The Amalfi Coast is a blogger’s dream, with some of the most beautiful clifftop views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Planning your Amalfi Coast Trip:

Have a think about where it is you want to be based – as you can see from the map I’ve drawn, Naples Airport is quite far away from places like Ravello and Amalfi (around 4 hours away), so you might rather be based somewhere like Sorrento, as I did, so as to avoid a very long journey straight after your flight. Make sure you bring a good pair of trainers – you might find yourself walking quite a bit! Finally, if you’re scared of heights this might not be the best trip for you! – most of the sights are situated on the top of cliffs. The bus also drives very close to the cliff-edge so if this is going to be an issue make sure you don’t get a window seat! If not, then enjoy the view it’s really spectacular.

DAY 1: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast

We arrived in Naples Airport and took one of the buses from the airport to Sorrento, where our hotel was. After dropping our bags off and having a brief rest, we set off to explore Sorrento. We started off by walking through Piazza Tasso towards Piazza Sant’Antonino where we visited Basilica di Sant’Antonino (pictured below). After that we walked to the Chiesa di San Francesco church and courtyard – a very Italian view. We carried on towards the sea stopping to gaze at the stunning view from Piazza della Vittoria before heading back towards the city to visit the Duomo, walking past the picturesque winding Italian streets and markets. We finished the walk off by walking down to Marina Grande (sea level), stopping off to have a famous Italian gelato.

DAY 2: Ravello, Amalfi Coast

We set off early and walked to the SITA bus station which took us to Amalfi (via Positano), then hopped on another bus to Ravello. Overall the journey took over 3 1/2 hours but what a picturesque journey it was! The roads took us right to the edge of the clifftop meaning we had a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast. Much to my parents amusement, since the roads were so narrow and winding, the bus driver had to constantly toot his horn to notify oncoming traffic we were approaching. Villa Rufolo: When we arrived in Ravello we got some ciabatta toasties at a cosy local bakery and headed to our first destination: Villa Rufolo – this is a cascading garden situated at the top of the cliff overlooking the Sea and, rather interestingly, was what inspired Wagner’s opera “Parsifal”. Villa Cimbrone: Determined to make the most of our time here I convinced the group to carry on further uphill (!), past authentic Italian vineyards, to the other famous garden: Villa Cimbrone, which is famous for its “terrace of infinite”. What a view! (although not for the faint-hearted!) Finally, before heading back home we stopped off at the cathedral.

DAY 3: Capri

We took a ferry at 11:25 to Capri which only took 20 mins (although was a lot more expensive than our £10 bus tickets). The weather was perfect and the water shined an incredible blue. After arriving at the busy harbour, we hiked up to the top of Capri(!) – quite exhausting in the blistering heat, to reach Giardini di Augusto. This is by far the most beautiful spot to look at Capri from and overlooks the famous rock formations “Faraglioni” – it really was the most incredible view. I then decided to take a bus to Anacapri (the other side of Capri) where we gorged on some incredibly delicious ciabatta toasties (an absolute must when in Italy!) before heading to the Seggiovia Monte chairlift, which takes you above the treetops to a lovely viewing point. Despite leaving early in the morning, we were rather rushed for time and nearly missed the final ferry back – so do make sure you keep track of time and are aware when the last ferry leaves. (although I’m sure it was greatly amusing to onlookers watching me frantically sprint for the ferry, arms waiving aimlessly above me). For dinner I grabbed a pizza with my brother and headed to Villa Comunale to watch the sun set – a perfect end to a lovely day

DAY 4: Positano and Amalfi

We left early in the morning for the 2 1/2 hour journey to Amalfi. The plan was to stop off at Positano on the way but unfortunately the road was closed so we had to head straight to Amalfi. We visited the famous Cathedral di Sant’Andrea which was beautiful (taking into account the rather hilarious paper cape I was given to wear while I walked around – lest my shoulders offend the elders) Leaving my parents to live their Italian dream, my brother and I hopped on a bus that promised to take us to Positano using a different route. It was so packed that we had to sit on the floor but well worth it when we got off and saw the view! The sight was just as I’d seen it in pictures and really like nothing else. We slowly strolled down the road and through the picturesque markets towards the beach and sat there, peanut butter gelato in hand, sunnies firmly in place, slowly turning an alluring sunburn-red. We then took a boat back to Sorrento (which had deck chairs on the top!) and met the ‘rents for a classic Italian dinner (think Carbonara, wine and limoncello shots)

DAY 5: Pompeii

Today was our last day in Italy so we got up early and took the bus to Pompeii, gawping at the ancient artefacts and marvelling at how well-kept it was. The real highlight for me was seeing the Foro – Pompeii’s main piazza, decked with statues, columns and arches. Truly a sight to behold. And that concluded my 5 days on the Amalfi Coast – a true taste of Italy’s coastline. Planning a trip to Italy? Why not check out my Guide of What to see in Florence & Tuscany or What to see in Venice in 2 Days