Amalfi Coast towns

When planning your Amalfi Coast vacation, the first thing you need to decide is where to stay. Here's our insider's guide to help you choose.

Browse the main highlights with pros and cons for each town and village.

Pros and cons of the various towns along the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 towns, each with its own characteristics. Here's a list of the pros and cons of them all, plus some adjacent locales, so you can make the best choice for your needs. From luxury hotels to family-run lodgings, from boat tours to the most central locations, whether it’s your first time or you’re an expert in the area, browse our pros and cons list for the best way to choose your destinations.

Town

Pros

Cons

Positano

Sweeping panorama that's an iconic symbol of the Amalfi Coast

Cliffside town, difficult for those with limited mobility

Ideal for couples and nightlife

Higher prices compared to other towns in the area

Wide selection of restaurants and boutiques

Excellent departure point for boat tours

Praiano

Charming village, less touristy than Positano

Far from the main points that connect the coastline villages

Cliffside beaches with sun until sunset

Amalfi

Central location along the coast makes it convenient for traveling around

Chaotic during high tourist season

Lots of history and cultural attractions

Beaches aren't the most beautiful; other beaches are accessible by boat

Ravello

Cultural center with frequent events and stunning views

Closest beach is 4 km away

Calm atmosphere, especially in the evening

Difficult to reach with public transport

Conca dei Marini

Picturesque and not very touristy

Cliffside village with lots of stair climbing required to get around

Must-see sights such as the Emerald Grotto

Furore

Untamed natural beauty, authentic coast

More challenging to travel to/from, not as well-connected

Atrani

Within walking distance of the historic center of Amalfi

Very small village, crowded in the summer

Best restaurants and small sandy beach suitable for children

Maiori

Large, flat sandy beach ideal for families

Modern buildings make it less picturesque than other area villages

Lower prices compared to more famous locales

No nightlife

Minori

Calm and inexpensive, authentic atmosphere

Less charming outside the historic center than other area villages

Best restaurants and pastry shops in the center of the Amalfi Coast

Limited nightlife options

Vietri sul Mare

Well-connected by the highway, famous for ceramics

Relatively far from Positano by land; sea isn't always calm due to proximity to Salerno

Good availability of parking near the sea

Nerano

Excellent cuisine with gourmet restaurants and pristine coves nearby

Closer to the Sorrento Peninsula than the Amalfi Coast

Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi

Michelin-starred restaurants and stunning views, calm atmosphere

Located on a hill, car necessary for going to the beach

Cetara

Off the beaten path, famous for seafood restaurants

Rather removed from the tourist heart of the Amalfi Coast

Tramonti

Reserved and quiet with many farm stay accommodations and traditional local products

Hilltop location means you need a car to get to the beach, not an easy base for traveling to other villages along the coast

Sorrento

Always lively with a wide choice of hotels and restaurants, excellent base for exploring the surrounding area

Not on the Amalfi Coast but on the Sorrento Peninsula, often confused with the Amalfi Coast

Li Galli islets

Pristine islands reachable by boat from Positano

Privately owned with access by invitation only

Which locations on the Amalfi Coast are best for couples?

Positano and Ravello are two of the most romantic destinations on the Amalfi Coast, ideal for couples. In Positano, the atmosphere is enchanting, with luxury hotels and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea, perfect for a candlelit dinner. It also offers several beach clubs to relax and is the perfect departure point for boat trips.

Ravello, on the other hand, is famous for its gardens and panoramic views. The Terrazza dell'Infinito (Infinity Terrace) at Villa Cimbrone offers stunning views of the sea, while the surrounding terraced gardens are ideal for intimate moments. Ravello is a place where couples can enjoy tranquility and natural beauty, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a more serene and contemplative experience, away from the crowds.

Which places on the Amalfi Coast are best suited for families?

The Amalfi Coast isn't generally recommended for families with small children due to its rocky beaches and many steps. However, there are some places where it's easier and more comfortable to stay with children.

Minori and Maiori are both flat and therefore good choices for families. They both have small public beaches that are easily accessible from the boardwalk and have amenities available such as sun loungers and umbrellas. In addition, restaurants and shops are close by, making for a stay that's easier and more comfortable when traveling with little ones.

