Sorrento is an excellent starting point for visiting the Amalfi Coast, as the town is only a few kilometers from the Amalfi coastline.
Sorrento is a picturesque and lively town, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and stores. The town is also well served by public transport, with buses, boats and trains providing easy access to Campania’s main attractions, such as Naples, Capri and Pompeii, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
However, visiting the Amalfi Coast in a single day from Sorrento can be a little rushed, as there is so much to see and discover on this spectacular coast. The coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast each have their own charm and history, with historic sites, magnificent beaches and breathtaking views.
Spending the night on the coast allows visitors to take their time exploring the area and discovering the different aspects of the Amalfi Coast. You could set off from Sorrento, visit the coast as far as Amalfi, stop for a night and set off again the next day to visit the other side of the coast, as far as Vietri sul Mare.
On this site you’ll find voucher plans for your stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Towns to visit in a day
The Amalfi Coast is made up of many picturesque villages, all well worth a visit. If you’re visiting the coast in a day, here are the most beautiful and easiest towns to visit:
- Positano: a colorful, picturesque town set on a steep hill. It is famous for its cobbled streets, artisanal stores and sandy beaches.
- Amalfi: a historic town at the foot of the mountains. It is famous for its magnificent cathedral, harbor and lively downtown area.
- Ravello: a small village perched on a hill with breathtaking sea views. It is famous for its lush gardens, medieval villa and peaceful atmosphere.
Reaching the coast
From Sorrento, it’s easy to get to the Amalfi Coast using a variety of means of transport.
Here are all the directions and our top tips:
By boat
The easiest way to get to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento is by boat, which is often considered the best option, especially during the summer months when the roads are crowded with buses and cars.
There are several ferry and boat companies offering regular excursions between the various towns on the coast. Tickets can be purchased online.
The boat tour offers breathtaking views of the region’s coastal villages, cliffs and beaches. It also avoids parking problems and driving difficulties on the coast’s winding, narrow roads. If you’re reaching the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento by ferry, remember to sit on the left side of the boat to make the most of the view.
It’s advisable to plan your boat trip in advance and check the timetables of the various companies, as departure and arrival times can vary according to the season. Even better than the ferry are boat excursions. You can choose between a mini-cruise to Positano and Amalfi, a day trip by boat to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, or a boat trip and snorkeling in a small group.
By car
The Amalfi Coast can easily be reached by car from Sorrento.
However, it’s important to note that the roads along the coast are narrow and winding, with hairpin bends and steep cliffs.
What’s more, traffic on these roads can be heavy, especially in summer, which can make driving difficult and stressful for inexperienced drivers. We therefore recommend hiring a chauffeur-driven car for a more comfortable journey.
Despite these challenges, driving on the Amalfi Coast can be a memorable experience for those with experience of driving on similar roads. The breathtaking scenery and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea are well worth the drive.
You may decide to return via the Valico di Chiunzi, to be taken after visiting Ravello. This way, you’ll avoid going back along the coast.
From Sorrento to Positano by car takes around 50 minutes, but it’s not until you reach the hills of Piano di Sorrento (Colli di San Pietro locality) that you’re on the Amalfi Coast. Along the way, you’ll find places to stop and take photos. You’ll also find street vendors selling lemons, oranges, peppers and drinks. Particularly on the road between Piano di Sorrento and Positano, you’ll find vendors selling fresh lemon granita, made on the spot. If you plan to drive on the Amalfi Coast, we recommend to leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heavy traffic.
By bus
You can also visit the Amalfi Coast by bus.
The bus company offering regular services between the two destinations is called SITA. Buses leave from the Sorrento bus station and arrive in Amalfi in about an hour and a half. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online.
There are also organized bus tours, which are recommended to avoid wasting time looking for stops and waiting for the bus. This type of excursion is recommended for those who don’t like to travel by sea and don’t want to stress themselves out looking for information on transport, tickets and timetables.
From Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast, you’ll have the sea on your right. So look for a seat on the bus on the right, possibly near the window to make the most of the view.
