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
Breakfast
Start your day with a traditional Neapolitan breakfast! As is the case in most of Italy, this means a pastry and coffee to boot. 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
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.
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 is, as the name suggests, fried pizza. It tastes even better than it sounds.
Chiaia and Waterfront for Sunset and Dinner
On the way to the waterfront, visit Chiaia, the more wealthy area of Naples that is quite beautiful in its vivid colors. 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.
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
Get 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 there?
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.
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 article of mine.
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
Afterward, head to Amalfi. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, a beautiful architectural gem, and take a stroll through the quaint streets. Grab lunch at a trattoria and enjoy homemade pasta paired with local wine. If you went the Vespa route, ride a little further along the coast and stop in the towns of Minori and Maiori.
Head Back to Naples
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, 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. And when you do, make sure to see the rest of my content on places to visit all around Italy! Buon viaggio!
