The Amalfi Coast is arguably one of God’s finest creations, where the sea rises to meet mountains whose peaks are often veiled in clouds. Stretching from Sorrento to Salerno in southern Italy, this 50km stretch of winding road clings to the cliffs and offers breathtaking views at every turn.

If that already paints a vivid picture, you might recall scenes from the Bollywood film War, where Hrithik Roshan and Vaani Kapoor danced on the sun-kissed shores of Positano and explored the coast’s many charms. I had dreamt of visiting this picturesque region since before the pandemic and, last month, that dream finally came true. I devoted four days of my Italy itinerary exclusively to the Amalfi Coast — and it was worth every bit of it.

Capri Island in the Tyrrehnian Sea

We began by taking a high-speed train from Rome to Naples. Trains are hands down the best way to travel between Italian cities. Both Frecciarossa and Italo operate sleek, fast trains that can reach speeds of up to 300kmph, making cross-country travel efficient and comfortable. Our Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale took just two hours and 13 minutes.

If you’re planning your Amalfi adventure, I highly recommend staying in Sorrento. While the entire coastline is dotted with gems like Positano, Atrani, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno, Sorrento offers the best range of accommodations — from luxury hotels and villas to budget-friendly hostels and B&Bs. Its proximity to Capri Island makes it an ideal base.

From Naples, it takes about an hour or slightly more to reach Sorrento by car or bus, depending on the traffic. Be prepared: the road narrows, weaves through tunnels, and hugs the cliffs with sharp turns that test even the most experienced drivers. Traffic is common, but the views — terraced lemon groves, olive trees, flower gardens, whitewashed homes, and the glittering Mediterranean — make the ride a visual treat. Hiring a driver or taking a bus allows you to relax and soak in the scenery.

The first thing you’ll notice across the Amalfi Coast is lemons — everywhere. From lemon groves to lemon-printed clothes, tableware, accessories, and even lemon-themed cocktails, the region proudly showcases this citrus treasure. Limoncello, the famous local liqueur made from lemon zest, is a must-try. Personally, I didn’t take to its strong flavour, but I absolutely loved the lemon sorbet (Sorbetto al Limone) — refreshing, zesty, and perfect for warm afternoons.

Piazza Tasso, the bustling heart of Sorrento, pulses with life — cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars flank the main square, with buses and trains frequently arriving and departing. Sorrento is the only town on the Amalfi Coast with a train line to Naples, while the rest of the coast is accessible only by road or boat. You can feel the town’s vibrant energy just by sitting at a cafe and watching the world go by.

From Sorrento, Positano — the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast — is just an hour away. No words or photos can truly do it justice. It’s as if the divine gave extra thought while shaping Positano. Nestled on a hillside, the town is a cascade of colourful buildings, artisan boutiques, luxury villas, and charming cafés overlooking the sea. Rent a vintage car or scooter to cruise along the famous Amalfi Drive, or take a leisurely walk down the steep stairways to Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s iconic beach.

Positano is the most Instagrammed location on the coast. It’s chic, vibrant, and attracts large summer crowds. Accommodation and dining here lean toward the expensive side, so expect a premium — but also, a one-of-a-kind experience.

From Positano, you can explore Amalfi, Ravello, Atrani, and other towns, each about 30 minutes to an hour apart. A day or two is enough to visit several of these gems.

No Amalfi Coast trip is complete without a boat ride to Capri Island. Many tour operators offer hotel pickups and transfers to Marina Grande, where ferries depart. A word of caution: the Bay of Naples can be quite choppy. The ride to Capri takes about 1-1.5 hours, especially if you’re doing a full island tour. The boats are equipped for seasick travellers, and the staff are helpful and attentive.

Once you reach Capri, you’ll have about four hours to explore. Adventurous travellers should definitely visit the Blue Grotto — a magical sea cave with glowing blue or emerald water depending on the light. Access is only possible in calm waters, and you’ll need to lie flat to enter through its low opening in a small boat. Bookings aren’t available in advance due to unpredictable conditions.

The beach in Positano

Capri has two main areas: Capri Town and Anacapri. A funicular takes you from the marina to Piazza Umberto, the buzzing town centre, while a chairlift from Anacapri offers panoramic views of the sea. Don’t miss the Gardens of Augustus, from where the views of the Bay of Naples are simply unforgettable.

As for food — you can’t go wrong. Pizza and pasta are as authentic as they come. Whether it’s Spaghetti Bolognese, Carbonara, or any of the regional variations, every bite is a reminder of why Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide.

If you have more days to spare, consider a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, both Unesco World Heritage Sites. It’s a powerful way to round off your Amalfi journey — by stepping back into history.