First time Amalfi Coast

Positano doesn’t need a full day- a few short hours is enough

You can do all 3 Positano, Amalfi and Ravello in one day if you get an early start
Reserve most amount of time for Ravello or consider combining Amalfi and Positano and giving Ravello its own day
Walk out to Villa Cimbrone for the most fabulous views

When is this trip and how do you plan to travel around?

Blue Grotto is a tourist trap time suck

Here are my thoughts based on 1 trip to the Amalfi Coast in April 2022:

I don't think Positano deserves an entire day. We enjoyed admiring the town from the water, but had no desire to get off the boat and explore.

The views from the Terrace of Infinity at the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello are spectacular. I have heard that the Villa Ruffalo in Ravello is equally gorgeous, but I have no personal knowledge.

Thank uou! We are traveling Oct 4 to 11

I think you’re traveling back and forth too much, wasting the short time you have to explore.

I would do 3 nights in Sorrento and 3 in Amalfi.

Day. 1. Arrive Naples (flight/train?)
Flight… Curreri Viaggi bus to Sorrento.
Train… Circumvesuvian or private driver.
Jet lagged, walking tour of town.

Day 2. Ferry to Capri.

Day 3. Pompeii Scavi.
Vesuvius Not worth the time for 30 minutes on top.

Day 4. Ferry to Positano. 1/2 day at most.
Ferry to Amalfi 3 nights explore town dinner in Atrani 15 m walk.

Day 5. Bus to Ravello, most beautiful Amalfi coast town. Views & food great.
Spend the day.

Day Ferry to Cetara 1/2 day. Cetara to Minori 1/2 day. Ferry or bus back to Amalfi.

Edited to add

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/sorrento-to-positano-bus-schedule

To get to Rome, bus or ferry to Salerno, train to Rome. No need to go back to
Sorrento.

The views from the Terrace of Infinity at the Villa Cimbrone in
Ravello are spectacular. I have heard that the Villa Ruffalo in
Ravello is equally gorgeous, but I have no personal knowledge.

I'm the opposite and can confirm the views at Ruffalo are jaw dropping. I'll 2nd that Positano is worth a quick look and that's about it. Ravello was my favourite, followed by Amalfi with Positano a distant 3rd. I regret not doing that Path of the Gods hike though. Starting in Bomerano and ending in Positano may have made a visit there more appealing. As a side trip from Amalfi Town, the Path of the Lemons walk between Maiori and Minori is nice as well.

I can’t pass an opportunity to recommend skipping Path of the Gods. Just head to Ravello, same views and you’ll enjoy it much more. It’s a big waste of a day when you have so few to spend.

Are you stopping in Naples at all? I would spend “Vesuvius day” there instead. Imo skipping past Naples would be a shame.

Month and year?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/amalfi-coast-for-7-nights-itinerary-help

We loved the Path of Gods. I can't imagine not enjoying the breathtaking views but each to their own. We did use a guide but I know a lot do it on their own. We also loved Positano but we used it as our base and the best times were when all the day trippers left. Some really good restaurants there also. But the town of Amalfi might be more suited if you split your time between Sorrento and Amalfi. Definitely Ravello for a day. We spent 4 nights there on our honeymoon years ago. You sound like you travel like we do----we like to stop and really enjoy the flavor of the towns---not zip in and out.

Sounds like a wonderful trip.

Hi jd,
We were there in March, based in Minori. Some thoughts below.

In addition to the abovementioned, maybe consider visiting quieter Scala, if only for a meal and the world-class view of Ravello from Scala itself --best at sunrise*.

Ischia isle is underrated and has added value with the isle Procida a mere 15 min. ferry ride away.

Minori itself, plus Cetara down the coast, are genuine Italian towns that have much to offer. Cetara is arguably the most authentic working fishing village on the coast, with smaller, less hectic crowds and attractive setting, while Minori is a foodie (that word) town, Sal de Riso , including a home-made pasta specialist plus a trio of the best sandwich-making options.
*Those seeking a less strenuous but still worthy hike could consider The Path of the Lemons out of Minori across to Maori--we did it twice.
Note also that Herculaneum is both smaller and less congested than Pompeii, its also somewhat better-preserved, plus it has actual shade here and there.
Good luck.
I am done. the end.

Are you aware of the poor infrastructure and congestion in the area? This is not like northern Italy, where you can hop on trains, usually on time, and get somewhere easily. There is no quick and efficient transportation mode. Therefore, most trips turn into "eight hour days".
The roads are narrow and congested, and even with a private driver, you are still sitting in heavy traffic.
The trains south of Naples have all the charm of a NYC subway.
You don't say how you are traveling around?
Wouldn't advise the SITA bus between AC towns. There were lines waiting to get on SRO buses when we were there this last May. Yes, May- shoulder season is still pretty crowded in the area.
Positano is just one big shopping mecca, and the small beach is all stones.
A Capri trip is usually eight hours.
The ferries may not run if a storm comes in.
Do you have lodging- again, the area is still fairly crowded in the spring and fall. I would secure that asap.
We were just in the area this May, and I was overwhelmed by the lack of efficient transportation modes and the congestion. I'm sure you'll have a great trip , but perhaps be better prepared than I was of the conditions " on the ground."
This is a weekly topic here, so do a Search and review the wealth of info already shared.
Safe travels!