Does Your Cruise Stop in Naples? The Best Way to Visit the Amalfi Coast in One Day
When I docked at the Naples cruise port, I already knew where I was heading, the Amalfi Coast. It had been at the very top of my Italian bucket list forever. So, I booked the most amazing one-day tour from Naples, and it turned out to be even better than I imagined.
Our one-day Naples to Amalfi Coast day trip promised to showcase the best of the Amalfi Coast, including Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and it did not disappoint.
Our guide picked us up right at the cruise port in a comfy, air-conditioned van.
A few friends we’d met on the cruise tagged along too, making it feel like a private little adventure. We hit the road for what I can only describe as the most beautiful, nerve-wracking, curvy drive of my life, and it was fantastic!
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Naples to the Amalfi Coast
Our day began docking in Napoli at Stazione Marittima, the Naples cruise port on board a Holland America Adriatic cruise from Venice to Rome.
I booked a private tour with Taxi Mister Cab Driver (yes, that’s really its name) for six people. The itinerary took us along the Amalfi Coast, beginning in Ravello and ending in Sorrento.
Our cost was €500 for the group, and the tour lasted from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The price and times may vary based on the time of year and how long your cruise ship is in port.
My Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Ravello, Italy – The Balcony of the Amalfi Coast
Our tour began when Paulo, our tour guide, was waiting at the Naples cruise port, sign with my name on it, in hand.
From the Naples port, we boarded an eight passenger comfortable, air-conditioned van.
On the way to our first stop, Paulo shared the Amalfi Coast itinerary for the day and shared facts about the area where he has lived all his life.
The first stop, Ravello, Italy, was a little over an hour from the cruise port. It’s set 1,200 feet above the Mediterranean and offer spectacular panoramic views.
Ravello is not as big as some of the towns along the Amalfi Coast, nor is it as crowded.
But, it is absolutely gorgeous!
We began our morning with a stop at Duomo Caffe for a pastry and coffee. As we wandered, the whole town felt like a movie set perched above the sea.
And wow! I mean, they don’t call Ravello the “Balcony of the Amalfi Coast” for nothing. The views from here are unbelievable.
We roamed around and into the famous Villa Rufolo, and the gardens there were absolutely magical. The display of color set against those jaw-dropping coastal views, Mama Mia! I could’ve stayed there forever just breathing it all in.
After that, we strolled over to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. It reminded me a little of the peaceful charm I felt in Tuscany, though the views here were pure coastal bliss.
It’s a short, easy walk, and if you think the views from town are good, wait until you see the Terrace of Infinity.
It’s the kind of spot where you take 50 photos and none of them do it justice.
Before heading back to the van, we popped into the Duomo di Ravello, the town’s centerpiece.
The simple but beautiful cathedral is absolutely stunning both inside and outside.
Although we were only in Ravello for a short time, it is small enough that you can see a lot in an hour or so without rushing.
Positano – Postcard Perfect
Next up, we made a quick stop at the Positano balcony.
You know that picture you’ve seen a million times from the Amalfi Coast, the one with the colorful cliffside buildings spilling down to the sea?
Yep, that was right in front of us.
We soaked in the views and sipped a little limoncello, because, when in Italy.
We didn’t have time to pop into Positano itself this time.
But, I know we will return to stroll the narrow streets that wind down to Spiaggia Grande, the beach, and browse the shops selling hand-painted ceramics.
Amalfi – Crowded, Chaotic, and Completely Charming
After Positano, we drove down to the town of Amalfi in the province of Salerno, Italy.
Despite the entire coast being named after Amalfi, the town is not that big.
It was, however, busy. Seriously, the amount of people packed into that tiny piazza was wild. But Amalfi had so much charm.
As we made our way into the town from the car park, we noticed many people arriving via a boat trip from Naples. If we had more time here, a boat tour in this area would be magnificent for the views alone.
The main event here, besides Marina Grande beach, the colorful umbrella lined beach area, is the Cathedral of Amalfi.
Be ready for some serious steps! The climb to the entrance of the Amalfi Cathedral is massive but worth the effort just to stand in front of the ornate striped facade.
Inside, the medieval cathedral is gorgeous, but not so big that it takes forever to explore. The church reminded me of some of the incredible architecture I saw during our day in Florence.
If you have a little extra time, there’s a cute little museum dedicated to Amalfi’s historic paper-making industry, called the Museo della Carta, or Paper Museum.
It’s tucked away and doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to visit if you’re curious about local traditions.
My favorite stop was at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi, a dessert shop that has been around since 1830. It’s right across from the Saint Andrew fountain. We tried an Italian favorite called a rum baba. This oddly shaped pastry is soaked in rum and filled with a delicious whipped cream.
Mostly, we just enjoyed people-watching, walking the narrow alleyways, and taking in the lively energy before piling back into the van.
Sorrento – Pizza, Views, and Laid-Back Vibes
Our final stop for the day was Sorrento.
Compared to the other towns we visited, Sorrento is bigger, more open, and somehow, less chaotic. It was the perfect spot to end our day.
