Coast to coast by ferry in Naples and Amalfi

Are you looking for a different way to explore the Italian coast? Why not go coast hopping in the region of Campania? The Italian region is full of history, dreamy landscapes, and good food. Catch a ferry and discover the wonders of its coast traveling across Naples, Amalfi, and Sorrento.

Read our guide to an unforgettable coast-to-coast itinerary in Italy!

Ferries passing by the verdant coast of Amalfi

Coast hopping by ferry in Naples, Amalfi and Sorrento

If after spending a few days in Naples you want to continue your adventure and discover incredible places, we recommend exploring the coasts of Amalfi and Sorrento. Villages overlooking the sea and postcard landscapes make this one of the best Italian vacation experiences.

Getting around Amalfi by ferry is the best way to avoid road traffic and enjoy beautiful sea and coast views with ease. You can combine multiple destinations in 1 day, or take the time to explore every nook and cranny.

Here are 2 top itineraries in Italy to make the most of your holidays in Sorrento and Amalfi:

Coast-hopping itinerary #1: Naples - Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi - Salerno

After immersing yourself in the colorful atmosphere of Naples (and perhaps one or two nearby islands) for a few days, it's time to hop on the ferry to Sorrento!

Your itinerary starts from the Beverello port of Naples, where ferries leave daily for Sorrento. The earliest ferry from Naples to Sorrento is in the morning, and after a crossing of about 40 minutes, you will arrive in a town full of nature, art, and culture.

Take a tour of the small port of Marina Grande, sunbathe at one of the famous city beaches, and let yourself be conquered by the scent of lemons in every corner. Then, stop for a nice plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina and finish with a coffee in Piazza Tasso!

It’s now afternoon, so it’s time to return to the port and continue your journey to Positano. You can take one of the many available ferry routes from NLG, Positano Jet, Seremar, Coast Lines, or Alilauro. The fastest ferry to Positano from Sorrento takes only 20 minutes!

Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets and enjoy an aperitif in its trendy bars. We recommend that you stay for at least 1 night in Positano and find accommodation near the port to avoid climbing the stairs with heavy luggage.

The next morning you should hike along the Sentiero degli Dei, relax on the Marina Grande beach, or explore the nearby sea coves by boat.

The colorful village of Positano and the Marina Grande beach from the sea

In the late afternoon, you can continue your adventure to Amalfi. Thanks to the new routes of Positano Jet, it will take you only 15 minutes to get from Positano to the town of Amalfi which gives its name to the Amalfi Coast!

Lose yourself in its historic center, between Lorenzo d'Amalfi and Mercanti streets, discover its alleys and squares, and visit the beautiful cathedral with its famous staircase. When the night falls, you can enjoy the lights of Amalfi while feasting on a delizia al limone for dessert. 

The next day you can either stay in Amalfi and visit its beaches or continue your journey to the last stop of the itinerary: Salerno. The ferry connection from Amalfi to Salerno is seasonal, with more than 10 daily crossings. Choose the most convenient route and reach this beautiful town located between the Amalfi and the Cilento Coasts.

Salerno will amaze you with its completely pedestrian historic center and fabulous 2 km promenade. Between museums, buildings, and Baroque churches, you’ll breathe the air of the past! And if you are a nature and archaeology lover, from Salerno it is also possible to go on a quick trip to the Archaeological Park of Paestum or the beautiful Venus waterfalls (cascate dei Capelli di Venere).

Watching a beautiful sunset from the Salerno promenade

Coast-hopping itinerary #2: Amalfi - Minori - Maiori - Cetara - Vietri sul Mare

The second ferry adventure starts from Amalfi and continues to more off-the-beaten-path villages on the Amalfi Coast. Thanks to the regular ferry connections of Travelmar and Grassi Junior, you can travel easily between the coastal villages by sea, saving time by avoiding driving. Let's go to Minori then!

In just 10 minutes, you can reach the village of Minori from Amalfi by ferry and explore it easily in 1 day. As you approach Minori by ferry, get your camera ready. Its beautiful coastline is a favorite among travel photographers!

Once there, start your walk from the seafront and reach the famous Church of Santa Trofimena. If you love trekking, you shouldn't miss the Sentiero dei Limoni path: this strip of land overlooking the sea passes through the village of Ravello among lemon groves and fascinating cliffs.

If you walk for about 1 hour along the path, you will reach the nearby village of Maiori. But if you prefer to take it easy, take the ferry and get easily from Minori to Maiori by sea in 5 minutes for €3.

Take a walk up to the Norman Tower, move towards the main street, and admire the Mezzacapo Castle. Also, don't miss the Salicerchie and Cavallo Morto beaches, which can only be reached by boat!

Tip: Maiori is about 8 km from the beautiful resort town of Ravello! Read all about how to get to Ravello in our mini guide to explore one of the most picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast!

The Mezzacapo Castle of Maiori overlooking the port

From the port of Maiori, you can also take the ferry to the colorful village of Cetara. The Maiori - Cetara ferry crossing takes 15 minutes and will take you to a unique place!

The attractions of Cetara are all located on the main street, which reaches the Marina di Cetara beach, with its beautiful tower. Walking along Corso Garibaldi you’ll find churches, shops, and delicious restaurants. And for a special souvenir from the Amalfi Coast, buy a jar of Cetara anchovies from a traditional shop!

Our coast-to-coast adventure in the sea villages of Campania has almost come to an end; Vietri sul Mare is the last hidden treasure to discover! Taking the ferry from Cetara to Vietri sul Mare, you will reach the village in just 5 minutes.

Known for its ceramics, Vietri sul Mare will amaze you with its historic center offering panoramic views. Don't miss the Cathedral, the Ceramics Museum, and the Municipal Villa (also called the “The Parc Güell of the Amalfi Coast”). And for a refreshing dip, go down to the Marina di Vietri and enjoy its beach bars!

Latest driving updates for the Amalfi Coast for 2024

Since 2019, an alternate license plate system has been implemented to reduce polluting emissions caused by traffic in Amalfi Coast towns. According to this, cars with the last digit of an odd license plate could not circulate on odd days (and vice versa) on the panoramic road that connects Vietri sul Mare to Positano (the Strada Statale 163).

The ban is usually in effect for the entire month of August while from 15 June to 30 September, it is only implemented on weekends.

Tip: keep in mind that access is permitted only to residents of the 13 municipalities of the Coast, to public transport, taxis, vehicles for disabled people, and emergency vehicles.

The historic center of Vietri sul Mare with its imposing cathedral

Book cheap ferry tickets to travel in the Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry tickets to the ports of Naples, Amalfi, and Sorrento and discover some of the most beautiful coastal villages in Italy! Compare ferry connections on our Map of ferries, combine ferry companies, and organize your trip with just a few clicks.