Amalfi Coast Day Trips from Positano

Choose how you want to travel to the captivating Italian south from Positano. Discover everything you need to know to discover the Amalfi Coast at your own pace.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

10 min read

Amalfi Coast Day Trips from Positano

Boats in Capri | Csaba Veres

Among the things to see and do in Positano is to explore the nearby coasts and, how not to highlight the postcard landscapes and villages on the Amalfi Coast?

In this post you will find a guide with the best excursions along the Amalfi Coast to enjoy its famous caves, meet its medieval castles, get lost among its winding streets, appreciate the set of houses embedded in the cliffs, visit its rocky arches or visit its villages by boat, scooter or minibus. Know prices, duration, schedule and description of the tours to choose how to go from Positano to the Amalfi Coast.

1. Private boat excursion to Amalfi along the Amalfi Coast from Positano

Amalfi| ©Michael Giugliano
Amalfi| ©Michael Giugliano

Let yourself go on a voyage of discovery with one of the Amalfi full day excursions to Amalfi along the Amalfi Coast. This type of small group experience combines a guided tour with plenty of free time for you to explore by sea and land Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, Maiori or Ravello at your own pace from Positano.

The tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation or a central meeting point in Positano, to take you to the port, where you board a comfortable and elegant ship that weighs anchor to sail towards the lagoons and caves that line the rugged coastline.

Take the time to have fun at the swimming and snorkeling stops around Praiano - you've earned it - and enjoy a relaxing break with snacks and drinks on board. Next up: explore on foot! visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle and its bell tower installed around 1200.

Next, pass through the beautiful fishing village of Furore Fjord and continue to Conca dei Marini to sail under Sophia Loren's ancient villa.

Stop to contemplate the abode Jackie Kennedy chose for her dream vacation along the Amalfi Coast, just before recharging your batteries during your lunch stop in Amalfi. In the afternoon cruise through Italy's smallest town, Atrani and stroll through the Roman villas located in Maiori or Ravello before returning to your point of origin.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 925 € per group of up to 6 people.
  • Duration: 6 - 8 hours.
  • Schedule: morning.
  • What the tour may include: light snacks such as fresh fruits. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Towels. Boat service with captain. Transfer to and from your accommodation.
  • Means of transportation: minibus and small boat.
  • Pros: this is a private cruise where you proceed with your group on a day trip to several of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast, including the Blue Grotto, Amalfi Cathedral and Marina Grande. The tour is customizable, the itinerary is as suggested by the area.
  • Cons: Entrance fees to any of the destinations are not included.

Book your boat tour in Positano

2. Private boat excursion to Praiano, Furore and the Emerald Grotto from Positano

Furore| ©Beka Ichkiti
Furore| ©Beka Ichkiti

Praiano, Furore and Emerald Grotto? with this small group excursion you get to know them all from Positano and at your own pace!

Put on your snorkeling gear and dive into the water as you sail alongside Sant Angelo Beach and the popular rock formation on Ischia Island where you will see its imposing Aragonese Castle. Swim around this rock and observe the numerous fish that make life around it.

After returning to the ship, the tour continues to Praiano, an ancient fishing village where its ancient Church of San Gennaro and cliffs lined with luxury villas, define the imprint of the place. Explore its historic center or stroll along Marina di Praia, its flagship beach. Then move on to the Furore Fjord to get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be amazed by the Italian postcard that is drawn in front of your eyes.

And to close the day with a flourish, enjoy a last stop at the Emerald Grotto, a subway grotto where the intense green color of the waters will take your breath away. The boat borders the area, but you can enter the grotto between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm to see inside for a supplement of approximately 5 € per person. At the end of the tour, enjoy a glass of prosecco or limoncello and watch the sunset over the sea as you return to Positano.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 790 € for groups up to 5 people.
  • Duration: 8 hours.
  • Schedule: morning.
  • What the tour may include: snorkeling equipment. Beach towels. Minibar with non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages including prosecco and limoncello. Boat captain service.
  • Means of transportation: speedboat, sailboat, gozzo or small boat.
  • Pros: it is a complete boat trip, with everything you need to spend an excellent day on the Amalfi Coast from Positano.
  • Cons: it does not include entrance to the Emerald Grotto or the Aragonese Castle of Ischia. Often the boat captains only speak Italian or English.

