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 considering a visit to Positano, Praiano, Ravello, or any of the other stunning towns along the Amalfi Coast, continue reading to find out our top activities for an Amalfi Coast day trip!

Have limited time in Amalfi? Positano is one of our top picks!

9 best activities on an 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.

Take a boat trip along the coast

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.

The Amalfi Coast town of Positano is simply stunning.

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!

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, and the viewpoint near the Fiordo di Furore.

Hiking the Path of the Gods is an incredible way to explore the Amalfi Coast. Photo credit: Ken Mayer

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 – they quickly ). 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. As you explore the town, especially in areas such as Via dei Mulini or Via Cristoforo Colombo, you may encounter artists capturing the essence of Positano on their canvases.

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 souvenir 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. 

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

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City on a day trip to the sunny south to Pompeii. Enjoy a private transfer to the city and then get exploring the ancient streets along with our expert guide. From there, it’s off to a picturesque vineyard on the slopes of the volcano for a stroll among the vines, with a three-course farm-to-table lunch and tasting of four wines. Finish up the day with a digestivo at a panoramic terrace before boarding the private van and heading back to Rome.

It’s a day trip you’ll want to repeat again and again. Don’t miss it!