Ultimate Amalfi Coast Towns Guide: Where to Stay & Why
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If you’re planning a getaway to the Amalfi Coast, you’re probably wondering: What are the best Amalfi Coast towns to stay in?
But with thirteen different Amalfi Coast towns and villages to choose from, that’s no easy decision!
We’ve all heard of luxurious Positano. But what if you want to get off the beaten path? Or if you’re traveling on a budget? Or if you want to stay in a quiet beach village? Or if you’re going on your honeymoon? Luckily, there’s an Amalfi Coast town for every occasion – and every travel style.
After multiple trips to the Amalfi Coast, we’ve created this guide to the most magnificent Amalfi Coast towns to stay in – and why! Plus, you’ll find details on the best things to see, do, and eat in each town.
13 Towns of the Amalfi Coast
There are thirteen different towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri sul Mare.
The Best Amalfi Coast Towns to Stay in (and Why!)
Ready to handpick the perfect Amalfi Coast town(s) for your dream Southern Italian beach vacation? Letโs do it!
My favorite Amalfi Coast towns
As detailed in my Amalfi Coast itinerary, I like spending roughly three nights in Positano and three nights in Amalfi. But if I had a tighter budget (or wanted more peace and quiet!), I’d spend three nights in Praiano and three nights in Atrani. Then, if I had time, I’d spend another one or two nights in Ravello.
1. Positano (Best Town for Extravagance)
Towns on the Amalfi Coast are adored for their uniqueness; be it tuna fishing traditions, romantic villa vibes, or artisanal ceramic art. Positano has captured the hearts of many for its over-the-top luxury and endless charm.
Staying in Positano is a great way to immerse yourself in the never-casual style of Southern Italy. Think of the high-end-boutique-shopping, champagne-pouring, oysters-on-your-private-chartered-boat type of splendor.
John Steinbeck said, โPositano bites deep. It is a dream place that isnโt quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.โ
The only way to know is to go!
Where to Stay in Positano
- Il San Pietro di Positano: This is the most famous luxury hotel in all the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most renowned in all of Italy! Your room has its own balcony with panoramic coastal views and distinct Amalfi style interior design. Of course there is a Michelin-starred restaurant, Zass, on site. Click here to book it.
- Le Sirenuse: A five-star stay: sumptuous rooms, sea-view pool, and world class dining. Staying here is worth the price tag for the ambience alone! Click here to book it.
- Hotel Conca d’Oro: I recently stayed at this four-star hotel and loved everything about it. Especially the views! Click here to book it.
- Venus Inn B&B: One of the best long-standing bed and breakfasts in Positano. The complimentary breakfast is a full spread and served on the patio with a picture-perfect view. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Positano
- Experience the splendor of the Amalfi Coast on this Private Boat Tour (if you have a big group!) to the stunning island of Capri or on this Full-Day Capri Island Cruise from Positano; explore some of the islandโs top sites before heading back to Positano. Click here to book it!
- Rent a chair at a private beach club like Arienzo Beach Club or Marina Grande Beach
- Have aperitifs at Aldo’s Cocktail Bar & Seafood Grill and Franco’s Bar
- Book a Private Wine Tour with a Sommelier to explore the steeply terraced vineyards of the Irpinia region and taste some of Southern Italyโs best wine! Click here to book it.
- Buy a pair of custom, handmade leather sandals from a leathersmith near Marina Grande
2. Atrani (Best Town for Value)
Walking into Atrani is like walking into the pages of a fairytale storybook. Pass through ancient stone archways into the historic old town, sip a cappuccino in Piazza Umberto I, then take a stroll on Atraniโs black-sand beach dotted with colorful fishing boats.
This is the smallest town in all of Italy – with less than 1,000 residents!
Staying in Atrani is a wise idea; itโs centrally located and will charm your socks (or sandals) off. This adorable fishing village is a speedy ten-minute walk to Amalfi town, minus the crowds and steep prices. But with an added dash of old-world charm!
Where to Stay in Atrani
- Palazzo Ferraioli: Since youโre in Atrani, why not spoil yourself to a tasteful stay at Palazzo Ferraioli? Click here to book it.
- Domus Claudia: Take in unending ocean vistas on the sundeck, and enjoy the perfect location, right on the curve of the coast. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Atrani
- Get lost in the narrow white staircases that connect the longstanding residences of Atrani. Let the scents and sounds of Italian living lead the way.
- Hike the ancient stairs to Ravello and back
- Visit the Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena, Atraniโs famous white Baroque church.
