The Best Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit: Complete Guide to Which Town Is Best for You

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful region made up of several small towns along the southern coast of Italy, just south of Naples.

These towns have become very popular over the past years, and today the Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous travel destinations in Italy.

And for a good reason: few places in the country offer the same mix of charm, sea views, colorful houses, and that romantic Italian feeling as the Amalfi Coast.

It’s also one of my personal favorite places in Italy, and I’ve written several guides to help you plan your trip here.

In this post, I’ll answer a common question: Which is the best Amalfi Coast town to visit: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Atrani, or maybe Maiori or Vietri sul Mare?

Each town has its own character, strengths, and downsides, so the best one really depends on what you’re looking for.

Whether you want to stay overnight, relax on the beach, take photos, go sightseeing, watch the sunset, or just enjoy the Italian atmosphere, this guide will help you find the perfect Amalfi Coast town for your trip.

First, I’ll share my personal favorites and quick tips. Then we’ll go through each of the most important towns one by one, followed by answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the Amalfi Coast.

So, let’s start with my personal thoughts on the best Amalfi Coast towns.

Which Amalfi Coast town to choose? Pros and cons of the best towns

Choosing the best Amalfi Coast town really depends on the kind of trip you want and what matters most to you while visiting.

Are you looking for a romantic place for couples? The best hotels with sea views? Do you love photography, good food and wine, or boat tours? Maybe you just want to relax on the beach or find something fun for the whole family?

That’s why in this part, I’ll go through the best Amalfi Coast towns in detail: what makes each one special, why you might want to choose it, and what to know before visiting.

But first, let’s take a quick look!

The most common question: Which Amalfi Coast town is the best place to stay?

In my opinion, Positano is the best town to stay. You’ll find the best hotels with amazing views of the coast there.

The downside is the price. Positano is also one of the most expensive towns on the Amalfi Coast, not only for hotels but in general.

So, Positano is the best place to stay, but also the most expensive one.

If you’re looking for more affordable options, other Amalfi Coast towns offer great hotels and guesthouses at lower prices.

Now let’s go through the best towns of the Amalfi Coast one by one and see what you should know about each:

Positano

Positano is the most charming town on the Amalfi Coast, with colorful houses on steep cliffs and incredible sea views.

I think this is the best town for sea-view hotels and guesthouses, because from here you get the most iconic views of the entire Amalfi Coast.

Although the town is far from cheap, if you can afford it, it’s an excellent choice to stay here. You’ll also find the best restaurants with a view.

Positano is the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, which means big crowds and high prices. Still, it’s the one place that I consider absolutely must-see when visiting the coast.

If you go to Positano, walk along Via Cristoforo Colombo for beautiful scenery, enjoy a tasty snack at Collina Bakery, relax on Spiaggia Grande beach, and visit the Santa Maria Assunta Church.

For dinner with a view, I recommend Rada Beach Restaurant, one of my personal favorites. Nothing captures the Amalfi feeling better than having an Italian dinner with an Aperol Spritz right by the beach — and Rada also offers gluten-free options!

In the evening, Franco’s Bar is a perfect place to have a drink while watching the sunset.

Praiano

Praiano is a small town located halfway between Positano and Amalfi.

It’s famous for the Path of the Gods hiking trail, often called the best trail on the Amalfi Coast because of its breathtaking views.

There aren’t many attractions here, but Praiano is ideal if you want to stay somewhere peaceful with sea views. It’s much quieter than the surrounding famous towns.

For lunch or dinner, I recommend Ristorante Costa Diva, a beautiful lemon-garden restaurant, or Il Pirata Ristorante, Lounge Bar & Beach Club, both with fantastic sea views.

To stay overnight, Tramonto d’Oro and Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea are great choices with amazing views.

Amalfi

The town of Amalfi is the other most famous and most visited town on the coast, right after Positano.

Even though it can get very crowded, its central location and charming atmosphere make it worth a visit.

The narrow streets, small shops, and the impressive Amalfi Cathedral create a truly Italian vibe. Walk along the harbor for great views, then hike up to Torre dello Ziro or Veliero del Belvedere for beautiful panoramas.

For dinner, try Pizzeria Donna Stella, where you can enjoy real Italian food under lemon trees.

