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The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile-long region in Campania, Italy. The area is dotted with 500-foot-tall cliffs and 100 beaches, as well as 13 adorable seaside towns.
These Amalfi Coast towns will have you dreaming about a trip to Italy.
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We all have watched videos of locals singing from their balconies, soaked up the cinematic sun in the Disney/Pixar film Luca, and ate vicariously through Stanly Tucci’s Searching Itlay.
The only question left is what is the best Amalfi town to visit on your next trip to this romantic coastline?
It’s hard to decide which town on the Amalfi Coast deserves the top spot since they’re all so beautiful and unique in their own ways.
However, one thing that can help you decide is knowing what you want out of your experience on the Amalfi Coast — are you looking for a town with lots of activities, or do you want to just relax and enjoy beautiful scenic views?
While there is a lot to love about the Amalfi Coast from the cliffs, small beaches, fishing villages, and stunning views the Amalfi Coast is also more crowded and expensive than other regions of Italy.
The secret to enjoying your visit to the coast is understanding which Amalfi Coast towns you should visit.
I promise you will not be disappointed no matter which town you decide to make your home base because Amalfi has some of the best towns in Italy.
From quaint streets that are lined by small shops selling ceramic pottery, handmade leather goods, and lemon-infused candies, and cafés with terrace seating are perfect for sipping on an Aperol Spritz while people-watching.
Whether you’re looking for beach clubs or romantic vistas, these are the five best Amalfi Coast towns.
The best towns on Amalfi Coast are in close proximity to Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, and Vesuvius which all offer tourists the perfect opportunity to learn about the region’s historical significance while exploring its scenic and beautiful landscape.
Best Amalfi Coast Towns
- Praiano
- Amalfi Coast
- Ravello
- Capri
- Ischia
- Positano
- Sorrento
- Maiori
- Atrani
- Cetara
- Conca dei Marini
- Erchie
- Furore
- Pietre
- Nocelle
- Vietri sul Mare
1. Praiano
This small town on Italy’s coast is an ideal base for exploring southern Italy. While most tourists visit during the summer months, winter is a great time to experience Praiano’s spectacular beaches and scenic coastline.
As one of the best towns on Italy’s coast, Praiano is a great place to kick back and relax before heading into hilltop towns like Ravello or Salerno.
It also provides easy access to Rome, Naples, and Pompeii—not to mention it’s only about a two-hour drive from Naples International Airport (NAP).
From its beautiful whitewashed architecture to its friendly locals, there are many reasons why travelers love Praiano.
There are plenty of reasons why you should add Praiano to your next vacation in Italy from the extensive beaches to families with young children, Lungomare di Levante is a great choice as there are plenty of activities like sandcastle building and swimming.
For couples looking for some romance or those traveling solo who want to meet new people while hitting up some hotspots along Europe’s southwest Mediterranean coast, head over to Ocean Club Beach where you can hang out at Club Soleil Beach Bar & Restaurant.
It is well worth the journey to stay at Hotel Onda Verde and enjoy lunch or dinner at il Pirata where a cluster of tables on a wooden platform is the very definition of al fresco dining.
Order some fresh fish and pasta accompanied by a crisp local wine and listen to the waves crash against the rocks below! You will not regret stopping in Praiano.
2. Amalfi Coast
It’s not hard to see why most people who visit Italy’s Amalfi coast plan on making it a stop along their itinerary.
This charming stretch of coastline is a postcard waiting to happen, and your trip to Italy won’t be complete without at least one stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets.
With so many villages filled with stunning architecture, from Roman ruins and beautiful churches to Renaissance palaces and lavish villas, you’re going to want to spend plenty of time exploring everything that it has to offer.
If you only have a few days in which to do so, Amalfi is definitely worth adding to your list from the quaint shops selling coral jewelry, painted ceramics, and hand-made stationery, to handcrafted leather goods.
If you decide to make Amalfi your home base I suggest the five-star Hotel Santa Caterina, set in a 19th-century, liberty-style villa above the sea. Hotel Santa Caterina suites are fitted with colorful tile floors, white linens, and great views.
Grab your hubby and enjoy the private pool and beach club.
3. Ravello
Ravello is one of many idyllic villages located along Italy’s fabled Amalfi Coast.
In Ravello, you’ll find panoramic views that stretch across both land and sea – and since it’s set at a higher elevation than other towns, there are fewer crowds here as well. Many say that in addition to its beauty, one of Ravello’s best attributes is its nightlife.
