When it comes to dreamy, watercolor wonderlands, Italy’s enchanting Amalfi Coast is postcard picture perfect. Featuring idyllic pastel-colored villages clinging to dramatic cliffs, Instagram-worthy gardens, and mouth-watering eateries, this striking destination is an absolute must see.
But, for travelers looking to enhance their already amazing itinerary, adding a day trip to the glamorous island of Capri serves up even more natural beauty, high-end shopping, and Italian charm. While mainland cities like Positano and Amalfi are known for their relaxed atmosphere and picturesque harbors, Capri boasts a distinctly different vibe that appeals to those seeking more sophisticated and alluring adventures.
The island is a hotspot where eager travelers spend their days strolling through designer boutiques, exploring stunning grottos, and soaking up the sun at glamorous beach clubs, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. From enjoying a sumptuous day trip to Capri to savoring a more leisurely stay, explorers can plot the perfect Amalfi Coast vacation itinerary that allows them to take in the best of what this luxe locale has to offer.
Crafting the Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary
A quick getaway, an overnight adventure, or a full weeklong wander. Here are three sublime itinerary options that travel planners can use to design a flawless retreat.
Itinerary 1: The Perfect One-Day Trip to Paradise
- Home Base: Sorrento is the ideal launching point for a Capri day trip and Hilton Sorrento Palace, which is perfectly positioned overlooking the Bay of Naples and the striking Sorrento Coast, is the ideal home base. Surrounded by a charming citrus garden, the hotel features six outdoor seasonal pools, an indoor heated pool, and offers easy train station access.
- Morning Ferry: From Sorrento, the journey to Capri starts with an early ferry or hydrofoil ride from Anacapri. The trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and several companies operate frequent service. Travelers will want to pre-book tickets, especially during peak season.
- Day of Exploration: With just one day to explore, adventurers will want to spend their time seeing the highlights, including venturing through the upscale shops and eateries of Capri Town, riding the funicular up to Monte Solaro for panoramic views, and taking a boat tour around the island to see the mesmerizing Blue Grotto and the impressive Faraglioni rocks.
- Evening Return: Hungry travelers can grab dinner in Capri Town or Marina Piccola before catching the last ferry back to Sorrento.
Itinerary 2: An Indulgent Overnight Escape to Capri
- Start the Journey: Naples’ easy-to-access position on the coast makes it a great starting point for any Amalfi Coast vacation. Before heading to Capri, travelers can book a room at the De Bonart Naples, Curio Collection by Hilton. Originally built in 1870, the hotel blends traditional and contemporary design elements and provides easy access to Naples' cultural attractions and ferry terminals.
- Morning Ferry: Departing from Naples, explorers can catch a morning ferry to Capri. This journey takes about an hour and should be booked in advance.
- Hit the Highlights: Upon arrival, travelers can hit the ground running by visiting Anacapri and the dreamy Villa San Michele before taking the chairlift up to the island’s highest point, Monte Solaro, to savor a sunset aperitivo overlooking the sea.
- Explore Even More: After an evening of rest, the next day can be all about exploration. Intrepid adventure-seekers can search for hidden gems in Capri Town, take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, and relax on Marina Piccola before catching a late afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
- Continue Along the Amalfi Coast: From Capri, ferries run to both Sorrento and Positano, allowing travelers to choose whichever location best suits their plans for the rest of their Amalfi Coast hideaway.
Itinerary 3: A Lavish and Luxurious Island Interlude
- See the Amalfi Coast: Those looking for a leisurely, picturesque getaway should start by spending a few days exploring the beautiful seaside towns of Positano and Amalfi while using a luxurious retreat as a home base for exploration. An ideal option is Furore Grand Hotel, an SLH Hotel, which is perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers stunning coastal views, elegant rooms and suites, an indulgent spa, and a spectacular outdoor infinity pool.
- Savor Capri Time: Then, travelers can take a private boat transfer to Capri to savor several days filled with pure indulgence. Here, during an extended stay, they can focus on relaxation, award-winning dining, and exploring the island at a slower pace. Travelers looking for the ultimate escape can even hire a private boat to explore hidden coves and enjoy secluded swims.
No matter the length of stay, the Amalfi Coast makes for an irresistible escape. From cliffside villages to lush island vibes, combining the coastal charm of the mainland with the seductive glamour of Capri delivers a breezy, scenic, and totally unforgettable Italian getaway that feels straight out of a movie.