If you’re searching for the famous Amalfi lemon sorbet seen all over social media, go to Il Pianeta Del Gelato. But you can also find delicious ones near the cathedral at Royal Gelato (that’s where we had ours!).

A great hotel option here is Hotel Marina Riviera, a beautiful 4-star property by the sea.

Atrani

Atrani is a lesser-known small town on the Amalfi Coast, located just a short walk from Amalfi.

It’s a good choice if you want to enjoy the coast in a less crowded place, while still being close to the main attractions.

It also has a nice beach and great local restaurants. One of the best-known is Le Arcate, right on the beach. It’s popular on social media but also highly rated, so it’s definitely worth a lunch or dinner stop.

If you have some extra time, spend a few hours exploring Atrani and enjoying its relaxing atmosphere.

For accommodation, the Palazzo Ferraioli is one of the best seafront hotels in town.

Ravello

Ravello sits high above the coastline and offers stunning panoramic views of the sea.

Main highlights include Villa Cimbrone Gardens with its famous Terrace of Infinity and Villa Rufolo, known for its beautiful gardens and summer concerts.

Don’t miss the free Panorama Viewpoint, where you can take in incredible sea views.

For dinner, Ristorante Bella Vista sul Mare, Giuliana’s View, and Villa Maria are all great choices. The last one is located on the way to Villa Cimbrone, offers gluten-free meals, and has one of the best views in town.

Minori

Minori is a smaller and quieter town near Amalfi.

It offers lovely viewpoints such as Belvedere Mortella and Via Cesare Carola, and its beach is one of the best-rated and less crowded than Positano.

If you enjoy history, visit Villa Romana e Antiquarium, a small archaeological site.

Take time to walk around, enjoy the atmosphere, and have lunch in a traditional Italian restaurant.

If you pass through Minori, don’t miss the famous Pasticceria Sal De Riso, one of the best pastry shops on the Amalfi Coast, or the nearby seaside restaurant.

A great place to stay is Palazzo Vingius, with beautiful sea views, great reviews, and good prices.

Maiori

Maiori is one of the largest towns on the Amalfi Coast, located between Amalfi and Salerno along the SS163 coastal road.

It has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast — a mix of small pebbles and sand — making it perfect for swimming and relaxing.

The harbor and the lungomare (seaside promenade) are great for a walk, especially in the evening.

You can also visit Palazzo Mezzacapo Gardens, Santuario Santa Maria a Mare, and Castello di San Nicola de Thoro-Plano.

Maiori has plenty of hotels and restaurants; I recommend Hotel Club Due Torri for accommodation and Ristorante Lounge Bar Lido Eldorado for a meal by the sea.

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is a lesser-known town near Salerno. It’s a great stop if you want to explore the less touristy side of the Amalfi Coast or discover hidden gems in the area.

One of the best viewpoints is Villa Comunale Vietri sul Mare, where you can enjoy the sea view and unique mosaics. Right next to it, stop at Pane & Panorama for a quick snack.

Other local sights include Case Colorate and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista church.

For a relaxing stay, Hotel Raito Wellness & SPA is a great choice.

Because Vietri is a bit farther from the main Amalfi towns, it’s best for those who have more time or want to stay close to Salerno.

So these were the most famous and most beautiful towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast, from Positano to Vietri sul Mare.

I tried to include as many useful details as possible to help you decide which town fits you best.

If you still have questions about traveling along the Amalfi Coast, keep reading. I’ll share more helpful tips and information below.

Common questions about visiting the Amalfi Coast

Here are a few more things I think you should know before planning your Amalfi Coast trip:

How to get around the Amalfi Coast

There are basically three ways to get around the Amalfi Coast:

by car, by bus or by boat.

By car

If you’re traveling by car, there are three things to prepare for in advance.

Firstly, parking can be very problematic in the area. It’s not only expensive, but often, they cram as many cars as possible into small spaces, and you have to leave your key. I don’t recommend this option because who knows what might happen to your car and belongings while you’re exploring the town. There are a few parking lots where this system isn’t in place, those are preferable. When choosing a parking lot, I strongly recommend reading the Google Maps reviews thoroughly.

