Save Significantly By Choosing Your Accommodation Wisely
As stated earlier, accommodation can be insanely pricey in the most popular spots, like Positano, Amalfi and Capri. But these are certainly not the only nice places to stay on the Amalfi coast. Theres a wide range of other lovely towns all along the coast that offer accommodation for a fraction of what youd pay in the most favoured places. You can try Furore or Praiano for more budget-friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Another option is to set up base camp in the nearby metropolis Naples and make day trips to the Amalfi coast. Naples offers significantly cheaper accommodation for every travel budget possible, from backpacker hostels to luxurious hotels.
Amalfi Coast Towns: Where To Stay
Written by Madeline Jhawar
If you drove along Italys Amalfi Coast from the city of Sorrento to the city of Salerno, it would take at least a couple of hours, one-way, with no traffic. During that drive, youd pass the iconic Amalfi Coast towns of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and others. But which Amalfi Coast town should you choose as a base? Take our advice below to choose the right fit for your trip.
Positano
Best Hotel In Amalfi Coast: Plaza Hotel Sorrento
A short drive from the centre of Sorrento, this hotel is conveniently located near restaurants, cultural sights, and tourist attractions. Sorrento is one of the best coastal towns in this region for amenities.
Featuring a rooftop terrace, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, this charming hotel offers guests a luxurious home base for their stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Enjoy comfortable beds, free wifi, and more at this four-star hotel in Sorrento. With so many amenities, its no wonder we rate this one of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in the southwestern region of Italy. Famous for its stunning seaside towns, this region welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
The Amalfi Coast covers more than 110 square kilometres and is comprised of 13 municipalities that lie between Sorrento and Salerno. From the cute and quaint to the bustling and historic, each of the towns that make up the Amalfi Coast has a distinct feel to it. The nearest airport is over in Naples not too far away.
To help you decide where to spend your time here this guide will break down the regions must-see sights and attractions by interest.
Continuing east, youll find yourself in Maiori. A popular tourist resort and day trip choice since the Roman Times, Maiori is a great choice for families visiting the Amalfi Coast thanks to its relatively flat terrain and an unbroken stretch of beach along the coastline.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Bryce National Park
Where To Stay In Maiori
Hotel Club Due Torri Boasting a large pool with spectacular views of the coast, the whole hotel is kept very clean and well-maintained. A large breakfast spread can be enjoyed out on the sun terrace and is served with delicious, fresh Italian coffee. The location is just out of the center of Maiori, but all the towns amenities can be reached within a few minutes on foot plus theres a beautiful beach just on the hotels doorstep. Rooms are classically decorated, with fresh white linens changed daily and very friendly staff.
Can You Visit Italy Now
Nation-wide cases of COVID are down in Italy, but there are certain hotspots to be aware of. You can check the specific city or region you plan to visit in advance. As with most of Europe, youll need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before entering the country.
Passengers from the US, UK, Canada, and of course the rest of Europe are permitted so long as they present the PLF, a COVID-19 Green Pass for European visitors , and a negative PCR or antigen test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy.
Read Also: Best Area To Stay In South Padre Island
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Merrimack Nh
Positano Is The Most Popular And The Prettiest
Positano is the most western town on the Amalfi Coast, and also the most easily accessible. Choose a hotel in Positano if you prefer the busier, more touristy town, and dont mind crowds! If you are looking for where to stay on the Amalfi Coast to start off your explorations, Positano is a great choice. The colorful buildings and mountainous backdrop, and stunning ocean views make this village a popular choice.
Make sure you are in good fitness when choosing to stay in Positano because there are a lot of stairs to climb to reach the beach from the upper area. If you enjoy hiking, you might want to check out The Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail, which links Positano to other coastal towns.
Upsides: Beautiful views, beach access, and a hiking trail. It caters to tourists, so there are lots of wonderful restaurants. The buses and ferries give easy access to other towns on the Amalfi Coast.
Downsides: As the most popular town on the Amalfi Coast, it can get very crowded. There are lots of stairs to reach the beach. Its very touristy and more expensive than other towns.
Best Hotels In Positano
Affordable: Alcione Residence
Alcione Residenceis a fantastic budget option in Positano. The budget option does NOT mean boring or without charm! This hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the beach, and all the rooms have cute tiled floors, bright colors, flatscreen TVs and tea/coffee ingredients.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Hotel Savoia
Check Rates: Booking.com
Praiano And Conca Dei Marini
Located exactly halfway between Amalfi and Positano, tiny Praiano and even tinier Conca dei Marini are far too often overlooked. Much quieter than its two big sisters nearby, 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 . 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.
