Amalfi Coast Guide: Capri, Positano, & Sorrento

I flew into Naples and took a bus to my hotel in Sorrento. If you’re planning to explore other areas of the Amalfi Coast then choosing Sorrento as your home base is ideal since the train station, port and bus stop are all nearby- woo! Capri is 20 mins away by ferry, and Positano is about 45 mins by bus.

Helpful tip: You can purchase a SITA bus ticket in front of the train station at the stop. View the timetables and stop locations here.

My first destination on the Amalfi Coast was the island of Capri. Capri is an easy day trip by ferry from Sorrento. I took a private boat tour around the island and explored a few of the beautiful grottos. Sadly, one of Capri’s most famous caves, the Blue Grotto was closed; however, I did manage to see the welcome Statue of Scugnizzo, Faraglioni rocks, White Grotto, and Marina Piccola, which were all breathtaking. After the boat tour, I chowed down on pizza and cooled off with a delicious lemon granita on the beach (just giving you a heads up if you’re looking for sandy beaches you will not find them in Capri). Capri is a magical destination with its beautiful blue water, mystical grottos and towering rock formations. You’ll definitely want to go back for more. I know I do!

Helpful tip: I recommend booking a private boat tour in advance since they are usually fully reserved during high season, or you can book a group boat tour instead. Check out Gianni’s Boat tours if you prefer to do a group boat tour. Gianni’s tours offer beverages, towels, and cushions (all of the things I desperately yearned for during my private boat tour).

Positano was next on the agenda where sipping prosecco on the beach and taking in the stunning view is a must. Unfortunately, I only spent the day in Positano before heading back to Sorrento for the night, so I wasn’t able to explore every inch of this picturesque town. However, I did eat lunch at one of the best hotels in Positano, the Hotel Sirenuse. This hotel is a cliffside oasis overlooking the Meditteranean sea with the most beautiful photo ops around the property. I spent the remainder of the day wandering around the town’s narrow pathways, shopping (I purchased a pair of beautiful handcrafted sandals that were made right in front of me) and lounging on the beach. Before leaving Positano, I had to have a cocktail and watch the sunset at Franco’s Bar, an outdoor bar beside Hotel Sirenuse. Make sure you reserve a table near the balcony railing and order the La Dolce Vita, which is a gin and prosecco-based drink that is to die for.

Helpful tip: Avoid overly crowded buses and the chance of not getting a seat on the bus by waking up bright and early and hauling ass to the stop. I would advise that you get there 15- 20 mins ahead of time to get a seat, and avoid standing in the aisle. Though access to the bus stop is nearby, you can also reserve a car service to drive you to and from Positano.