Rome to Amalfi Coast Day Trip: 9 Can’t-Miss Activities

With fabulous weather, stunning scenery, and fun things to do, taking a Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip is certainly tempting – even if you’re strapped for time.  

If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast in just one day, it’ll take a bit of planning, but, trust us, it can be done! Whether you’re considering a visit to Positano, Praiano, Ravello, or any of the other stunning towns along the Amalfi Coast, our expert guide shows you how to plan the perfect Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip adventure, packed with top tips and can’t-miss experiences! 

The Amalfi beaches may be a bit rocky, but the water is warm and crystal clear.

Best activities on a Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip

Shop for the perfect seaside wardrobe in Positano

There are a lot worse things that you can do in Positano then spend an hour or two browsing the souvenir-filled shops along the roads leading down to the beaches! 

Positano is known for its leather sandals, ceramics, and the cutest crochet dresses. While the village itself is relatively small, it offers a range of clothing shops that cater to different tastes and styles. Pop into one of the stores to pick up a summery straw hat, try on a linen shirt, or get those leather sandals you’ve had your eye on. 

With their tunics and beachwear, Positano’s many shops and boutiques make it easy to embrace the coastal chic vibe.

Visit the Duomo in Amalfi Town

A visit to Amalfi Town is incomplete without exploring its majestic Duomo, and for good reason. The cathedral is said to house the remains of St. Andrew the Apostle, which were transported from Constantinople during the Crusades, although the authenticity of the relics remains debatable.

Irrespective of your belief in the relics, the cathedral is an essential sight to behold. Be sure not to overlook its intricate bronze doors, crafted in Constantinople during the 11th century, or the neighboring Basilica of the Crucifix, dating back to the 9th century.

The Amalfi Cathedral is a must-see on a day trip from the Amalfi Coast from Rome.

Take a boat trip while on a Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip

The best way to see Amalfi? From the sea!

With towering cliffs, rugged coastline, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque towns nestled into the hillsides, the Amalfi Coast is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. A boat trip provides the perfect vantage point to admire the coastline’s dramatic landscapes, hidden coves, and colorful seaside villages.

Viewing the Amalfi Coast from the water offers a completely different perspective compared to exploring it by land. Wind in hair, camera in hand, boat hopping on the Amalfi Coast is the perfect way to spend a short day trip seeing the sights and taking in some of the top line towns in the area.

Insider’s tip: If you’re dreaming of a beautiful trip to the Amalfi Coast, but don’t want to deal with all of the stress from planning a trip, check out our day trip tour along the Amalfi Coast from Rome. A private coach bus will take you from Rome to Sorrento, where you’ll begin your amazing exploration of the Amalfi Coast by sea.

The absolute best way to see the gorgeous views of these little sea towns in by boat.

Go for a dip in the Gulf of Salerno

Amalfi may look like a beach-swimmer’s paradise at first, but there’s something those inviting Instagram shots don’t show you: that the beaches here are rocky.

Nevertheless, swimming in the Gulf of Salerno is a rite of passage for visitors to this part of the world, and once you overcome the somewhat painful pebbles and stones en route, you’re rewarded with warm, crystal-clear waters and the most spectacular view of the coast.

While beaches in the main towns get busy during peak hours – and you might struggle to find space to lay your towel between the private hire parasols and sunbeds, there are several secluded, hidden beaches dotted along the coast outside Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. These are best kept to discover during longer stays – but just dip your toe into that calm blue oceans and you’re guaranteed to be back for more.

Climb high to take in the views

If you want scenic viewpoints, the Amalfi Coast has those in spades! To give you an idea of the top local hiking options, check out the 5 Best Routes for Hiking along the Amalfi Coast.

There are numerous viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the coastline. Some popular viewpoints include the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) near Positano, the Terrace of Infinity (Terrazza dell’Infinito) in Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone, and the viewpoint near the Fiordo di Furore.

Hiking the Path of the Gods is an incredible way to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Sample pizza or seafood pasta in one of Positano’s beachside restaurants

Chez Black is a zippy restaurant in Positano serving up delicious Mediterranean fare beach-side. The friendly, casual spot is a bit of an institution in the picturesque town, where residents and visitors have been meeting up and filling their bellies since the mid 50s.

Today, patrons hover outside prior to opening time (midday) as sailor-suit clad waiters (known as ‘crew members’) chow down ahead of their shift. Photos of Mr. Black himself – Salvatore Russo – and the countless celebrities that have frequented his establishment pepper the walls inside the open plan dining space, while the very man himself can often be seen picking at a salad at his table by the main entrance (he also, it seems, serves as the unofficial doorman, offering a stern look of disapproval to kids and teenager who attempt to get by him shirtless and shoeless, treading in sand from the beach outside). Service is fast, food is fresh, and the people watching is second to none.

Chez Black is our go-to pick for eating in Positano.

Other restaurants to try in Positano include Capricci for pizza, Al Palazzo for a romantic garden setting, and La Cambusa (Piazza Amerigo Vespucci, 4) for memorable views.

Treat yourself to fresh cannoli or lemon cake

For a light lunch or snack, make your way to Positano’s La Zagara, where you’ll find an array of tempting pastries and desserts on offer. Their most popular option? A mouthwatering delizia al limone (lemon delight cake). Prefer something less fruity? Their homemade, ricotta-filled cannoli also make for a spectacularly creamy indulgence.

