5 Days in Naples and the Amalfi Coast: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Get ready for pizza in the city that invented it, a walk through a Roman town frozen in time, and a cliff-hugging coastline that looks unreal even when you are standing on it. This five-day plan pairs two full days in Naples with Pompeii, a night or two in Sorrento and a big day along the Amalfi Coast.

The pace is lively but not frantic: one anchor sight per morning, slower afternoons, evenings for food and sea views. It suits first-timers, couples and friends happy to use trains and buses instead of driving. Families can trim the Ravello leg on Day 4.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Naples, historic centre	Cappella Sansevero, Spaccanapoli, Via San Gregorio Armeno, pizza on Via dei Tribunali
2	Naples, museum quarter and waterfront	National Archaeological Museum (MANN), Via Toledo, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel dell’Ovo at sunset
3	Pompeii and Sorrento	Ancient Pompeii, then on to Sorrento for the evening
4	Amalfi Coast	Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
5	Sorrento to Naples	Slow morning, transfer to the airport or back to Naples

Plan around Tuesdays. Both the Cappella Sansevero and the MANN are closed on Tuesdays, while the main Pompeii site is not. If your trip includes a Tuesday, make it your Pompeii or Amalfi Coast day.

Day 1: Naples’ historic heart

Morning

Welcome to Naples! Land, drop your bags and dive straight into the Centro Storico, the dense grid of streets at the heart of old Naples. If you are coming from the airport, the Alibus shuttle reaches Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station) in about 15 minutes, according to ANM.

Start on Spaccanapoli, the long, straight street that slices through the old town. Wander slowly past churches, tiny bakeries and souvenir shops: this is a neighbourhood to soak up, not rush.

Afternoon

Your big sight today is the Cappella Sansevero, home of the marble Veiled Christ. It opens every day from 9:00 to 19:00 except Tuesday, with last entry 30 minutes before closing, and a standard ticket costs EUR 12. Book a timed ticket on the museum’s official ticket site (ticket.museosansevero.it) before you travel, because walk-in slots can be scarce.

From the chapel, stroll to Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity-scene workshops. Continue to the Duomo di Napoli on Via Duomo. If you would like to go underground, guided tours of the Greek and Roman tunnels beneath the centre run from this area: check the official tour operator’s site for times and prices.

Evening

Via dei Tribunali is your dinner street. Expect queues at the famous pizzerias: put your name down, then stroll while you wait.

Day 2: Treasures of the MANN and the waterfront

Morning

Get ready for treasures! Head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), which holds many of the finest frescoes, mosaics and statues rescued from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Seeing it before Pompeii makes tomorrow far more vivid.

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 19:30 (last entry 18:30) and is closed on Tuesdays. A full-price, named day ticket costs EUR 20 on the official ticketing page. Take metro Line 1 to Museo or Line 2 to Piazza Cavour.

Good to know for autumn 2026: the official ticket page says the Mosaics collection is closed for works from 21 September, with reopening expected on 30 November, and the Epigraphic section is also temporarily closed. Allow two to three hours for the rest.

Afternoon

Walk south down Via Toledo, Naples’ great shopping street, to the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto I and the grand open space of Piazza del Plebiscito, framed by the Royal Palace. Stop for a sfogliatella (a crisp, shell-shaped pastry) and an espresso on the way.

Evening

Continue to the seafront and follow the promenade to Castel dell’Ovo, the old castle on a little island linked by a causeway. On a clear evening, the view across the bay to Vesuvius is pure magic. Have dinner in the Borgo Marinari at the castle’s feet or in chic Chiaia.

Day 3: Pompeii, then on to Sorrento

Morning

This is the big Roman day, and the one to pre-book. Tickets for Pompeii are personal (named) and there is a daily limit of 20,000 entries, so buy online on the park’s official ticket site, pompeii.vivaticket.it, as soon as your dates are firm.

From 15 October to 15 March the ancient city opens at 9:00, with last entry at 15:30 and closing at 17:00. From 16 March to 14 October it opens at 9:00, last entry is 17:30 and it closes at 19:00. The site is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Ticket options from 12 January 2026:

• Pompeii Express (ancient city only): EUR 20
• Pompeii+ (ancient city plus the suburban villas, including the Villa of the Mysteries, plus Villa Regina in Boscoreale with its Antiquarium and the shuttle bus): EUR 25
• If you hold an Express ticket, you can add the suburban villas route for EUR 8 at the Porta Ercolano entrance (card payment only).

Tickets are valid for one entry only: you cannot leave and come back in on the same ticket. Entry on the first Sunday of every month is free.

To get there, take EAV’s Napoli-Sorrento line (the Circumvesuviana railway) and get off at Pompei Villa dei Misteri station. Check journey times and fares on the EAV website on the day, because timetables change seasonally and strikes can affect services.