- Grab an Aperol and Caprese salad at Bar Nettuno
- Savor a long, luscious three-hour dinner at Le Palme
3. Ravello (Best Town for Romantics)
Classical music would be the soundtrack to a waltz around Ravello, Italy: the most romantic of all Amalfi Coast towns. Ravello is a bit of a hike to the sea, but the incredible vistas and villas are worth it!
These ancient cobblestone pathways hold the memory of lovers whoโve walked these roads since the sixth century. Ravello also hosts the renowned annual Ravello Festival with warm summer nights filled with music and dancing to delight the senses.
You wonโt find a sandy beach up on this mountain slope, and thereโs not much nightlife, but for a romantic getaway, thatโs music to your ears!
Where to Stay in Ravello
- Caruso, a Belmond Hotel: As Ravelloโs most opulent hotel, Caruso ensures a regal Amalfi Coast getaway. Click here to book it.
- Villa Cimbrone: Start and end your days with romantic walks in the Villa Cimbrone gardens; how enchanting! Click here to book it.
- Gala Residence Villa Giovanna: More affordable than the two options above, but with views just as spectacular! Click here to book it.
What to Do in Ravello
- Be swept off your feet by the Terrace of Infinity inside Villa Cimbroneโs magnificent gardens
- Take romantic photos at Villa Rufolo under the Italian stone pine trees
- Hike the steep staircase of Ravello down to the coast
- Admire the simple design of Duomo di Ravello
- Wine and dine at Babel Wine Bar Bistrรฒ & Art
More Amalfi Coast Travel Inspiration
4. Praiano (Best Town for Nature Lovers)
The incredible coastline and sheer cliffs of Praiano make this medieval resort town the best of all the Amalfi Coast towns for nature lovers.
Spend your days meandering about the cute village center, hiking the ancient hiking trail, the Path of the Gods, and discovering the treasure of a hidden beach amongst the rocky cliffs.
Perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Praiano hosts the only beach along the Amalfi Coast that gets sun until sunset! (Many Amalfi Coast towns only offer sunny beaches until early afternoon.)
Where to Stay in Praiano
- Hotel Margherita: This elegant villa in Praiano has everything you need and more – you wonโt ever want to leave. Click here to book it.
- Pezz Pezz: Pezz Pezz is an exceptional stay in Praiano with unbeatable sunrise and sunset views. What more could you ask for? Click here to book it.
- Albadamare Boutique Hotel: This bed and breakfast is gorgeous and has an incredible location. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Praiano
- Make your way to Bomerano or Nocelle to hike the Path of the Gods; take this Trail of the Gods Hiking Tour with Local Guide Saveria Fiore to learn about the areaโs rich history as you hike!
- Take a nature walk to Torre di Grado and hike the steep stairs to the secluded beach
- Enjoy an early morning at Marina di Praia while the sun is overhead
- Rent kayaks and enter the Grotte di Suppraiano
- Fancy an afternoon at a gorgeous public (free!) beach? Then head to Marina di Praia, a quick walk east of town
- Head to Lido One Fire Beach club at Gavitella Beach, located just west of town
5. Amalfi (Best Town for Ease of Travel)
Staying in Amalfi is convenient because of its central location. Amalfi is a major transportation hub; thereโs a ferry port, scooter rentals, kayak rentals, boat rentals, plenty of taxis (water and land), and, of course, buses.
However, Amalfi isnโt the namesake of the Amalfi Coast for nothing! Youโll find everything you need here: spectacular restaurants and bars, nightlife, and quiet parts of town.
Amalfi is the largest town in the Amalfi Coast, and has the tourist draw to match! Explore the main beach and private beaches, snap up all your souvenirs (limoncello and Amalfi paper!), visit museums, and catch a ride to other Amalfi Coast towns all in one spot!
Where to Stay in Amalfi
- NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi: This former 13th-century monastery is now a hotel fit for royalty! Click here to book it.
- L’Antico Convitto: Stay here to be in the heart of Amalfi, with a pool and wonderful views. Click here to book it.
- Hotel Relais Villa Annalara: All the amenities youโll need for a perfect stay in Amalfi, minus the hefty price tag. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Amalfi
- Learn to make local delicacies during this Amalfi Farmhouse Cooking Class. I had so much fun!