We grabbed a slightly overpriced, pizza lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Tasso, because it is basically illegal to visit Italy and not eat pizza and pasta.
Honestly, I wish we would have walked further into Sorrento to choose a lunch spot. As we walked further, we found more authentic restaurants with much cheaper prices.
After lunch, we wandered around Piazza Tasso, which is the heart of the town. It’s a fun place to people-watch and feel like you’re actually living the good life, even if for only an hour or two.
Next, we strolled down toward the Marina Grande, for a peek at the waterfront. While Sorrento doesn’t have a sandy beach, it has several beach areas with rocky swimming alcoves dotted along the shore.
There are several beach clubs in the area, like Leonelli’s and Bagni Salvatore, with restaurants and beach chair rentals.
My husband and I both agreed that Sorrento would be the place to return and make our home base when we visit the Amalfi Coast again.
We enjoyed stopping in the shops, where we tasted homemade chocolates, truffle salts, and other local treats.
There were also several boat tours to Amalfi and Positano from Sorrento for around 48 euros and a Capri boat tour for 140 euros.
In addition to those, we also stumbled across L’Accademia, a bread and pizza cooking school in the historic center.
Of all the towns on the Amalfi Coast, we visited, Sorrento had the full experience for a complete vacation.
Our last stop of our Amalfi Coast road trip was a stop at Bar del Carmine in the heart of Sorrento to enjoy a local beer, a frozen limoncello, and the warm Mediterranean breeze.
Pompeii – A Bonus Stop
Our Amalfi Coast itinerary didn’t originally include Pompeii, but since traffic had been lighter than expected, we found ourselves with a little extra time before having to return to the cruise ship.
Luckily, our guide was an absolute legend and squeezed in a quick stop at Pompeii.
We didn’t have time to do a deep dive into every ruin. You could spend an entire day there easily. But, even a short time glancing at the ancient streets and remains was incredible.
The Details for One Day in Amalfi Coast
This is a glimpse into our magnificent Amalfi Coast itinerary, but let’s dive deeper into what you really need to know about visiting the Amalfi Coast from the Naples cruise port.
How to Get to Amalfi Coast from Naples
There are several ways to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples, but if you’re docking at the Naples cruise port like we did, your best bet is to book a private tour or small group tour that picks you up right from the port.
Trust me, you do not want to be navigating the Amalfi Coast road, contending with buses and traffic on your own with limited time.
Some people rent cars, but honestly, the roads are insanely narrow and the traffic can be brutal. Plus, the roads zig-zag so much! Take your Dramamine if you get car sick.
Having a local driver who knows all the tricks and the best parking spots makes a huge difference. Let him drive along the Amalfi Coast while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Taking the Ferry from Naples to Amalfi
Alternatively, if you want to skip the winding cliffside roads, you can take a ferry from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. I think it would be one of the prettiest ways to get there.
From the Naples port, specifically Molo Beverello, you can catch a direct ferry to Sorrento. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, depending on the boat and any stops along the way.
Ferries usually run from April through October.
In the winter months, service is more limited and sometimes canceled entirely if the weather is rough. Ferry tickets cost around €15 to €22 each way, and it’s a good idea to book ahead in the busy summer months. You can also book a full day ferry tour to Sorrento and Capri.
Once you get to Sorrento, you’ll be able to transfer to Amalfi or Positano using the bus or another ferry.
Just a heads-up: ferries are weather-dependent.
If the sea is rough, trips can get delayed or canceled.
And unlike driving, you’re locked into the ferry schedule, so if you’re on a strict cruise ship timeline, you might want to stick to a private tour or driver just to be safe.
How Far is Naples to Amalfi Coast?
Technically, Naples to Amalfi town is about 37 miles (60 kilometers).
Without traffic, it could take about an hour and a half.
But, on a sunny summer day with tour buses and scooters everywhere? It’s going to take longer.
Expect closer to two hours one way, depending on how many scenic stops you make and you’ll definitely want to make a few like we did.
Amalfi Coast in One Day: Is It Worth It?
Seeing the Amalfi Coast in one day is a whirlwind, but it’s also completely doable and 100% worth it.
You won’t see every hidden beach or hike every trail, but you’ll hit the highlights, eat some fantastic food, and leave with a serious case of heart-eyes for Italy.
If you’re planning your own Amalfi Coast Italy itinerary for just one day, my tips would be:
- Start early.
- Stick to a handful of key towns — don’t try to do every village.
- Book a tour or a driver so you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel.
- Pack comfortable shoes — the towns are steep and cobblestone-y.
- And bring a sense of humor because, let’s face it, Italy loves a little chaos.
Final Thoughts on an Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Naples
Our trip to the Amalfi Coast from the Naples cruise port was hands-down one of the best day trips of my entire Holland America Adriatic cruise.
If you take a Mediterranean cruise, dock at the Naples cruise port and dream about Amalfi Coast travel, go for it!
It’s even better than you imagine with winding roads, dramatic cliffs, sparkling seas, and all. This tour made me fall even more in love with Italy, just like I did in Venice and Murano. Each place is so different, but there’s something magical about them all.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.
