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Maps of Amalfi Coast

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Hotels on Amalfi Coast

• Positano: Il San Pietro
• Amalfi: Santa Caterina
• Ravello: Palazzo Avino
• Praiano: Casa Angelina
• Sorrento: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
• Maiori: Botanico San Lazzaro
• Naples: Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Amalfi Coast Towns.

Best Places to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Tips for Staying on the Amalfi Coast

1. Consider Sorrento as a Gateway
• Why: Though technically not on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a popular home base due to its train station (direct links to Naples and Pompeii) and frequent ferry connections.
• Vibe: Busy, more commercial than other towns, but easy day trips to Capri or the main coastal highlights.

2. Positano for Postcard Perfection
• Why: Iconic, steeply terraced village – quintessential Amalfi Coast scenery.
• Vibe: High-end boutiques, glamorous hotels, and a romantic atmosphere. Prepare for a lot of steps and premium pricing.

3. Amalfi Town for Historic Charm
• Why: A lively base with a small-town feel, centered around the Duomo di Sant’Andrea. Great ferry connections to Positano and Capri.
• Vibe: Relatively bustling in peak season, with shops, cafés, and a scenic harbor.

4. Ravello’s Hilltop Haven
• Why: Perched high above the coast, Ravello offers spectacular panoramas, lavish gardens (Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone), and a quieter vibe.
• Vibe: Elegant and cultural – known for music festivals and villa visits, making it a dream for art and nature lovers.

5. Praiano for Sunsets and Serenity
• Why: A calmer alternative to Positano, yet only a short ride away. Known for remarkable views of the coastline and the Li Galli islands.
• Vibe: Small, laid-back village life; restaurants with killer sunset vistas; less traffic than the bigger towns.

6. Conca dei Marini for a Secluded Retreat
• Why: Tucked between Amalfi and Praiano, it’s a quiet cove with fewer tourists. Famous for the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo).
• Vibe: Luxe hideaways set into cliffs – perfect for privacy. Hire a driver or rent a car if you plan on exploring beyond your hotel.

7. Atrani for the “Smallest Town” Feel
• Why: Adjacent to Amalfi but worlds apart in atmosphere – narrow alleys, a tiny piazza, and glimpses of authentic coastal life.
• Vibe: Tranquil, local, budget-friendlier than neighboring Amalfi. Easy walk to Amalfi’s ferry dock if you need connections.

8. Minori for a Local Experience
• Why: Known for homemade pasta shops, pastry extraordinaire Sal De Riso, and a breezy seafront.
• Vibe: Down-to-earth, family-friendly, and less touristy. Ideal if you prefer local “mom-and-pop” restaurants over designer boutiques.

9. Maiori for Sandy Strolls
• Why: Boasts the longest beach on the coast, appealing to families or those craving a classic “beach holiday.”
• Vibe: Modern waterfront promenade, simpler lodging options, plus direct ferry service (in season) to Amalfi and beyond.

10. Vietri sul Mare for Artisan Ceramics
• Why: The gateway town if you’re driving from Salerno, famed for its vibrant ceramics shops and tilework.
• Vibe: Authentic, working-town energy with a dash of tourist bustle. Ideal for picking up unique souvenirs.

11. Furore for Dramatic Backdrops
• Why: Home to the striking Fiordo di Furore, a tiny beach nestled in a deep gorge.
• Vibe: Remote, unspoiled. Typically best for a day trip, but if you stay, expect cliffside tranquility – rental car recommended.

12. Cetara for Fishing-Village Realness
• Why: Anchovy capital of Italy, with spectacular local seafood. Very much a “locals’” town.
• Vibe: Unpretentious, slower-paced. A culinary hotspot for those who love fish and the famed colatura di alici (anchovy essence).

13. Salerno for Convenience
• Why: A transport hub with a major train station, plus ferries to the coast. Often cheaper lodging than the cliffside towns.
• Vibe: Busy city, not as scenic, but great if you want to day-trip around or have an early train/plane to catch.

14. Budget Conscious? Stay Slightly Inland
• Why: Places like Agerola or Pontone offer more affordable accommodations and sweeping views, albeit at the cost of some driving or bus rides.
• Vibe: Rustic mountain or hilltop villages, often with direct hiking trails (like the Path of the Gods).

15. Plan Around Ferry Season
• Why: Ferries between Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno run mostly April–October. In the off-season, you’ll rely on buses or private drivers.
• Vibe: Summer boat hopping is scenic and efficient, but lines can be long in peak months.

16. Consider a Hotel with Parking
• Why: Parking is notoriously scarce on the coast. If you must drive, pick a hotel that offers on-site or valet parking, especially in towns like Ravello or Positano.
• Vibe: Less stress lugging suitcases up steep alleys. Expect parking fees – space is premium here.

17. Prep for Stairs & Hills
• Why: Almost every town, from Atrani to Positano, is built into a cliff. You’ll climb steps daily.
• Vibe: Rewarding vistas, yes – but plan for comfortable footwear and as little luggage as you can get away with.

18. Romantic Splurge in Positano or Ravello
• Why: Honeymooners or couples wanting an unforgettable backdrop can’t beat a top-tier hotel in these towns – picture candlelit dinners overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Vibe: Expect premium prices, but also five-star service and remarkable views.

19. Mid-Range Bliss in Amalfi Town
• Why: The town offers a range of solid mid-range hotels, perfect for travelers who want coastal beauty without Ravello or Positano’s high price tag.
• Vibe: Buzzier than quieter villages, but that means more restaurants and easy boat/bus connections.

20. Quiet Coastal Charm: Praiano and Minori
• Why: If you crave a restful vibe, these towns often see fewer day trippers and remain more budget-friendly.
• Vibe: You’ll still enjoy seascapes and classic Italian cuisine but sidestep the major tourist throngs.

21. Explore Local Cuisine
• Why: Lemon groves and fresh seafood define the region – some hotels have their own Michelin-starred restaurants or can arrange cooking classes.
• Vibe: Indulge in handmade scialatielli pasta, local mozzarella, and limoncello after dinner.

22. Outdoor Adventures from Select Towns
• Why: Ravello or Agerola provide direct access to scenic trails like the Path of the Gods. Praiano also offers less-known paths to hidden coves.
• Vibe: If your goal is hiking and nature, pick a hilltop location over a beachside hub.

23. Scenic Day Trips to Capri
• Why: From Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento, ferries make Capri a feasible day trip. High-speed or slower ferries run frequently during summer.
• Vibe: Glimpse the Blue Grotto, sip an espresso in the Piazzetta, but expect crowds in July/August.

24. Best Times to Visit (April–June, September–October)
• Why: Shoulder months give mild weather, fewer crowds, and generally better rates. July and August can be sweltering and packed.
• Vibe: Balanced pace – ferries and restaurants are open, but the region isn’t overwhelmed.

25. Ask About Porter Service
• Why: Some towns (Positano, Ravello) offer local porters who can help with luggage. Check with your hotel if you’re facing steep paths.
• Vibe: A worthwhile investment to avoid lugging suitcases up seemingly endless steps.

Amalfi Coast Region.

Amalfi Coast Road Map.

Amalfi Coast Ferry Map.

Amalfi Coast Train Map.

Amalfi Coast Hiking Map.

See Also

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as best places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.