Conca dei Marini is home to just a hundred or so inhabitants living in cottages along the cliffs. These are the same cliffs that form the legendary Grotta dello Smeraldo or Emerald Grotto a partially-submerged cave filled with beautiful, if somewhat eerie, green light. Despite being one of the smallest towns on the Amalfi Coast, Conca dei Marini has its very own dessert the Santa Rosa sfogliatella. This unique treat, which sits somewhere between pastry and cake, was created in a monastery in 1600 and was so good that the recipe was kept secret for 150 years! Every August Conca dei Marini has a festival to honor it, but even if you cant make the festival this is one treat that is not to be missed.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Frankfurt Germany
Stay In Sorrento & Take The Sita Bus
If you want to stay a bit closer to the Amalfi Coast but for a bit cheaper than on the coast, you can stay in Sorrento or in the surrounding little towns by Sorrento like SantAgnello.
This is going to be more expensive than Napoli, which you can get for around $300-$350 for one week. In Sorrento or SantAgnello, you can find a place for around $400-$500 per week.
Of course, to find a good price you will need to be booking far in advance and it will also take a bit of searching and comparing between Airbnb and directly with hotels in Sorrento.
However, by staying in Sorrento you save yourself 1.5 hours by not taking the train from Napoli.
From Sorrento, you can hop on the SITA bus and be in Positano in 45 minutes or Amalfi in 1.5 hours for just 2-3 euros per person each way.
Cheapest Time To Visit The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast isn’t so much a destination for the winter months since everything revolves around the season, essentially from April to October. Outside this period, you might struggle to find accommodations, and many shops and restaurants are closed. So, instead of going for a winter bargain, try April, early May, or late September to October. Prices tend to rise from June until mid-September.
You May Like: Places To Stay In Galway City Centre
Italys Amalfi Coast Is Sprinkled With Colorful Seaside Towns Our Guide Will Help You Navigate The Region Like An Expert
The allure of the Amalfi Coast has drawn people to the Italian region for millennia. Its dramatic landscapes and idyllic weather enticed ancient Roman nobles to build their villas there several centuries ago, a high-end real estate trend that has never faded. Today, the mountains and cliffs remain dotted with breathtaking historic houses perched above the crystalline waters, making the coastline one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Its fragile cultural landscape churches, gardens, vineyards, and towns is divided into 16 municipalities and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are the area’s top destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Here’s how you can be one of them.
Where To Stay In Furore
La Vela Featuring many amenities, from complimentary breakfast to free parking, La Vela is a good choice for families the staff here are friendly and will do what they can to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Theres even an airport shuttle, which makes getting to and from this destination pretty easy. Nearby are a few sights you can see very easily on foot, like the churches of SantElia and San Michele, plus its near the beautiful Emerald Grotto.
Read Also: Places To Stay In Alpharetta Ga
How To Get To The Amalfi Coast
The closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast is in Naples. From there you can either hire a car, organize a transfer or take a local shuttle bus to the town you are staying in.
You could try to navigate the public transport system train and bus but it is a bit tricky and will take 3-4 times as long. We recommend organizing a transfer if you dont have a car.
Many companies offer very reasonable prices to transfer passengers to towns along the coast at around 30 per person. You can be sipping your spritz in Positano in less than an hour and a half compared to almost 5 hours on the bus > click for airport transfer info
If you are traveling by train, from Naples you take two different approaches depending on where you are staying:
- For Positano and Praiano take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento and connect to a local SITA bus or ferry to take you down the coast
- For Amalfi, Maiori and Minori take the train to Salerno and then the SITA bus along the coast
Once again, unless you are on a super tight budget, organize a transfer so you can start enjoying yourself straight away. The onward journey is at least another 3.5 hours depending on bus and train connections > click here for details
Things To Do In Amalfi
If youre looking for somewhere to stay on the Amalfi Coast that offers beach options as well as history and art spots to visit, Amalfi is a great location. The Duomo is a sight that you cant miss, along with the St Andrew Fountain, the Chiostro del Paradiso, and the Maritime Museum in the old armory.
When youre thinking about staying either in Amalfi or Positano, your interests in your trip are important. Positano is known more for the picturesque views and name to fame, but without much to visit and see culturally. Amalfi on the other hand is rich in sites with a lot more to offer if youre looking to explore art and history.
There are also beaches in Amalfi which are quite nice and are likely going to be less busy than those in Positano. The main beach is Marina Grande where you can expect to pay around 10 euros for an umbrella and chair. You can also head to the opposite end of the beach where there is a small public section where you can just lay your towel down.
Amalfi is closer to the beaches as well as quite flat in comparison to Sorrento or Positano, and that makes it a great location to visit with kids. Its much easier to navigate around and without the crowds of Positano or Sorrento, youre likely going to have a much more relaxing trip with little ones.
