Day Trips: Sorrento, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast

If you are in Naples and you want the sea, postcard villages and breathtaking views, the Amalfi Coast It's the perfect destination for a day trip. Sorrento, Positano e Amalfi are the three essential stages of an itinerary that can be organised in one day, choosing between ferry, car, bus or the legendary CircumvesuvianaIn this guide you'll find everything you need to best organize your excursion.

How to get to Sorrento from Naples

Sorrento It's the gateway to the Sorrento Peninsula and the ideal starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast. Getting there from Naples is easy, and there are several modes of transport available.

On the Circumvesuviana: the train leaves from Naples Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station, lower platform) and arrives in Sorrento in about 70 minutes. The fare is reasonable (about €5 each way), and trains run approximately every 30 minutes. Be careful: in summer, the carriages can be very crowded.

By ferry or hydrofoil: from Beverello Pier There are fast connections to Sorrento from Naples with a travel time of about 45 minutes. The cost is higher (15-25€ each way), but the view of the Golfo di Napoli Vesuvio in the background it more than repays the ticket.

By car: Take the A3 Naples-Salerno motorway to the Castellammare di Stabia exit, then continue along state road 145 to Sorrento. Traffic can be heavy in summer, especially on weekends.

Shuttle bus: byCapodichino Airport The Curreri service leaves, connecting directly to Sorrento in around 70 minutes (cost around €10).

What to see in Sorrento

Sorrento deserves at least a half-day visit. The historic center is small but full of charm, with flower-lined alleys, artisan workshops, and an incredible variety of restaurants and bars.

Piazza Tasso

The beating heart of the city, surrounded by historic cafes and elegant buildings. The main shopping streets begin here, including Course Italy.

Villa Comunale

The most famous viewpoint in Sorrento: directly overlooking the Golfo di Napoli, offers one of the most beautiful views of the area, with Capri and Vesuvio perfectly framed.

Marina Grande

The quaint fishing port, just a short walk downhill from the town center, serves the freshest seafood, with traditional restaurants overlooking the sea.

From Sorrento to Positano: How to Continue

From Sorrento, to reach Positano and the rest of the Amalfi Coast, takes the SITA bus from the bus station in Piazza LauroThe journey takes about 50 minutes and offers spectacular views of the coast, with the road winding through lemon groves and cliffs overlooking the sea. Tickets cost around €3-4.

Alternatively, in summer there is a sea ​​connection By hydrofoil from Naples, stopping in Sorrento and arriving in Positano. For more details, read our dedicated article.hydrofoil from Naples to Positano.

What to see in Positano

Positano It's the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. Its pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffs, narrow streets, and endless stairways make it one of the most photographed destinations in Italy.

Big Beach

The main beach, crowded but spectacular, with the iconic dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which dominates the scene. Ideal for a quick dip before heading back up to the center.

Via dei Mulini and shopping

Positano's shopping street, with boutiques selling local crafts, handmade sandals, painted ceramics, and the famous linen dresses. Getting lost in the alleys is part of the experience.

Path of the Gods

For those who love trekking, the Path of the Gods connects Positano to Agerola and Bomba, offering breathtaking views of the coast. The most famous stretch starts from Bomerano and arrive at Nuts, from which you descend to Positano. The journey takes about 4 hours.

What to see in Amalfi

Continuing beyond Positano you arrive at Amalfi, the ancient Maritime Republic and the historic heart of the Amalfi Coast. Reachable by SITA bus from Positano (about 40 minutes).

Duomo di Sant'Andrea

The symbolic monument of Amalfi, with its arabesque façade, the cloister of Paradise and the crypt which houses the relics of Sant'AndreaThe monumental staircase rising from the square is one of the most iconic sights on the Amalfi Coast.

Arsenal of the Republic

Ancient shipyard of the Republic of Amalfi, today it houses the Ancient Compass (the Amalfi Coast Table, the oldest maritime code from the Middle Ages) and temporary exhibitions.

Valle delle Ferriere

A nature trail starting from the center of Amalfi and winding through a lush gorge past ancient paper mills, waterfalls, and Mediterranean vegetation. Ideal for a couple of hours' stroll away from the crowds.

Practical tips for the trip

Early departure: To enjoy your day stress-free, depart Naples by 8:00-8:30 am. During high season, lines (both on the road and at the Circumvesuviana turnstiles) can be long.

Clothing: Comfortable shoes, as the Amalfi Coast is full of stairs, climbs, and stone pavements. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the beaches.

What to eat: don't miss the lemon delight in Sorrento, the anchovies of Cetara and Limoncello Homemade. In every village you'll find restaurants with panoramic terraces.

Organized tours: If you'd rather not worry about travel, there are numerous boat and bus tours that depart from Naples and visit Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi in one day. Perfect if you're short on time.

Best time: da May to October, with preference for May-June and September, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are more manageable. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.

For more ideas on what to see in Campania, consult the guide to most beautiful places in Campania and our article on 2026 Blue flags in Campania.

FAQ — Day Trips to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

How long does it take from Naples to Sorrento?

About 70 minutes by Circumvesuviana, 45 minutes by hydrofoil, 50-60 minutes by car (with variable traffic).

What's the best way to visit the Amalfi Coast in one day?

The most practical way is the SITA bus from Sorrento: it connects all the towns along the coast. Alternatively, during the summer there are boat connections. Organized tours are a great option if you want to maximize your time.

How much does a Circumvesuviana ticket from Naples to Sorrento cost?

Approximately €5 each way. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices or authorized tobacconists. Please note: tickets cannot be purchased on board.

Can you do Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi in one day?

Yes, but it's challenging. The ideal is to choose two: Sorrento + Positano or Positano + Amalfi. With departure at dawn and return in the evening, you can visit all three, but the pace will be quite hectic.

Where can you eat well on the Amalfi Coast?

In Sorrento try the restaurants on Marina Grande, in Positano the panoramic terraces along Via Pasitea, in Amalfi the premises in Piazza Duomo and along the seafront. The cuisine is based on fresh fish, lemons, and typical Campania products.