Where to stay on Amalfi Coast

This stretch of coastline, stretching from the towns of Positano to Vietri, is a little slice of paradise. From breathtaking views, history, beaches, hiking to wonderful food – everyone will find something here. More famous towns, such as Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, despite being touristy.

A holiday on the Amalfi Coast depends greatly on the place you choose as your base. Also, it depends on the season – in summer there are a lot of tourists and the prices skyrocket.

So, read carefully and choose a place according to your travel style: Amalfi — to be in the center of the coast and easily reach other villages. Or Positano – glamorous parties and boat trips. Or in Ravello — to enjoy the silence and the views from the rocky mountain slopes. The large town of Sorrento — is a logistic gateway to the archaeological gems of the Neapolitan coast. Or maybe you’ll like real life in the small former fishing village of Vietri sul Mare, where they still catch anchovies and tuna and have the tastiest seafood restaurants on this coast.

I recommend you to read: Path of the Gods – where to hike on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

Amalfi

Pros: Central location, very beautiful town, plenty to do and lots to see nearby.
Cons: Crowds of tourists who come for one day to see the cathedral, take photos on the promenade, — slightly spoil the atmosphere.

Amalfi is the central town on the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is suitable for everyone, including elderly people and families with small children in strollers, because it has a flatter terrain compared to other towns. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding towns, beaches, and views. This strategic location is its greatest advantage, but it’s also just a wonderful place to spend time. It has a cozy atmosphere with intertwined narrow winding streets that open onto quiet squares and spacious viewing platforms.

If you stay in Amalfi, you will discover the true magic of this town. All the mornings and evenings will be yours. And to avoid the daytime crowds of day-trippers, I recommend walking along the hiking routes, where they are definitely absent. Or go to neighboring less touristy towns for a delicious lunch.

It is also easy to explore the surrounding natural locations on foot from Amalfi. There are many hiking trails here that climb upwards and connect one town with another. And the views from the slopes! Oh my goodness!

What to see and do in Amalfi

Amalfi is a very pleasant town with a labyrinth of narrow streets winding steeply uphill. We were here at the end of autumn – it was quiet, wonderful to stroll through quiet squares, look at beautiful houses, and count the many stairs and alleys.
Admire the magnificent city cathedral Duomo with its mosaic facade
If you climb up, you’ll see the rocky arch Buco di Montepertuso. Beautiful view after climbing about 1000 steps. Bring food and enjoy it while sitting on benches with a view.
Try a hike to Torre dello Ziro, an ancient fortress that was used to defend Amalfi from pirates. Again, this is another platform with breathtaking views.
The doll-like Positano, located at the western end of the coast, is only a 40-minute drive from Amalfi. Vietri sul Mare, at the eastern end of the Amalfi road, is an hour’s drive away. So you can easily and quickly reach anywhere from here.
And there is also the island of Capri, which can be pleasantly reached by ferry in 1 hour directly from the city by boat.
The Atrani labyrinth is a bit further along the coast, within walking distance.
The beautiful town of Ravello, located on a hillside, can be reached by bus in half an hour.

Where to stay in Amalfi

Amalfi has a good choice of accommodation (quite expensive but not crazy), plenty of cozy little trattorias, and a few lovely bars to have an evening drink or two. I love this place, and it’s always my top recommendation.

Locanda Costa D’Amalfi – a hotel located on the outskirts of Amalfi, away from the crowds but near the road to Positano. Very nice rooms with a sea view from a private terrace, a small garden, and private parking. Suitable for those traveling by car.
DieciSedici – A wonderful bright apartment, very clean, with a very Italian view of the square and the distant sea. Not far from the port and the liveliest district of Amalfi, so very convenient, but at the same time quiet at night. Kettle, fridge, and a wide choice of tea and coffee. Keep in mind, it is not inclusive accommodation – you have to climb the stairs on foot, there is no elevator.
Casa Barbara – the room has a wonderful sea view. The hostess is very warm and welcoming, makes coffee and a light breakfast in the morning. There is also a lovely common area with kitchen, fireplace, and a beautiful balcony. Free parking nearby, next to the church.

Positano

Pros: Absolutely gorgeous town with two beautiful beaches, good restaurants, and nightlife, offers plenty of truly great hotels.
Cons: Too crowded in summer, less local authenticity, more international than Italian cuisine, much more expensive than other coastal towns.

This town must be seen at least once in your life. You can get here either by ferry from Naples and Sorrento, or by bus from Sorrento (right next to the Sorrento train station you will see the SITA bus to the Amalfi Coast). It is the very beginning of the Amalfi Coast.

