What is the best town to stay in the Amalfi Coast?
By Laura Pattara. January 26, 2023
Considered one of the world’s most extraordinary coastlines, Italy’s Amalfi Coast has attracted artists, poets, and the European elite since the days of Ancient Rome. The winding coast stretches for 54km, from Vietri sul Mare to Positano, and is dotted with vertiginous jagged cliffs, ancient ruins, hidden coves, and 13 insanely charming villages, one more enticing than the next. On an Amalfi Coast vacation, you can beach-bum, sightsee, and discover one of Italy’s most exquisite cuisines.
Amalfi is the largest town on the coast, perfectly centred between its two ends. It’s a great place to stay if you want lively nightlife and a good choice of budget accommodation. For romantic getaways, you can’t drive past Ravello. If glitz and glamour are more your thing, then an indulgent Positano stay will tick your boxes. Praiano is perfect if you’re after a quieter and more traditional stay.
For family vacations, you have two idyllic choices: Maiori on the far east (revered for its long beach and distinct lack of narrow, steep roads) and Sorrento on the far west. The latter is perfect for more comprehensive Amalfi Coast experiences, including a visit to the idyllic island of Capri and the ancient site of Pompeii.If you are interested in where to stay in the Amalfi Coast, you may also be interested in where to stay in Naples, where to stay in Sicily or where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Best towns to stay in The Amalfi Coast
Amalfi
Central / On a Budget / Nightlife
The sparkling seaside town after which the coast is named, Amalfi is the largest and most central town along the coast - mid-way between Vietri and Positano. The city is the perfect base for young explorers who want to soak up the beauty of the Amalfi Coast on a budget, wish for a livelier nightlife, and have beautiful beaches nearby. Amalfi is also the coast’s central transport hub, so plying the SS13 in both directions is easy.
Amalfi is a compact enclave of outstanding beauty. However, given almost the entire town was levelled by a landslide in the 14th century, it doesn’t boast the historic charm of its coastal neighbours. But that matters little: the grand architecture here is still 600 years old! Head to the main piazza, cast your eyes on the eye-popping cathedral atop a magnificent staircase and see why Amalfi is still superbly popular.
Recommended hotels in Amalfi:
Hotel Santa Caterina: This luxurious hotel is situated in a prime location overlooking the sea in Amalfi town. It offers elegant rooms and suites with stunning sea views, a private beach, a beautiful infinity pool, a spa, and an excellent restaurant serving local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel Luna Convento: Housed in a former convent dating back to the 13th century, Hotel Luna Convento is a unique and historic property located in the heart of Amalfi. It offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor, a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of the coastline, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, and an on-site restaurant.
Hotel Marina Riviera: This charming boutique hotel enjoys a central location in Amalfi, just steps away from the main square and the beach. Hotel Marina Riviera offers comfortable and stylish rooms, some with balconies and sea views. It features a rooftop terrace with a pool, a bar, and panoramic views of the town and the coast.
Ravello
Honeymoon / Quiet / Vistas
Ravello is the only town along the coast set away from the shore, perched high above Amalfi. The lack of direct beach access means Ravello is not marred by mass tourism, making it tailor-made for honeymoons and relaxing vacations. There are no big crowds after sunset, nor any nightlife - just a smattering of excellent cafes, restaurants, and oodles to see and do. Plus, arguably the most phenomenal vistas along the entire Amalfi Coast.
Home to opulent, historic villas, Ravello has attracted a long list of well-known guests, from Leonard Bernstein and Greta Garbo to Winston Churchill, Richard Wagner and Virginia Woolf. Stroll through the cobblestone alleyways and explore the architecture of 17th-century churches and homes - including Villa Rufolo, featuring stunning gardens and the summer Ravello Music Festival. Spend some time at Piazza della Liberta’ for breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.
Recommended hotels in Ravello:
Belmond Hotel Caruso: Located on a cliff of Ravello, Belmond Hotel Caruso offers a luxurious retreat with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Set in a converted 11th-century palace, the hotel features elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the sea, beautiful gardens, a spa, and an exceptional restaurant serving gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.
Palazzo Avino: Situated in the heart of Ravello, Palazzo Avino is a luxurious boutique hotel offering a blend of elegance and history. The hotel features tastefully decorated rooms and suites, some with private terraces and sea views. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, and access to a private beach club.
Hotel Villa Cimbrone: Nestled in a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens, Hotel Villa Cimbrone offers a unique and enchanting experience in Ravello. The hotel features elegantly furnished rooms and suites, a panoramic infinity pool, beautiful gardens with sculptures and viewpoints, and a renowned restaurant. Guests can also explore the famous Terrace of Infinity, offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano
Luxury / Glamour / Shopping
Despite its unassuming beginnings as a fishing hamlet, Positano has now grown into its role as the Amalfi Coast’s most enchanting - and coveted - poster child. Positano is perfect for young travellers and anyone looking for lively nightlife. Due to its steep, narrow alleyways and abundance of steep staircases, it is not the best place to stay with a young family or if you have problems with mobility. Renowned for its steep staircases and iconic coastal views, Positano is all about glitz and glamour.
This is where you come to spot celebrities, enjoy a jaunt of high-end shopping and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants perched on steep cliffs. Though the steep rocky cliffs plunge straight into the azure sea, Positano does boast a modest but lovely pebble beach. If you’d like a change from your hotel pool, it’s a great place to laze in the sun or swim.
Read more about where to stay in Positano.