Those who enjoy clubbing will be happy to know that some of Italy’s top DJs regularly play here. Meanwhile, those looking for an escape from urban life have plenty of options:
Aside from walking through ancient cobblestone streets or hiking through vineyards (did we mention wine?), they can also hike up Mount Titano (one of two mountains surrounding Ravello) or hit up Piazza Vittoria Colonna, a large square that serves as home to coffee shops, bars and restaurants (including celebrity chef Mario Batali’s restaurant Otto e Mezzo).
And if you’re lucky enough to visit during nighttime hours? You might catch artists like Cirque du Soleil performing; each summer, they host open-air shows right off Piazza Vittoria Colonna.
If luxury is your taste of choice then I suggest staying at the Belmond Hotel Caruso. The Belmond is private and offers its guests peace and tranquility.
The Belmond is set in an 11th-century palace and features fresco-covered ceilings, an infinity pool, and complimentary boat tours.
If you are on the fence about when to visit Ravello I suggest July to September, Villa Rufolo hosts the Ravello Festival, a classical music festival in the town center.
4. Capri
With its charming narrow streets, designer shops, and hopping beach clubs, Capri is one of the chicest places in Italy.
The island is a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Sorrento, with the last return boat departing at 7 p.m., making it possible to hit up several hotspots in one day.
Top sights include the Blue Grotto, a striking natural cavern with water that has an ethereal blue color from the sunlight; the famous Faraglioni, comprised of three dramatic rock formations that jut out from the Mediterranean Sea; and the 2,000-foot-high Mount Solaro, which can be accessed via hiking or a funicular for stunning views.
Boat trips around the island are popular, as is checking out the many perfume stores, having at a drink or bite to eat in the bustling Piazza Umberto I (the Piazzetta), and strolling through the Gardens of Augustus.
Again, if you decide to take a day trip to Capri, keep an eye on the ferry schedule, as the last boat departs the island around 7 p.m., and please do not be late.
If you decide to spend the night in Capri I suggest staying at the exquisite J.K. Place Capri.
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7. Sorrento
Sorrento is removed from the crowds of Positano but close enough to spend your days hanging with the masses and spend the night back in Sorrento away from the crowds.
The heart and soul of Sorrento are Piazza Tasso. You will find many restaurants here and on the small side streets and at night the entire square comes alive with people enjoying the mild evenings.
As the evening turns to dusk, wander through the town’s narrow lanes, passing by the touristy shops, and seek out delicious limoncello, jams, and candies made with the region’s fragrant lemons and oranges.
For dinner, I suggest the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Buco, and if you decide to make Sorrento your home base check out the Grand Hotel Excelsior.
8. Maiori
This seaside town, which has a population of only 3,000 people, is where you’ll find Castello Aragonese.
Dating back to 1060, it was once built as a watchtower to guard against pirate attacks and is now a medieval-style castle that hosts musical concerts every summer.
With such stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Mount Vesuvius in Naples in clear view from anywhere in town, walking around with your camera feels mandatory here.
It’s also worth visiting around June when its streets are filled with red poppies growing wild. In addition to admiring its beautiful views, don’t forget to indulge in Maiori’s local produce: olives, orange berries, and almonds.
From there, you can head south to Minori—one of Italy’s best-kept secrets—for a delicious lunch at Trattoria All’Ombra De Palma (Via Nicola Pisano 15) before continuing on through Scario.
What makes Scario so special? A stroll along Via Dante leads down to La Foce Gardens—which stands atop a cliff overhanging sea below—the perfect place for enjoying homemade gelato or snapping some photos!
Maiori also hosts an annual film festival in November which awards the Premio Internazionale Roberto Rossellini. Maiori’s beaches boast unbelievable views of medieval towers overlooking the azure waves.
If you decide to make Maiori your home I suggest staying at Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro.
One of Italy’s most beautiful towns and arguably one of its most interesting cities, Atrani is well worth a visit. In 2012, it was listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 prettiest villages in Italy.
It offers breathtaking views of other towns along Italy’s boot coast and boats ferry visitors to nearby seaside resorts on day trips.
Boat tours are also available that let you explore surrounding mountains and cliffs or go on deep-sea fishing expeditions for some truly unforgettable experiences.
It’s also famous for its artistic community, including local artists who produce paintings that often grace walls in some of Europe’s finest galleries.
The Church of S.t Salvatore with its simple stone fountain reaches upward towards the valley and the rocky inclines, which are crisscrossed with tended gardens and lemon groves.
Atrani is far away from the crowds and noise of other towns along the coast. Piazza Umberto I faces a patch of sandy beach and sea, reachable by a small path.
I suggest staying at Palazzo Ferraioli if you decide to make Atrani your home base.
Explore Italy’s best-hidden gem in Cetara, a coastal town just north of Naples on Italy’s southwest coast. Little known to tourists and seemingly oblivious to time, Cetara is a wonderful place to spend a few days exploring its picturesque alleys and charming piazzas.
