I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast on my first visit, but that came down to very proper travel planning from my hand. The Amalfi Coast is a fantastic place, but what the influencers don’t tell you is that it’s also extremely crowded and (can be) very expensive.

Staying connected is important when exploring the coast, and using the best eSIM in Italy makes it easy to access maps, ferry schedules, and hotel bookings without relying on Wi-Fi.

I’ve just returned home after a week in Italy, where the trip’s main destination was the Amalfi Coast. We flew to Fiumicino Airport in Rome, took the train directly to Naples, where we spent the night, and then went to the Amalfi Coast.

Having fun on the square in Amalfi

Below, I will share my personal experiences with the different areas and towns on the Amalfi Coast to answer questions quickly: where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

Understanding Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast: The Basics

Choosing where to stay in the Amalfi Coast requires understanding the layout of this stunning Italian coastline. The region stretches approximately 50 kilometers along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, with each town offering its own distinct character and advantages.

The coastline connects through a single main road, the famous SS163, which winds dramatically along cliffsides with breathtaking views at every turn. This geographic reality means your accommodation choice significantly impacts your daily experience, from the ease of exploring other towns to the atmosphere you’ll wake up to each morning.

Best Places to Stay Amalfi Coast: Town-by-Town Breakdown

Positano: The Glamorous Icon

Positano on the Amalfi Coast stands as perhaps the most photographed destination in the entire region. This vertical village cascades down the mountainside in a tumble of pastel-colored buildings, creating those postcard-perfect scenes that draw visitors from around the world.

The town’s steep layout means most properties require climbing stairs, sometimes hundreds of them. While this creates incredible views, travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. The main beach, Spiaggia Grande, sits at the bottom of the town and offers a pleasant stretch of sand and pebbles, though space fills quickly during the summer months.

Why Choose Positano: Positano delivers an undeniably romantic atmosphere with luxury boutiques, upscale restaurants, and sophisticated beach clubs. The town excels for honeymoons, special celebrations, or those seeking that quintessential Amalfi Coast experience without compromise.

Considerations: Positano is the most expensive option for accommodations on the coast. Parking proves nearly impossible, and the crowds during peak season can feel overwhelming. The town also has limited flat walking areas, making every outing a workout.

Amalfi Town: The Practical Choice

Amalfi serves as the namesake town of the coast and offers one of the best place to stay Amalfi Coast options for first-time visitors. As the largest town in the region, it provides more restaurants, shops, and services than smaller villages while maintaining authentic Italian charm.

The town center sits relatively flat around the main piazza, making it more accessible than Positano. The stunning cathedral dominates the square, and narrow streets wind into the hills behind the waterfront. Amalfi also serves as a major transportation hub, with frequent ferry connections and bus services to other coastal towns.

Why Choose Amalfi: This town strikes an excellent balance between tourist amenities and local life. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly trattorias to upscale dining, plus easy access to explore the entire coast. The ferry port makes day trips simple, and the town has a more authentic, lived-in feeling than purely touristic Positano.

Considerations: Amalfi can feel busy, especially when day-trippers arrive by bus and ferry. The beaches here are smaller than in some neighboring towns, and accommodations, while more reasonable than Positano, still command premium prices during high season.

Ravello: The Elevated Escape

Perched 365 meters above sea level, Ravello offers a completely different perspective on where to stay on Amalfi Coast. This refined hilltop town has long attracted artists, musicians, and those seeking tranquility away from the coastal bustle.

Ravello’s main attractions include the spectacular Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, both featuring gardens with panoramic terraces that rank among Italy’s most breathtaking viewpoints. The town hosts a renowned music festival each summer, drawing world-class performers to outdoor venues with the Mediterranean as backdrop.

Why Choose Ravello: Peace and quiet define the Ravello experience. The town sees fewer tourists than coastal villages, offers cooler temperatures in summer, and provides a more contemplative atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples seeking romance, culture enthusiasts, or anyone who prioritizes serenity over beach access.

Considerations: Ravello has no beach access without descending to the coast, which requires a winding bus ride or taxi. Dining options, while excellent, are limited compared to larger towns. The elevation also means more stairs and slopes within the town itself.