- Spend time lazing at Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande Beach)
- Walk the staircase to the gold-leafed cathedral, Duomo di Amalfi
- Visit the Museo Della Carta, learn about Amalfiโs traditional paper-making methods, and buy some soft, handmade Amalfi paper or stationery
- Stop at Amalfiโs maritime museum, Antico Arsenale della Repubblica di Amalfi, after exploring the port
- Take an Amalfi Coast Sea Kayak Tour to explore the areaโs most enchanting sea caves, coves, and rock formations. Click here to book it.
- Eat a Cuoppo Fritto – fried seafood (and sometimes veggies and cheese!), served in a cardboard cone, with a squeeze of lemon – at Cuoppo d’Amalfi
6. Vietri Sul Mare (Best Town for Art Lovers)
The easternmost of these 10 amazing Amalfi Coast towns is the artistic epicenter of Vietri sul Mare. This seaside town is more relaxed and less touristy than other Amalfi Coast towns, but offers many things to do and sights to see.
Come for the sandy beaches, stay for the Ceramica Vietrese (traditional Italian ceramics)! You can delight in colorful ceramic art pieces all over town.
For ease of travel, thereโs a large ferry port and multiple bus stops. Vietri sul Mare is a perfect day trip or home-base for your stay on the Amalfi Coast.
You can view the ferry timetable, plan, and book your trip here!
Welcome to the โfirst pearl of the Amalfi Coastโ!
Where to Stay in Vietri sul Mare
- Aquaboutique Wellness & Spa: Elegant rooms, stunning views, and spa make for a fabulous stay in Vietri sul Mare! Click here to book it.
- Palazzo Suriano Heritage Hotel: This 18th -hotel is full of antiques and timeless views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Click here to book it.
- B&B Rosaria Amalfi Coast: You canโt go wrong with a charming bed and breakfast with home cooked meals. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Vietri sul Mare
- This guide details all of the best things to do in Vietri sul Mare!
- Eat a picnic at Villa Comunale Vietri sul Mare with mountain, town, and sea views!
- Learn about Vietriโs ceramic history at the Ceramica Artistica Solimene Vincenzo
- Get your hands dirty and take this fun Private Lesson on the Ceramic Tradition in Vietri sul Mare. Click here to book it!
- Take an Insta-worthy photo at Vietriโs โInstagram streetโ
- Eat a traditional Italian dinner at Ristorante La Sosta
- Spend a day at a private beach, like the beautiful Spiaggia della Crestarella
7. Furore (Best Town for Adventurers)
Do you recognize Furoreโs famous beach, Fiordo di Furore? This is where the Mediterranean Club High Dive Championship is held every July!
Old fishermenโs houses line the rocky gorge with the arch bridge passing overhead; this sight of the Fiordo di Furore makes Furore one of the most iconic Amalfi Coast destinations.
Itโs best to leave staying in Furore for the adventure seekers; those who are more than willing to do a bit of hiking, scooter-riding, or bridge-jumping (just kidding!).
In all seriousness, Furore is one of the most beautiful Amalfi Coast towns, but was once referred to as โthe village that doesnโt existโ since itโs hard to reach from the road.
Where to Stay in Furore
- Bed and Breakfast Villamena: Large rooms with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and a restaurant with a terrace. Click here to book it.
- Hotel Holidays Fico d’India: Enjoy a delicious restaurant and beautiful sea and mountain views here. Click here to book it.
- Holiday Apartment Il Dolce Tramonto Furore: This apartment has a large sun deck with panoramic views, plus stellar service. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Furore
- Hike the La Volpe Pescatrice Path early for a beach day at the Fiordo di Furore – and make sure to bring a camera!
- Tour Cantine Marisa Cuomo, a small family-owned vineyard and winery
- Hike Dal Fiordo di Furore a Bomerano to reach the ancient Path of the Gods trail to Nocelle
- Walk along the Amalfi Coast road to the Emerald Grotto
- Take a nature walk on Passeggiata dell’Amore and read the painted quotes along the way (if you can read Italian, that is!)
8. Cetara (Best Town for Foodies)
Do you seek out traditional culinary experiences over tourist attractions and shopping? We do too. What better way to get to know the Amalfi Coast than through the flavors of the sea?
Cetara is a tuna and anchovy fishing hub, making it a popular destination for gastronomic tourism! Plus itโs an absolutely gorgeous town!
This picturesque fishing village is the best Amalfi Coast town for fresh-off-the-hook seafood and mouth-watering dining experiences.
The town has its own sparkling majorca domed church, cliff-hung homes, and beach clubs. Plus, from the port of Cetara (Porto di Cetara), you can hop on the ferry to take day trips to the other Amalfi Coast villages and towns.
