The Ultimate Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary: 2 options designed for you

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

I was asked at some point if planning an Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary would be possible, so I had to do it! mainly because I had been on the same roads a few times and loved everything about them.

I prepared 2 itinerary options depending on the airport you will land at. Expect to find here all the information you need to self-plan your vacation in southern Italy: what to see, where to stop, where to stay, and, most importantly, how to get around.

Without further ado, here are my Amalfi Coast and Puglia itineraries.

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Amalfi Coast and Puglia itineraries

How to get around

Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary

I strongly suggest renting a car. It will make your trip easier and give you more flexibility. Moreover, I organized things so you won’t have to spend too much time behind the wheel.

My go-to car rental company is always Discover Cars. It is a good aggregator that will help you save money on your car rental. In addition, they have a flexible cancelation policy in case your plans change. Get your best offers here!

How many days will you need for the Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary?

While you might be tempted to see as much as possible, I encourage you to take things slowly and enjoy your vacation.

Ideally, you should spend 2 weeks covering the Amalfi Coast and Puglia fully, but 10 days is enough to explore the main destinations.

When should you go on an Amalfi Coast and Puglia vacation?

If possible, skip the peak season, between July and August. That’s when Italy is the most crowded, and temperatures and humidity skyrocket.

Instead, go for the shoulder season and visit southern Italy during spring or fall, anywhere in April, May, September, or October.

Prices will be more affordable, great accommodation options will be easier to find, and you won’t have to endure the heat of summer.

Option 1: Land in Rome or Naples, see the Amalfi Coast, and make your way to Bari in Puglia

Depending on your available vacation days, what you want to see and do, and the cost of your plane tickets, you can choose to fly into Rome or Naples.

Of course, Naples will place you closest to the Amalfi Coast, which would be the best option if you plan to start your itinerary right away.

If you choose to land in Rome and spend some time there, check out our 2 days in Rome post.

Moving forward, here is an overview of the itinerary, assuming you land in Naples.

  • Day 1 – Spend one day in Naples
  • Day 2 – Take a day trip to the colorful island of Procida
  • Day 3 – Move to Sorrento
  • Day 4 – Go on a day trip to Capri Island
  • Day 5 – Positano, and Amalfi
  • Day 6 – Ravello and other smaller towns
  • Day 7 – Take a journey to the past in Pompei and climb Mount Etna
  • Day 8 – Make your way to Matera and spend the night
  • Day 9 – Head over to Bari
  • Day 10 – Alberobello and Martina Franca
  • Day 11 – Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
  • Day 12 – Brindisi and Lecce
  • Day 13 – Ostuni and some time at the beach
  • Day 14 – Leave from Bari

Day 1 – Spend one day in Naples

Amalfi Coast itinerary - day 1 Naples

Naples has a mix of vibes, and it almost feels like two worlds have collided here. Its streets are hectic, but they hide many wonders waiting for you to discover them.

Spending one day in Naples shouldn’t be too hard, and you will find it easy to fill up the day. 

As the Italians say, “Vedi Napoli e muori,” meaning if you get to see Naples, you can die because you’ve seen the most beautiful place in the world.

  • Visit the Castel Del’Ovo perched by the sea
  • Go on a stroll along Spaccanapoli and see the old town
  • Stop by the Cathedral, enter the splendid Church of Santa Chiara, and admire its colorful and vibrant gardens
  • Climb the hill and see Naples from above from Castel Sant’Elmo
  • Don’t leave without eating a pizza at the famous Sorbillo. After all, pizza comes from Naples, and you cannot skip it. 
Where to stay in Naples

I suggest avoiding the area near the train station and staying a bit further away from the Centro Storico (old town).

Another great option I also liked is the Lungomare Caracciolo area, even though it is a bit further away from the train station, but there’s a subway stop in Piazza Amedeo.

How to get around Naples

You won’t need to rent a car just yet since getting around Naples is easy by public transportation or even on foot.

Day 2 – Visit the colorful Procida Island

Procida island
Photo by Erwin Doorn on Unsplash

One of the most colorful places in the world and a not-so-well-kept secret in the Bay of Naples!

Take the ferry from the port of Naples and spend between 30 and 60 minutes on the boat, depending on the time you choose to go. A return trip can cost less than USD 50, and you will have the whole day to explore the island. Check out ferry timetables and prices here!