Positano is like a postcard from the beautiful life. This former fishing village has turned into a chic and expensive resort town, considered the most enchanting of all the Amalfi Coast. In summer it is unrealistically expensive and noisy, but as soon as high season ends, Positano becomes incredibly playful. You can fully enjoy its beautiful pastel-colored houses and stepped streets. In October it’s great to sunbathe on the beach and sit on the terrace of a restaurant.

What to do in Positano

Positano is practically vertical, so get ready to tackle lots of stairs! The town is small, so you can stroll its tiny beautiful streets and enjoy shopping in one day.
Soak up the sun on the beach until golden brown. The beaches here are truly wide and beautiful, on the rocky coast this is more of an exception, so enjoy it!
Sip wine on one of the terraces decorated with wisteria and watch the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
You can also rent a boat in Positano and see the entire Amalfi Coast from the sea.
Enjoy lemon gelato or granita – this region is famous for its lemons.
When it comes to exploring the surroundings — from here it’s very convenient to reach the towns and nature of the Sorrento Peninsula. Also, to the nearby towns of the Amalfi Coast – Vettica Maggiore, Furore, and Conca dei Marini.

Where to stay in Positano

Casa Gilda Positano – good location of the hotel in the town of Positano. The rooms have an incredible view from the balcony and garden. There is a nice private beach nearby. The hotel is a bit away from the town center – a calm 20-minute walk.
Scalinatella – The apartment is cozy and comfortable, with a large master bedroom and a very handy sofa bed. There is a small kitchen for cooking. The location is ideal — close to everything, but at the same time quiet and with incredible views.
Hotel Casa Albertina – Wonderful hotel with rooms that have a terrace and a beautiful sea view! The staff do everything to make you feel like a welcome and cared-for guest. Every detail is considered with warmth and professionalism.

Sorrento

Pros: Easy to get to from Naples — there is a train, great views, flat and convenient for walking, plenty of hotels and restaurants.
Cons: The beaches in town are not very nice, the views are not as picturesque as Amalfi and Positano.

The beautiful town of Sorrento is a wonderful starting point, especially for those looking for a slightly less touristy atmosphere and good access to the region around Naples. It’s not as stunningly beautiful as some of its neighbors, but it’s a real town, well served by public transport and conveniently located for exploring towns, historical and natural sites along the coast. It’s also convenient to get to neighboring islands and archaeological sites. The city also has lots of great restaurants, a number of interesting sights, and a charming historical center.

If you stay in Sorrento, you can move around the surrounding areas quite conveniently by public transport, which cannot be said for many smaller and less conveniently located villages. Do not underestimate how appealing this is!

What to do in Sorrento

This is also one of the largest towns in the region, and with a population of nearly 20,000 it is one of the few places you can really experience local life. Because it is a real city, businesses operate year-round (which isn’t the case everywhere), so if you visit in the off-season or between seasons, it’s especially a good choice. Everything from shops to restaurants and hotels also has a bit more affordable prices, since there are more of them, and the city serves not only tourists. If you are trying to manage your expenses, Sorrento is a good place for it.

The main reason to stay here is the convenience of the location. Since Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Vesuvius, and the island of Capri, as well as towns along the western end of the Amalfi road, are all within easy reach by train, bus, or ferry.
The archaeological site Paestum , located about an hour and a half south of Sorrento, contains a number of ancient Greek temples that will immerse you in the ancient past, when southern Italy was part of Magna Graecia.
Sorrento is a resort town with a long tradition that continues to please travelers today with its palm-shaded gardens, attractive old town, some very nice and notable landmarks, and many wonderful hotels and restaurants.
Admire gorgeous views, walk to the city’s Marina Grande, a charming seaside spot and still operating fishing harbor.
Take a short trip along the Sorrento Peninsula to places like Massa Lubrense, Marina del Cantone overlooking the sea, located among olive and lemon groves.
Piazza Tasso: the heart of the city and a lively spot by day and night. It’s a bit touristy, but you cannot miss it.
Valley of the Mills: a rocky gorge in the old town, with stunning views of the abandoned mill. It got its name from the ruins of an old mill, which is still visible at the bottom of the gorge.
Villa Comunale: enjoy one of the best views of the entire Amalfi Coast from the lush garden of Villa Comunale.

Where is the best place to stay in Sorrento

If you decide to stay here, know that there are several different areas of the city to choose from:

The city center , which stretches east and west from Piazza Tasso, is always my top choice, as it is pleasant and convenient, plus it is located next to the train and bus stations, plenty of shops, and restaurants.
To the east, Sorrento stretches along the sea to the lovely suburb of Saint-Angelo , where among lush gardens are villas and several wonderful seafront hotels. Although there are few restaurants and shops here, the walk back to town, a mile long, is truly pleasant and passes lovely gardens and wonderful views.
And then there are the hills above the city, where you will find a good choice of hotels, some of which are set among olive groves and lemon tree forests. The terrain and the views are often stunning, but these remote places can be difficult to reach without a car, so they won’t suit most visitors.

