Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The most photogenic and glamorous town on the coast, Positano cascades down steep cliffs in a tumble of pastel-colored houses. The town is synonymous with luxury, with designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and some of the coast's most exclusive hotels. Its near-vertical layout means everything involves climbing stairs, but the views are incomparable.
- Most iconic and photographed location on the Amalfi Coast
- Excellent selection of high-end restaurants and beach clubs
- Beautiful main beach (Spiaggia Grande) accessible from town center
- Sophisticated shopping with local linen and fashion boutiques
- Romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions
- Most expensive accommodation on the entire coast
- Extremely steep terrain with hundreds of steps required for most hotels
- Very crowded during peak season with day-trippers
- Limited parking and difficult vehicle access
The namesake town of the coast and a former maritime republic, Amalfi offers a more accessible base with better transport connections than other coastal towns. The town has a working harbor, impressive cathedral, and a mix of accommodation options across various price points. It's less steep than Positano and serves as the main transport hub for the region.
- Central location with excellent ferry and bus connections
- More affordable than Positano with better value accommodation
- Flatter town center with easier walking than other coastal towns
- Good selection of restaurants at various price points
- Impressive historical sites including the stunning cathedral
- Can feel touristy and crowded during peak hours
- Less intimate atmosphere than smaller villages
- Main road runs through town creating traffic noise
Perched 365 meters above sea level, Ravello offers a quieter, more refined alternative to the bustling coastal towns below. Known for its spectacular gardens, classical music festival, and intellectual atmosphere, this hilltop town attracts visitors seeking tranquility and culture. The elevated position means cooler temperatures and panoramic views but requires a winding drive or bus ride from the coast.
- Peaceful atmosphere away from coastal crowds
- Stunning elevated views across the entire coastline
- World-famous gardens at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo
- Cooler temperatures in summer due to elevation
- Excellent restaurants with less touristy feel
- No direct beach access—requires 20-30 minute drive down to coast
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than coastal towns
- Can feel isolated without a car
A quieter fishing village between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano offers a more authentic and relaxed experience without sacrificing coastal beauty. The town is spread along the hillside with two small beaches and spectacular sunset views facing west. It's ideal for travelers who want Amalfi Coast beauty without the tourist intensity.
- More affordable than Positano with similar coastal scenery
- Less crowded and more authentic local atmosphere
- Beautiful sunsets with westward-facing position
- Good selection of local restaurants and family-run hotels
- Convenient location between major towns
- Limited dining and shopping compared to larger towns
- Spread-out layout requires walking along the main road
- Smaller beaches with limited facilities
Technically just beyond the Amalfi Coast proper, Sorrento serves as a popular base for exploring the region with excellent transport links to Pompeii, Capri, and Naples. This larger town offers the widest range of accommodation options, from budget B&Bs to luxury hotels, along with better infrastructure and easier access. The town sits on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples with a more relaxed, less dramatic landscape than the Amalfi Coast proper.
- Most affordable accommodation options in the region
- Excellent transport connections including train station
- Wide range of restaurants, shops, and services
- Flatter town center with easier walking
- Good base for day trips to Pompeii, Capri, and Naples
- Less dramatic scenery than the Amalfi Coast proper
- Can feel more commercial and less charming
- Not technically on the Amalfi Coast itself
- Beaches require elevator or stairs down cliffs
The smallest municipality in Italy, Atrani is a hidden gem tucked into a tight valley next to Amalfi town. This authentic fishing village offers a genuine local atmosphere with a small piazza, beach, and traditional character largely untouched by mass tourism. Its proximity to Amalfi means easy access to transport while maintaining village charm.
- Most authentic and least touristy atmosphere on the coast
- Very affordable accommodation compared to neighboring towns
- Charming small beach and picturesque piazza
- Walking distance to Amalfi's amenities and transport
- Intimate village feel with local restaurants
- Very limited accommodation options
- Few restaurants and shops within the village
- Can feel too quiet for some visitors
Known as the "town that doesn't exist" due to its houses scattered across the cliffs rather than centered in one place, Furore offers a unique accommodation experience. The town is famous for its fjord—a dramatic inlet with a small beach reached by stairs. This is the choice for travelers seeking something completely different from traditional town-based stays.