Recommended hotels in Positano:
Le Sirenuse: Located in the heart of Positano, Le Sirenuse is a luxurious boutique hotel that offers stunning views of the town and the Amalfi Coast. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant serving gourmet cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s private beach club.
Hotel Villa Franca: Situated on a hillside overlooking the picturesque town of Positano, Hotel Villa Franca offers elegant accommodations with panoramic views of the coast. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool, a spa, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a terrace bar with breathtaking views.
Il San Pietro di Positano: Perched on a cliffside above the sea, Il San Pietro di Positano offers a secluded and luxurious escape. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites with private terraces, a private beach club, an infinity pool overlooking the coast, a spa, and several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Praiano
Value for Money / Quiet / With a Car
Halfway between Amalfi and Positano, Praiano is an idyllic Amalfi Coast base, given it’s quieter and more laid-back. This traditional village has not changed much in the last half-century and boasts some of the coast’s most enjoyable beaches. The ideal town if you’re exploring the coast by car, wish for better-value accommodation, and quieter evenings.
Delightfully quaint and home to some of the best family-owned seafood eateries on the coast, Praiano is not besieged by tourists because it lacks trendy cafes and boutiques. In return, you can enjoy an authentic Italian experience, tranquillity, and abundant natural walking trails.
The main beach is Marina di Praia, where the sea is turquoise, and services offered (beach chairs, umbrellas etc.) attract local Italian holidaymakers who prefer comfortable beach days. Take the walking trail from the beach, which whirls around the cliff, past natural grottos and uphill to an ancient watch tower. The views are magnificent.
Recommended hotels in Praiano:
Casa Angelina: Nestled on a cliffside in Praiano, Casa Angelina is a luxurious boutique hotel that offers a serene and elegant retreat. The hotel features stylish and contemporary rooms and suites, many with private balconies and sea views. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool, the private beach club, a spa, and an excellent restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel Tramonto d’Oro: Situated on the edge of Praiano, Hotel Tramonto d’Oro offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel features comfortable rooms with terraces or balconies overlooking the sea, a swimming pool with panoramic views, a restaurant serving traditional local dishes, and a free shuttle service to a nearby beach.
Grand Hotel Tritone: Located in a panoramic position overlooking the coast, Grand Hotel Tritone offers comfortable accommodations in Praiano. The hotel features spacious rooms with sea views, a swimming pool with a terrace, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, and a private beach. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s shuttle service to explore the nearby attractions.
Maiori
Nightlife / Beach / Family
Once the central port town on the Amalfi Coast and still one of the liveliest, Maiori is an ideal base if visiting in summer and wishing for an abundance of beach time. It’s also perfect for families as it’s not as compact, steep, or expensive as other Amalfi Coast villages. If you wish to alternate your days with sightseeing and relaxing, Maiori is ideal.
The lively town is revered for its 1 km-long beach and offers a wide range of dining, bars, and leisure activities. It also boasts easy access to Minori, Ravello and Amalfi to the west. The town is dominated by the 15th-century castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, which you can visit. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare is worth seeing for its wooden statue of Mary found floating in the sea nearby. Don’t forget to look up when visiting the church - the dome is adorned with traditional majolica tiles.
Recommended hotels in Maiori:
Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro: Located in a historic monastery overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro offers a tranquil and luxurious retreat in Maiori. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites with sea or garden views, a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and access to a private beach.
Hotel Santa Tecla Palace: Situated on the seafront promenade of Maiori, Hotel Santa Tecla Palace offers comfortable accommodations with panoramic views of the coast. The hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a restaurant serving regional specialties, and a terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Hotel Pietra di Luna: Located just a few steps away from the beach in Maiori, Hotel Pietra di Luna offers a convenient and comfortable stay. The hotel features modern rooms with balconies, a swimming pool with a sun terrace, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a bar where guests can unwind with a drink.
Sorrento
Sightseeing / Budget / Family-Friendly
Sorrento sits slightly outside the boundaries of the Amalfi Coast - a 30min drive north of Positano - but is actually a fantastic base to explore the coast. It is well connected to the Amalfi Coast and Naples Airport, and offers a much more comprehensive range of value accommodation, and easier access to the region’s other must-see highlights, including the island of Capri and the ancient site of Pompeii.
Sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast can get weary for young children, and Sorrento’s better-value accommodation means you can extend your visit and slow down the tempo. The town is glorious, especially around the historic core and ancient ruins. Visit the famous limoncello factory, spend a day on one of the many small volcanic sand beaches, and your evenings enjoying gelatos on the sprawling and ever-lively Piazza Tasso. Sorrento makes for a unique and relaxing base for your all-encompassing Amalfi Coast vacation.
Read more about where to stay in Sorrento.
Recommended hotels in Sorrento:
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: Situated in the heart of Sorrento, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a historic and luxurious five-star hotel offering impeccable service and breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, lush gardens, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, a spa, and multiple dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hotel Bellevue Syrene: Located on a cliffside overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Hotel Bellevue Syrene offers a blend of luxury and elegance. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a panoramic terrace with stunning sea views, a private beach, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s unique Cave of Love, a romantic dining spot carved into the cliff.
Grand Hotel La Favorita: Situated in the heart of Sorrento, Grand Hotel La Favorita offers a luxurious stay with a central location. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities, a rooftop swimming pool, a sun terrace with panoramic views of the town and the sea, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Our recommended hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in The Amalfi CoastNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
