Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast (+ Choosing the Best Towns)

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most popular destinations for tourists and Italians alike. Famed for its picturesque towns, turquoise waters, incredible food, and hillside lemon groves, it really is a bucket list destination for many! But where's the best place to stay on this world-famous coastline? Is it better to be nestled up in the hills with views out over Capri or closer to the beach surrounded by amazing restaurants and bustling streets?

I love this area of Italy but it's true, figuring out where to stay on the Amalfi Coast can be overwhelming, especially considering that only one of the towns is connected by train. There are so many stunning places and villages to stay in that it's hard to choose.

In this guide, I'm going to take you through my favorite Amalfi Coast towns, what you can do there, and why it could be the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is in southern Italy, around a 90-minute drive away from Naples. There are several different ways of getting here, depending on which of the beautiful towns you decide to stay in. The first time I went to the Amalfi Coast we got a ferry from Naples directly to Amalfi Town which took around 1 hour 45 minutes. You can buy your ticket online ahead of time, which I highly recommend!

The second time I went to the Amalfi Coast, it didn't stop raining for the entire week. This, unfortunately, meant that the sea was very rough, and all the boats from Naples were canceled that day – something we didn't know about until standing in line at the port. Should that happen to you, I thoroughly recommend paying the €60 (US$65) and getting a taxi.

We, however, didn't do that and, along with everyone else who had their boat canceled, got on a very crowded train to Sorrento and an even more crowded bus to Atrani. You can also get a boat from Sorrento to Amalfi but, of course, that wasn't an option that day.

In general, if the weather allows it, stick to the water. The boats run regularly and are a much nicer way to move along the Amalfi Coast. Otherwise, there's just one, very winding and very thin, road that goes along the coast which can get very crowded.

The Best Places to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Many towns on the Amalfi Coast are right on the water but a few are higher up in the hills, offering stunning views and great walks. You might be thinking about staying in the bigger towns such as Amalfi or Positano and, whilst these are incredible, there are plenty of smaller towns within walking distance of the larger ones that have fewer tourists and can be a little more affordable.

Atrani: A beautiful town 10 minutes walk away from Amalfi with great restaurants and a beach.

Amalfi: Well located with a port to take you to other towns, a beach, and a beautiful promenade with restaurants and cafes.

Ravello: Set up in the hills and just a short bus ride from Amalfi, Ravello is surrounded by lemon groves and has incredible views over the entire coast.

Positano: The town that most people think of when it comes to the Amalfi coast, with colorful buildings on the hillside and a popular beach.

Sorrento: The biggest town on the Amalfi Coast that's connected by train to the rest of Italy and that looks out over the Bay of Naples.

1. Where to Stay On the Amalfi Coast if You Want to Be Close to Everything but Without the Tourists: Atrani (My Favorite!)

Best for: A quieter pace, great food, smaller beaches, and an authentic feel.

The Amalfi Coast is touristy, there's no denying that. Quite literally boatloads of tourists come in every day to buy their lemon-inspired souvenirs, drink a limoncello spritz, and soak up the vintage glamour of the area. But that doesn't mean the whole coast is like that, and you can definitely still find quieter areas that are just as beautiful.

One of those is Atrani. Located just a short walk from Amalfi, Atrani is a much smaller and much quieter town that still has loads to offer visitors. The town itself centers around an old square which has a couple of little restaurants and cafes. There's also a small kind of shop that acts as a supermarket, as well as a veg shop.

The beach in Atrani is much smaller than some of the more famous ones along the coast, but the sand is just as clean and the sea just as blue. Having said that, it's still the Amalfi Coast and even this little beach gets very crowded in summer. As is common in other Amalfi Coast towns, the majority of the space on the beach is taken up by umbrellas you need to pay for and there's only a small section where you can put your beach towel down.

I love this village because it has a bit more of an authentic feel to it but you can still walk to Amalfi in 10 minutes and, from there, pick up a boat to explore the rest of the coast.

Things to Do in Atrani

Wander Around The Back Streets. Atrani is one of Italy's smallest towns, so there's not exactly a huge amount of things to do. But that's kind of the point. This idyllic little old fishing village is perfect for wandering around. The streets are narrow, sometimes very steep, and full of steps – which can be a little hazardous in the rain! I'd recommend climbing up the streets for some of the best views in the whole of the Amalfi Coast.

Visit The Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena Church. You can't miss the church or its beautiful roof whilst you're in Atrani. As well as going inside, have a walk around the piazza in front of it – the views are amazing!