Watch fishermen land their catch at sunrise before perusing markets for an authentic meal of fresh seafood served with local wine.
There are even sites for divers, who can explore an abundance of marine life including soft corals in Capri’s famed Blue Grotto. Cetara was once known as the door to Capri, so be sure not to miss exploring one of Italy’s most popular islands while you’re there!
Cetara is famous for the local production of ‘colatura di alici’: the delectable drippings of salted anchovies.
When the fish is caught, the fishermen throw it into wood barrels, alternating layers with handfuls of salt.
Then the fish is pressed down by a wooden lid weighted with rocks. By December, the anchovies have produced a bit of fragrant amber juice.
If are staying in Cetara make Belmond Hotel your home base.
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Conca dei Marini is one of the most beautiful towns along the coast from the lemon orchards to beauftul and stylish flowers.
Conca dei Marini is less known than its nearby neighors of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. Conca dei Marina still has the old charm of a fishing village, white houses perched into rock like precious stones in a diamond ring.
The village stretches along a small bay which is overlooked by the Torre Saracena – a watch tower built in 1563 to prevent probable Saracen pirates.
The main draw of Conca dei Marini is the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a marvelous karst cavity, one of the most famous in the world!
If you decide to make Conca dei Marini your home I suggest Hotel Belvedere.
If you’re looking for a true Italian experience, Erchie is a fantastic destination. Nestled within stunning mountainous landscapes, Erchie boasts beautiful pastel-coloured buildings and has plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.
You can learn more about local history and folklore at the Archaeological Museum or take a stroll around ancient ruins. If you like water sports, then Erchie is also a great place to indulge in parasailing or jet skiing!
When it comes to food, many people choose to visit one of Erchie’s local restaurants where they serve up everything from pizza and pasta to fish.
Speaking of which, seafood lovers will be pleased with such offerings as swordfish or prawns – all harvested locally!
It is a laid-back place on the glittery Amalfi Coast, so it’s not too far for dayt trips but secluded enough to get away from the crowds.
If you decide to make Erchie home I suggest stay at Hotel Cetus.
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As its name implies, Furore is a charming seaside town in southern Italy that literally translates to furious.
The beach at Furore is fairly small but incredibly beautiful, with stunning views of Capri, Ischia and Salerno. It also comes equipped with plenty of bars and restaurants located right on the water.
And if you’re looking for something more lively, then head to Marina di Furore – it’s about a kilometer from Furore proper.
Plus, if you want to continue your vacation after your time in Italy comes to an end, then there are actually boats that run from Positano or Naples out to nearby islands such as Capri and Ischia.
Bring your hiking shoes and take a hike 200 steps down to a hidden beach. You can’t go wrong spending some time in Furore!
Make sure you visit the Eco Museum, dedicated to the pre-industrial crafts and agriculture of the area, which includes displays on the paper making, an herb garden, and local liqueurs.
Book your room at La Locanda if you decide to stay in Furore.
Land between the mountains Tramonti is a wonderful town of the Amalfi coast, set at the foot of the Lattari Mountains and surrounded by a suggestive bucolic landscape.
Consisting of about 145 acres of woods, terraces cultivated with lemon trees, olive trees and vineyards, rich in springs, rivers, picturesque and moving corners in strict contact with nature.
It is composed by 13 hamlets, scattered across the small plateaus: Pucara, Novella, Gete, Ponte, Campinola, Corsano, Cesarano, Pietre, Capitignano, Figline, Paterno Sant’Arcangelo, Paterno Sant’Elia, Polvica.
Pietre is geographically part of the Amalfi Coast but it consist of dense forests of chestnut groves, walnut trees, of grapevines and lemon groves.
Try the local wine and liqueurs including limoncello, nocino, finocchietto, along with other herbs and fruit mixtures.
If you want to make Pietre your home base I suggest staying in Belmond Hotel.
15. Nocelle
Nocelle is a sleepy town near Positano that is removed from the hustle and bustle of the loud tourist that inundate Positano annually.
Nocelle is 400 meters above sea level and there is a 1700-step staircase leads to Positano.
Hikers and backpackers love Nocelle because of the trails throughout the Lattari Mountains.
The most popular trail is the “Sentiero degli Dei” but there are a ton of other trails that will give you some amazing views of the entire Amalfi Coast.
Nocelle is a great place to reconnect with your hubby and get away from the crowds while enjoying the coast of Amalfi along with the stunning beaches.
If you are thinking about making Nocelle your home base I suggest stay at Residence Villa degli Dei.