If you would rather have everything organized in advance, you can always choose a day trip from Naples to Procida. The trip includes a traditional local lunch you can enjoy while being charmed by the colors of the island, and you won’t have to worry about a thing – just show up at the ferry. 

Book your day trip to Procida here!

On the 4 square kilometers island, don’t miss out on seeing Marina Coricella because this is the perfect place to be for sunset, from where you can admire the houses painted in pink, yellow, and blue.

Then, climb all the way to the Terra Murata, the highest point on the island, and enjoy a fresh lunch at one of the restaurants along the sea just by the fishing boats supplying you with the fish.

Day 3 – Move to Sorrento

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is enchanting and will keep you busy for the day with its aristocratic vibe,  historic buildings, and beautiful marina. 

While Sorrento might not be one of the cheapest seaside resorts in Italy, you don’t have to break the bank to spend a few hours exploring it or sipping a cup of strong coffee with a sea view.

Take a stroll in Marina Grande, and don’t leave without a few pictures of the colorful buildings and boats. Discover the hidden San Francesco Cloister, get lost on the narrow streets, taste some limoncello, or simply have a coffee in Tasso Square.

The laid-back vibe of Sorrento will charm you and will leave you wanting more.

You can make Sorrento your base camp, as it is easy to travel around the Amalfi Coast from here.

Where to stay in Sorrento
  • Monica B & B in Sorrento is set up high on the hills above Sorrento, peaceful and quiet. It offers a fresh breakfast and breathtaking views. They also provide a shuttle to/from the main city area to the villa every couple of hours.

Find out when they are free here!

  • Grand Hotel Aminta offers great traditional Italian food, a beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus.

Take a look at their prices here!

Check that rooftop pool out here!

Day 4 – Go on a day trip to Capri Island

Capri Island_Marina Grande
Photo by Julia Worthington on Unsplash

It’s easy to get from Sorrento to Capri on a day trip by ferry or private tour. Spending one day on the glamorous island would be enough to scratch the surface and see the most important attractions.

Day 5 – Positano and Amalfi

Coasta Amalfitana

Spend the day exploring 2 of the most charming towns in Italy: Positano and Amalfi.

You can travel from Sorrento to Positano by boat or bus and then to Amalfi by bus.

SITA SUD connects Sorrento to Salerno, and you can buy a bus ticket from any newspaper in town. Make sure to check the bus timetables, and note that during the peak season, buses have delays, and you might not be able to get on the first one.

Another option would be to rent a car and drive the Amalfi Coast.

Just be sure to leave early from Sorrento. During summer, it will be difficult to find a parking space in both Positano and Amalfi.

Even though Positano is small, there are plenty of things to explore in a day here.

Boats come and go, and hoards of people wander up the stairs, taking them through the winding roads, but you can also find hidden gems and not-so-crowded places with views that will take your breath away. 

Relax at the Spiaggia Grande (the beach in Positano), go for drinks at Franco’s Bar for sunset, or make your way to Il San Pietro di Positano for a sunset dinner, taste the locally made limoncello, shop for some colorful, beautiful Amalfi Coast ceramics to take home, and take countless amazingly beautiful pictures. 

40 minutes away by car, Amalfi is more relaxed and less pretentious than Positano. It has one main street, carved between the mountains, packed with souvenir shops and restaurants.

Day 6 – Ravello and other towns on the Amalfi Coast

Ravello Amalfi Coast

Don’t skip a climb all the way to Ravello – apart from the stunning views, you should visit the most stunning Italian villas: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

Villa Cimbrone dates back to the 11th century. It is a luxurious boutique hotel with Michelin-star restaurants and an impressive botanical garden that is open to visitors daily from 9 AM until sunset. Most tourists come here for the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito, the panoramic belvedere point. 

Villa Rufolo is a “younger” establishment dating from the 13th century, having been built by a wealthy family with the same name. With such a long history, the location is nowadays popular for its beautiful garden and a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.

Other towns worth visiting: Vietri sul Mare with the colorful mosaic and one of the widest beaches on the coast, Atrani – a small and charming village minutes outside of Positano, Maiori – an authentic sea resort.

