but like I said, it still makes me a little sad. By the way, as just a quick note for anyone who wants to have a wedding in Positano, it is beyond possible to have a wedding on a budget there without really sacrificing anything. With what we had planned, a week of activities including the actual wedding, housing for all our guests, and food for the week, it all would have cost less than a one day wedding in California.
But this post isn't about weddings.
So many people expect the Amalfi Coast to be too expensive and out of their price range, but this is not true! I've written this out so many times to various people who have asked me how to plan a quick trip to the Amalfi Coast so it makes sense to just post it here. This can be adjusted based on length of stay, but the general idea remains the same.
With a week, base out of Sorrento for the easiest access to the major sights in this region. Although Sorrento is not my favorite place, it makes things easier, plus there is some nightlight here versus the quieter villages along the coast.
For budget accommodation I'd suggest Diana City B&B. On Corso Italia, it is just at the edge of the city center, but keep in mind Sorrento is small and being on the edge of the city center just means a 5 minute walk to Piazza Tasso.
Another option is Villa Elisa, located in Piazza Sant' Antonino. The location is amazing and the owners are very helpful. I believe you have to email to book, but pricing is listed on their website and for the location the rooms here are a steal! It is absolutely worth spending slightly more for the upstairs room which gets you a balcony with a view of Piazza Sant' Antonino and access to the sun terrace. The rest of the rooms face an internal courtyard decorated with great care.
With a week or even just 5 days, I would recommend staying at least one night on the Amalfi Coast. You'll have to budget a little more for this night, but it is worth it! Positano would be my choice for where to stay since the village is transformed at night once the day trippers are gone, but Praiano is a good alternate location. In fact, for families I even recommend Praiano over Positano since Positano is a very vertical village, which can be difficult for small children or people with mobility issues.
Another option that is not as easily accessible, and not necessarily budget, but a place I've had my eye on, is Villa Scarpariello. (Yes, another place I thought about having a wedding at). Once the hideaway for celebrities such as Jacqueline Kennedy, this villa located at the Ravello coast is breathtaking. From some of the rooms you can literally jump into the water from. I am mainly putting this here because I keep forgetting the name and I want to remember it for the future.
To reach the Amalfi Coast, most people take the train from Rome to Napoli, then the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, and finally a SITA bus to the Amalfi Coast. I suggest instead taking the train from Rome to Salerno, the other end of the coast that is often overlooked. While in Salerno a stop by Pasticceria Sal De Riso is reason enough to go there. They are known for their pear and ricotta cake, which was a favorite of Pope Giovanni Paolo II.
If you have time and interest, Salerno is the closest stop to the ruins at Paestum, not as well known as the ruins of Pompeii, but worth a visit. If you really have time, longer than a week, it is also worth going further south and visiting the Cilento Coast, but that's another trip for another time.
Once you reach Salerno, instead of taking the SITA bus, take a hydrofoil (check schedules to make sure they are running during the season you are planning on going) so that you can get a view of the Amalfi Coast from the water. Make this first night the night you stay in Positano (or elsewhere on the coast) and take the hydrofoil to the village where your hotel is. The rest of the day relax and explore. The next day relax and explore some more. There are so many options for where you can go, some suggestion include walking the Path of the Gods if you like hiking, relaxing at the beach, visit Amalfi (must try the delizia al limone) and Ravello, take a boat to the Emerald Grotto, or get lunch at Da Adolfo or La Tagliata (one is at a private beach, the other is high in the mountains).
Catch a later SITA bus to Sorrento where you'll be based for the rest of the trip. This trip will give you a different perspective of the Amalfi Coast than the hydrofoil. Sit on the left side of the bus (opposite of the side you'd sit on if you were heading to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento).
From Sorrento it is easy to take day trips to Capri, Ischia, Procida, or explore Masa Lubrense. A lot of people insist on going to Capri, but just know it can be very expensive. I like to recommend Ischia and Procida as alternate destinations. Both are gorgeous islands that are sometimes overlooked by foreign tourist. Ischia always ends up being a favorite of visitors, known for Castle Aragonese and the naturally occuring thermal baths. It is rumored that there are still locations where you can access the thermal baths for free.
On the last day, schedule a late train back to Rome from Napoli and on the way stop by Pompeii. Take the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi and at the Porta Marina entrance there is an office for left luggage. As of writing this, the luggage room is free to use. If you want to spend a day in Napoli, then instead of going to Pompei on the last day, make it a day trip while still in Sorrento.