Also Check: Best Places To Stay In London
Positano Where To Stay In The Amalfi Coast For First Timers
Too big to be a village, too small to be a city, Positano is just the right size for a quiet escape. This picturesque town along the Amalfi Coast is home to beautiful beaches like the one youll find at the bottom of Via Fornillo its definitely where to stay in the Amalfi Coast if you want access to a good beach. A walk through the narrow streets reveals top restaurants, little boutique shops and snug cafes. The stunning coastal scenery is made all that more beautiful by the homes stacked along the cliffs.
Il San Pietro di Positano
At Il San Pietro di Positano, youll get a five-star luxury experience overlooking the sea. On-site, youll find an outdoor pool, spa, tennis court, fitness center and two gourmet restaurants. The well-appointed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, televisions, minibars and balconies.
Each morning a complimentary buffet breakfast is served but one of the best things about this hotel is the beautiful private beach that can only be reached via a cliffside elevator. Swim in warm, clear waters and when youre ready for a break, head to the beachside bar and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Villa Rosa
B& B Il Canneto
Things To Do In Sorrento
We know it as Sorrento and the locals refer to it as Surriento.
Sorrento may not be directly in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, but staying in Sorrento doesnt leave you without options of things to do. From enjoying a delicious seafood meal alongside the Marina Grande, at Porta Marina Seafood to wandering through the streets of the old town that had long been conquered by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, French, and Spanish.
There are also lovely little shops and cafes throughout the center of the city starting at the grand Piazza Tasso.
Although there are many things to do to occupy your time, one of the downsides to Sorrento is the lack of beaches to spend the day lounging in and catching the hot Italian sun.
If this is one of the main purposes and interests of your trip and youre wondering whether to stay in Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi Positano or Amalfi are definitely the spots for you.
You can also use Sorrento to your advantage as its a great base for the Amalfi Coast as well as visiting other places nearby. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are closer to Sorrento vs Amalfi or Positano and are terrific day trips, also with a lot of great hikes nearby if youre looking for more physical activity.
If visiting these sites is at the top of your must-do list during your trip and youre wondering whether Sorrento or Positano or Amalfi is best for you, Id definitely go with Sorrento.
Don’t Miss: Where To Stay In Auckland New Zealand
Where To Stay In Ravello
Since Ravello sits high on a hill, its best to stay in the historic old town so that you dont have to do too many stairs. Most hotels are indeed concentrated in this area.
Youll find accommodation for all budgets here from some of the most expensive luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast to simple, lower-budget accommodations and everything in between.
Here are some of the best-rated Ravello hotels for all budgets:
+Caruso Belmond Hotel .Hotel Villa Cimbrone .Villa Amore .Hotel Giordano .Casa Vacanze Vittoria .
And here you can find lots of private Airbnb-style rentals in and around Ravello.
| * More flexibility in case of bad weather. | * Bigger town, busier. |
| * Better value for your money. |
While Sorrento is not located directly on the Amalfi Coast, its well worth considering staying here. This is especially the case if you want to explore more of the area without having to change hotels. Sorrento is the ideal base location for those who are mostly interested in sightseeing in the wider surroundings, beyond the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento has good train connections to places like Naples, Pompeii, or Herculaneum. It also has a bigger harbor with regular ferry connections to the Amalfi Coast, Capri island, etc. The Amalfi Coast bus route also starts in Sorrento and there are lots of organized tours to all the popular places from here.
Where To Stay In Positano:
We stayed in the glorious Villa Rosa on the sunset side of the village. This meant we had sun all afternoon on our terrace and what a terrace that was. The Villa Rosa is a stunning small boutique hotel situated conveniently near the centre of Positano, just a few minutes walk downhill to the beaches, restaurants and shops.
It is only a three-star hotel, but dont let that put you off. We booked a standard sea view triple room which was just amazing.
We were walked to our room by the receptionist who took great delight in opening our french doors to the most magnificent view I have ever seen. I felt practically giddy at the sight! Breakfast is served every morning on your terrace which is just delightful. The terrace also comes equipped with deck chairs and sun loungers, what more could a girl ask for.
We stayed for four nights in August and it is hot hot hot! We certainly burnt off any pizza or pasta calories consumed by climbing those steps to and from dinner. Speaking of which, the pizzas are delicious in Capricci and Lincanto at the beach is great for paninis at lunch time.
If you are looking for a table with a view, go for Caffe Positano. It is owned by the same owners as the Villa Rosa, so they will collect you and bring you home after your meal. Restaurant Bruno offers one of the best views in Positano, so make sure to book in advance, while Restaurant LAncona at the LAncona hotel offers excellent sea food and desserts.
Read Also: Best Places To Stay In Oxford