If you are planning a vacation to the Amalfi Coast or Capri, one of the very first questions you will be asking is, “Where to stay in Amalfi Coast?” The first thing you need to take into consideration is how long you plan to stay on the coast and the next is what town you make your home base.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most magical and mythical places you will ever visit from the windy roads, lemons that are larger than your head, beautiful and quaint colorful towns that are perched on the side of the mountains.
With so much to offer visitors, the coast also has some of the most spectacular hotels in the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants, stunning infinity pools overlooking the Mediterranean to adult only hotels for the honeymoon of a lifetime. Go pack your bags and head to Italy!
I will help you figure out the following:
- What is the best city to stay in on the Amalfi Coast
- Where to stay in Amalfi Coast
- Best hotels on the Amalfi Coast
- Best hotels on the beach
- Best boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast
- What is the best time of year to visit the Amalfi Coast
If you plan on taking a few day trips I suggest making the towns of Praiano or Amalfi, your home base because they are the transportation hubs of the coast and convenient to explore the entire coast.
I know you have heard Positano is the best home base for exploring the Amalfi Coast but the prices are crazy and it’s extremely overcrowded.
Where To Stay in Amalfi Coast
It can be extremely difficult trying to decide where to stay in Amalfi Coast and my Amalfi Coast guide will help you find the best hotels on the coast and will take all of the guesswork out where to stay and which towns have the best hotels in Amalfi.
If you want a 5-star luxury Amalfi Coast vacation without the price tag and crowds of some of the more famous town I suggest you should make Praiano your home base while exploring the Amalfi Coast.
After spending four days in Florence and two days in Rome we made our way to the Amalfi Coast and the best decision I ever made was foregoing Positano for Praiano.
Here are a list of the different cities you can call home for your dream vacation to the Amalfi Coast:
Positano is popular for its central location, restaurants, and stunning natural beauty. Peak season is crowded and prices can exorbitant. Positano is the most popular of the Amalfi Coast towns, especially if you are looking to spot celebrities.
If you are looking to party and in search of nightlife – Positano is where you should make your home base because the town offers glamorous seaside bars, restaurants, and clubs. It’s also one of the few towns on the Amalfi Coast known for its upscale shopping.
Because of its popularity expect to go broke making Positano your home base. Positano hotels are among the priciest on the coast so be prepared for sticker shock.
Ravello is an enchanting village perched on a ridge high above Amalfi. It is relatively out of the way and the bulk of visitors come during the day, leaving the nights peaceful. Note: Ravello does not have its own beach.
There isn’t direct beach access so most visitors add Ravello to their list of day trips. If you decide to make Ravello your home base you will enjoy tranquil evenings and spectacular views.
Ravello is one of the most romantic places along the coast and a common choice for those who want all the glamor of Positano and Amalfi without the crowds.
Sorrento, located across from Naples, is a convenient option if you want to stay near the touristy locations. Sorrento is the start of the 43-mile winding coastal road that will leave you in awe.
Sorrento is the first stop on the Amalfi Coast for most day trippers – which means be prepared for the crowds during summer high season.
If you decide to make Sorrento your home base you will be able to easily take day trips to Naples and Pompeii. Day trips become a little more difficult the further along the coast you stay because the roads are extremely narrow and traffic can be a beast.
Amalfi, the coast’s largest city, is still small enough to feel intimate but it is a great home base location for excursions to Capri and the Blue Grottos.
It’s the perfect place to stay for those who want the luxury and beauty of Positano without the noise and exorbitant prices.
Amalfi has something for everyone from sandy beaches, culture, history and delicious cuisine. Amalfi is packed with historical interest and beautiful medieval buildings. Amalfi is about 40 minutes from Sorrento in one direction and 40 minutes from Salerno the other – making it a perfect base for easy day trips to the island of Capri or smaller towns to the east and west.
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Praiano and Conca dei Marini are perfect for couples on their honeymoon and in my opinion the most romantic of the Amalfi Coast towns from the beautiful beaches to the cliff side restaurants.
While Positano is the most famous of the Amalfi Coast towns and rightfully so with its pastel alleyways and winding stairs at every turn.
Praiano is where my husband and I decided to make our home base during our stay on the Amalfi Coast. Located exactly halfway between Amalfi and Positano and is often overlooked by visitors. Praiano is generally considered the most romantic Amalfi Coast town due to its views – extending from the Bay of Positano to the island of Capri – and its gorgeous sunsets.
The beach is also second to none, enjoying full sunlight from sunrise until sunset (a detail that is especially important to visiting Italians who can be found sunning themselves to the color and texture of leather handbags). The cherry on top is that Praiano is also a great base for hikers: the famous trail called the Sentiero degli Dei starts from here.
Praiano is the perfect alternative to Positano.