Sorrento: The Gateway Option

Technically not on the Amalfi Coast but rather at its western entrance, Sorrento deserves consideration when deciding where to stay in Amalfi Coast on a budget. This larger town offers more affordable accommodations, better transportation connections, and a flatter layout than most coastal villages.

Sorrento functions as a proper Italian town rather than a purely tourist destination. You’ll find supermarkets, pharmacies, and everyday services alongside tourist attractions. The town sits atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, with several options for accessing the water via stairs or elevators.

Why Choose Sorrento: Budget-conscious travelers find better value here, with numerous mid-range hotels and restaurants. The town serves as an excellent base for day trips not just along the Amalfi Coast but also to Pompeii, Capri, and Naples. Train connections from Naples to Amalfi Coast become easier when starting from Sorrento.

Considerations: Is Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast? Geographically, no, though many visitors use the terms interchangeably. You’ll need to take buses, ferries, or taxis to reach actual Amalfi Coast towns. Sorrento also attracts large tour groups, creating crowds around main attractions.

Praiano: The Authentic Middle Ground

Praiano sits between Positano and Amalfi, offering one of the most underrated places to stay Amalfi Coast options. This working fishing village maintains authentic character while providing stunning views and good access to neighboring towns.

The town spreads along the coastal road without a defined center, creating a more sprawling layout than compact villages. Two beaches serve the area: Marina di Praia, a tiny cove surrounded by restaurants, and Gavitella, closer to the main town. Both require descending steep stairs but reward visitors with less crowded conditions than famous neighbors.

Why Choose Praiano: Praiano delivers authentic Italian coastal life without the tourist circus. Prices run lower than Positano while maintaining spectacular views. The town offers enough restaurants and services for convenience without feeling overdeveloped. It’s ideal for travelers wanting beauty and authenticity without breaking the bank.

Considerations: Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger towns mean less variety. The spread-out layout requires more walking along the main road. Public transportation stops along the highway rather than in a central location, making arrivals with luggage more challenging.

Atrani: The Hidden Gem

Tiny Atrani, squeezed into a narrow valley just beyond Amalfi, represents where is Amalfi Coast magic meets village intimacy. With fewer than 1,000 residents, this remains one of Italy’s smallest municipalities and one of the coast’s best-kept secrets.

The town’s compact piazza opens directly onto a small beach, creating a charming setting for morning coffee or evening aperitivo. Narrow passageways wind upward from the square, connecting residential areas accessed by steep stairs. Despite its size, Atrani offers several restaurants and accommodations, mostly family-run establishments.

Why Choose Atrani: Budget travelers and authenticity seekers find Atrani irresistible. Prices stay significantly lower than neighboring towns, and the local atmosphere feels genuine rather than staged for tourists. The location provides easy walking access to Amalfi (just 5 minutes away) while maintaining peaceful evenings after day-trippers depart.

Considerations: Very limited accommodation options mean booking well in advance is essential. The tiny beach gets crowded quickly. Steep stairs characterize most routes through town, challenging those with heavy luggage or mobility limitations.

Alternative Options: Lesser-Known Towns

Maiori and Minori

These twin towns offer the coast’s longest stretches of beach and some of its most affordable accommodations. Maiori provides a wide promenade and sandy beach perfect for families, while Minori maintains a more intimate scale with excellent local restaurants.

Both towns see fewer international tourists, creating opportunities to experience everyday Italian life. Prices for amalfi coast hotels in these areas run 30-50% lower than famous villages while still providing coastal beauty and good bus connections.

Furore

Known for its dramatic fjord and colorful houses scattered across the hillside, Furore offers one of the most unique settings on the coast. The town has no real center, with buildings spread across the mountainside connected by stairs and paths. This isolated character appeals to adventurous travelers seeking solitude and spectacular scenery.

What to Do in Amalfi Coast From Different Bases

Day Trips from Positano

Positano’s ferry connections allow easy exploration of Amalfi, Capri, and during summer, even the Cilento Coast. Boats typically run from April through October, with reduced schedules outside peak season. Bus services connect to all major towns, though expect crowded conditions and long waits during summer.