Amalfi is well-connected to the other towns along the coast and offers numerous attractions for children, such as a playground near the port and the Paper Museum, which organizes guided tours. There are a variety of boat trips that depart from the port making for an activity that's sure to delight children.

Do I need to have a car to travel around the Amalfi Coast?

In order to visit some of the smaller villages along the Amalfi Coast that aren't serviced by public transport (such as Furore and Vietri sul Mare, for example) you'll need to have a car.

However, staying on the Amalfi Coast without a car is feasible. Key towns like Amalfi and Positano are well-serviced by public transportation (buses and ferries), making it easy to explore without needing a vehicle.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during what are known as the "shoulder seasons" in spring (April and May) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. Winter is best avoided since many restaurants and hotels that are only open seasonally remain closed.

What are the best towns on the Amalfi Coast for nature lovers?

Praiano serves as a great base for hikers, with the famous Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) starting here, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounding landscapes. Ravello is famous for its lush gardens and stunning vistas. Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo feature beautifully manicured gardens that provide serene spots to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline. Known for its dramatic fjord, Furore offers a picturesque setting with colorful houses nestled in the cliffs. It’s less touristy than other towns, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience surrounded by nature.

What are some must-see historical sights on the Amalfi Coast?

The cathedral in Amalfi, known as the Duomo, dates back to the 9th century and is known for its impressive Arab-Norman architecture. The adjacent Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise) is also worth a visit for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture. In Ravello, Villa Rufolo is a historic villa originally built in the 13th century, with gardens that offer breathtaking views of the coastline. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is famous for its colorful dome and houses a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna.

What local food specialties should I try on the Amalfi Coast?

In Nerano, try the traditional pasta dish "Spaghetti alla Nerano," which consists of spaghetti tossed with sautéed zucchini and Provolone cheese. In Cetara, try the "alici di Cetara," which are anchovies prepared in various ways—fried, marinated, or brined—and often served as an appetizer. A dish that originated in Praiano is called "Totani e Patate alla Praianese," which features calamari rings braised with potatoes in red wine sauce. As for sweets, make sure to sample Delizia al Limone, a lemon-flavored cake that highlights the region's famous lemons, or Pastiera, a traditional Neapolitan Easter pie made with ricotta cheese and wheat.

Some helpful information about Amalfi Coast towns

The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile stretch of coastline in the Campania region of Italy. When planning your Amalfi Coast vacation, the first thing you need to decide is what town, or towns, you want to stay in or perhaps just visit on a day trip. It takes about four hours to reach this part of southern Italy from Rome, and only an hour and a half from Naples. There are many charming cliffside villages to explore, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful sea views, stop into local cafes, or splurge on a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Amalfi Coast towns you can explore in southern Italy are numerous, so to help you choose we’ve gathered together the best towns in our insider's guide.

Browse all the small towns above and compare the pros and cons for each. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, a private beach, a 5-star hotel, unforgettable frescoes, terraced gardens, or a clifftop paradise, you’ll find it all here. We didn’t include the islands of Ischia or Capri in this guide, but rather just the charming Amalfi Coast towns along the shores or in the inland vicinity.

The Amalfi Coast is home to 13 cities and towns, scattered like jewels along the 55-kilometer, UNESCO-listed coastline that's considered one of the most magnificent in the Mediterranean Sea. Dazzling landscapes and fascinating historic and cultural sights await along the stretch of coast between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, famous for its winding highway skirting dramatic cliffs thick with tiny villages and luxurious villas clinging to the rocky slopes and breathtaking views behind every curve. Panoramic hiking trails take adventurers up into the hills along footpaths once used by shepherds and traveling merchants, including the spectacular Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). Flights of steps carved directly out of the cliff face set off down to the water's edge where crystalline coves and tiny jetties, perfect for setting sail to explore by sea, hide from prying eyes above.

In short, there's a lot to take into account when deciding where to stay on the Amalfi Coast. The first factor you should consider is your travel style and itinerary. If you're planning on a day trip and taking a number of tours, we suggest the towns of Positano and Amalfi, which are transportation hubs and convenient bases for exploring the entire coast. If you're looking forward to settling in and relaxing during your stay, opt for Praiano, Ravello, or one of the smaller villages like Conca dei Marini. Regardless of which Amalfi Coast town you choose, you'll be captivated by the beauty and magic of this tiny slice of paradise.

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast