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WHERE TO STAY on the AMALFI COAST (including Capri) in 2023
Sean Finelli
The Amalfi Coast is an amazing cluster of cliffside towns on the southern coast of Naples, Italy. Each town is different and we’ll go over the pros and cons of each one, plus hotel, B&B, and apartment rental recommendations. It’s everything you need to plan where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Where To Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Best Hotels and Areas
The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline listed by UNESCO for its cultural significance. It’s also easy on the eyes! With crystal-clear water, terraced vineyards, cliff-hugging towns, and warm weather, it’s no wonder the Amalfi Coast is a dream vacation spot for many.
The most difficult part will be deciding where to stay. With a number of towns to choose from, your choice will depend on how you want to spend your time in this beautiful part of the world.
Adventure seeker, water sports fan, or history lover? There’s a spot for everyone on the Amalfi Coast. Here’s a quick look at the towns and areas we’ll cover and their main vibe:
Capri and Anacapri: A beautiful and isolated island full of views, luxury, and great food
Positano: The most happening place on the Amalfi Coast with a great beach
Praiano: One of the most local areas on the coast with beautiful views and great sunsets
Maiori and Minori: Two small towns with a local feel, great food, and inexpensive accommodation
Sorrento: The largest town on the coast with an Amalfi Coast feel but still accessible by train
Ravello: Luxurious landscape on the coast that feels secluded from the crowds
Amalfi Town: Beautiful little town, full of shops, restaurants, and things to do
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Capri and Anacapri
The island of Capri is easily the most exclusive island in Italy and one of the most exclusive destinations in the world. There’s no airport in Capri, so there are only two ways to reach the island: by boat and by helicopter. It’s this lack of accessibility together with the island’s natural beauty that make Capri such a desired and exclusive destination.
Capri is also a very small island. So small, in fact, that some parts can be crossed on foot in less than 30 minutes. The island is divided into two areas: Capri and Anacapri.
Capri is a village that spans the width of the island’s core from Marina Grande to Marina Piccola. Anacapri is a small town on the island’s most elevated point. There are no beaches but the beautiful unobstructed views attract visitors seeking exclusivity from around the world.
Why I love Capri and Anacapri:
The island is almost entirely pedestrian
It is hard to reach, which means it’s exclusive and less crowded.
The views are unmatched
Tons of really cool beach-side restaurants
You’ll likely run into lots of fun people who speak English.
Here are our recommendations for the best hotels in Capri. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options too.
Hotel Weber Ambassador
Photo courtesy of Hotel Weber Ambassador
€€€ | 4 Star | Beachfront | Restaurant | Two Pools
This luxury resort-style hotel is located in Marina Piccolo on the beachfront. With a fantastic restaurant, two bars, and a large pool, you may not need to leave the hotel, but we recommend you do. There’s a shuttle to Capri center.
This is a laid-back hotel in Capri with great views and a cool layout. Very Italian-Mediterranean feel. which makes it a great choice for a conservative budget.
€€ | 1 Star | Great Location | Great Breakfast | Bar
This hotel is located near Capri center, just a 4-minute walk to the main shopping street, Via Camerelle. It has a country feel with sea views in the distance. The gorgeous Giardini di Augusto botanical gardens are nearby with a footpath down to the sea.
If you’re looking for peace surrounded by gardens close to the heart of Capri, this is the spot. You’ll have comfortable rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and a number of terraces where you can lie in the sun and relax.
Below are what we believe to be the best hotel choices for Anacapri. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options.
Hotel Caesar Augustus
Photo courtesy of Hotel Caesar Augustus
€€€€ | 5 Star | Amazing Pool w/ Ridiculous View
Hotel Caesar Augustus is another one of the premier and most exclusive hotels in Capri. It is an easy choice if you have a high budget to splurge. The cliffside views are almost indescribable here.
Situated on what feels like the top of the world, Jumeirah Palace is likely the most luxurious, stylish, and exclusive hotel in Capri, which makes it one of the best on Earth.
€€ | 4 Star | Quaint and Characteristic | Tiny B&B
Beautiful Anacapri hotel with tons of green space and fresh air to breathe in. The fresh fruit and breakfast make this a coveted place to stay for couples.
€€ | 4 Star | Comfortable & Great Views | Pool | Family Friendly
Hotel San Michele is a pretty large property in Capri with a full-sized pool which makes it great for kids or avid swimmers. Plus the perch on the cliff is cool.