Positano boat tour

3. Vespa tour of Amalfi and Ravello from Positano

Ravello| ©Tyler Shores
Ravello| ©Tyler Shores

Here's the plan: You and your friends are going on a Vespa tour of the Amalfi Coast. What does that mean? That you travel along this majestic coastline guided by an expert with time available to chat, take pictures and learn interesting facts about the area.

Along this type of excursion you travel through world-famous coastal scenery as well as small picturesque villages from Positano to Ravello, passing through Amalfi, Conca de' Marini and charming Atrani. In Positano you stroll through the center among boutiques and craft stores, before alighting on the beach to enjoy the famous views.

The next stop is Conca de' Marini, very close to the Emerald Grotto where the group decides whether to enter at this time or return. Then you continue the ride along the winding road with a colorful 360-degree imprint in the direction of Amalfi, where you can visit its famous cathedral or perhaps you might want to visit the Amalfi Arsenal Museum, a medieval shipyard of reference in the area.

Continue to roar the engine of your vintage Vespa now in Atrani, the fishing village of endearing open-air museum. Then continue with a stop at the viewpoint of Villa Cimbrone Gardens to reach the last stretch of the ride: Ravello.

In Ravello you will not be able to resist stopping among the sumptuous villas, stores and terraces to taste the "delizia al limone". This is a delicacy of the gods with a local accent that goes well with the Neapolitan pasta Sfogliatella, accompanied by a Neapolitan espresso, before you set off to return to the point of origin, just in time to join the things to do in Positano at night.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 330 € per person.
  • Duration: 6 - 7 hours.
  • Schedule: morning.
  • What the tour may include: expert local guide service. Rental of a classic scooter. Raincoat, if necessary. Neapolitan coffee or typical drink. Snacks in cafes along the coast. Neapolitan souvenir. Transfer service to and from accommodation in Positano.
  • Means of transport: Classic Vespa.
  • Pros: you ride the roads around the Amalfi Coast on the back of a vintage Vespa, say yes to the classic! And get ready to enjoy your trip while an expert rides in front of the handlebars. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And with this kind of ride you can see it all!
  • Cons: Entrance fees to the Emerald Cave, Amalfi Cathedral, museums or any of the other sites visited are not included. The guides usually speak English and Italian.

Book your day trip from Positano

4. Group boat tour to Amalfi, Minori and Maiori from Positano

Minori| ©ApicellaOslo by Wikimedia
Minori| ©ApicellaOslo by Wikimedia

If you are going to spend a day on the Amalfi Coast, why not do it with a group of people who like the same things you do? That's the opportunity offered by this kind of Group Boat Excursion to Amalfi, Minori and Maiori from Positano.

You sail slowly, admiring every cove, grotto and bay along the way. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a dip with your snorkel! and enjoy the rich color on land as well as at sea. This is one of those experiences you will remember for years to come. The locals of this coast have for centuries preserved and created an environment as rich in history as it is in beauty, impossible to miss.

The Amalfi Coast is considered a World Heritage Site in no small part thanks to the mythical Mediterranean landscape. It is a seductive combination that contrasts the coastal mountains with a vertical scene of steep cliffs and the blue sea, such as those present in Praiano, Conca dei Marini, Furore fjord, Minori where its spas lead you to leave the boat deck abandoned.