Maiori and Minori is home to the biggest beach on the Amalfi Coast and not as sexy and quaint as the other Amalfi Coast towns, but it’s also a little less expensive and your checking account will thank you.
Maiori offers flat sandy beaches, cheaper prices along with beach-front hotels and restaurants make it a perfect destination for families with small children.
Maiori is also home to spectacular ruins, most notably the Villa Marittima Romana, one of the most important Roman archaeological sites on the coast. After exploring the town, take a boat to the stunning sea cave called the Grotta di Pandora, or some of the other beaches of Maiori accessible only by boat.
Keep Reading to Find the 15 Best Hotels on Amalfi Coast.
The Most Gorgeous Hotels on Amalfi Coast
Staying at Hotel Onda Verde means immersing yourself in the colors and scents of the Amalfi Coast, fascinating by the beautiful nature, getting lost in a sunset over the sea.
Belmond Hotel Caruso | Best Luxury Hotels, Italy
This former 11th-century palace boasts all the worldly luxuries anyone could desire. Marbled hallways lead to rooms brimming with antiques and paintings by old masters. Cascading down the mountain, past lemon groves and olive vines, is Ravello, the mesmerising ‘city of music’. Paradise, found.
Villa Fraulo | Book our Hotel in Ravello from the Official Website!
Once the residence of the noble family Cortese, Hotel Villa Fraulo retains the historic atmosphere of aristocratic “buen retire”, renewing the tradition and irresistible charm of the house.Villa Fraulo distinguishes it selves from the other 4 star hotels in the Amalfi Coast with its exclusive comforts and its unique location. Just a few steps away from the marvelous Villa Rufolo, in the heart of Ravello.
Hotel Onda Verde
If you want to satisfy all your desires and your senses between colors, sounds, smells and flavors of the Amalfi Coast?
Stay in this enchanting corner of paradise and you can enjoy all these wonders at the Hotel Onda Verde!
Belmond Italy | Iconic Luxury Hotels in Italy
Enjoy total privacy in our two secluded suites, each a beautiful and serene sanctuary. Step out to fragrant gardens and enrapturing coastal views. Then simply stroll a short distance and savour the spectacular restaurants, bars, spa and infinity pool of Belmond’s renowned Ravello hotel.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse opened in 1951, when four Neapolitan brothers, the Marchesi Aldo, Paolo, Anna and Franco Sersale turned their summer house in Positano into a charming hotel, overlooking the bay of Positano. Today the 58-room resort is considered one of Italy’s leading seaside luxury hotels, though it still retains the intimate, cultured atmosphere of a private home.
Il San Pietro di Positano - Relais&Chateaux on the Amalfi Coast
This clifftop hideaway is just a mile outside town, but feels far enough away to attract the day’s biggest stars (Jennifer Aniston; Mick Jagger). Its guest rooms, which tumble down a lush promontory, feel as private as they look, with balconies overlooking the Bay of Positano and interiors decorated with a kind of flashy elegance in the form of gilded coffee tables and 70s-era lamps. There’s a small pool, but most guests skip right over it in favor of the private beach below, reached by private elevator.
Casa Angelina || Official Website
Sitting on the high cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Casa Angelina offers a sublime slice of modern minimalism on the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on elegant simplicity and first-rate food.
An airy refuge, our boutique 39-room hotel is a place where guests can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of long, drawn-out days and easy, lingering evenings.
Our hotel serves as a sanctuary, bearing a fresh, pared-back aesthetic and a white-on-white palette that accentuates both the sea and sky blues outside and the contemporary artworks on display inside.
Palazzo Vino
Sitting on the high cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Casa Angelina offers a sublime slice of modern minimalism on the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on elegant simplicity and first-rate food.
An airy refuge, our boutique 39-room hotel is a place where guests can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of long, drawn-out days and easy, lingering evenings.
Our hotel serves as a sanctuary, bearing a fresh, pared-back aesthetic and a white-on-white palette that accentuates both the sea and sky blues outside and the contemporary artworks on display inside.
JK Capri - Luxury Hotel in Capri
Echoing the style and the concept of a luxury house, the interior design are derived by the charm of the elements that can be found by the coastline: the light and the color of the sea, spacious where artful revival of the classical style enhanced by the sunny curtain and the luminous crispy white and navy furnishings, bringing the nautical elegant from the breath-taking and borderless Mediterranean sea to your room.
Capri Tiberio Palace Official Site: 5 Stars Hotel in Capri - Kosher Restaurant - Luxury hotel in Capri with pool and kosher restaurant
The décor of rooms and suites – all different from one another – emerges as the harmonious gamma of colours uniquely customized to be coherent with the heart of the island in a revamped version. Dusty blue and turquoise, saffron yellow, neutral and coral shades...one hue leads the other, expansive views over the Mediterranean Sea and white roofs that illustrate the heart of Capri. State-of-the-art and vintage items from around the world offer a personalized touch, allowing every single space to tell its own story.