Day 7 – Go back in time in Pompei and climb Mount Etna

Pompei from Sorrento
Photo by Mahdiye JV on Unsplash

No visit to Sorrento would be complete without a day trip to Pompei

Step back in time and stroll through the ancient ruins of the city destroyed thousands of years ago by the eruption of Vesuvius. Admire the well-preserved ruins, artwork, and frescoes of this UNESCO World Heritage site on a guided tour. 

Next, the car will take you to 1000 m altitude, up on the volcano, from where you can go on a walk on the edge of the crater. 

When you don’t want to worry about transfers, timetables, and tickets, choose to go on an organized tour to Pompei and Vesuvius. You will have everything included and you’ll just have to pay attention and take plenty of pictures as memories. See more here!

Day 8 – Make your way to Matera and spend the night

things to do and see in Matera

Unfortunately, there are no trains linking the 2 Italian towns, and thus the easiest way would be to drive from Sorrento to Matera. The shortest road is 250 kilometers long and will take you roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The Sassi of Matera, or the rocks of Matera, is the main area of interest in the most picturesque town of Basilicata. As part of UNESCO World Heritage, it is mandatory to spend one night here in a cave hotel.

Stroll through the streets of this fascinating town, take a picture from the balcony in Piazza Pascoli – one of the most important viewpoints in Matera, or enjoy some local food at one of the many restaurants around.

If you are visiting during summer, make sure to bring a hat or a scarf to cover your head – the village is made of stone and the sun will be reflected making you want to look for water and some coolness.

If you need one more reason for heading to Matera, the city is not only part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1993, but know that it is The 2019 European Capital Of Culture. 

Where to stay in Matera

Of course, staying in the heart of the Sassi is a must, and here are a few fantastic options:

San Biagio Materapartment. They are simple Italian-style apartments with a stunning view of Matera. Imagine having breakfast with a pastry and a strong coffee on that terrace. See more here!

Palazzotto Residence&Winery. As the name suggests, this unique hotel is set in a traditional cave palazzo with a winery where you can enjoy local wines. See more here!

Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae is another stunning cave hotel in the Sassi di Matera. It has beautiful terraces and a Roman wellness center, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. See more here!

You can skip this step altogether and take the train from Naples to Bari. There aren’t direct trains, and the best one has a change in Caserta.

Day 9 – Head to Bari

Where to go for Europe winter sun

Bari is roughly one hour away from Matera if you choose to drive there.

Alternatively, check the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane website for the exact train timetable and the option to book online. There are direct trains from Matera to Bari Centrale, and they take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.

  • Explore the Bari Vecchia and the Murat (the Old Town) of Bari
  • Step inside the Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino
  • Go for a stroll on the seafront promenade and admire the Bari Castle
  • Sample some oysters and fresh seafood
  • Don’t leave without taking a picture with the Teatro Margherita.
Where to stay in Puglia

For your time in Puglia, you can choose to stay in Bari, or you can go outside in one of the smaller and more charming towns.

If you want to stay in Bari, choose an accommodation option in Bari Vecchia or around the harbor.

However, my suggestion is to stay outside of the city and go to a trullo house or a place by the sea.

Masseria Le Cerase is a traditional white house with a stunning pool, perfectly located for daily trips to the sea or Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, or Ostuni.

Check the prices here!

Trullieu Guesthouse Alberobello. Even though the trullo guesthouse is located extremely close to Alberobello’s center, it is still hidden from all the noise and fuss. It also has a free parking space nearby.

Book your stay in a trullo here!

Furnirussi Tenuta. This hotel has spacious rooms and a big lake-like swimming pool.

Check out that pool and book a room!

Masseria Le Fabriche is a stone house in the middle of vineyards. You can easily imagine why this is a wine lover’s paradise destination. Explore also the nearby beach Conte d’Ayala.

Book a stay in the vineyards here!

Day 10 – Alberobello and Martina Franca

4 days in Puglia

Less than one hour by car from Bari, the charming town of Alberobello awaits your visit.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello is not as the name says it, a “beautiful tree”, but a rather small charming village famous for its trulli houses. 

While you can see the dry-stone wall houses with the cone-shaped roof scattered all over the region, Alberobello has 2 whole districts made out of trulli: Rione Monti (the more touristic area), and Aia Piccola (the less explored district). 

The houses were built like that for a reason back in the days, they manage to keep a somewhat stable temperature, especially during hot summer days, but today they are very charming accommodation options. 

From Bari, you can get to Alberobello by bus as well, but most options aren’t direct.

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Your next stop will be in Martina Franca, a much lesser known and explored town in Puglia.

It is only 20 minutes outside of Alberobello by car, and it was easy for us to find a parking space.

The town is bigger than Alberobello, and the main attraction you’ll head towards will be the walled town, delimited by four Renaissance and Baroque gates. 

The old town can be easily explored on foot in a few hours, and that’s what we did. 

We stopped for a coffee at a bar right next to Porta di Santo Stefano, and we entered the walled town right in Piazza Roma where we admired the beautiful Palazzo Ducale. Further on, we let ourselves get lost on the streets and we stumbled upon the Basilica di San Martino in Pizza Plebiscito, the Chiesa di San Domenico, and many buildings with beautifully ornated balconies. 

Day 11 – Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

4 days in Puglia

One of the most popular destinations for the sea and beach, Polignano a Mare was packed with local tourists when we visited in August.

Spiaggia Cala Porta is the main beach that attracts locals and tourists alike. Right behind Domenico Modugno’s monument, who welcomes you to the sea with its wide-open arms is where everyone that wants a perfect picture goes.

The town with one-story high buildings, with colorful balconies, is so lively, filled with little stores with local clothing and everything your heart desires. Flowers in windows, restaurants, cafes, the Grotta Palazzese restaurant – carved in stone, where you have to prepare all year long to pay for dinner.

Monopoli, Italy

Monopoli is only 15 minutes away from Polignano, but it’s a whole different world. It’s a small town with a unique vibe; stepping on its streets, you will feel like you’re in an old Italian movie.

On our visit, the air felt damp, I felt it in my hair, on my arms, and in the smell, I started scenting as we approached the port.

Someone was playing old Italian songs at his guitar, luring tourists to gather around and listen to him, and maybe leave a euro or two as a Thank you.

Old fisherman meeting up and catching up over the day, most probably talking about what the day had brought; old ladies with their chairs outside of their shriveled building doors in the Old Town. That’s how authentic Monopoli is.

Day 12 – Brindisi and Lecce

Brindisi in Puglia
Source: Pixabay

Both Brindisi and Lecce are for sure some of the less explored towns in Italy, especially by tourists outside of the country.

Learn about Ancient Rome from the columns in Brindisi, stroll through the beautiful port area, enter the Cathedral of Brindisi, be in owe at the stunning Baroque façade of the Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce, spend some time in Piazza del Duomo and admire the historic old town, and don’t forget to drink some wine!

Day 13 – Ostuni and spend some time at the beach

4 days in Puglia

The white city, with a special vibe! This is one place I absolutely loved and somewhere I would go back to whenever I have the chance. 

Set upon a hill, only 35 minutes by car and a little over 1 hour by bus away from Martina Franca, Ostuni lured us in with its magical white streets, colorful doors, and flower-filled windows and stairs. 

As we parked on a steep street climbing all the way to the top of the hill, it was clear from the hanging laundry on the small balconies outside, that people were living their normal all Italian lives here, it wasn’t a touristic area, and you could feel the true local vibes.

We wandered through the maze of medieval streets, beneath the arches, along with the neverending buildings, we stopped to admire the Arco di Scoppa in Piazzetta Cattedrale, took a picture by the famous green door, walked along the city’s defensive walls packed with history and offering an impressive panoramic view. 

Since we were famished, we had a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants we encountered along our walks, beautifully decorated with colorful ceramics. 

When you just had enough of walking around towns or simply want to spend some me-time and just relax, a day at the beach is always a good idea.

Day 14 – make your way to the airport in Bari

Option 2 – Land in Bari, explore Puglia, drive to Matera, and finish with a stay in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Yes, the second option is basically the first option, but the other way around. If you find better flights landing in Bari, you can fly out from Naples or Rome.

As mentioned before, you can always include Matera as a day trip from Bari, so that you can take the train directly from Bari to Naples when you want to move from the East Coast to the West Coast. Getting from Bari to Naples (or Sorrento) can prove to be a bit challenging by train, but not impossible. The best options I see have one change in Caserta.

Other Amalfi Coast Useful Travel Guides

2 days in Amalfi Coast Itinerary

7 days on the Amalfi Coast itinerary

Affordable accommodation on the Amalfi Coast

Your ultimate guide for where to stay in Positano

Other Puglia Travel Guides

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