Aim to be at the gates for 9:00 and allow four to five hours. Wear sturdy shoes: the Roman streets are paved with big, uneven stones. Bring water, sun protection and a hat, as shade is limited across much of the site.

Afternoon

Back on the same railway line, continue towards Sorrento, the end of the line. If you are moving hotels today, check the park’s visitor regulations about bags before you bring luggage to the site.

Evening

Sorrento is made for an evening passeggiata (stroll). Start at Piazza Tasso, wander the old town, then head down to Marina Grande, the fishing harbour, for dinner by the water and a little limoncello.

Day 4: The Amalfi Coast, Positano to Ravello

Morning

Today is the postcard day you’ve been waiting for. SITA Sud buses run along the coast road from Sorrento, and the Unico Costiera fare system covers travel between the towns of the Amalfi Coast. Buy tickets before boarding (bars, newsagents and tobacconists sell them) and check fares and timetables on the operator’s site, since prices for Campania public transport were updated on 1 October 2026.

Sit on the right-hand side heading from Sorrento towards Positano for the sea views. First stop: Positano, pastel houses tumbling down to the beach. Walk down through the lanes for a coffee with a view.

Afternoon

Continue to Amalfi, the coast’s historic hub. The steep steps of the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea dominate the main square: check the cathedral’s official information for opening times and the entry fee to the cloister and museum, and remember to cover shoulders and knees.

From Amalfi, a local bus climbs up to Ravello, perched high above the sea. Its two famous gardens, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, offer some of the most breathtaking terraces in Italy. Check each villa’s official site for current hours and prices, as these change with the season.

Ferries between Amalfi, Positano and other towns are a lovely alternative to the road, but services can be seasonal and weather-dependent, so check operators’ timetables first.

Evening

Head back to Sorrento for dinner, or spend the night in Amalfi and enjoy it once the day-trippers have left. Leave plenty of time: the coast road is narrow and traffic can be slow.

Day 5: A slow morning and departure

Morning

Treat yourself to a lazy breakfast with sea views and a final wander through the old town lanes for souvenirs.

Afternoon

Time to head home or back to Naples. From the Sorrento coast, Curreri Viaggi buses run to Naples Airport, stopping at Pompei, Castellammare di Stabia, Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento and Sant’Agnello. From the Amalfi Coast, the airport lists a Pintour service linking the airport, Pompei, Vietri and the coast. Book on the operators’ own sites.

Naples Airport itself advises that, in high season, you take the bus at least five hours before your flight from the Sorrento coast resorts, as traffic can stretch journey times. Alternatively, ride the Circumvesuviana back to Naples and take the Alibus from there.

Evening

Staying an extra night in Naples? Return to the historic centre for a last pizza fritta (fried pizza) and a gelato.

Getting there and getting around

Naples International Airport (Capodichino) is the main gateway. The airport is closed overnight, from 22:30 to 3:30, for security reasons, so you cannot wait inside for a very early flight.

Alibus (ANM):

• Route: Airport, Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station), Immacolatella/Porta di Massa and Molo Angioino/Beverello (the ferry port).
• Fare: EUR 5 for a single ride. Buy on board from the driver, at ticket machines at the arrivals exit, or tap a contactless bank card (Tap&Go).
• Integrated option: the Unico Alibus ticket also costs EUR 5 and is valid for 90 minutes on the Alibus plus other urban transport, handy if you continue by metro.
• Hours: daily, first departure from the airport at 5:30 and last at 00:00, at most every 15 minutes.
• Journey time: about 15 minutes to Central Station and 35 minutes to the port.
• Validate your ticket as soon as you board.

Shared taxi: the official “Taxi Collettivo” service links the airport, Central Station and the port (Molo Beverello) for EUR 6 per passenger including luggage, with no meter. It leaves 15 minutes after the first three passengers arrive and drivers give each passenger a receipt.

Regular taxi: the official taxi lane is in front of arrivals. Flat rates apply for set urban and suburban routes (such as the city centre, Molo Beverello, Mergellina and Pompei). They include airport, night, holiday and luggage supplements, but not motorway tolls or radio taxi call fees. Confirm the flat rate with the driver before you set off.

Local transport: Naples’ metro, funiculars and buses run under the Unico Campania fare system. Integrated hourly and daily tickets were updated on 1 October 2026, while EAV (which runs the Circumvesuviana) kept its own company fares unchanged. Check current fares on unicocampania.it or eavsrl.it before you buy. EAV also offers ticket-less Tap&Go with contactless cards.

Amalfi Coast: SITA Sud buses and seasonal ferries. On a short trip we do not recommend driving yourself: the road is narrow and busy.

Where to stay

• Centro Storico (Naples): for atmosphere lovers who want to step out into street life and walk to Sansevero, the Duomo and the pizza streets. Can be noisy at night.
• Chiaia and the Lungomare (Naples): for travellers who prefer elegant streets, sea views, boutique shopping and calmer evenings, within walking distance of Piazza del Plebiscito.
• Sorrento: the easiest base for the coast. It sits at the end of the Circumvesuviana line, has bus links to Positano and Amalfi, and has plenty of restaurants. Great for families.
• Amalfi town: for romantics and early risers who want to explore Ravello and Positano before the crowds. It is the coast’s natural bus and ferry hub, but rooms book up fast in season.

Budget

The table shows verified costs for the main sights and the airport transfer. Accommodation, meals, coffees, regional train and bus fares, guided tours, ferries and flights are not included; they vary widely with the season, so check current prices when you book.

Item	Typical cost
Alibus airport shuttle, single ride	EUR 5
Shared taxi airport to centre or port, per person	EUR 6
Cappella Sansevero, standard ticket	EUR 12
MANN, full-price day ticket	EUR 20
Pompeii Express (ancient city only)	EUR 20
Pompeii+ (with suburban villas and shuttle)	EUR 25
Amalfi Cathedral cloister, Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone	Check the official sites
Circumvesuviana and SITA bus fares	Check eavsrl.it and the SITA Sud site

Pompeii charges EUR 2 for reduced tickets, mainly for EU citizens aged 18 to 24; see the official page for the full rules.

Practical tips

• Closing days: Cappella Sansevero and the MANN close on Tuesdays. At the wider Pompeii park, Oplontis (Villa of Poppaea), the Stabiae villas and the Archaeological Museum of Stabia are also closed on Tuesdays.
• Dress code: for churches, including Amalfi Cathedral and the Duomo di Napoli, we suggest covering shoulders and knees. A light scarf in your day bag does the trick.
• Pre-book: Pompeii (named ticket), Sansevero (timed ticket) and the MANN (named ticket) all sell tickets online through their official channels.
• Money: Italy uses the euro. Contactless cards work on the Alibus and on EAV trains via Tap&Go, but carry some coins for coffee bars and small shops.
• SIM and eSIM: an eSIM bought before you fly is the easiest option. If you buy a local SIM in a phone shop, take your passport.
• Tourist tax: many towns charge a nightly tourist tax, usually paid at your accommodation. Ask about it when you book.
• Visa and entry: Italy is part of the Schengen area, and entry rules depend on your nationality and passport. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official visa portal, Visto per l’Italia, well before you book.

Heads-up

A few friendly warnings so nothing spoils the fun:

• Use official taxis only. At the airport, take a taxi from the official lane in front of arrivals or the marked shared-taxi area. If something goes wrong, note the taxi licence number shown on the car doors; the airport provides a complaint form for the City of Naples.
• Buy Pompeii tickets only from official sources. The park’s official ticket offices are only inside the archaeological area (Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro), and online sales go through its official ticketing site. Tickets carry the visitor’s name, and with a 20,000-a-day cap, popular days can sell out.
• No re-entry at Pompeii. Eat and use the facilities wisely, because leaving ends your visit.
• Partial closures at the MANN. The Mosaics collection is expected to stay closed until 30 November 2026, and the Epigraphic section is temporarily closed. On free-entry days, the Egyptian collection, the Secret Cabinet and the Magna Graecia section remain closed.
• Strikes happen. Naples Airport has flagged a 24-hour general strike for Friday 30 October 2026. Check the airport, ANM and EAV strike notices before travel days.
• Alibus rules. Validate your ticket as you board. Ordinary urban and regional passes and Artecard tickets are not valid on the Alibus.
• Leave time for the coast road. Naples Airport advises leaving the Sorrento coast at least five hours before your flight in high season.

FAQ

Is five days enough for Naples and the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, for a first taste. Add a day if you want a boat trip or a beach day.

Should I stay in Naples or on the coast?

Split it: two nights in Naples, then two or three in Sorrento or Amalfi to avoid long daily journeys on the coast road.

Do I need to book Pompeii in advance?

We strongly suggest it. Tickets are named and the park caps entries at 20,000 a day. Buy on pompeii.vivaticket.it, the link given on the park’s official website.

Which days should I avoid for museums?

Tuesdays. The Cappella Sansevero and the MANN are both closed. Pompeii’s main site is open, so swap your days around if needed.

How do I get from the airport to the city?

The Alibus costs EUR 5 and takes about 15 minutes to Central Station or 35 minutes to the port. The official shared taxi costs EUR 6 per person to the station or the port.

Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting in autumn?

Absolutely, and the towns feel calmer. Check ferry, garden and bus timetables first, as some services are seasonal.