- Unique dispersed village layout unlike anywhere else
- Dramatic fjord and coastal scenery
- Quieter with fewer tourists than main towns
- Good value accommodation in rural settings
- Car essential for getting around and accessing amenities
- Very limited restaurants and services
- Isolated location not ideal for first-time visitors
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its five-star properties perched on cliffs with infinity pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, and impeccable service. These hotels typically occupy historic villas or purpose-built structures with terraced gardens and private beach access via elevators or funiculars.
Best for: Honeymooners, special occasions, luxury travelers seeking world-class amenities and service
Family-run properties and converted historic buildings offer personalized service and local character. These typically have 5-15 rooms with breakfast included, often featuring traditional ceramics, vaulted ceilings, and terraces with views. Many are located in residential areas requiring stairs to access.
Best for: Couples, travelers seeking authentic experiences and personal attention
Private apartments and villas offer independence and often better value for longer stays or groups. Options range from simple studios to luxury villas with private pools. Many historic buildings have been converted into rental units with traditional features like majolica-tiled floors and sea-view terraces.
Best for: Families, groups, longer stays, self-catering travelers
Working farms in the hills above the coast offer rooms and apartments with a rural experience, often including meals made from farm products. These properties provide authentic local culture, cooler temperatures, and spectacular views, though they're typically inland requiring a car to reach coastal towns.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, families, those seeking rural tranquility and authentic cuisine
Several former monasteries, convents, and noble residences have been transformed into unique accommodations offering historical atmosphere with modern comforts. These properties often feature cloisters, frescoed ceilings, and centuries-old gardens, providing an authentic taste of the region's heritage.
Best for: History enthusiasts, travelers seeking unique experiences, culture-focused visitors
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Sea-view rooms are limited and command premium prices on the Amalfi Coast. Properties often have only 30-50% of rooms with actual sea views, while others face gardens, courtyards, or inland. Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season and specifically request and confirm sea-view rooms in writing, as these sell out first and can cost 40-60% more than standard rooms.
The vertical landscape means stairs are unavoidable at most properties. Before booking, ask specific questions: How many steps from parking/drop-off to room? Is there porter service? Are there elevators? Some hotels involve climbing 100+ steps, which can be challenging with luggage. Properties usually offer porter service, but confirm this especially if you have mobility concerns.
Decide whether you want to stay directly in a coastal town (convenient but expensive and crowded) or in the hills above (cheaper, quieter, but requiring a car and driving on narrow, winding roads). If relying on public transport, base yourself in Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano. For a car-free stay, avoid Ravello, Furore, and hillside agriturismi.
Parking is extremely limited and expensive on the Amalfi Coast. Many hotels charge €25-40 per day for parking, and some have no parking at all. If driving, confirm parking availability, cost, and location before booking. Some properties only offer drop-off points with parking in distant public lots. Consider whether you actually need a car or if ferries and buses might be easier.
Many hotels close entirely from November through March or Easter, particularly smaller boutique properties and luxury hotels. If traveling in shoulder or low season, confirm your chosen property is actually open. Those that remain open often reduce services like restaurants or pools during winter months.
Amalfi Coast hotels often have strict cancellation policies, especially for peak season. Many require full prepayment and offer no refunds within 30-60 days of arrival. Some luxury properties have even stricter terms. Purchase travel insurance if booking far in advance, and understand exactly what you're agreeing to before confirming.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For June-September stays, book 6-12 months in advance, especially for luxury hotels and sea-view rooms in Positano. August and the first two weeks of September are absolute peak periods when the best properties sell out completely. Prices are at their highest and minimum stay requirements (often 3-7 nights) are common.
April-May and late September-October offer excellent weather with fewer crowds. Book 3-6 months ahead for best selection. Prices are typically 20-30% lower than peak season, and you'll have better negotiating power. Many hotels drop minimum stay requirements, making short visits more feasible.
November-March sees many hotels closed, but those remaining open offer significant discounts of 40-60% off peak rates. Book 1-3 months ahead. Weather is unpredictable but mild, and you'll experience the coast without tourist crowds. Confirm restaurant and attraction opening hours as many businesses close during this period.
The earlier you book, the better your selection and rates, particularly for specific room types and sea views. However, last-minute deals (within 2 weeks) can sometimes be found in shoulder season through booking sites, though you'll have limited choice. For luxury properties and peak season, early booking is essential as prices only increase closer to arrival dates.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.