You can view the ferry schedule, book tickets, and plan your trip here!
Where to Stay in Cetara
- Marinella Casa Vacanze: A gorgeous little house just a stoneโs throw away from Cetaraโs beautiful cliffside beach, Spiaggia del Lannio. Click here to book it.
- Casa Matilde: Wake up to views of the glistening dome of the San Pietro church at this cute casita, complete with everything you need for a comfy beach stay. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Cetara
- Eat spaghetti con la Colatura di Alici (spaghetti with anchovy sauce) at Ristorante Cetara Punto e Pasta
- Dine on fresh tonno rosso (red tuna), and deep fried anchovies at La Frittura del Golfo
- Visit the Torre di Cetara (Tower of Cetara) and check out the museum inside
- Wander the main street, Corso Garibaldi, and grab a coffee at Bar Miramare
- Beach day at the gorgeous pebble beach, Spiaggia del Lannio
9. Conca dei Marini (Best Town for a Seaside Hideaway)
The captivating landscape of Conca dei Marini extends from olive groves to rocky coastline. Beautiful villas, gardens, terraces, and a laid-back vibe have made Conca dei Marini one of the most popular towns for high-profile vacationers on the Amalfi Coast for centuries.
Even Jacqueline Kennedy would day trip here from Ravello to bask in the tranquility that this quieter town provides!
The main tourist attraction in Conca dei Marini is the Grotta dello Smeraldo, or Emerald Grotto, with its sunlit cave rowboat tour.
Find inspiration from the fabulous Villa Chandon (designed by Coco Chanel), and become entranced by the blue hues of the Gulf of Salerno below. Conca dei Marini is the ultimate Amalfi Coast town to live la dolce vita!
HOT TIP: If youโre not staying in Conca dei Marini, you can still check out the Emerald Grotto. This Amalfi Coast Private Boat Tour from Positano, Praiano or Amalfi brings you to see the grotto and the Fiordo di Furore, with a glass of Prosecco in hand. (This tour is perfect for large groups, as itโs a little pricey on your own!). Otherwise, consider this Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Positano; youโll visit the Emerald Grotto, go swimming and snorkeling in secluded coves, enjoy incredible views of Praiano, and more. Click here to book it.
Where to Stay in Conca dei Marini
- Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa: Adults-only, elegant 5-star hotel with an outdoor gym, infinity edge pool, fine-dining restaurant, and gorgeous hotel grounds. Click here to book it.
- Hotel Le Terrazze: This hotel offers an excellent location, complimentary breakfast, and a lovely patio over the sea. Each guest suite boasts a private balcony. Click here to book it.
- Locanda Degli Agrumi: A family-owned favorite bed & breakfast with a panoramic terrace and spacious rooms. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Conca dei Marini
- Admire the natural wonder of the Emerald Grotto on a row-boat guided tour
- Treat yourself to a massage at Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
- Stop at Bar Santa Rosa for the famous Sfogliatella Santa Rosa pastry
- Dive in the Mediterranean Sea at Lido Capo di Conca
- Venture out on an Amalfi Coast Lemon Tour to explore the lemon gardens
- Buy a ceramic art gift at Piccadilly Ceramics
- Dine at the Ristorante La Tonnarella – make sure to order the zucchini pasta, Jackie Kennedyโs favorite!
More Amalfi Coast Travel Inspiration
10. Minori & Maiori (Best Towns for Families and Budget Travelers)
Traveling families and budget-conscious travelers: Minori and Maiori are two of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast for you!
These sister towns offer more affordable lodging, dining, and recreational activities than other Amalfi Coast towns like Amalfi and Positano. Plus, they are relatively flat, and donโt get as much foot and car traffic.
Hoping for sandy beaches? Maiori has the largest uninterrupted sandy beach of the entire Amalfi Coast – about 1km! Then, just one mile west is Minoriโs kid-friendly beach, protected from the boat traffic at the Maiori marina.
Getting around to other towns on the Amalfi Coast is easy in this transport hub! Each town has its own ferry port and bus stop, and is just a quick twenty-minute drive to the bustling town of Amalfi.
Prefer to go on foot? An ancient walking path called Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons) links Minori and Maiori and passes by lemon trees and scenic lookouts.
Where to Stay in Minori
- Antica Rheginna Luxury Room: Luxurious, affordable, modern rooms (featuring colorful Amalfian dรฉcor!) near the beach and restaurants. Click here to book it.
- Casa Amorino: An adorable bed and breakfast nestled amongst lemon trees just a short walk from Minori town center! Click here to book it.