Day Trips from Amalfi

Amalfi’s central location and excellent transportation links make it the best base for exploring. Ferries run frequently to Positano, Salerno, and seasonal routes to Capri. Buses depart regularly for Ravello (just 20 minutes away), Positano, and all eastern towns. The town also serves as a starting point for hiking the famous Path of the Gods and Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve.

Day Trips from Ravello

While Ravello lacks direct beach access, regular buses connect to Amalfi in 20 minutes, where ferry and bus connections continue to other destinations. The elevated position also provides easy access to inland hiking trails and the mountain village of Scala.

Practical Considerations for Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast

How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast

Most international visitors fly into Naples International Airport (officially Capodichino), the closest major airport. From Naples to Amalfi Coast, several options exist:

By Bus: Direct Curreri and SITA buses run from Naples Airport to various coastal towns, taking 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on destination. This represents the most economical option.

By Private Transfer: Pre-arranged transfers cost more but provide door-to-door service without stress. Especially valuable for groups or those with significant luggage.

By Train and Bus: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, then connect to SITA buses running along the coast. This works well for those spending time in Naples first.

Staying connected while traveling along the Amalfi Coast is essential for navigation, ferry schedules, hotel check-ins, and restaurant bookings. Choosing the best eSIM in Italy allows travelers to access fast and reliable mobile data without dealing with physical SIM cards or expensive roaming fees.

An eSIM can be activated instantly on your phone before or after arriving in Italy, making it especially useful in towns like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano where public Wi-Fi may be limited. With strong coverage and flexible data plans, an eSIM is one of the most convenient ways to stay online throughout your trip.

For visitors starting from Rome to Amalfi Coast, high-speed trains reach Naples in just over an hour, where connections continue as described above. Some travelers prefer flying to Fiumicino Airport in Rome and training to Naples, especially when combining the coast with Rome sightseeing.

Which Airport for Amalfi Coast?

The question of which airport for Amalfi Coast depends on your full itinerary. Naples offers proximity and direct connections. Where to fly to for Amalfi Coast from international departure points might route through Rome or Milan, requiring connections. Consider total travel time including connections when choosing where to fly for Amalfi Coast access.

Transportation Along the Coast

The SS163 coastal road provides the primary connection between towns, served by SITA buses running frequently from early morning through evening. Purchase tickets at tobacco shops (tabacchi) before boarding, as drivers don’t always sell tickets.

Summer ferries offer scenic alternatives for reaching Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi town, and other waterfront destinations. These boats often prove faster and more pleasant than crowded buses, though they don’t run to hilltop Ravello or during rough weather.

Driving presents challenges with narrow roads, hairpin turns, aggressive local drivers, and extremely limited parking. Most travelers find public transportation or private transfers more practical.

Understanding Costs: Is Amalfi Coast Expensive?

Is the Amalfi Coast expensive? Yes, particularly during peak season (June through September). Accommodations command premium prices, with even basic hotels often costing €200+ per night in famous towns. Meals at tourist-focused restaurants easily run €50-80 per person.

However, costs vary dramatically by town and timing. Staying in Atrani, Maiori, or Minori significantly reduces accommodation expenses. Visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or October-November) can cut costs by 30-50%. Seeking out local trattorias away from main squares provides authentic meals at reasonable prices.

When to Visit: Timing Your Stay

Peak Season (June-September)

Summer on the coast means perfect beach weather, long daylight hours, and full ferry schedules. It also brings intense crowds, maximum prices, and temperatures reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F). Book amalfi coast vacation rentals and hotels at least 3-6 months ahead for this period.

Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)

These months offer excellent weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable for walking and sightseeing, though water remains cool for swimming in spring. Some restaurants and hotels close during these months, but enough remain open for good choices.

Winter (December-March)

Winter sees the coast at its quietest, with many establishments closed. However, travelers seeking solitude and rock-bottom prices find magic in the peaceful villages and dramatic winter seas. Amalfi coast weather during winter can be rainy, but sunny days reveal the coast without tourist veneer.

Accommodation Types and Booking Strategy

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Properties like Le Sirenuse in Positano or Hotel Santa Caterina outside Amalfi deliver world-class service with infinity pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, and rooms starting around €500-1,500 per night. These hotels justify premium prices with exceptional locations, impeccable service, and amenities like private beach access or complimentary boat transfers.

Boutique Hotels

Mid-range boutique hotels (€200-400 per night) provide character and personal service without luxury price tags. Family-run properties often include breakfast on panoramic terraces and helpful recommendations for authentic experiences. These represent the sweet spot for many travelers balancing comfort and cost.

Vacation Rentals

Amalfi coast vacation rentals range from simple studios to elaborate villas. They offer more space and kitchen facilities but require more planning for amenities like parking, air conditioning, and precise location. Rental platforms show beautiful photos, but carefully verify the number of stairs and distance from town centers.

Agriturismos

These farm-stay accommodations in the hills behind coastal towns provide authentic experiences, home-cooked meals using property-grown ingredients, and significantly lower prices. The tradeoff comes in location—expect at least 15-30 minutes to reach the coast.

Creating Your Perfect Itinerary

3-Day Stay: Single Base Recommended

With limited time, choose one strategically located town and explore from there. Amalfi or Praiano work best, providing central access for day trips east and west along the coast.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary Based in Amalfi:

• Day 1: Explore Amalfi town, hike Valle delle Ferriere
• Day 2: Ferry to Positano, explore and return via bus
• Day 3: Bus to Ravello for gardens and views, evening in Atrani

5-Day Stay: Consider Two Bases

Five days allows splitting time between two towns, experiencing different atmospheres while minimizing packing and unpacking.

Sample 5-Day Split Stay:

• Nights 1-3: Sorrento (for budget accommodation and easy arrival)
• Nights 4-5: Positano or Amalfi (for authentic coast experience)

Week-Long Stay: Maximum Flexibility

A full week permits deeper exploration, relaxation time, and less rushed sightseeing. Consider basing in one central location or splitting 4 nights in one town and 3 in another.

Essential Booking Tips

Book Early for Popular Periods

Properties in desirable locations sell out months ahead for summer holidays to amalfi coast. Starting your search 4-6 months before travel provides the best selection. Last-minute deals occasionally appear but risk limited availability or unfavorable locations.

Verify Exact Location

“Amalfi Coast” hotels sometimes sit far from actual coastal towns, requiring long drives to reach attractions. Carefully check addresses using maps and read reviews mentioning location. Hillside properties above towns can mean 10-20 minute walks plus stairs.

Understand Stair Situations

Nearly every accommodation involves stairs—the question is how many. Reviews often mention specific stair counts. Properties claiming “only 50 steps” still challenge travelers with heavy luggage. Consider luggage transfer services or packing very light.

Check Amenities Carefully

Air conditioning, elevators, parking, and breakfast inclusion vary widely. Italian hotels sometimes charge separately for breakfast (€15-25 per person). Parking, when available, often costs €25-40 daily. Verify what’s included before booking.

Read Cancellation Policies

Flexible cancellation policies provide peace of mind, though they often cost more. Many Amalfi coast hotels require deposits and impose strict cancellation terms. Travel insurance can protect against unexpected changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations: Choosing Your Perfect Base

After exploring the various options for places to stay Amalfi Coast, here’s the bottom line for different traveler types:

For First-Timers: Choose Amalfi town for its central location, good transportation, and balance of beauty with practical amenities.

For Romance Seekers: Positano delivers Instagram-worthy views and luxury atmosphere, despite premium prices.

For Budget Travelers: Sorrento, Atrani, or Maiori provide the best value while maintaining access to coastal highlights.

For Peace and Culture: Ravello’s elevated gardens and tranquil atmosphere create ideal conditions for relaxation and artistic appreciation.

For Authentic Experience: Praiano or Atrani immerse visitors in genuine coastal life without tourist overwhelm.

The Amalfi Coast rewards travelers who plan thoughtfully, considering their priorities for budget, atmosphere, and activities. Whatever base you choose, this stunning coastline delivers unforgettable beauty, superb cuisine, and that particular Italian magic found nowhere else.

Remember that accommodations fill quickly, especially for Amalfi Coast holidays during peak season. Start planning early, read reviews carefully, and prepare for stairs wherever you stay. The effort invested in choosing the right location pays dividends in experiencing this remarkable destination at its best.

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