And when it is time to leave the sea, you visit the Roman villas of Amalfi, as well as some trails following the instructions of the guide. You will see things that most tourists never get to see out of ignorance: hidden caves and secret passages that were traveled through long ago. This is definitely one of the best excursions in Positano.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 110 € per person.
  • Duration: 7 - 8 hours.
  • Schedule: morning.
  • What the tour may include: snacks such as fresh fruits. Water, beer, soft drinks, limoncello and prosecco. Boat trip with captain.
  • Means of transport: small boat.
  • Pros: the value for money is quite good. This is the ideal type of excursion for sunbathers who want to spend a day on the Amalfi Coast among caves and coves and then explore the curiosities of the Amalfi villages.
  • Cons: The round trip transfer is to Marina Grande (Spiaggia di Positano), the port of Positano. Entrance to the Emerald Grotto, as well as any other monument, or museum are not included. The guide is usually in English or Italian.

Book your boat tour in Positano

5. Sunset cruise from Positano to the archipelago of Li Galli islands

Li Galli| ©Gianfranco Vitolo
Li Galli| ©Gianfranco Vitolo

On this 2-hour excursion, you will get away from the luxury hotels, crowded restaurants, bustling streets of Positano and other coastal towns. Sail away from it all, in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, towards the Isle of Capri.

Aboard a small boat, the captain takes you directly to the archipelago of the islands of Li Galli, also known as "Le Sirenuse", since according to Greek mythology, this was the abode of the Sirens.

A set of three islets make up this archipelago: Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia and La Rotonda, and in between you can snorkel, swim at your leisure or if you prefer, just contemplate the panoramic view from the boat. You will be in a privileged spot, watching the sunset behind Capri while enjoying the minibar where you have water, beer, prosecco and soft drinks. At the end, you leave behind the romantic atmosphere of the sunset and the captain returns you to your point of origin just in time to join the nightlife of Positano.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 600 € for groups of 6 people.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Schedule: evening.
  • What the tour may include: towels. Service of captain of the boat. Minibar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks and prosecco.
  • Means of transportation: yacht, speedboat or "gozzo".
  • Pros: you enjoy the sunset with views of ten surrounding Amalfi Coast. The ride is quite intimate. The atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for sharing in couples or small groups and savor any celebration with the sea as a witness.
  • Cons: It is sunset, so the walk is short. Transportation to and from the accommodation is not included.

Duration of the excursions from Positano along the Amalfi Coast

Boats in Capri| ©Csaba Veres
Boats in Capri| ©Csaba Veres

Time varies between 2 and 9 hours, depending on the type of excursion. Tourists often embrace day trips to enjoy the charms of the place.

There is much to discover and it is best to take advantage of the combination of sea and land tours for as long as possible.

Tips for an excursion from Positano along the Amalfi Coast

Girl booking an excursion| ©Andrew Neel
Girl booking an excursion| ©Andrew Neel
  • Book your activities in advance. It may seem like booking at the last minute will save you money, but this is not always true when it comes to Amalfi Coast excursions. It pays to book early to take advantage of the best discounts and plan your itinerary.

There are hundreds of things to do and see in the area and usually the visits to this town are usually limited and combined, for example 3 days in Positano, and other days in Sorrento or Naples. To optimize your schedule and get the most out of your visit, confirm your place in all the activities you are interested in. I recommend that you call at least 3 days before you venture out.

  • Don't forget sunscreen, especially if you are traveling in summer. Even if it is cloudy, the sun can be strong enough to burn your skin if you are not protected. Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen and reapply often, especially if there are intervals between clouds or after swimming or sweating.
  • Try to book your airport transfers to Positano in advance. The nearest airport is Naples and the transfer by public transport is busy and requires connection. Decide in advance so you can book your cab or shuttle from the hotel, or check bus, train and boat schedules.

What will I see on this type of tour from Positano along the Amalfi Coast?

Hollow of Montepertuso| ©alexlucibello
Hollow of Montepertuso| ©alexlucibello

You will see from caves, inlets villas, beaches, coves and grottoes famous as the Emerald Grotto, Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia and La Rotonda, the islets of the archipelago of the islands of Li Galli. You will also find museums, churches, bell towers, ruins and Roman villas in every village you visit.

In this type of excursions along the Amalfi Coast the most interesting are the contrasts, activities and alternatives that seduce the senses of its visitors.