I had planned my wedding for Positano, before opting for a castle wedding in Umbria instead, but part of me still feels a little sad for moving the wedding. In the end it worked out for the best since the week we were to rent a villa ended up being a week of rain versus just the one day of rain (on my wedding day) in our castle in Umbria, but like I said, it still makes me a little sad. By the way, as just a quick note for anyone who wants to have a wedding in Positano, it is beyond possible to have a wedding on a budget there without really sacrificing anything. With what we had planned, a week of activities including the actual wedding, housing for all our guests, and food for the week, it all would have cost less than a one day wedding in California.
But this post isn't about weddings.
So many people expect the Amalfi Coast to be too expensive and out of their price range, but this is not true! I've written this out so many times to various people who have asked me how to plan a quick trip to the Amalfi Coast so it makes sense to just post it here. This can be adjusted based on length of stay, but the general idea remains the same.
With a week, base out of Sorrento for the easiest access to the major sights in this region. Although Sorrento is not my favorite place, it makes things easier, plus there is some nightlight here versus the quieter villages along the coast.
 |
| Ruins Of An Old Mill, Sorrento |
For budget accommodation I'd suggest Diana City B&B. On Corso Italia, it is just at the edge of the city center, but keep in mind Sorrento is small and being on the edge of the city center just means a 5 minute walk to Piazza Tasso.
Another option is Villa Elisa, located in Piazza Sant' Antonino. The location is amazing and the owners are very helpful. I believe you have to email to book, but pricing is listed on their website and for the location the rooms here are a steal! It is absolutely worth spending slightly more for the upstairs room which gets you a balcony with a view of Piazza Sant' Antonino and access to the sun terrace. The rest of the rooms face an internal courtyard decorated with great care.
With a week or even just 5 days, I would recommend staying at least one night on the Amalfi Coast. You'll have to budget a little more for this night, but it is worth it! Positano would be my choice for where to stay since the village is transformed at night once the day trippers are gone, but Praiano is a good alternate location. In fact, for families I even recommend Praiano over Positano since Positano is a very vertical village, which can be difficult for small children or people with mobility issues.
Another option that is not as easily accessible, and not necessarily budget, but a place I've had my eye on, is Villa Scarpariello. (Yes, another place I thought about having a wedding at). Once the hideaway for celebrities such as Jacqueline Kennedy, this villa located at the Ravello coast is breathtaking. From some of the rooms you can literally jump into the water from. I am mainly putting this here because I keep forgetting the name and I want to remember it for the future.
 |
| Villa Scarpariello Image Via Panoramia |
To reach the Amalfi Coast, most people take the train from Rome to Napoli, then the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, and finally a SITA bus to the Amalfi Coast. I suggest instead taking the train from Rome to Salerno, the other end of the coast that is often overlooked. While in Salerno a stop by Pasticceria Sal De Riso is reason enough to go there. They are known for their pear and ricotta cake, which was a favorite of Pope Giovanni Paolo II.
If you have time and interest, Salerno is the closest stop to the ruins at Paestum, not as well known as the ruins of Pompeii, but worth a visit. If you really have time, longer than a week, it is also worth going further south and visiting the Cilento Coast, but that's another trip for another time.
Once you reach Salerno, instead of taking the SITA bus, take a hydrofoil (check schedules to make sure they are running during the season you are planning on going) so that you can get a view of the Amalfi Coast from the water. Make this first night the night you stay in Positano (or elsewhere on the coast) and take the hydrofoil to the village where your hotel is. The rest of the day relax and explore. The next day relax and explore some more. There are so many options for where you can go, some suggestion include walking the Path of the Gods if you like hiking, relaxing at the beach, visit Amalfi (must try the delizia al limone) and Ravello, take a boat to the Emerald Grotto, or get lunch at Da Adolfo or La Tagliata (one is at a private beach, the other is high in the mountains).
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| Villa Cimbrone, Ravello |
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| View From Villa Cimbrone, Ravello |
Catch a later SITA bus to Sorrento where you'll be based for the rest of the trip. This trip will give you a different perspective of the Amalfi Coast than the hydrofoil. Sit on the left side of the bus (opposite of the side you'd sit on if you were heading to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento).
From Sorrento it is easy to take day trips to Capri, Ischia, Procida, or explore Masa Lubrense. A lot of people insist on going to Capri, but just know it can be very expensive. I like to recommend Ischia and Procida as alternate destinations. Both are gorgeous islands that are sometimes overlooked by foreign tourist. Ischia always ends up being a favorite of visitors, known for Castle Aragonese and the naturally occuring thermal baths. It is rumored that there are still locations where you can access the thermal baths for free.
On the last day, schedule a late train back to Rome from Napoli and on the way stop by Pompeii. Take the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi and at the Porta Marina entrance there is an office for left luggage. As of writing this, the luggage room is free to use. If you want to spend a day in Napoli, then instead of going to Pompei on the last day, make it a day trip while still in Sorrento.
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| Pompeii |
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