Go To The Beach! Atrani is the perfect place to relax on the beach. There are a couple of bars close by and the water is incredible.

Walk to Ravello. If you're feeling fit, you can walk from Atrani up to Ravello. Whilst not the easiest walk in the world, it is spectacular. The winding track passes through lemon groves and olive trees and the views are breathtaking. Watch out for the donkeys hiking up too!

Eat in One of The Amazing Restaurants. Even though it's one of the smallest towns in Italy, it's still in Italy, so there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. My favorite in Atrani is Le Arcate, a wonderful restaurant on the waterfront serving fresh, local dishes. The seafood spaghetti was amazing!

Best Hotels to Stay in Atrani

($$$) Hotel Luna Convento

A stunning hotel between Atrania and Amalfi located in a 13th-century church. This hotel combines modern facilities with a historic building and has a stunning beautiful pool with views over the Mediterranean.

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($$) Frennesia Amalfi Coast

Located just 200 meters from the beach and very close to the church, this wonderful B&B offers sea and town views, well-equipped rooms, and a delicious breakfast.

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($) Casa Manu

This apartment has a double bedroom and a living room and is located a short walk away from the town center and the beach. It's well-equipped with all the necessary amenities.

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Pros of Staying in Atrani

• Fewer tourists and less busy

• Great restaurants

• Stunning views

• Well located

• Better priced accommodation

Cons of Staying in Atrani

• Fewer accommodation options

• Not as many things to do

2. Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for the Best Location: Amalfi

Best for: Transport connections, restaurants, and beaches.

Amalfi is one of the bigger and more famous towns on the Amalfi Coast. Architecturally, it looks like a bigger Atrani and is such a beautiful town. The focus point of Amalfi is its busy port, large shopping street, and beautiful beach. Amalfi has a very different feel to it than Atrani and is much busier.

Not only are there more tourists staying there but boats arrive all the time with tourists from up and down the coast. Despite being more touristy, there's still a real charm about this amazing town and it's perfectly located for exploring the rest of the area and nearby villages.

In the heart of Amalfi is its very impressive cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi. Located at the top of some incredibly steep steps, this cathedral looks out over a beautiful square that's full of bustling restaurants, bars, and gelaterias (make a stop!).

Things to Do in Amalfi

Enjoy the Lemons! Everything in Amalfi revolves around lemons. Whilst that can get a little too much at some point – it's even hard to find non-lemon-infused olive oil – it also makes for the most delicious and refreshing treats! Try lemon sorbet served in a lemon, a limoncello spritz, or freshly squeezed lemonade!

Take a Boat Trip. One of the best things about Amalfi is its busy port. There are lots of options for group and private boat trips and you can even rent your own boat to cruise up and down the coast!

Visit El Museo della Carta. The Paper Museum of Amalfi is a fascinating place to visit, especially if it's raining and you can't head to the beach. You'll learn all about how paper was made and can have a go yourself too.

Hike to Valle delle Ferriere. There are some amazing hiking trails around Amalfi, all of them with stunning sea views. One of my favorites is the hike up to this impressive waterfall. You pass through lemon groves and lush vegetation and can even have a dip in the waterfall when you get there!

Enjoy a Sunset Dinner or Drink Overlooking the Port. The promenade in Amalfi is a great place to eat something and look out over the boats and the sandy beach. I really like Marina Grande for its fresh dishes and great views.

Best Hotels to Stay in Amalfi

($$$) Hotel Marina Riviera

This is a beautiful, luxury hotel with an outdoor pool, Turkish bath, and views over the Mediterranean. It's elegantly furnished and in a perfect location.

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($$) DieciSedici

With sea views, stylish furnishings, and a great breakfast, DieciSedici is a wonderful hotel close to the beach and the center of town. There's also private parking – a luxury on the Amalfi Coast!

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($) Beautiful Lights Guest House

Choose from a double or twin room at this great little B&B with views of the bay and mountains. Each room has a terrace and is just 200 meters from the cathedral and central Amalfi.

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Pros of Staying in Amalfi

• Great location for getting to other towns

• Boat tours

• Plenty of luxury hotels and B&Bs

• Lots of things to do

• Great restaurants, bars, and cafes

Cons of Staying in Amalfi

• Touristy

• Prices can be higher

3. Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for Traditional Charm and Views: Ravello

Best for: Views, fewer tourists, and nature.

Ravello is one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast and is often called the most romantic. In fact, my cousin got married there – so I'd have to agree!

