Itineraries for Your Trip to Amalfi Coast
3 Days on the Amalfi Coast for Families
The most exclusive stretch of seaside in Italy, the Amalfi Coast doesn’t go out of its way to cater to families like the all-inclusive resorts on the country’s Adriatic side. In lieu of the convenience of kiddie clubs and stroller-friendly beaches, however, the Amalfi Coast offers pristine waters, crowd-pleasing pizza, and dazzling backdrops for your family snapshots.
The Amalfi Coast has been our favorite beach destination since my kids were barely walking, and some of our most memorable summers were spent exploring its craggy shores. This kid-focused itinerary is based on my first-hand experience of summering here with toddlers and teens and will have your family wanting to return year after year.
Temperatures soar in summer, so plan activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a day cruise along the coastline with stops to swim far from the crowds.
The Amalfi Coast is a finite stretch of waterfront that seems to host infinite tourists in the summer. The backed-up traffic and crowded beaches can be challenging, so for families with kids, a private boat tour may be worth the splurge. Stop to take a dip, enjoy a picnic lunch on board, and visit (or skip) the coastal villages you choose.
If you disembark in Amalfi, make time between its spectacular cathedral and shop-lined Via dei Mercanti to visit the Paper Museum to learn about the history of papermaking and watch a demonstration of how traditional paper was hand-crafted.
Today, explore the Amalfi Coast’s hilltops with an inland adventure. Active families with older kids can hike the Path of the Gods and finish with lunch overlooking the coast at La Tagliata or Il Ritrovo at the trail’s end (reserve in advance).
Families with younger kids can visit a traditional lemon farm to see how heirloom citrus trees are grown on the coastal terraces and sample fresh lemonade.
In the afternoon, go to the beach. In Positano, Spiaggia Grande is easy to access for young kids. In Amalfi, the Atrani beach is one of the few with soft sand.
Sail to Capri by ferry or private boat. Once you arrive, take a minicruise along its coastline to marvel at the faraglioni and visit the Blue Grotto. The line to enter the grotto gets long by mid-morning, so head here first.
In the afternoon, dock at Marina Grande to explore the island by land. Kids love to take the funicular up to Capri town, and the town’s central maze of narrow pedestrian lanes is fun to explore. Marina Grande’s pebble beach provides a relaxing spot to play for a few hours before catching the ferry back to the mainland.
