There are places in Italy that look almost too beautiful to be real. The Amalfi Coast is one of them.

Imagine pastel-colored houses cascading down dramatic cliffs, narrow streets scented with fresh lemons, and fishing boats floating across turquoise Mediterranean waters. Every corner feels like a postcard, and every turn reveals another view worth photographing.

But here’s something many visitors don’t realize: you don’t need a car or an expensive guided tour to experience Positano and Amalfi.

From Naples, you can discover both towns using affordable trains, scenic ferries and coastal buses. This guide covers how to get there, approximate 2026 transport prices, the most beautiful photography locations, and a memorable day-trip itinerary.

1. Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Naples

Neither Positano nor Amalfi has a railway station. The most practical options are to travel through Salerno or Sorrento, or take a seasonal ferry directly from Naples.

Via Salerno — Best for Scenic Ferries

Start at Napoli Centrale, Naples’ main railway station in Piazza Garibaldi. Take a Trenitalia regional train to Salerno.

Faster regional services take approximately 35–45 minutes, with tickets starting around €5.50 one way.

From Salerno railway station, walk approximately 10 minutes to the ferry terminal at Piazza della Concordia.

Travelmar operates ferry connections along the Amalfi Coast, making this one of the most beautiful ways to reach Positano and Amalfi.

The ferry journey is an experience in itself. Along the way, you’ll see dramatic cliffs, colorful villages and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery.

Useful links: Trenitalia · Travelmar Ferries · Salerno Ferry Terminal

Via Sorrento — Best Budget Option

At Napoli Garibaldi, connected to Napoli Centrale, take the EAV Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento.

The train takes approximately 70–80 minutes and costs around €4.60 one way.

Outside Sorrento station, SITA buses travel along the coastal road towards Positano and Amalfi.

A CostieraSITA 24-hour pass, approximately €10, can be convenient if you’re planning multiple eligible bus journeys.

The road offers incredible coastal panoramas, although buses can be crowded during the summer.

Useful links: SITA Sud · Sorrento Station

Direct Ferry from Naples — Simplest Sea Route

If you prefer to travel directly by sea, depart from Molo Beverello, near Piazza Municipio in Naples.

Seasonal ferries connect Naples with Positano and Amalfi. Some departures involve a connection, so always check the itinerary.

• Naples → Positano: Approximately €25–€35 one way.
• Naples → Amalfi: Approximately €25–€35 one way.
• Naples → Positano → Amalfi → Naples: NLG offers a seasonal excursion advertised at approximately €67 per adult.

For a relaxing day trip, the ferry excursion can be especially convenient because it combines both towns with a return journey to Naples.

Useful links: NLG Ferry Tickets · Positano & Amalfi Excursion · Naples Ferry Port

Important: Ferries are seasonal and weather-dependent. Always confirm return departures before travelling. Fares shown here are approximate 2026 planning figures.

2. Positano — The Most Photogenic Village

Positano is the kind of place that makes you stop walking just to admire the view.

Colorful houses tumble down the hillside towards the Mediterranean, while narrow staircases, flower-covered balconies and charming boutiques give the village its romantic character.

Best Things to Do in Positano

• Spiaggia Grande: The famous main beach offers the classic Positano panorama, with colorful buildings rising above the sea. Google Maps ↗
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta: A beautiful church recognized by its colorful majolica-tiled dome. Google Maps ↗
• Fornillo Beach: A quieter beach reached by a picturesque coastal walking path. Google Maps ↗
• Viale Pasitea: An elevated road offering beautiful perspectives over Positano and the Mediterranean. Google Maps ↗

Photography tip: Visit early in the morning for quieter streets or in the late afternoon when warm sunlight brings out the beautiful pastel colors of the village.

3. Amalfi — Historic Streets and Coastal Charm

While Positano is famous for its dramatic hillside beauty, Amalfi offers a different atmosphere filled with history, beautiful architecture and lively Italian streets.