Sorrento Hotel Sorrento Lusso luxury Hotels Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria sorrento's finest resort luxury accommodation leading hotels - free Wi-Fi connection
The Excelsior Vittoria is an award-winning luxury hotel in the heart of Sorrento. Set in a unique location overlooking the Gulf of Naples, this 5 star Luxury hotel offers comforts with personalised service:
• 84 beautiful rooms and suites, each with original period furniture, minibar, TV, safe, free internet
• The charming Bar Vittoria with breathtaking views and two fabulous restaurants – Terrazza Bosquet Seafront Restaurant and L’Orangerie poolside bar & restaurant.
• Boutique Spa La Serra is a unique place, immersed in the lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Monastero Santa Rosa
Monastero Santa Rosa stands secluded along the famed Blue Highway near the quaint fishing village of Conca dei Marini. Centrally located, the hotel is just a 20-minute car or boat ride from the most scenic towns along this glamorous coastline—notably Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Although the villages of the Amalfi Coast are a magnet for the wealthy with their luxury hotels and million-dollar yachts sprinkling the sea, what characterizes the region is its effortless Mediterranean simplicity—cobblestone streets, fresh seafood drizzled in olive oil, bougainvillea-covered villas, sweet citrus scents wafting from abundant lemon groves, and unrivaled views.
Elegant Hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast | Rooms and apartments with terrace with Sea View
Villa Rosa is situated conveniently near the centre of Positano, just a few minute’s walk away from the beach, restaurants and shops.
At the same time, it commands a unique view of the sea and is well-known for its characteristic Mediterranean architecture, preserved from by-gone days and typified by its domed ceilings, its arches and porches.
From the spacious terraces, one can enjoy an unequalled and unforgettable view of the Mediterranean.
The rooms vary in size from small to a large king-bedded room with a terrace and a suite with a separate living room.
Hotel Positano | Amalfi Coast Hotel
Perfectly situated on a hill between the craggy cliff tops and the glinting Mediterranean Sea, HVF Villa Franca Positanois romantic Italy at its most ravishing. With the picturesque cobbled piazzas of Positano and two blissful beaches just steps away, this stylish hilltop retreat offers the chance to check out from reality and absorb the glamor and gorgeousness of the ever-enchanting Amalfi Coast. A cool calm envelops this Italian idyll where bewitching coastal beauty dominates the window views and pines and citrus scent the air.
Collection Hotels in cities such as Madrid, Milan or Barcelona - Online Booking
Once home to Capuchin monks and a unique inspiration for travelers from around the world, the NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Amalfi coast. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, and a five-star luxury rating, it enjoys a dramatic location on a cliff-edge overlooking the famous coastline.
HOW TO GET TO THE AMALFI COAST
Private Car To/From Positano. The complimentary private car back and forth to Positano was the icing on the cake while we did rent a car so we could venture out on our own it was good to know we had this option available for us.
There is a public bus that runs on the Amalfi Coast Highway, but people were packed on those buses like sardines and that did not look appealing to me.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING:
Distance From Positano. After spending the day walking around Pompeii, we really appreciated coming back to the tranquil and peaceful Praiano.
I don’t feel like we missed out on anything by not staying in Positano, in fact, it felt like we had the best of both worlds. Praiano is by far the best town to stay in on the Amalfi Coast.
WHAT NOT TO MISS IN PRAIANO
- Like Positano, Praiano also features pretty colored houses, a maze of little lanes and flights of steep steps. Look out for the majolica-tiled votive shrines dotted around the town.
- The first thing you’ll want to do is go for a swim as the sea is irresistible. There are several small beaches, some sandy, some pebbly, all of which are much quieter than those at Positano.
- The next big attraction here is the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a natural feature a couple of miles from the town. Essentially it’s a flooded cavern in which sunlight turns the water an iridescent shade of green while all around are weird and wonderfully shaped stalactites and stalagmites.
- There are several lovely churches in the town, including the Church of San Luca Evangelista with a beautiful majolica floor. The Church of San Gennaro, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro and the Convent of San Domenico high above the town and with breathtaking views.
- It’s worth spending a day in Positano (four miles to the west) to explore the cute little stairways and passageways between the steeply raked buildings.
- And then it’s only a couple of miles or so in the other direction to Amalfi town – with its Duomo, paper museum and splendid piazza and seafront. Make sure you’re back in Praiano for sunset, the most spectacular along this coast.
Where To Eat On The Amalfi Coast
The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast is full of fresh herbs, tomatoes, lemons, lemons, and more lemons oh let’s not forget about the seafood.