- Torre Elisea: Beautiful rooms and views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Click here to book it.
What to Do in Minori
- Check out Piazza Centrale, the main square with a collection of local shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Visit the townโs baroque cathedral, Basilica di Santa Trofimena
- See the richly decorated and historic Roman Villa
- Rent chairs or sunbathe in the free section of Spiaggia Di Minori (Minori Beach)
- Eat scialatielli pasta – Minori is famous for it!
Where to Stay in Maiori
- Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro: This elegant hotel rests on the cliffside and has a pool, high-end restaurant, and open-air spa! Click here to book it.
- B&B Palazzo Montesanto: Stay close to town center and the beach for an affordable rate. Plus, complimentary breakfast is delivered right to your room! Click here to book it.
- La Serenata Luxury: Enjoy modern furnishings and take in the hubbub of downtown from your balcony; youโre right in the heart of Maiori! Click here to book it.
What to Do in Maiori
- Shop for souvenirs on the main street, Corso Reginna
- See the historic Santa Maria a Mare church
- Pack a lunch for a beach day at Acquachiara Spiaggia (Clearwater Beach)
- Climb the Castello di Toro Plano for views of Maiori and Ravello
- Have a decadent meal at Casa Mandina
The Best Amalfi Coast Destinations
Lemon-laced breeze and a blissful state of mind are signs youโve entered the Costiera Amalfitana.
The truth is, you really would be hard-pressed to have a bad time with any Italy itinerary, but the Amalfi Coast is simply too gorgeous to miss! With this Amalfi Coast town guide, you have the details on some of the best towns to stay on the Amalfi Coast to ensure you squeeze the most loveliness out of your trip to this one-of-a-kind coastline.
Let me know which you choose!
Amalfi Coast Towns Map
Best Towns Amalfi Coast: FAQs
There are 13 main towns on the Amalfi Coast, with hamlets and villages in between. Thereโs easternmost Vietri sul Mare (the ceramic town), Amalfi (the coastlineโs namesake town), Ravello (which is romantically tucked into the hillside of the Lattari mountains), and the picture-perfect, postcard-famous town of Positano (the vertical town). Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, and Furore are some of the other towns of the Amalfi Coast.
The best towns to stay in Amalfi Coast are Atrani, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Praiano, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare, Minori, and Maiori. To find the best town to stay on the Amalfi Coast for your unique taste and budget, simply use this Amalfi Coast towns guide!
The main town on the Amalfi Coast is Amalfi town, the coastlineโs namesake. This is the largest town, which has its own large port (La Marina), as well as the impressive cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi), and many scooter rentals, hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, buses, and taxis. The other main town on the Amalfi Coast is Positano, which is famous for being the most photographed town on the Amalfi Coast!
The best area in Amalfi Coast is between Ravello and Positano. In this area there are some of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, such as: Path of the Gods hiking trail, Emerald Grotto, Fiordo di Furore, Terrace of Infinity, Villa Rufolo, and many heavenly beaches and beach clubs.
Positano is better than Amalfi, in our book. Both towns have their own port and beautiful cathedrals, but, simply put, Positano is more stunning. Plus, Positano has better private beaches, and more options, as far as shopping and dining go.
The most beautiful coastal town in Amalfi is Positano. Positano is known for its pastel-colored buildings that are perched on the edge of the Lattari Mountains, overlooking the Bay of Positano. Positano has an unbeatable, one-of-a-kind view. Thereโs no way you wonโt fall head over heels in love with this town – its incredible views and endless romantic charm.
It is best to stay in Sorrento if you have a modest budget, and Positano if you have a larger budget. Technically, Sorrento is not part of the Amalfi Coast, but it is a popular โhome baseโ for Amalfi Coast travel since it has a large ferry port, affordable lodging, and plenty of taxis and buses to all of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast.
For your first time on the Amalfi Coast, you should stay in either Atrani or Positano. Atrani is very close to Amalfi town, which has a port for ferry travel, but is smaller, quieter, and affordable. Positano is a great place to stay because it is (by far!) the most beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast – and has its own ferry port too. You can view the ferry schedule, book tickets, and plan your trip here!
Amalfi town is cheaper than Positano, since Positano, in general, is more of a high-end place to stay. In Amalfi, you will find more options for affordable hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Amalfi town is better than Sorrento because it is in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, though it is more affordable, is not on the Amalfi Coast, and thus does not offer the full experience of an Amalfi Coast vacation.
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