With the above in mind, be sure to ask about shuttle and bus options before booking tickets in Saint-Angelo or the mountains. And keep in mind that taxis in Sorrento are extremely expensive, so you’ll have to spend a considerable amount if you need to use them regularly.

Hotels in Sorrento

Hotel La Tonnarella≫ – Wonderful atmospheric colonial-style hotel for those who appreciate comfort in nature. Terrace overlooking the sea, there is an elevator to the beach located in the bay. Restaurant with exemplary service and haute cuisine.
Sorrento Stylish Rooms – Great location and clean rooms. Just a few minutes’ walk from the main Piazza Tasso or in the other direction from the main pedestrian street with shops and restaurants, basically, the location is central to any place you want to go. Comfortable bed, bed linen, and bathroom.
Maison Tonina Sorrento Coast – The apartment is well designed and tastefully decorated, with a small balcony with a wonderful view. There is a large table with chairs, plates, cutlery, and glasses in the common area for enjoying cold dishes. The apartment is not in the center of Sorrento, but the bus stop is only 200 meters from the property, and the ticket costs 2 euros. The train station is very close to the apartments, making it easy to reach Herculaneum, Naples, or Pompeii.

Ravello

Pros: Elegant and refined resort, fabulous views of the coast amidst beautiful gardens.
Cons: not directly on the coast – remote from the rest of the Amalfi Coast.

Romantic town, easier to reach by car, is perfect for those who love quieter places and just want to enjoy fantastic views and history. From Ravello there is no direct access to the beach, as the town is located higher on the mountain.

The sophisticated and beautiful Ravello, perched on a hillside at 330 meters above Amalfi, boasts stunning views, lush gardens, and refined surroundings. Once a retreat for the medieval rulers of the Amalfi Republic. Now it’s a favorite getaway for famous movie stars and other celebrities. Ravello is extraordinarily elegant and peaceful, but this peace comes at a high price.

But using this town as a base to explore the entire coast will be inconvenient. So if you are drawn to the serene beauty of Ravello, it is best to spend just a few days here. Spend the others in another town that is more conveniently located for sightseeing. Or vice versa – stay here for the last days to relax after all the moving around Amalfi.

What to do in Ravello

Ravello has two main attractions: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, two medieval palaces and gardens, which are wonderful to walk in any season. Both villas boast architecture with Arab influences, and the terraced gardens are truly breathtaking.
Every summer the Ravello Festival is held at Villa Rufolo, where world-renowned symphony orchestras perform open air in beautiful gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Coral Museum in Ravello: a great place to spend 30 minutes to an hour. Corals have been an important part of local art for centuries. Whether it’s art that looks like coral, or hundreds of years of incredibly intricate art actually made from it, this museum has it all.
Go to a concert at the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium: in this modern curved building in Ravello, designed to mimic the shape of the coast, some of the coolest concerts in the region are held.
While you visit the wonderful gardens of Villa Rufolo and admire the characteristic architecture of the town, do not forget to buy gelato at Gelataio Baffone.

Hotels and apartments in Ravello

Palazzo Mansi – rooms are very clean and have a nice view of the sea and mountains. It is a cozy, spacious, quiet and clean place, located 10 minutes from the center of Ravello.
Casa Tasca – Really great location and comfortable apartments for staying on the Amalfi Coast. The place is very clean, with a well-equipped kitchen and a nice small outdoor area. Just a few minutes’ walk from the center with great views of the coast along the way. There is also parking, which is hard to find in Ravello.
Nonno Francesco B&B – The most amazing views from the bedroom balcony! Breakfast is very good for Italy – many dish options. Self-check-in with good explanations on how to get the keys.

Vietri sul Mare

Pros: not a very touristy village, where real Italian life reigns, calm and local atmosphere, affordable accommodation and restaurants (excellent seafood).
Cons: quite far east to easily reach places like Positano and Sorrento.

Vietri sul Mare is located at the extreme eastern end of the Amalfi Coast – near Salerno. It is more convenient to reach by train from Naples or Rome (it passes through the town) or by plane to Salerno airport. And if you want to get to other places in the surrounding region (Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, etc.), the neighboring city of Salerno is just a 10-minute train or bus ride away, and from there you have plenty of public transport options.

This beautiful pastel-colored seaside village is located on the hills, just like Amalfi. But there are far fewer tourists here compared to it. Here you can still feel the old days of peaceful life on the Amalfi Coast, just as it was a century ago. Of course, there are tourists here, but there are many locals, and there are businesses aimed at everyday life, not purely tourist restaurants and shops. So, not all locals work in tourism. That is, a more authentic atmosphere.