Firstly, Positano is the town along the Amalfi Coast that everyone thinks of when you say, “the Amalfi Coast.” And Positano has earned that distinction for good reason. For example, it has an expansive beach, lots of activities, cool restaurants, and lots of things to do.
However, that popularity comes with a price. A B&B could easily run you $300+ per night and hotels can be even more expensive. You can stay in a popular destination like Positano or Capri where all the action is or scroll down to Maiori and pay half the price with half the people and all the Italian vibes. It’s up to you.
Why I love Positano:
Positano has a great beach and views because of its mountainside location
Restaurants along the beach have tons of outdoor seating for lunch or dinner, which is ideal for a beach vacation.
The town is clean and well-kept, making it delightful to walk around
You’ll likely run into lots of fun people that speak English
Check out our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Positano. Bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best Hotels in Positano:
Below are what we believe to be the best hotel choices for Positano. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options. Also, check out our dedicated post on where to stay in Positano.
Le Sirenuse Positano
Photo courtesy of Le Sirenuse
€€€€+ | 5 Star | One of the Premier hotels on Earth| Pool
Le Sirenuse is one of the world’s greatest hotels since it is located in the most desirable town (Positano), of arguably the world’s most desirable coastlines (the Amalfi Coast), and in the perfect vantage point. Definitely comes with a price tag!
€€€€+ |Private Villa | For Large Groups | Kitchen | Pool
If a luxury home away from home is more your vibe, look no further. These fantastic villas are perfect for large groups or families who want a private and relaxing Amalfi vacation with all the comforts of a hotel. Expect ample terraces with space for dining and lounging, killer views, and even a pool.
€€+ |3 Star | In-Room Breakfast | Central Location
For travelers who love getting to know friendly hotel owners, Casa Nilde is a great choice. You’ll feel like you’ve made new Italian friends while staying in a perfect location that’s near everything you need.
This is a great hotel in Positano with epic views from the pool. The hotel is higher up in the town and has a cool location, but be prepared for a long journey to get down to the beach by foot.
€€€ | 3 Star| Terrace | Central Location | Family Friendly
This hotel is perfect if you’re looking for nice simple rooms right in the heart of town. You’ll be in the thick of things—within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. You can also take in the whole Amalfi vibe from your terrace.
Great little hotel with comfortable rooms and a great view. Just look at that terrace looking over the bay! Rooms here are cheaper than many hotel options too.
€€€€€ |5 Star | Luxury | Beach Access | Pool | Michelin Star Restaurant
There’s something extra special about this hotel. It’s the only hotel in Positano with direct access to the beach by way of an elevator carved into the rocks. For travelers who want to stay in a place a step above the rest, this is it. Some rooms have wide panoramic terraces. Enjoy excellent dining in one of three restaurants (one with a Michelin star).
This beautiful hotel is full of natural light and vegetation. It has a truly “Amalfitana” vibe, which is what you want in Positano. It’s a bit high up so be prepared to walk to get into the main square.
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Capri Full Day Tour from Sorrento by Luxury Boat
A day in Capri can’t be missed, so we make it easy! You’ll sail in to azure blue waters for a swim before seeing the famous grottos of Capri. Then enjoy an afternoon eating, shopping, and exploring the island of Capri before returning to Sorrento.
Praiano is more of a sleepy town with a very small downtown. So, it’s perfect for families or couples who don’t want to be caught up in crowds. It’s also one of the more flat-terrain towns along the coast, which also makes it great for anyone with limited mobility.
Sometimes when I go to the Amalfi Coast, I’ll stay here or at Maiori (unless I can afford Capri on that trip!). Praiano is also home to Casa Angelina, which is one of the best-priced luxury hotels along the Amalfi Coast.
Why I love Praiano:
Less expensive than Positano and Capri
It has arguably the best sunset on the Amalfi Coast
Check out our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Praiano. Bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best Hotels in Praiano:
Here are our recommendations for the best hotels in Praiano. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options too.
Grand Hotel Tritone
Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Tritone
€€€€ | 4 Star | Private Beach | Two Pools | Restaurant
This hotel is an experience you won’t forget. Set on a cliff, it goes without saying that the views are incredible. Every room here has a sea view! On top of that, the hotel has a private beach complete with a deck, sun loungers, and a beach restaurant.
