If you’re planning a quick weekend trip to Southern Italy, this 2-day itinerary for Naples and the Amalfi Coast is perfect for you.
With its rich history, stunning scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine, this region has so much to offer.
Here’s how to make the most of your short time and still get the most out of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 1: Explore Naples
Have a Classic Italian Breakfast
Start your day with a traditional Neapolitan breakfast!
As is the case in most of Italy, this means a pastry and coffee.
Grab a sfogliatella, a pastry native to Naples with a flaky, layered shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often flavored with citrus and semolina. The combinations of flavors and textures is really incredible.
Make sure to get them filled with ricotta! Some touristy establishments will often fill them with cream instead, which is not traditional. Make sure to get yourself a coffee as well. There’s gonna be a lot of walking, so best be energized!
Explore the Centro Storico (Old Center of Naples)
Next, wander through the Spaccanapoli, a lively street that slices through the historic center.
The old city of Naples is listed as a UNESCO heritage site, and you can see why. While not being as architecturally beautiful as many of the cities in the north of the country, you get the sense that Naples is as authentic as it gets.
You may or may not prefer this, but for me it was a refreshing experience after the more touristic cities of Rome, Venice, and Milan. Here, you can spend a few hours exploring local shops and, as I’ll cover in the next paragraph, stop for a pizza.
Try a Neapolitan Pizza
You have to stop at least once for a pizza at one of the renowned Neapolitan pizzerias.
Naples is the pizza capital of the world! Walking down the Spaccanapoli, you’ll see plenty of options.
Stop at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or any one of the Sorbillos for a truly amazing culinary experience.
Also keep an eye out for Pizza Frita, a Naples specialty that translates to fried pizza. It tastes even better than it sounds.
Head to Chiaia and the Waterfront for Sunset and Dinner
Now it’s time to head to lesser known parts of the city.
On the way to the waterfront, visit Chiaia, the more wealthy area of Naples that is quite beautiful in its vivid colors. Walk around and explore, maybe stop and get another coffee.
From there, walk down to the Lungomare, Naples’ beautiful waterfront promenade. Sorbillo has a location here too. If you haven’t had too much pizza, head here for an encore.
If you had, head to a restaurant along the water and take in the views with some seafood.
Enjoy the sunset over the bay, walking south along the promenade. You’ll walk past live music, with the sunlight glinting off the water and Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Experience Naples’ Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re up for it, head back into the Centro Storico to see Naples light up at night.
If you’re around for the weekend during the school year, prepare for huge crowds. Naples is a university town, and there’s no need for bars or clubs.
The streets are the venue, absolutely packed and buzzing with energy. But don’t stay up too late! You’re gonna need energy for tomorrow.
Day 2: Discover the Amalfi Coast
Grab your sfogliatella and coffee and get ready to set off early. The earlier the better, as it takes time to get to the Amalfi Coast and you want as much time there as you can get.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
I couldn’t recommend more that you rent a scooter, if its something you’re comfortable with. You can take a car, but a scooter is much more functional and also just way cooler.
If you don’t want to do either of these, taking a bus or ferry is also an option. They’ll take between 1-1.5 hours. Look up times online, there are many throughout the course of the day. The beauty of having your own vehicle, though, is that you don’t have to wait for anybody.
Check for ferry options here.
If you do choose to rent a scooter, hit up Ciro at Blancos Motum. His Vespas go for 50 euro for the day and riding through Naples and the Amalfi Coast make you feel truly Italian.
If you need more convincing of why you should be getting a scooter for the Amalfi Coast (and honestly everywhere you travel), read this post of mine.
Note: If you have a larger group, booking a tour can be both a more convenient and cheaper option. I would recommend looking into the options above. The same goes for travelers who just want more convenience, as the price point will end up being similar to taking a ferry.
Start at the Beautiful Town of Positano
However you choose to get there, make your first stop Positano.
You’ll be skipping past Sorrento, but in the interest of time Positano is where you should start.
The town’s colorful cliffside buildings spilling onto its stunning beach are a sight to behold. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or shopping in the local boutiques. Don’t forget to try some local limoncello!
Other Stops on the Amalfi Coast
We’re not done yet!
Afterward, head to Amalfi. I’m assuming you have the convenience factor of having a scooter- if not, there’s a bus system that I’m not familiar with, but it should be pretty straightforward.
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral and take a stroll through the quaint streets. Grab lunch at a trattoria and enjoy homemade pasta paired with local wine. Recommendation? Google Maps, anything above 4.5 with plenty of reviews.
If you have a Vespa, you should ride a little further along the coast and stop in the towns of Minori and Maiori.
Head Back to Naples via Ravello
If you have a scooter, head back via the mountains and the town of Ravello. There, you can stop and take in its stunning gardens and views.
Visit Villa Rufolo, where you can wander through the beautiful grounds and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the coastline.
Stay in Ravello for dinner, as the sunset views are simply unforgettable. Consider dining at Ristorante Villa Maria, which offers exquisite local dishes in a romantic setting.
You can come here with a bus, too, just make sure you don’t miss the last bus back to Naples!
If you have a scooter, this won’t be an issue for you (Are you guys getting the point??). Head back at whatever hour you like. Ciro will likely accommodate you until 10PM or so, even later if necessary (as was the case for me).
Heading back through the mountains (navigate with Google Maps), once you crest the top you’ll be greeted with an incredible, sweeping view of Naples, Vesuvius, and the surrounding areas. If night has fallen, you’ll be astounded by the sheer amount of lights glinting up at you.
Conclusion
This ultimate 2-day itinerary for Naples and the Amalfi Coast offers a taste of Italy’s rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes.
While it’s just a snapshot of what this beautiful region has to offer, it’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to return.
Buon viaggio!