Note: Parking during peak season can cost between 50–100 euros per day for a car! Outside of high season, these prices are also much more affordable.

Secondly, navigating on winding mountain roads can be challenging. Towns like Positano or Amalfi can only be reached via mountain roads, all while “enjoying” the Southern Italian driving style. So, driving should only be attempted by experienced drivers, as very sharp situations can arise when a bus comes from the opposite direction, and there’s not enough room for everyone on the road.

Third, on the Amalfi Coast from spring to autumn there are periods when traffic is limited with an alternate license plate system. This means only certain cars can use the main coastal road on certain days. For example, if your plate ends with an even number, you can drive on odd numbered days, and vice versa. The rule is quite complicated, so I recommend checking the details carefully before you go.

By bus

Local buses are available, but they are often slow and crowded. The routes are not very flexible, so it’s not the most comfortable way to travel. I only recommend taking the bus if you really don’t want to drive or if you are joining a group tour.

By boat

You can take regular ferry boats or rent a private boat if you prefer.

The private ones are quite expensive, but the public ferries are a nice and affordable way to see the coast from the water. The views are amazing, and it’s a great opportunity to take photos. A short ferry ride between Positano and Amalfi is highly recommended.

There are also important ports in Naples, Sorrento and Salerno, which makes it easy to start or end your trip by sea.

Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast

Personally, my favorite months are May, June, and October.

• In May, the weather is already pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and taking beautiful photos. Prices are usually more affordable compared to the high season.
• In June, it can be a bit busier and hotel prices higher, but the weather already feels summery without being too hot. The first half of June is especially a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast and Italy in general.
• October is another wonderful month for southern Europe trips, and I highly recommend it for the Amalfi Coast too. While crowds and prices can still be a challenge, the first half of October is a very good choice.

So, if you are looking for the best months to visit, my personal recommendation would be May, early June, or early October.

How many days to spend on the Amalfi Coast

Many companies organize day trips to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or even Rome, showcasing only the most popular places like Amalfi and Positano.

However, other picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast are left out, such as Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, and Minori. Therefore, I recommend spending at least 2, but preferably 3 days on the Amalfi Coast if you want to see the real must-sees.

You won’t go wrong if you plan to spend a whole week on the Amalfi Coast. In fact, spending 7 days allows for a pleasant mix of relaxation and exploration of the surrounding areas, such as Sorrento or Capri.

Best things to do in the Amalfi Coast towns

I already mentioned some of these above, but let me quickly sum up all the best things you can do on the Amalfi Coast:

• Walk around the beautiful towns like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Atrani
• Take a boat trip along the coast to see the towns from the water
• Go for a scenic hike, such as the famous Path of the Gods
• Enjoy local food and wine tasting tours
• Try the local limoncello and have a refreshing lemon sorbet
• Relax at the best viewpoints with amazing sea views.

What to visit near the Amalfi Coast

If you have more time in the area, plan some day trips to other interesting places near the Amalfi Coast.

Here are my suggestions:

• Sorrento: A lovely coastal town with great restaurants, shops and sea views, often used as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
• Capri: A beautiful island famous for the Blue Grotto, the Gardens of Augustus, stylish streets and stunning sea views.
• Naples: A lively Italian city known for its pizza, history and authentic local life.
• Pompeii: The ancient Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, now one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Italy.
• Vesuvius: The volcano near Naples where you can hike up to the crater and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
• Procida: A small, colorful island with a less touristy atmosphere.
• Ischia: A larger island perfect for a day trip, known for its beaches, gardens and local charm.

Conclusion: Which is the best town on the Amalfi Coast?

In short, if you’re looking for the best town on the Amalfi Coast, choose Positano.

It offers the most beautiful views, many famous hotels, and great restaurants. It’s a perfect choice if you want something special.

However, the other towns can also be great options, depending on what you’re looking for. I’ve explained above what makes each one unique and why it might be the right place for you.

So, that was my complete guide to the best towns along the Amalfi Coast.

I hope it gave you plenty of useful information and ideas to help you decide where to stay, eat, and explore. I also included all the important things you should know before visiting, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

And if you’ve already made your choice, don’t wait too long! Book your hotel, plan your activities, and get ready to discover the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast!