How to Spend 3 Days on the Amalfi Coast

The allure of the Amalfi Coast lies in its colorful villages, waterfront restaurants, and dramatic cliffs. Explore the region through cooking classes, boat tours, and visits to nearby archeological ruins. Here are a few ways to spend 3 days in the Amalfi Coast. 

Day 1: The Taste of the Amalfi Coast

Begin your day with a visit to the region’s renowned lemon groves and learn how to make the popular local liqueur, limoncello, in a hands-on class led by a chef. A multi-course lunch with local wine and limoncello often is included in these culinary tours. Then, make the most of the coastline’s stunning sunsets by signing up for an early evening cruise aboard a small wooden boat or speedboat. Some tours include a stop for swimming, as well as a glass of prosecco for toasting the setting sun.

Day 2: Coastal Villages By Boat

While a drive along the winding coastal road can be charming, see the Amalfi Coast from a different perspective with a scenic boat tour. Choose between half-day or full-day itineraries that cruise along the coastline offering views of secluded coves and stops at cliffside villages, including Positano and Amalfi. Or, customize your trip to your interest with a private tour. Itineraries often include a time on land to explore the villages at your leisure, as well as stops for swimming and snorkeling. While onboard, boat captains and guides share stories from history and insights into local culture.

Day 3: Wine Tasting and Archeological Ruins

On your final day, explore the area surrounding the Amalfi Coast with a day trip. Choose between tour itineraries with a wine focus, a history focus, or those that combine both in one full-day trip. On a wine tour, you’ll learn about the challenges of winemaking in volcanic soil and taste several wines under the guidance of a sommelier—all while admiring the views of nearby Mount Vesuvius. 

To make a full day of your exploration, see the archeological site of Pompeii, a city buried beneath Mount Vesuvius’s ashes when the volcano famously erupted in AD 79, and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Skip the line to enter the ruins with a tour offering priority access tickets. Some full-day tours also include a visit to Villa Dei Misteri, an ancient Roman villa known for its beautiful frescoes.