From simple pasta dishes, local pizza, to upscale dining with views of the Mediterranean the Amalfi Coast has something for everyone. Here are my top picks for 7 must-visit restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi Coast Restaurant Guide
Fresh seafood and a sea-view terrace are the desires of most when it comes to restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, but it can be difficult to separate the tourist traps from the truly great.
Home - Il Pirata Restaurant & Lounge Bar
The restaurant “Il Pirata” is located in Praiano on the path, starting from the marina of “La Praia”, runs westward from the coast and the sea. It is part of the circuit of places of “well being” where the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine is combined with the uniqueness of the landscape, offering rare moments of pleasure.
The ability to taste the dishes of traditional cuisine is enhanced by the natural setting of rocks, sea and sky that give guests the feeling of living with the full beauty of creation.
Restaurants & Bars
The light Mediterranean cuisine of our Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant is based on fresh local ingredients and inspired by the great culinary traditions of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Infused by the leisured elegance of Positano’s dolce vita, La Sponda is illuminated, in the evening, by four hundred candles that create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Welcome to the official web site of MariaGrazia's Restaurant in Nerano
Enjoying spaghetti and zucchini that have made Maria Grazia restaurant so famous is in itself an unforgettable experience.
Doing it while admiring the wonderful view of the bay of Marina del Cantone, the atmosphere rich of history and tradition of Maria Grazia, makes this experience unique and exciting.
The crystal clear waters of the bay, the fishermen's nets, the specialties of Maria Grazia, the friendliness and hospitality of the owners of the restaurant are the ingredients for a perfect day.
Restaurant in Positano on the Amalfi Coast
This year, La Tagliata has relocated to a larger property next door so furthering their excellent service to their clientele. The new property has been built on 3 terraces respecting the environment in which it is situated.
On each terrace are organic vegetable gardens allowing our guests to see and pick our home produce that is also used in the restaurants kitchen.
Home - Ristorante La Caravella
The Ristorante La Caravella in Amalfi has hosted artists like Warhol, Duchamp and La Dolce Vita director Federico Fellini. This historic part restaurant part museum has a Michelin star and has been a favorite of gourmets since the early 1960s. The Dipino family oversees the menu which changes seasonally with a wine list to match the cuisine. They offer three tasting menus featuring local ingredients with dishes like potato croquettes with provolone and a colatura sauce and squid ink ravioli stuffed with breadcrumbs and lobster.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Currency: Euro (in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 notes).
Cuisine: The power of three: olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs. You’ll also find antipasti, pizzas, and pasta; each region has its own specialties and signature dishes.
Tipping etiquette: It’s not expected but I always tip no matter where I go. 10% is usual.
Transport: For a truly tailored experience, hire your own car and explore Italy’s dramatic scenery and rich culture.
When To Visit The Amalfi Coast
Like most European countries, Italy is extremely hot in summer and cold in winter – particularly in the north where glamorous alpine ski resorts buzz from November to March.
For the rest of the year, the climate is ideal for floating on the Mediterranean, fine dining, private hillside concerts, exclusive boutiques or just lying by the pool sipping on Limoncello.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to stay on the Amalfi Coast remember the views will be amazing, the food will be delicious and you will be able to drink limoncello no matter the time of day.
Spring (Easter thru May)
Spring on the Amalfi Coast is amazing as the sleepy villages come to life after their winter hibernation. The tourist season officially begins at Easter and runs through the month of September the prices are generally cheaper in May and June.
July and August
If you visit the coast during the summer months of July and August there are plenty of local festivals that take place on the coast during the months of July and August. Because July and August are the busiest months to visit the coast remember prices will be high and the crowds will be crazy so be prepared.
If you visit the coast during high season I suggest hiring a private boat to explore the hidden coves and beaches along the Amalfi Coast or by hiking the trails along the mountain slopes above the coast, far from the tourist crush.
September
The month of September is also a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast because the temperatures are mild and most of the tourists have returned home.
Winter (Nov to Easter)
The coast shuts down and practically becomes a ghost town in the winter as most of the cafés and restaurants will be closed and will not reopen till spring.
CLIMATE AND AVERAGE MONTHLY WEATHER IN AMALFI (CAMPANIA), ITALY
- During the month of May and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
- On average, the warmest month(s) are July and August.
- Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in November.
- On average, the warmest month is August.
- On average, the coolest month is January.
- November is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain.
- July is the driest month.
Conclusion of Where To Stay In Amalfi Coast
While there are many towns to choose from on the Amalfi Coast there are many differences between the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of Positano or the sleepy, laid-back vibe of Praiano?
Are you looking to lay out on the beach in Maiori, or would you be happier in the mountain solitude of Sant’Agata?
Hopefully, my guide has taken all of the guesswork out of which small town on the Amalfi Coast fits your needs and price point for your Amalfi Coast vacation. My favorite hotel on Amalfi is Hotel Onda Verde so check them out
Also check out my post Best Boutique Hotels in Rome.
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