€€€ | 4 Star | Restaurant | Bar | Rooftop Café and Pool
This family-run hotel has been around for quite a while and continues to give guests an Amalfi vacation to remember with a home-away-from-home vibe, vibrant decor, and great food and service. Anyone looking for some pampering will love the sauna, Turkish bath, and massage treatments.
€€€ | Villa | Pool | Kitchenette | Family Friendly
Located in the center of Vettica Maggiore, a short distance from Praiano, this place is a great choice for anyone looking for a quieter stay with a bit more independence. The rooms are comfortable and spacious. The property has lovely terraces and a pool.
Above all, Maiori is the Amalfi Coast town for insiders. So, if you’ve never been to Italy, a town like this may be intimidating. But if you feel comfortable renting a car, scooter, or getting around using buses, it’s the perfect destination.
It’s far away from international tourism and close to the best beaches in the area. You’ll pay much less for your accommodation and find some seriously authentic food. Consequently, this is a top choice for me, and I recommend it to any confident traveler.
Set on a lush hillside, you can expect comfortable rooms with lovely views. If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax in Minori, this B&B is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a private apartment close to the beach, it’s hard to beat this place. With vibrant decor and a fully equipped kitchen, you’ll enjoy feeling at home on the Amalfi Coast.
This is a nice reasonably-priced hotel set on the cliffside with a hydromassage pool! You can eat all three meals on-site depending on how you spend your day.
Sorrento is not officially part of the Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana as it is called in Italian. However, it definitely feels and looks like the Amalfi Coast and gets the majority of the tourism traffic.
This is mostly because it’s the only town on the coast connected to Naples and the rest of Italy by train. As a result, it’s easy to get to and great if you want to visit but you’ll have to share it with the crowds.
You’re not likely to see me sleeping in Sorrento, but I have to recommend it since it’s well connected by train and tons of tours leave from here. I understand not every traveler wants to rent a car, take a bus, or pony up for a long and expensive taxi ride to Praiano. I get it!
Why I love Sorrento:
You can arrive in Sorrento by train
Lots of hotels, shops, and restaurants
People are really friendly
Lots of activities from the port of Sorrento
Attractions near Sorrento:
Pompeii
Mt. Vesuvius
Naples
Capri
Best Restaurants in Sorrento:
Check out our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Sorrento. Bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best Hotels in Sorrento:
Here are the top hotels in Sorrento. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options.
Grand Hotel Ambasciatori
Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Ambasciatori
€€€ | 5 Star | Pool | Private Beach | Restaurant | Spa
Perched on a cliff above the sea but just a 5-minute walk from the center of Sorrento, this luxury hotel has everything you need for a fabulous vacation. It boasts a private beach, a garden with a pool, a great restaurant, various bars, and stunning rooms.
Many historical figures have stayed at this hotel in the time that it opened in 1812. The spacious halls are decorated with elegant frescoes and the garden contains rare Mediterranean and subtropical plants. You’ll feel part of an ancient tradition here.
This is an iconic hotel in Sorrento with historic buildings set in a beautiful garden setting. Of course, it also has amazing views. Some rooms come with fireplaces and victorian decor. If you’re up for Mediterranean luxury, this is the place.
This large hotel has an epic pool, comfortable rooms, and a fantastic restaurant all at a great price, which makes it perfect for families. The location just outside Sorrento means you’ll enjoy beautiful views, but you don’t have to worry about not being able to explore the town as there’s a free shuttle.
€€€€+ | 5 Star | Pool | Private Beach | Restaurant | Family Friendly
This is another incredible and luxurious 5-star hotel on a cliff in Sorrento. You can expect fantastic views, food, and service. You might even have a small private pool or hot tub depending on the room you book.
€€€ | 5 Star | Private Beach | Pool | Restaurant | Spa
This clifftop hotel offers guests a fantastic experience of the Amalfi Coast. With a private beach, a lush garden, and a pool, you’ll enjoy the sun any way you like. Plus, they’ve got the dining experience covered too.
Ravello is a really cool town with some very nice hotels. Honestly, I’d stay here for the day and move on. But if you can afford one of the villas, it’s a nice experience. If you’re comfortable renting a car, it is a very good choice as a base to explore the coast. Ravello also has some of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
Why I love Ravello:
Less tourist foot traffic
Tons of gorgeous villas and hotels
Possibly the best views on the coast
No Stairs!
