Plan your perfect 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, explore Erchie, Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, dining tips, and travel advice.
The Amalfi Coast is one of those places we keep coming back to; its dramatic cliffs, colorful towns, and incredible food make it unforgettable. We spent three days and four nights exploring Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, and hidden gems like Fiordo di Furore, staying in Scala, riding a Vespa along the coast, and discovering the best local eats. In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand 3-day itinerary, insider tips on where to stay, eat, and explore, and everything we learned to help you experience the Amalfi Coast just like we did.
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3-day amalfi coast itinerary
Day 1: Erchie & Amalfi
Erchie Beach
If you’re like us and enjoy escaping the crowds, Erchie was the perfect hidden gem. We loved the peaceful, secluded beach, ideal for unwinding. By mid-October, much of the town was closed, but we were still able to enjoy the beach and grab some food and drinks.
Erchie was extra special because of its untouched vibe. Locals come to relax and enjoy the water, many swimming laps from end to end.
It can get busy in summer, with most of the beach covered in lounge chairs. You can expect to pay around €10-20 for two chairs and an umbrella, depending on the season. There is a small area for free beach access off to the right side. When we visited in mid-October, the beach was quite empty, so we were able to grab a free spot easily in the middle of the beach.
It was so peaceful, we had plenty of space to spread out, relax, and enjoy the view without the usual summer crowds. The water was still warm enough for a swim, and the quiet atmosphere made it feel like we had the whole beach to ourselves.
The best part of this beach is that it actually comes with a secret BONUS beach. By renting one of the peddle boats on shore (€10 per hour, only May through September and weather dependent), you can peddle around the castle to a beach that is only accessible by water. Spiaggia del Cauco is quite large for Amalfi beaches with plenty of room to beach your boat and layout for a while. Plus you get epic views of a castle, and crystal clear water.
A whole week in Amalfi? Don’t miss our Amalfi Coast Itinerary for 7 Days!
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How to get there
If you’re planning to rent a car in Italy, we highly recommend this rental provider. Parking in Erchie is pretty affordable and secure, so it’s easy to leave your car and enjoy the area. If you’re bringing a motorbike, parking is €1.50 per hour, and cars are €3 per hour. It’s easy to find your way; just follow the signs and enjoy the beautiful walk down to the waterfront! You can find the parking area here: Parking Lot Link.
If you’re coming from Amalfi Village, expect a 40-minute bus ride. For those staying west of Amalfi, like in Sorrento or Positano, you’ll need to catch a bus to Amalfi first, then transfer to one heading toward Salerno. Once you get off at the bus stop, you’ll need to walk about 700 meters (roughly 10 minutes) downhill to reach the beach (and uphill to get back).
Curious about the best ways to travel? Here’s How to Get Around Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi
We started our Amalfi adventure with a delicious lunch at Taverna degli Apostoli, located just under the stunning Duomo. Afterward, we couldn’t resist trying the iconic lemon sorbet served inside a lemon at Royal Gelato, it’s a must! Once fueled up, we wandered around the town, taking in all the sights. We admired the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew Apostle, drank from the famous Saint Andrew’s Fountain, and strolled down Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, so much history in one place!
Shopping in Amalfi was such a treat, especially at TABULA, a family-run shop that’s been crafting handmade Amalfi paper for three generations. We even got to experience the fun of getting a wax stamp! If you’re looking to unwind, we checked out Lido delle Sirene, a tiny, private beach, and Tonino’s beach, which is more accessible and has some free spots (but be quick to grab one!). We wrapped up our day by walking the boardwalk, where the trees were all lit up, making the night feel magical.
Get your FREE Amalfi Coast Mini Guide with all our favorite spots to stay, eat, and explore.