Once a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi remains one of the most charming towns along the Italian coastline.

Best Things to Do in Amalfi

• Duomo di Sant’Andrea: A magnificent cathedral with a grand staircase and striking architectural details. Google Maps ↗
• Piazza del Duomo: Enjoy an espresso or refreshing lemon granita while admiring the cathedral and lively square.
• Historic Old Town: Wander through narrow passageways, traditional shops, ancient archways and picturesque streets.
• Amalfi Waterfront: A wonderful place to photograph boats, colorful buildings and dramatic surrounding mountains. Google Maps ↗
• Atrani: A charming neighboring village with beautiful archways, historic architecture and a quieter beach. Google Maps ↗

4. The Best Photography Spots

The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for landscape, architecture and travel photography. These five locations are particularly rewarding.

1. Spiaggia Grande, Positano: The iconic full-village composition. View location ↗
2. Viale Pasitea, Positano: Elevated viewpoints overlooking the village. View location ↗
3. Fornillo Beach: Peaceful Mediterranean scenery and rocky cliffs. View location ↗
4. Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi: Historic architecture and atmospheric street scenes. View location ↗
5. Atrani Village: Traditional buildings, arches and charming coastal panoramas. View location ↗

Look beyond the famous viewpoints. Sometimes the most memorable photographs are found in quiet staircases, flower-covered balconies, colorful doorways and small moments of everyday life.

5. A Perfect One-Day Itinerary from Naples

If you only have one day, you can explore both Positano and Amalfi using public transport. The route through Salerno is especially scenic.

07:30 — Leave Naples

Take a regional train to Salerno and walk towards the ferry terminal. Board a suitable ferry towards Positano.

Morning — Explore Positano

Visit Spiaggia Grande, wander through charming streets and capture the village’s spectacular coastal views.

Early Afternoon — Ferry to Amalfi

Enjoy the scenic ferry journey to Amalfi. The trip normally takes approximately 25 minutes.

Afternoon — Discover Amalfi

Visit the cathedral, explore the old town and enjoy a traditional Italian lunch. If time allows, walk towards Atrani.

Late Afternoon — Return to Naples

Take an available ferry back to Salerno, then continue by regional train to Napoli Centrale.

These are suggested activity times, not guaranteed departures. Always arrange your itinerary around the actual ferry schedule.

6. How Much Does an Amalfi Coast Day Trip Cost?

You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy Positano and Amalfi. Here is an approximate 2026 budget per person.

The ferry estimate covers the Salerno–Positano–Amalfi–Salerno itinerary. The bus estimate assumes a suitable coastal day pass.

These are planning estimates, not live fares. Paid attractions, beach clubs and optional activities cost extra.

7. Essential Tips Before Visiting

• Best months: April–June and September–October generally offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer crowds: July and August can be extremely busy.
• Comfortable shoes: Positano has steep roads and many staircases.
• Sun protection: Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
• Check return transport: Confirm your last practical ferry or bus before setting off.
• Travel light: A small backpack and camera are easier to carry through narrow streets.

8. Google Maps — Important Travel Routes

Use these links to plan your journey. You can adjust departure times and travel dates in Google Maps.

• Naples → Salerno
• Naples → Sorrento
• Sorrento → Positano
• Positano → Amalfi
• Amalfi → Salerno
• Napoli Centrale → Molo Beverello

Google Maps may not display every seasonal ferry. Check official operator timetables separately.

Final Thoughts — A Coast Worth Remembering

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast isn’t just in its famous viewpoints.

It’s in the quiet staircases, the sound of waves beneath colorful villages, the sunlight reflecting from historic buildings, and the unexpected moments you discover while wandering.

Positano offers breathtaking coastal panoramas, while Amalfi brings history, architecture and authentic Italian charm.

Whether you’re travelling with a camera, someone special, or simply a desire to explore, leave yourself time to enjoy the journey.