What to do in Vietri sul Mare

There is a small but decent La Baia beach with an area of soft sand. So this is a good choice if you want to spend time relaxing by the sea.
The majestic Arechi Castle, located on the top of a hill, offers a view of the city and a panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Salerno Cathedral with an impressive mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Norman architecture, this nearly 1000-year-old cathedral will take you back in time.
Minerva Botanical Garden: located in the middle of Salerno’s historic center, this botanical garden is a great place to relax and get acquainted with beautiful greenery, which is known to be hard to find in the cities of southern Italy.
Lungomare Salerno: Salerno’s seaside promenade stretches for kilometers along the city’s coast. It’s a great way to stroll through town and enjoy sea views. There are plenty of benches and small green areas on the trail to relax.
The neighboring village of Cetara is an active fishing town (the name comes from a type of fishing boat). Here they catch huge hauls of tuna and anchovies, which appear fresh in pleasant trattorias along Corso Garibaldi. The town shops sell colatura – anchovy sauce, which is still made as it was by the ancient Romans. The seafood here is really excellent, and the restaurant prices are quite moderate, so if your priority is healthy eating, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
Meanwhile, in Vietri sul Mare, handmade ceramics fired in bright yellow, green, and blue are in high demand – just as they have been made since the Middle Ages. There are quite a few potters in town, and it is pleasant to peek into their shops to look at the products and watch them work. Some of them even offer masterclasses if you want to get your hands dirty.

Where to stay in Vietri sul Mare

Bed & Breakfast Casa Anna Rita – Wonderful accommodation for a few days for those exploring the Amalfi Coast. Nicely decorated, clean rooms, good continental breakfast, very close to the center of the old town with shops and places to eat, and also the bus stop to Salerno.
Sun Home – Small apartment, very well maintained, impeccably clean, everything is very convenient. Access to the room involves a flight of stairs – for non-mobile visitors, it will be rather difficult, but this is the Amalfi Coast where there are stairs everywhere! In addition to a fridge, microwave, and capsule coffee machine, the owner also provides some breakfast products. The location is very convenient for both the beach and the ferry to other towns on the coast.
Villa Fontana Limite – Really clean and well-equipped apartment. Great view. Helpful and friendly service. Delicious breakfast.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

By plane

There are two airports close to the Amalfi Coast — Naples Airport and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR). This international airport is located 18–20 km southeast of the center of Salerno. Opened in July 2024, it operates as a convenient alternative to Naples for visiting the Amalfi Coast. Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Volotea, EasyJet, Wizz Air) connect it with European cities.

The Salerno Airlink bus connects the airport with Salerno train station. Ticket price – 6 euros.

From Naples Airport (NAP) to Amalfi, the best way is a combined route: bus Alibus or taxi to Napoli Centrale station (~15-20 min), then train to Salerno (40-60 min), and from there — SITA Sud bus or ferry to Amalfi (~1-1.5 hours). Total journey time — 2-3 hours.

By train

From Naples, you can take a Trenitalia train to Salerno or the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. Circumvesuviana is a local railway network connecting coastal cities with Napoli Centrale station. From Napoli you will get to Sorrento in about 1 hour 10 minutes, and the ticket costs about 4 euros. From Sorrento, you can use the Sitabus to get to the villages (Positano, Amalfi, etc.), or take a boat.

By bus

In any of these cities, you can transfer to a SITA bus , which stops in every town on the Amalfi Coast. Sita Sud offers frequent trips from Naples to Amalfi. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the ticket costs about 5 euros.

By car

Of course, you can travel around Italy either with your own or a rental car.

Tip: if you are driving from Naples, Rome or other Italian cities, allow more time for traffic jams. And note that the road along the Amalfi Coast is very narrow and winding. Use the mirrors, and don’t be shy about using your horn on tight corners!

By boat

Naples has good boat connections to the Amalfi Coast. From Napoli Centrale train station, take the metro on Piazza Garibaldi (right by the station) and get off at Università stop (about 19 minutes). Once you reach the port, look for a hydrofoil belonging to the “Metrò del Mare” (“Sea Metro”). Travel time is about 2 hours, and the cost is about 20 euros. The hydrofoil also stops in Sorrento (about 1 hour from Naples) and Positano (about 1.5 hours). For more information, visit:

Of course, you can also just take a taxi or private transfer from Naples.

Useful articles and links:

Car rental – I search on Rentalcars.com
Hotels – I traditionally book everything through Booking.com
Insurance I buy on the site Hotline.Finance

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast – beaches, hiking, a relaxing holiday by the sea