How to get there
In Atrani, we found paid street parking near the beach for €2.50 per hour, with the blue-painted lines marking the spots. In Amalfi, we parked in the Piazza Flavio Gioia port area for €3 per hour, which was super convenient since it’s right in the heart of the town. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there’s parking at Luna Rossa car park, and from there, you can easily reach Atrani in just a few minutes by walking. We also discovered that street parking in blue-lined zones is managed through the Easy Park app, but it can be a bit pricey. Just make sure to check the times: €5/hour starts at 8 AM to 7 PM and €4/hour from 7 PM to 8 AM.
For those using public transportation, the Sita buses are the main way to get around the Amalfi Coast. The bus driver will announce the major stops, but don’t be shy to ask them to announce your stop if you’re unsure. You can also follow the bus route on Google Maps to know when you need to get off. Amalfi is a major hub for the buses since there is a ferry port here as well. With that in mind, know the lines will be long for buses and they don’t always have signs for which bus stop is which, so don’t be afraid to find someone in a hi-vis vest to ask them where you should go.
We explored Amalfi without breaking the bank! Here’s How to (Actually) Do Amalfi Coast on a Budget in 2025.
Day 2: Positano
Beach: Positano Spiaggia
Positano Spiaggia, also known as Marina Grande Beach, is the iconic beach you’ve probably seen in countless photos of Positano. Located right in the heart of town, next to the bustling port, it’s definitely the busiest beach in Positano and fills up fast, so get a spot early. While there is a very small free section, most of the beach is paid, and it’s one of the most popular beaches on the entire Amalfi Coast. With its crystal-clear blue waters, all framed by dramatic cliffs and the colorful buildings of Positano cascading down the hillside, it’s a picture-perfect spot that’s impossible to resist.
We loved spending our day here, whether lounging on the beach or taking a dip in the inviting waters. The shallow areas make it a great place for families with kids. If you’re interested, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline. There’s no shortage of cozy cafes and restaurants along the beach, serving up delicious local food and refreshing drinks while you take in the breathtaking views. With its iconic views, it’s easy to see why this beach is a must-see for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Want to explore Positano more? Check out our guide to the Best Positano Things to Do!
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Lunch in Amalfi
For a light lunch, we stopped by Bar Paradise Positano, a charming spot offering delicious pizzas, sandwiches, and pastries. The best part? The small deck with an incredible view of the beach, perfect for enjoying our meal while soaking in the stunning surroundings. It was the ideal place to grab a quick bite and relax before continuing our adventures.
For a more formal dining experience, we headed to Il Capitano for a sit-down meal with breathtaking panoramic views of Positano. It’s a bit of a climb to get there with all the stairs, but trust us, the view makes it totally worth the effort. The food was incredible, and the ambiance was ideal for a special occasion or leisurely meal, giving us a chance to really enjoy the beauty of Positano from above.
Positano Town
One of the highlights of our trip was the Limoncello Tour at Valentì Positano, we can’t recommend it enough! We had the chance to make our own limoncello, meet a lovely local family, and sip on refreshing limoncello spritz while strolling through their beautiful lemon garden. We also tried a bunch of local products, and let me tell you, the pistachio cream was absolutely to die for! It was such a fun and immersive experience, giving us a taste of the local culture and flavors. Plus, the views are to die for.
If you’re into shopping, Positano has some great finds. We picked up some gorgeous pottery from Emporio Della Ceramica, and for something truly unique, you can order custom sandals from Rallo Antonio, a perfect souvenir. Of course, we couldn’t leave without grabbing a bottle of limoncello and other local goodies from Valentì Positano to take home. We also visited the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a stunning church with a rich history that’s definitely worth a visit while exploring the town.
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How to get there
When we visited Positano, we quickly realized there are no roads down by the beach, so parking can be a bit tricky. We had to find a spot in Upper Positano or Central Positano, where parking is available in designated lots. The parking lots charge about €4 per hour, and some close by 7 pm, so it’s important to check the hours. You can also check out Parcheggio Carpineto Positano parking lot open 24 hours.
Heads up: Free street parking (marked with white and yellow lines) is reserved for locals, and the limited public spaces (blue lines) in the town center are hard to find, particularly during the summer. We were able to park in a white line spot when we visited Valentí Positano.
