How To Plan A Dreamy 7-Day Watercolor Painting Trip to the Amalfi Coast Italy
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Imagine sipping espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, sketchbook in hand, while the Mediterranean sparkles below you. If you’ve ever dreamed of painting your way along Italy’s Amalfi Coast—but want to avoid the stress of steep hikes or car rentals—this 7-day itinerary is tailor-made for you.
Whether you're a seasoned watercolorist or just discovering your artistic side, this accessible and budget-friendly adventure offers a painting a day in some of Italy’s most breathtaking spots—with all the travel logistics sorted.
Day 1: Arrival in Naples & Sunset Painting in Sorrento
Getting There: Fly into Naples International Airport. For comfort, book a private transfer to Sorrento (~€90), a scenic coastal town and perfect base to ease into your trip.
Stay: Boutique hotel near Sorrento’s center -
Painting Spot: Marina Grande, Sorrento
An old fishing village where colorful boats sway gently beneath crumbling pastel buildings, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background.
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner by the sea with a chilled glass of Falanghina.
Day 2: Day Trip to Capri – Gardens with a View
Travel: Catch a morning ferry from Sorrento to Capri (~€40 roundtrip). Take the funicular from the marina up to Capri Town—quick, easy, and panoramic.
Painting Spot: Gardens of Augustus
Lush terraces with flower-filled borders and spellbinding views of the Faraglioni sea stacks make for a perfect plein-air setting.
Tip: Avoid the crowds by arriving early and bringing a lightweight stool to use to both sketch and enjoy the views. This is the one I recommended - Click Here
Evening: Return to Sorrento in the evening for gelato and golden hour light.
Day 3: Ferry to Amalfi – From One Paradise to Another
Travel: Say goodbye to Sorrento and hop on a ferry to Amalfi (~€25, 1.5 hours of pure coastal bliss).
Stay: Charming, level-access hotel in Amalfi’s historic center (2 nights)
Painting Spot: Amalfi Cathedral Piazza
The vibrant heart of the town is alive with energy, from the grand staircase of the cathedral to the bubbling fountain below.
Evening: Enjoy a lemon risotto with views of the duomo as bells ring through the air.
Day 4: Secret Amalfi – The Hidden Gem of Atrani
Travel: Take a 10-minute flat walk or 5-minute local bus to Atrani, a tiny coastal village that feels frozen in time.
Painting Spot: Atrani Beachfront and Piazza
Whitewashed homes tucked into cliffs, narrow alleys, and a serene little beach—ideal for a quiet sketch session.
Evening: Return to Amalfi in the afternoon for a spritz and a bit of people-watching.
Day 5: Ascending to Ravello – Cliffside Elegance
Travel: Take a taxi or shuttle up the hill to Ravello (~€30), perched high above the sea with cooler air and fewer crowds.
Stay: 2 nights in a garden-view hotel near the main square with lift access
Painting Spot: Villa Rufolo Gardens
Stunning Mediterranean views framed by cypress trees and Moorish architecture—it’s no wonder Wagner composed here.
Day 6: Terrace of Infinity – A Painter’s Paradise
Painting Spot: Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity
A flat, well-maintained path leads to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of Italy. Marble busts stand sentinel above the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and soak up the silence.
Day 7: A Farewell to the Coast – Return via Salerno
Travel: Shuttle down to Amalfi, then ferry to Salerno (€12). From there, take a direct train to Naples or a private transfer (€120).
Optional Last Painting: Salerno Promenade or Naples Bay
Sketch the old harbor with Vesuvius in the background one last time, or the Castel dell’Ovo framed by fishing boats.
Tips for Traveling Painters
- Bring lightweight gear: A compact palette, collapsible stool, and travel-sized paper pad.
- Use ferry travel as a sketch break: The coastal views are perfect for line drawings
- Rest often: Piazzas, cafés, and shady gardens offer plenty of natural breaks
The Amalfi Coast doesn’t have to mean luxury hotels or steep staircases. With a little planning, it can be a slow-paced, inspiring journey through historic towns and natural beauty—perfect for artists of all ages. Whether you’re capturing a crumbling church or a stretch of shimmering sea, you’ll leave with a sketchbook full of stories.