Nestled in the hills above Amalfi and Atrani, Ravello offers some of the best views over the Mediterranean. While it's generally busy during the day with tours and day trippers, it quietens down in the afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore the village and its surroundings in peace.

There's a central square that looks out over the valley and a main shopping street which, shockingly, sells lots of lemon souvenirs! But if you move away from this street, there are many other incredible paths to walk around and beautiful buildings to see. Ravello is surrounded by lemon groves, vineyards, and olive trees and it's beautiful to walk around them with glimpses of the sparkling sea in the distance.

There are lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes in Ravello, many of them offering local dishes. If you're visiting the Amalfi Coast to go to the beach, then Ravello probably isn't the place for you. Although it's well connected by buses and taxis, the closest beach is a long walk down many many steps – which you'll have to walk up again afterward!

Things to Do in Ravello

Visit Scala. Scala is a smaller town opposite Ravello which I almost prefer! It's just a short walk away and is a little quieter than Ravello. Just like its bigger neighbor, Scala is a beautiful town to walk around with views over the valley and sea. There are a a couple of cute restaurants and cafes too!

Villa Cimbrone Gardens. The infinity terrace at Villa Cimbrone Gardens is a must, even if you're not staying in Ravello. The building itself is also beautiful and the gardens are really well kept, showing lots of different plants and flowers.

Villa Rufolo. This is another beautiful old villa in Ravello with amazing views of the coast. It's the perfect place to see the true Amalfi landscape and see how the green cliffs fall dramatically into the blue sea!

Walk to Minori. Minori is a very pretty town further along the Amalfi Coast and a great place to walk from Ravello. You pass stunning cliff edges and lemon groves and have beautiful views of all the boats zooming up and down the coast. The best bit is you can have a well-deserved break when you get there and get the bus back up the hill!

Best Hotels to Stay in Ravello

($$$) Caruso Belmond Hotel

This is one of the most luxurious hotels on the Amalfi Coast. It's located in a renovated 11th-century property with an outdoor infinity pool, a spa, 3 restaurants, and the most incredible views.

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($$) Da Salvatore B&B

Enjoy breakfast and dinner on the incredible terrace of Da Salvatore with views over the sea and coastline. The location is excellent and the rooms are well equipped.

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($) Affittacamere Cecco Rooms

The guest house is conveniently located to the north of Ravello, close to the main villas and the central square. There's private parking and the rooms are cozy and have everything you need.

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Pros of Staying in Ravello

• Close to nature with some of the best views

• Lots to do

• Less touristy at night than other places

• Many great restaurants

• Good variety of luxury and non-luxury accommodation

Cons of Staying in Ravello

• More remote than other coastal towns

• Need to get a bus or taxi to the beach

4. Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for Picturesque Views and Luxury: Positano

Best for: Luxury hotels, transport connections, and a lively feel.

Positano is probably the most famous Amalfi Coast town. It's set back into the cliff, meaning the beautiful colored houses perch along the edge, looking out over the beach and sea. Because of how Positano is laid out, I can't recommend going here if the steps are a problem for you. It's very hilly and you'll have to go up the steps to nearly everything in the town, including the Positano hotel you've booked.

One of the great things about beautiful Positano is its well-connected harbor. In high season, and when the weather allows, you can get boats from here all the way along the coast to the other towns.

Positano Beach is one of the bigger ones in the area but it's still not huge, which means it gets very busy in summer. The beach and the harbor are two of the main focal points in the town and there are lots of restaurants and bars that line them. If you're looking for a good atmosphere, picture-perfect views, and a good location, then Positano is ideal.

Things to Do in Positano

Fornillo Beach. Positano has two beaches, Spiaggia Grande di Positano and Fornillo. Spiaggia is in the town, whereas Fornillo is a 10-minute walk from the main beach and is more popular amongst locals. It's flanked by two towers on either end of the beach and is made up of dark-colored pebbles which make it very dramatic!

Il Sentiero Degli Dei. The Path of the Gods is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy. Depending on your fitness level and determination, you can either start the 7-kilometer hike in Positano and walk up to Agerola (Bomerano) or get public transport first and end up in Positano, meaning it's all downhill. However you do it, this hike is incredible and gives you some of the best views of the rugged Amalfi Coast and Capri in the distance.

Take a Boat Trip. As I keep saying, the Amalfi Coast is best explored by boat. Take a boat trip to explore the coastline and even do some snorkeling in the secluded coves.

Best Hotels to Stay in Positano

($$$) Il San Pietro di Positano

This hotel offers absolute luxury including a private beach, a Michelin-starred restaurant, incredible views, and an outdoor swimming pool. There's also a large terrace and boat trips are included.