This town does not have its own beach, which forces you to explore
Attractions near Ravello:
Villa Cimbrone and Terrazza dell’Infinito
Villa Rufolo
Best Restaurants in Ravello:
Check out our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Ravello. Bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best Hotels in Ravello:
Don’t miss the best hotels in Ravello. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options.
Hotel Villa Cimbrone
Photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Cimbrone
€€€€+ | 5 Star | Helicopter Pad | Gourmet Restaurant | Pool | Gardens
Villa Cimbrone is not just a hotel, but an attraction in Ravello. It is a gorgeous estate and a wonderful hotel. If you’re looking for a luxury experience and have the budget, this is an unforgettable place to stay.
€€€ | B&B | Great Views | Kitchenette | Family Friendly
This is a great choice for families or couples looking for some extra privacy with the option of having breakfast on the terrace or catering for yourself. The rooms are comfortable and come with iconic Amalfi views.
€€ | 3 Star | Restaurant | Great Views | Breakfast
La Moresca is for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in a quiet and relaxing setting. The hotel has a great restaurant, comfortable rooms, and an interesting style. Every window frames a fantastic view.
Firstly, many people don’t know that Amalfi is actually the name of a town as well. It’s situated along the beach area and doesn’t have many stairs except to see the cathedral, which is beautiful.
Above all, this little town is highly popular with tourists. So, expect it to be quite crowded. For more on the Amalfi Coast, check out our guide to the Amalfi Coast with tons of useful content.
Why I love Amalfi:
Great views
Lots of great restaurants
Attractions near Amalfi:
Amalfi Cathedral
Piazza Duomo
Cloister del Paradiso
Torre del Ziro
Lido Delle Sirene (small beach with cool rock formations)
Best Restaurants in Amalfi:
Check out our comprehensive article on the best restaurants in Amalfi Town. Bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it.
Best Hotels in Amalfi:
We’ve been to Amalfi and here are our favorite properties! If you’d like to stay in a Villa, Booking.com has tons of great options.
Grande Hotel Excelsior
Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Amalfi
€€€ | 4 Star | Private Beach | Pool | Terrace | Restaurant in a Cave
Larger hotel high up in the hills of Amalfi Town. Expect to walk a bit to get around, but that comes with the territory on the Amalfi Coast.
This is the best place to stay for travelers looking for nice simple rooms with incredible views and close proximity to the town. It’s also very close to the ferry terminal for anyone looking to explore Capri and other areas.
€€€ | Apartments | Kitchen | Terrace | Family Friendly
This is your opportunity to live in Amalfi—for your vacation anyway! Set in an old convent, you’ll stay in one of the self-catering apartments with plenty of room for the family and your own kitchenette, lounge, and terrace. The location is also great—just a 10-minute walk to the Amalfi Duomo in town.
This B&B comes with access to a private sandy beach, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to spend their days on the beach. It’s also close to the town center, so you can be close to the action. The rooms are comfortable with brightly colored touches and sea views.
Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
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Comments (2)
Ariela Hafner
Hi, i am planning a family trip of 5-6 days to the Amalfi coast in September (hopefully Covid 19 restrictions will not change our plans)
we are travelling with teenagers so boat tours/swimming and pool time must be included!
this is our first time in the area. I read your articles thoroughly and and would like to know what you think is better : to rent a car from Rome and stay 3 nights in Sorrento (for capri and pompei) and then 2-3 nights in ravelo or positano or amalfi
OR
to take a private transfer from rome and stay in only in capri and take boat tours from there to the amalfi coast .
what is your opinion? will we be able to take your snorkeling boat tour from capri?
Hi, i am planning a family trip of 5-6 days to the Amalfi coast in September (hopefully Covid 19 restrictions will not change our plans)
we are travelling with teenagers so boat tours/swimming and pool time must be included!
this is our first time in the area. I read your articles thoroughly and and would like to know what you think is better : to rent a car from Rome and stay 3 nights in Sorrento (for capri and pompei) and then 2-3 nights in ravelo or positano or amalfi
OR
to take a private transfer from rome and stay in only in capri and take boat tours from there to the amalfi coast .
what is your opinion? will we be able to take your snorkeling boat tour from capri?