Amalfi Coast 7 Day Itinerary: Italy's Most Scenic Drive

A seven-day trip to the Amalfi Coast is the perfect amount of time to soak in the pastel-colored villages, dramatic limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters of Southern Italy. By basing yourself in a couple of key towns and using the ferry or bus system, you can explore everything from the heights of Ravello to the hidden grottos of Capri without feeling rushed.

Why Your Connection Matters on the Coast

Before you land in Naples or Rome, let’s talk about the logistics of getting around. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its narrow, winding roads and complex ferry schedules. You do not want to be stuck at a bus stop in Positano trying to find the next departure time while your home carrier hits you with a $10-a-day roaming charge. Whether you are coming from Sydney or Auckland, the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus daily roaming fees add up fast.

Instead of paying for the privilege of using your own data, you can see plans for Italy that connect you directly to local networks like TIM, Iliad, and Wind. These carriers offer extensive 5G coverage throughout the region. While the tunnels through the mountains can occasionally drop a signal, you’ll generally find excellent 5G in the main towns. Having a local data connection means you can use Google Maps to navigate the 'Path of the Gods' or WhatsApp to call your boat tour operator without a second thought.

Day 1: Sorrento – The Gateway

Most travelers arrive via Naples. Take the Campania Express train or a private transfer to Sorrento. While not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the perfect logistical hub to start your journey. Spend your first afternoon wandering through the Corso Italia and enjoying a lemon granita in Piazza Tasso.

Sorrento is also where you should ensure your tech is sorted. If you haven't already, you can install an eSIM while waiting for your flight at the airport in Sydney or Auckland. By the time you reach your hotel in Sorrento, you'll be fully connected. If you aren't sure if your device can handle it, check this phone compatibility guide before you head off.

Day 2: Positano – The Vertical City

Positano is the postcard image of Italy. It’s a steep, vertical town where the houses seem to be stacked on top of one another. Spend your day browsing the linen boutiques and making your way down to Spiaggia Grande. For the best views, hike up to the higher districts like Chiesa Nuova.

Because you’ll be taking hundreds of photos and likely uploading them to Instagram in real-time, your data usage will spike here. Our Italy plans are data-only, which is perfect for travelers who rely on WhatsApp, iMessage, and social media. You don't need a local Italian phone number to stay in touch with home or your travel mates.

Day 3: The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

For the adventurous, Day 3 is all about the hike. Take a bus from Amalfi or Positano to Bomerano (Agerola) to start the Path of the Gods. This trail offers the most spectacular coastal views in Europe. It ends in Nocelle, just above Positano.

Hiking Connectivity Tip: Even on the mountain trails, TIM and Wind usually provide solid coverage. However, it’s always smart to download offline maps on Google Maps just in case. If you find yourself needing more data after a week of heavy GPS use, you can easily see plans for top-ups to keep your connection active.

Day 4: Amalfi and Atrani

Amalfi was once a powerful maritime republic, and its cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi) is a must-see. After exploring the main square, take the short 15-minute walk through the pedestrian tunnel to Atrani. It’s the smallest municipality in Italy and offers a much more local, quiet vibe than its famous neighbors.

Day 5: Ravello – Above the Clouds

Ravello sits high above the sea and is known for its incredible gardens. Visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. The 'Terrace of Infinity' at Villa Cimbrone offers a view so expansive it’s hard to capture on camera. Ravello is quieter and more refined, making it a great place to enjoy a long, slow lunch.

Day 6: Capri – The Island Escape

Take a high-speed ferry from Amalfi or Positano to the island of Capri. Once there, skip the Blue Grotto (which is often overcrowded) and take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro in Anacapri for 360-degree views of the Gulf of Naples.

Connectivity on the ferry is usually decent as you stay close to the coast, but once you are in the center of the island, 5G is everywhere. If you enjoy this type of island-hopping, you might also find our Lisbon 3 day itinerary useful for your next European leg, as Portugal offers a similarly stunning coastline.

Day 7: Praiano and the Fiordo di Furore

On your final day, visit the quieter town of Praiano. It’s famous for having the best sunsets on the coast because it faces west. Nearby is the Fiordo di Furore, a dramatic gorge where a bridge spans a tiny hidden beach. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Italy, so having a fast data connection to check the best time for lighting (usually midday) is a lifesaver.

Staying Connected: AussieRoam vs. Traditional Roaming

Australians and Kiwis often fall into the trap of simply turning on 'International Roaming' because it's easy. But the cost is staggering compared to a local eSIM. Here is how they stack up for a week in Italy:

Feature	Home Carrier Roaming	AussieRoam eSIM
Cost	Expensive daily flat fee	One-off affordable plan
Network	Throttled / Secondary priority	Local 5G (TIM, Wind, Iliad)
Setup	Automatic (but pricey)	Simple setup guide
Data Limit	Often very low per day	Flexible (1GB to 50GB+)
Number	Keeps your AU/NZ number	Data-only (keeps WhatsApp)

Using an eSIM means you land at the airport, turn off your primary SIM's data roaming to avoid fees, and toggle on your Italy data plan. You keep your WhatsApp number, so your family back home can still reach you on your usual account.

Technical Details for Italy

Italy has a very advanced mobile infrastructure. In the Amalfi Coast area, you will primarily be switching between three major networks:

• TIM (Telecom Italia): Excellent rural and coastal coverage. This is usually the strongest network when you are hiking or on a boat.
• WindTre: Great 5G speeds in urban centers like Sorrento and Salerno.
• Iliad: A newer player with very fast 5G in the main tourist hubs.

AussieRoam plans give you access to these networks automatically. If you are planning to extend your trip beyond Italy, perhaps heading north to Central Europe, check out our Prague weekend trip itinerary for more travel inspiration.

How to Install Your eSIM

1. Before Departure: Purchase your plan and receive your QR code via email.
2. On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code.
3. On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add More. Scan the QR code.
4. On Arrival: Once you touch down in Italy, set the eSIM as your 'Cellular Data' source. Ensure 'Data Roaming' is turned ON for the eSIM, but OFF for your home Aussie/Kiwi SIM.

Data Needs by Activity

• Google Maps: 50MB - 100MB per day of active navigating.
• Social Media (Instagram/TikTok): 150MB - 500MB per hour of scrolling/uploading.
• WhatsApp Calls: Very low data usage, roughly 1MB per minute.
• Streaming (Netflix/YouTube): Up to 1GB per hour in HD.

For a 7-day trip, most travelers find that a 5GB or 10GB plan is the 'sweet spot' for worry-free usage. If you are a heavy user or working remotely, the 20GB or 50GB options provide total peace of mind.

The bottom line

The Amalfi Coast is meant to be enjoyed without the stress of hidden costs. By planning your 7-day itinerary around the major hubs of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, and securing a local 5G connection before you leave home, you can focus on the pasta and the views rather than your phone bill. Skip the Telstra and Optus fees and explore Italy like a local.