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($$) Hotel Posa Posa

Hotel Posa Posa is a historic hotel with a wonderful rooftop terrace and plunge pool. It's located on the main road in Positano and there's a bus stop nearby for those who find steps difficult.

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($) Casa Lucibello

Each apartment in this complex has a wonderful balcony and is fully equipped with everything you need. It's around 1 kilometer from the beach and has stunning views.

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Pros of Staying in Positano

• Great atmosphere

• Well connected through the harbor

• Central location

• Amazing views

Cons of Staying in Positano

• Prices can be very high

• Very hilly and has lots of steps

• Can be very touristy

5. Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for Sightseeing and Value for Money: Sorrento

Best for: Travel connections to the rest of Italy and things to do.

Sorrento is just considered the Amalfi Coast but it's a great option for those who want to be connected to all the coastal towns and have good transport connections through its train station to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. It's also just 4.5 hours away from Florence and 3.5 hours from Rome.

Sorrento is a much bigger town than the rest of them on this list and therefore has a very different vibe. Whilst still pretty, it's not quite as idyllic as Positano. There is, however, a big harbor that's connected to all the towns along the coast as well as Capri, making it an excellent base for those who don't want to be “stuck” in a town down the coast.

Of course, you can't be 100% sure what the weather will be like, but Sorrento is a great place to be if it's rainy. There are lots of things to do and see in this bigger town and it's still very beautiful and right next to the sea.

Things to Do in Sorrento

Take a Boat Trip. Whether to Capri, on a snorkeling tour, or to a coastal town, boats leave very regularly from Sorrento port.

Visit Pompeii. Because you're already in Sorrento, it's easy to pop on the train and visit more than “just” the Amalfi Coast. Pompeii is an hour away by train and a day trip to Naples is also possible.

Bagni Regina Giovanna. These natural baths were once a Roman villa and are now the perfect place to visit if you want calm, crystal-clear waters. It's a protective cove, but you can swim through the archway to the sea and there are plenty of rocks for sunbathing too.

Piazza Tasso. Piazza Tasso is the main square in Sorento and the perfect place to grab an espresso or dinner and do some people-watching. It's built over a small gauge and you can still see the ruins of some of the old water-powered mills that used to line the stream.

Best Hotels to Stay in Sorrento

($$$) Grand Hotel Ambasciatori

This elegant hotel has a private beach, a garden with a pool, and a beautiful rooftop terrace. There's also a restaurant and bars and it's just 5 minutes walk from Piazza Tasso.

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($$) Magi House Relais

Magi house is located in an 18th-century building in the heart of Sorrento. With modern finishings, this beautiful hotel also has a stunning terrace and breakfast is included.

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($) Muta House

This is a charming and modern accommodation in the center of Sorrento, close to all the main sites and the sea. The rooms are bright and clean and there's also a terrace you can enjoy.

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Pros of Staying in Sorrento

• Well connected to the Amalfi Coast and the rest of Italy

• Lots of activities

• Many accommodation options

• Less touristy than some other places

Cons of Staying in Sorrento

• Perhaps not the idyllic, picturesque town you imagine from the Amalfi Coast

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast – Frequently Asked Questions

☀️ When's the Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast?

I'd avoid visiting the Amalfi Coast in high season, which is July, August, and September. Prices can skyrocket and there are even more tourists. May and October are great months to go.

👪 Is the Amalfi Coast a Good Holiday Destination With Kids?

Kids love beaches, ice cream, and pasta. So in that sense, the Amalfi coast is great. However, if the weather isn't on your side, there's not exactly a lot for kids to do and it can be hard to get around.

🚗 Do You Need a Car on the Amalfi Coast?

No! In summer, you'll probably find yourself stuck in traffic and parking can be very difficult. The best way to get around is via boat, but there are also buses to take you to towns more inland.

📅 How Many Days Do You Need for the Amalfi Coast?

I'd say 3 or 4 is enough to see the towns, go on a hike, and also enjoy some time on the beach. It's a great holiday when combined with a couple of days in Rome or Naples too.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast – Final Words

The Amalfi Coast is as beautiful as you can imagine. It's incredible to see the green cliffs rolling into the turquoise water and all the little, colorful towns dotted along them.

Because of its fame and beauty, it can get touristy in high season, but you can always find some off-the-beaten-track things to do and there are plenty of smaller villages you can stay in. Whether you're after a luxurious hotel, a base to explore the area or the ideal accommodation for a hiking holiday, the Amalfi Coast is perfect!