For those taking public transport, there are two bus stops, Chiesa Nuova at the top of the town and Sponda closer to the beach. If you’re planning to visit the viral CB dress shop from TikTok, make sure to get off at Chiesa Nuova, where you’ll also find some great brunch spots along the way.
For more details, check out our 1 Day in Positano post!
Day 3: Praiano & Fiordo di Furore
Praiano
For our third full day on the Amalfi Coast, we went to Marina di Praia, a stunning beach nestled between two rock ridges in Praiano. It’s a small beach, so if you want a good spot, arriving early is best, especially since it’s more relaxed in the off-season with a few free spots available. During the summer, though, it’s mostly reserved for paid lounges. We got lucky with a quieter time, so it was the perfect place to chill in the sun and enjoy the amazing views.
For lunch, we ate at Trattoria Da Armandino, a cozy beachside spot built right into the cliffside with stunning views directly over the beach. We sat outside, soaking in the spectacular surroundings while enjoying some delicious local food. The service was on point and incredibly friendly, making the experience even better.
We loved it so much that we highly recommend you make the easy walk down to the beach and treat yourself to a meal here. The atmosphere is amazing, and the prices are much more reasonable compared to the restaurants on the cliffs. It’s the ideal place to relax and soak in the distinct beauty of Praiano!
Loved this restaurant in Amalfi! Discover more gems in our Amalfi Coast Restaurants guide.
How to get there
Marina di Praia is a quiet pebble beach a bit away from the main part of Praiano, and it was such a nice escape. We drove down a by-road off the SS163 and found parking nearby, but you can also catch the SITA bus to Via Marina di Praia.
We parked at Castellano Parking, which charges EUR 3.50 per hour for cars and EUR 2 per hour for motorbikes. It was only steps from the beach, so it could fill up fast during the high season.
If you’re taking public transport, the closest bus stop to Praiano is just a 1-minute walk from Via Umberto I, with the SITA bus being the main line running to and from the town. The first bus arrives around 6:36 AM, and the last one departs at 12:01 AM, so there’s plenty of time to explore.
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Fiordo di Furore
The Fiordo di Furore beach is an iconic spot known for its annual Red Bull Diving Competition. The beach itself is nestled back into the cliffsides with an arching bridge directly over the water. The beach itself is small, but the scenery is stunning, and definitely one of the standout spots we visited on the Amalfi Coast.
The biggest note to plan for is when the beach will actually be sunny. Given its location between the towering cliffs, the sun has a much smaller window to reach the beach. Mid-day will be your best bet when the sun is at its highest.
Though the beach is free, it can get crowded, and there’s a small stand where you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. During the off-season, we easily found free spots, but it’s a good idea to get there early if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds. Whether you’re looking to swim or just enjoy the views, it’s a beautiful place to spend some time.
Explore more of Amalfi with our guide to 21 Bucket List Amalfi Coast Attractions!
How to Get There
We parked at the Q8 gas station for €10 for the day, which offered covered, protected parking. It was a convenient and secure option, especially since there was no street parking available near Fiordo di Furore. From there, we enjoyed a short walk to the beach, and it was nice knowing our vehicle was safely parked while we explored.
If you’re taking public transportation, the closest bus stop is La Locanda del Fiordo, which is literally ON the bridge over the beach. The SITA bus starts running at 6:20 AM, with the last bus (NAV) stopping nearby at 12:43 AM.
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And that’s a wrap on your ultimate 3-day Amalfi Coast itinerary! With this guide, you’re all set to experience the best of Erchie, Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, and Fiordo di Furore, everything from scenic views to unforgettable dining spots. Trust us, this is a trip you won’t soon forget!
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to coast through Italy’s most stunning coastline! Safe travels, and may your adventure be as sweet as a limoncello! Want more insider tips and travel inspo? Feel free to subscribe and connect with us on social media to keep your travel passport filled with the freshest guides, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences!