Watch local artists hone their craft

The Amalfi Coast provides a picturesque setting that has attracted artists for centuries. While there isn’t a specific designated location where you can watch artists paint, you may come across artists capturing the beauty of the coast in various towns and scenic spots.

You have the opportunity to observe artists at work in Amalfi’s charming streets, Positano’s stunning waterfront, or Ravello’s beautiful gardens. While it’s not guaranteed that you will encounter artists actively painting during your visit, exploring these towns and scenic spots can increase your chances of witnessing the artistic spirit that the Amalfi Coast has inspired.

Positano’s narrow streets, colorful houses, and breathtaking views make it a popular inspiration for artists.

Shop for ceramics in Vietri sul Mare

The ceramics are all decorated by hand, with patterns and designs that perfectly reflect the beautiful Mediterranean lifestyle found along the Amalfi Coast. Whether you want a whole set or just a showpiece, these are the perfect souvenirs from Italy to give your home a touch of la bella vita! Prices are usually reasonable, though larger or shipped items will cost you more.

While visiting Vietri sul Mare, stop in the Fabbrica di Ceramiche Solimene (Via Madonna degli Angeli, 7) to learn more about the ceramics tradition and more contemporary developments or pop into the Museo Provinciale della Ceramica.

Best way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

Depending on which exact town you want to visit – and what you want to do – there are several options for getting to the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Prefer to stop and gaze out at the gorgeous, seaside views? Renting a car could be your best bet. Want to get to the Coast as fast as possible? You’ll want to look at the train schedule. 

Make sure you do your research in advance, especially as it can take several hours to get to Amalfi from the Italian capital. Compared your options for train, bus, car, or by boat in our article on how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome. 

Dont’t feel like planning it all yourself? Take a Guided Amalfi Day trip from Rome!

When you rent a car, you’ll see local scenes like these lemon vendors along the Amalfi Coast!

Why Take a Guided Rome to Amalfi Coast Day Trip?

With so much to see and do—and a few hours of travel between Rome and this slice of paradise—the idea of tackling the Amalfi Coast in a single day may seem daunting. But what if everything was planned out for you, with all the logistics seamlessly handled? That’s where a guided Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip comes in.

What does the tour entail?

Your day begins in Rome, where you’ll relax on a comfortable, air-conditioned private coach to Sorrento, soaking up views of the Italian countryside without worrying about train schedules or rental cars. In Sorrento, you’ll meet your expert guide and board a boat for an unforgettable cruise along the Amalfi Coast. Throughout the day, you’ll visit postcard-perfect towns like Positano and Amalfi, discover hidden gems known only to locals, and even stop at a scenic orchard for a limoncello tasting. You’ll have time for a swim, shopping, and gelato, all with insider tips and stories from your guide.

Amalfi has beautiful buildings

Why travelers love it:

• Zero stress: Transportation, ferry tickets, and timing are all taken care of—just show up and enjoy.
• Expert guidance: Local guides share the stories, legends, and history behind every view.
• Maximum sightseeing: Explore multiple towns and villages in a single day, including time for shopping, lunch, and photo ops.
• Unique experiences: From boat-hopping along the coast to sipping fresh limoncello, you’ll make memories you simply couldn’t on your own.

If you want to make the absolute most of your time, this all-in-one day trip is the easiest and most rewarding way to experience the Amalfi Coast from Rome.

Caleb

The Walks Amalfi coast boat-hopping tour was incredible. The Tour guides were exceptionally helpful and made the entire day trip stress free. While obviously more time at each of the locations we went to would have been nice, the pacing for a single day trip from Rome was exceptional. Our tour guide even went above and beyond and helped us navigate through the Rome Metro after the Tour had ended so we could get back to our hotel quickly!

Kassi

Rome to Amalfi Coast Day Trip FAQ

How long does a Rome to Amalfi Coast trip take? 

By car, a trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast takes just over 4 hours, depending on traffic. If you take the fast train from Rome to Salerno, it’s only two hours approximately. Once in Salerno, however, you’ll need to take a bus or ferry to Amalfi Coast, which could take anywhere from one to one and a half hours.

What’s the best transportation methods to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome?

This depends on your priorities. If you have the time and flexibility, renting a car allows you the freedom to get to the Amalfi Coast on your own time frame, letting you stop and take in the views or check out off-the-beaten-path Italian towns on the way. If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, the Italian train system is the fastest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, and its more comfortable than the bus. 

Is a day trip from Rome to Amalfi Coast worth it? 

Absolutely. Whether you explore on foot or by boat, for one day or for a week, the towns that make up the Amalfi Coast are just so picturesque. From the lively beaches and the stunning hilltop views, to the history and, of course, the food, you will love exploring the Amalfi Coast on a day trip. 

Update notice: This article was updated on May 14, 2025.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City on a day trip along the Amalfi Coast from Rome! You’ll go boat-hopping from Positano, Amalfi Town, and Salerno, stopping for a limoncello tasting at an orchard along the way. It’s a day trip you’ll want to repeat again and again. Don’t miss it!