Head to the southeast of Naples and you will find one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. The Amalfi Coast is situated in a region of Campania in Italy and is known for its Mediterranean fishing villages perched on the Italian cliffside. The Amalfi Coast is so beautiful that it has even been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known for its diversity, each place you visit here has a little gem to explore. From Sorrento to Salerno, you’ll find picturesque towns, sandy coves and some of the finest cuisines that the country has to offer. The Amalfi Coast is ideal for active solos who can hike the winding coastal road enjoying spectacular scenery all the way from Sorrento to Salerno. Here are the best towns in Amalfi Coast to explore.
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Best Towns in Amalfi Coast
1. Sorrento
Sorrento is an idyllic town and well worth the visit. Not only is it a beautiful Mediterranean town on the Italian coast, but it is perfect for those who love history and architecture. Being so close to Pompeii, and with its gorgeous views over the Bay of Naples, means that it does draw the tourists.
Aside from its bay views, Sorrento is a city drenched in centuries of history. Explore the Duomo Cathedral, the archaeological museum, and the Roman ruins of Villa Polio. Explore the hilly landscape of the peninsula, take a stroll at dusk along Marina Grande and watch the sunset, or relax in Piazza Tasso, the central square named after a famous poet, all whilst enjoying some Italian cuisine and a glass of their best vino.
Sorrento – La Ferrovia Guest House
This 3-star guesthouse is close to the train station and offers a garden or city view. Rooms come with a TV, iPad and a coffee machine. Prices start from €198 per night.
Sorrento – Ulisse Deluxe Hostel
For a more budget option, this hostel feels more like a hotel than a hostel. There is a 24-hour reception and spa facilities available too. Plus it's close to the bus stop. Prices start from €40 per night.
2. Amalfi
Along the Amalfi coast, Amalfi is the coast’s busiest town, situated between mountains and the sea. The biggest draw here is the spectacular cathedral, the Duomo, which is decorated in an Arab-Norman Romanesque style and its cloister, the Chiostro del Paradiso. It’s in the middle of town so you can’t miss it.
The main street is Ruga Nova Mercatorum. You’ll also find plenty of limoncello shops and lemon terraces filling the air with a citrus scent. For water lovers, you can go kayaking or see the town in all its glory from a different angle on a boat tour. Or stay on land and hike the Path of Gods, a 5-mile trek that rewards you with pristine views of the Amalfi coastline (you begin the walk from Bomerano).
Amalfi – Hotel Relais Villa Annalara
Set in the mountainside, this 3-star hotel is 550 metres from the historic centre. There’s a panoramic terrace for breakfast with a gorgeous view and the hosts are really welcoming. Prices from €210 per night.
This charming B&B is located in the historic Piazza del Duomo, right near the Duomo. The staff are wonderful and can organise your bus and ferry and breakfast is included. Prices from €153 per night.
3. Positano
Luxury solos may prefer the glamour of Positano, where you can window shop in high-end boutiques and lose yourself in shopping heaven through the cobbled alleyways.
This is the town that’s image springs to mind when you think of the Amalfi Coast. Admire the yachts docked at the marina, a buzzy area lined with restaurants and bars. Then when you’ve had enough of the glitz, go up the mountain to Montepertuso, for a taste of real local life.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the highlights on the Amalfi Coast. Its colourful dome is one of the resort town’s main focal points. From Positano, you can explore the Grotta Delle Matera by taking a boat from the quay. Don’t forget to visit the Roman villa ruins, and the cove called Marina di Crapolla whilst you are there. From Amalfi, you can take a boat trip to visit it for the day if you decide not to stay in the town.
Positano – Hotel Conca d’Oro
This gorgeous 4-star hotel comes complete with a panoramic terrace and a hot tub. Located 15 minutes from the centre, there’s a Mediterranean restaurant and each room has a balcony or a terrace. Prices from €252 per night.
Positano – Hotel Villa Delle Palme
This 3-star family-run hotel is 15 minutes walk from the Cathedral, and close to a bus stop that will take you into the centre. Rooms come with a fridge and have either a city or sea view. Prices from €144 per night.
4. Capri
The Amalfi Coast is stunning, but if you need somewhere a bit more secluded, head to the island of Capri, an island of the Bay of Naples. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Naples, and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous island, most known for its Blue Grotto that you can reach from Marina Grande.
Hike around the island on the coastal path that stretches 17 kilometres, or just admire the views of the island from Monte Solaro where you take a chair lift above sea level to see its gorgeous views below. People-watch from a cafe at the Piazzetta, lay on the pretty Capri beach of Marina Piccola, or just shop until you drop at one of the artisan shops where you can take home an island-made perfume.
This gorgeous house located a few minutes from Piazza di Capri is beautifully decorated with a terrace and stunning views of the sea. It feels more like a home than a hotel. Prices start from €270 per night.
If you prefer your own space, this modern studio comes with a fully equipped kitchenette. Located in Anacapri near to shops and restaurants, you can take a bus into Capri. Prices start from €56 per night.
5. Pompeii
While Pompeii isn't actually on the Amalfi Coast, it is close by and being one of the most well-known cities in Italy, it is worth a visit. Especially if you're a history solo. This former Roman city was once wiped from civilisation after Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried it under a pile of ash and lava. Nowadays it is one of the best-preserved Roman cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover homes belonging to local merchants, a Roman theatre, and a forum as well as a large basilica courthouse. You’ll even find an old brothel within its 1st Century walls. The most visited sites here are the amphitheatre (the oldest one in Ancient Rome), the forum and the baths.
See the House of the Faun, the most expensive and biggest house in Pompeii. The House of Vetti, belonging to two brothers who were freed slaves, and the Temple of Apollo amongst the sites and hear the stories of the people who once lived in this famous city. The whole town is a museum and is one of the most visited spots along the Amalfi Coast.
This gorgeous 4-star property is 15 minutes walk from Pompeii Forum and comes complete with a rooftop terrace and jacuzzi. Breakfast is included and the rooms have mountain views. Prices start from €95 per night.
Pompeii – Nives Bed & Breakfast
This welcoming B&B is less than a 10-minute walk to the archaeological site. Each room comes with a balcony and air conditioning and breakfast is included in the rate. Prices start from €69 per night.
6. Ravello
Sat on a hillside, Ravello is one of the best Amalfi Coast towns to enjoy outstanding views of the coast. This town has always been a place where artists and writers relax while getting their inspiration.
When it comes to things to do in Ravello, there are plenty of things to do, from visiting the Duomo di Ravello and beautiful villas like Villa Rufolo, which has impressive gardens, to buying artworks like ceramics.
7. Maiori and Minori
Another Amalfi Coast town that is worth visiting is Maiori. It is a paradise for travellers who love architecture and food (it is said to have incredible seafood!).
During your time in Maiori, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Church of Santa Maria a Mare, walk the Lemon Trail, and enjoy a dinner with a view at Ristorante Torre Normanna.
Also, the beaches in Maiori are very good. Maiori is actually the Amalfi Coast town with the longest beaches.
You can also visit Minori, which is only one kilometre from Maiori. Minori is a smaller town, well-known for its local produce of limoncello and desserts. There is no visit to Minori without trying its delicious cakes and desserts.
8. Vietri sul Mare
Cultural solos may want to stop at the final town on the Amalfi Coast called Vietri sul Mare, a hidden gem. Despite being quieter, this quaint town has many things to do.
The ceramic work is one of the most famous things about Vietri sul Mare. You can shop for beautifully decorated ceramics and visit the Museum of Ceramics as well as the Solimene Ceramics Factory.
Also, pay a visit to the tower of the Villa Guariglia in Raito to learn about Vetri’s ceramic traditions.
If you are not into ceramics, visit the Cathedral of Vietri, get lost in the alleyways to discover beautiful tiles and relax at the quiet Spiaggia della Crestarella beach.
9. Atrani
Similarly to Vietri sul Mare, Atrani is another underrated destination compared to the popular towns of Positano and Amalfi. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience on Amalfi Coast, Atrani is the place to go.
There aren’t as many attractions as in other Amalfi Coast towns, but you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere. Visit the town centre to see churches like the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, wander its picturesque narrow streets or simply soak up the sun at Atrani Beach.
Other Villages On The Amalfi Coast
For history solos, visit the oldest settlement on the Amalfi Coast. The tiny town of Scala was apparently built by Romans who were on the way to Constantinople and got shipwrecked on the way.
To escape the crowds, take a trip to Praiano to see the churches of San Luca and San Gennaro and admire the views. Then relax on one of its pretty bays and interact with some of the local characters.
This beautiful stretch of coastline is an Italian paradise whether you choose to visit for a weekend or a week to explore its majestic cliffside villages.
Amalfi Coast Tours
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a platform that works with local companies to help you to find tours on the Amalfi Coast. Choose from an Amalfi Coast trip from Naples, Amalfi coast boat tours to Capri and Sorrento, and the Path of Gods hike. There are several to choose from, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability, then book online. Read my review here or click the link below for all tours.
* Check all Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability for Amalfi Coast
How To Get To The Amalfi Coast
There are two main ways to get to the Amalfi Coast. One is by bus via SITA Coach. The other is by boat from either Naples, Salerno, Capri or Paestum. Check there are boats running if you decide to visit outside of the summer period. Vietri Sul Mare has the only rail station which will take you to Salerno or Naples. Hiring a car isn’t really an option here, but you can rent a scooter.
To get around once you are here, either use a scooter or take one of the buses which run from Sorrento to Salerno (stopping in Amalfi). Buy your ticket from newsagents or one of the bars before you hop on board.
How to get from Naples to Amalfi Coast – You can take a boat from Naples to Capri, which takes 30 minutes for the ride.
Best Time To Visit The Amalfi Coast
If you visit during the winter months, you won’t find much open, so the best time to travel to Amalfi Coast is between May to October. Temperatures are at least 20 degrees Celsius, so you can expect warm, pleasant weather. The busiest time is July and August, during the summer holidays when temperatures peak above 30 degrees Celsius but it can get busy.
If you're looking to meet others and enjoy the heat then visiting during these months is good but you may have to pre-book your accommodation well in advance to avoid the rush. If sightseeing and walks are on your itinerary, visiting during Spring or Autumn are the best options. Below is an annual weather chart for Amalfi from January to December to help you plan your trip.
Have you been to the Amalfi Coast? Which town is your favourite?
Frequently asked questions about the best places on the Amalfi Coast
- Where is the best place to base for Amalfi Coast? Positano is one the best places to base for an Amalfi Coast trip.
- Is it better to stay in Amalfi or Positano? Positano as it has more beautiful views than Amalfi Town.
- Is it better to stay in Amalfi or Sorrento? These Amalfi Coast cities have similar activities. However, Positano has a better selection of restaurants and shops.