16. Vietri Sul Mare
Nestled along a beautiful stretch of coastline just outside Salerno, Vietri Sul Mare is an idyllic town known for its beautifully crafted ceramics and its stunning cliffside location.
Although it’s technically a part of Italy, there’s something that feels distinctly Mediterranean about Vietri sul Mare that makes it stand out as one of Italy’s best towns on the Amalfi coast.
With street-lined alleys leading to stunning blue seas, it should come as no surprise that tourism plays such a key role in the city’s economy.
That said, you can walk into practically any ceramic shop or restaurant and get a warm welcome from locals that feel like your own family in no time.
You can’t help but love everything about Vietri Sul Mare!
When to Visit the Amalfi Coast
Without a doubt the best time to see the Amalfi Coast is from April to June, when the weather has started to warm up and spring flowers are in full bloom.
I decided to travel to Amalfi late spring or early summer in order to avoid the tourist rush of July and August and the unbearable temperatures the summer heat brings to the coast.
April – May in Amalfi
Spring on the Amalfi Coast is by far the best time to visit as the sleepy towns have started to awake, the the cafés and restaurants are now open and the scent of lemons and oranges captivates visitors with the smells of the coast.
The tourist season officially begins at Easter and runs through the month of September, but during May and June prices are generally lower than during July and August.
July – August in Amalfi
July and August is when festivals and nightlife take place on the coast and also when the rich and famous anchor their yachts off the Amalfi Coast.
You might just spot a celebrity dining at one of the beautiful restaurnats or night clubs. Make sure you check out “Africana” in Praiano.
While July and August are inundated with people I suggest hiring a private boat to expore Capri, grottos hidden coves and beaches along the Amalfi Coast.
September in Amalfi
September is also a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast because the temperatures are still mild and most of the crowds have dissapated.
November – December in Amalfi
Amalfi is normally closed during the winter months and most hotels, cafés and restaurants will not be open during the winter and it will be extremely cold and wet so not the best time to visit.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
Ferry or Boat:
Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to take fast ferries like Alilauro from Napoli to the main port of Amalfi.
The two-to-three-hour journeys are not direct, and many make stops in destinations like Capri or Sorrento before reaching Amalfi’s port.
Additionally, boats like the Travelmar leave from Salerno and stop at most of Amalfi’s largest coastal municipalities.
Train or Bus:
Traveling on Trenitalia, Italy’s national train company is the best for those who can’t stomach a sea commute.
Their Freccia Rossa trains from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento are the most direct and efficient. Once in Sorrento, catch a bus to your destination, as many companies like Sitabus depart regularly from the city’s stations.
Those traveling from Rome or Naples can opt for one of the new economical shuttle-sharing systems like the Positano Shuttle. It leaves from both international airports and deposits travelers directly in Positano.
Car:
For many, traveling by car is still the most romantic and independent way to get from one destination to another.
You can rent a car at either international airports in Rome or Naples, or opt for something more lavish from the Positano Car Service. Their fleet of large and small luxury vehicles will ensure you’re the most stylish tourist on the road.
General Tips For Exploring The Best Amalfi Coast Towns
No matter how you get around and explore the best Amalfi Coast cities please make sure everything is booked well in advance of your trip.
The last thing you want is to wait in line only to find out that the service is sold out please note buses are frequently sold out during the high season and ferry prices tend to rise during the spring and summer months.
Make sure to check with your hotel about any provided transportation before booking. Some on the Amalfi coast have their own private car or boat services to shuttle you between Naples and other destinations in the area.
What To Wear To Amalfi Coast
Will you be Safe Visiting Amalfi Coast Towns
While Italy is considered a very safe country there are some cities and areas that should be avoided or you need to take some of my simple precautions.
According to the U.N. and Global Peace Index, Italy is ranked 30th to 35th safest country in the world, well ahead of the U.S.
However, the most dangerous thing likely to happen is pickpocketing near tourist destinations and landmarks, so using common precaution measures should suffice.
Don’t take my word that Italy is safe —check out the data! The number of crimes reported by the police to the judicial authority in Italy decreased in the past years.
Plus, you’re never far from a police officer: Italy has 550 officers per 100,000 people, which means it’s 9th in the world in terms of police presence.
For context, the US is ranked 45th.
That means you can explore Italy’s incredible places to visit without having to worry much about safety.
Conclusion of the Best Amalfi Coast Towns
The allure of the Amalfi Coast towns has been drawing people to the region for centuries for its old world charm and to its stunny views and beaches.
The mountains and sea cliffs are dotted with pastel colored homes and glamorous villas, which have elevated the coastline to one of the most fabulous and unique destinations in the world.
If you are wondering which are the best Amalfi Coast towns look no further Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello as they are the area’s top destinations, attracting thousands of visitor each year.
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