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.
What Are The Best Areas To Stay On The Amalfi Coast?
The best area to stay on the Amalfi Coast depends on whether you want nightlife, beaches, or quiet views. Choose Positano for buzz, Capri for luxury, or Maiori for value and use ferries to see the rest.
- Best for families: Maiori & Minori
- Best on a budget: Praiano
- Most laid-back vibe: Ravello
- Best nightlife: Positano
- Best without a car: Sorrento
- Best all-around convenience: Amalfi Town
- Best luxury base: Capri & Anacapri
Top Places to Stay in Capri and Anacapri
Capri is a rocky island just off Italy’s southern coast, accessible by boat or helicopter. Capri Town hugs the shoreline while Anacapri is perched higher up, and both offer luxury hotels, jaw-dropping views, and a car-free, relaxed pace. This is Italy’s most exclusive destination, and it’s exactly that exclusivity that makes it so special.
Why Stay in Capri or Anacapri?
Staying in Capri or Anacapri is a great option because you’ll experience a side of the island most travelers miss. While day-trippers crowd the island during the afternoon, evenings bring a peaceful, almost private feel that’s ideal for romantic walks, late dinners, and lingering over wine by the sea.
- Quiet, walkable charm: The island is small and mostly pedestrian, with scenic routes that connect famous villas, gardens, and viewpoints.
- Glamour meets nature: You’ll find upscale restaurants, chic boutiques, and dramatic sea views all in one afternoon.
- Hard to reach—and that’s a good thing: The boat ride keeps the crowds down and the experience upscale.
Attractions near Capri and Anacapri:
- Blue Grottoes
- Villa Jovis (Tiberius’ Villa)
- Villa San Michele
- Punta Carena Lighthouse
- Anacapri
- Arco Naturale
Best Hotels in Capri:
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beachfront · Restaurant · Two Pools
This luxury resort-style hotel is located in Marina Piccola 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.
Suite Belvedere Capri Exclusive Rooms
B&B · Great Location
This is a very nice B&B at an amazing price. The great location gets you fantastic views and walking access to many beaches if you’re in good shape.
La Reginella Capri ⭐⭐
Good Location and Value
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.
Hotel La Tosca⭐
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.
La Residenza Capri ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Restaurant · Pool · Family Friendly
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.
Best Hotels in Anacapri:
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing Pool · 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.
Capri Palace Jumeirah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very Exclusive · Pool
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.
Il Giardino dell’Arte⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Relais 2 Pini ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Open Feel · Great Views · Hot Tub · Family Friendly
Quaint hotel in Anacapri with a lot of charms including a hot tub! A lot of room to spread out, which makes it great for families or anyone really.
Hotel San Michele ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Top Places to Stay in Positano
Built into steep cliffs along the Amalfi Coast’s southern curve, Positano is known for its dramatic scenery and upscale vibe. The town is accessible by ferry or road, though its car-free center and narrow stairways mean you’ll be doing plenty of walking.
Why Stay in Positano?
Staying in Positano is a great option because it packs big-city amenities into a dramatic cliffside village.
- Sand, sea, and style: Lounge on Spiaggia Grande by day, then slip straight into candlelit restaurants.
- Social atmosphere: English is common and bars stay open late, so meeting fellow travelers is easy.
- It’s not cheap, but the price is worth it: Accommodations cost more here, but it’s the price of staying in the Amalfi Coast’s most famous town.
Attractions near Positano:
- Da Adolfo Restaurant and Beach Club
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta
- Arienzo Beach Club
- Positano Beach (Spiaggia)
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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!
Positano Luxury Villas
Private Villa · For Large Groups · 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.
Casa Nilde ⭐⭐⭐
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.
Hotel Poseidon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pool · Great Views
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.
Villa Flavio Gioia ⭐⭐⭐
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.
Alcione Residence ⭐⭐⭐
Cool Villa-like Option
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.
Il San Pietro di Positano ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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).
Hotel Palazzo Margherita ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Centrally Located
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.
Top Places to Stay in Praiano
Just 20 minutes east of Positano, Praiano stretches along the coast road with fewer steps and more parking than its famous neighbor. Visitors come for the white-domed Church of San Gennaro, hidden coves like Marina di Praia, and rates that undercut Positano. Frequent buses and small ferries make travel easy.
Why Stay in Praiano?
Staying in Praiano is a great option because it balances location, value, and authentic village life.
- Affordable luxury: Five-star hotels often cost hundreds less than comparable hotels up the road.
- Explorer’s midpoint: Day-trip east to Amalfi or west to Capri without shifting base.
- Sparse nightlife—but that’s serenity: Fewer late bars mean more peaceful evenings.
Attractions near Praiano:
- Church of San Gennaro (Patron Saint of Naples)
- Marina di Praia Beach
- Fiordo di Furore (top of the Amalfi Coast attractions)
- Grotta dello Smeraldo (Beautiful grotto)
- Il Piratta Resturant & Lounge (Super fun)
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Hotel Onda Verde Praiano
Villas · Waterfront Location
Great modest hotel choice at a reasonable price with a fantastic pool which makes it very family friendly.
Tramonto d’Oro ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Hotel Margherita ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Location & Amenities
Family-friendly hotel with a pool and a great breakfast. The hotel also offers a free shuttle down to the beach, which is super helpful.
Villa Il Frantoio and Lilmar
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.
Albadamare Boutique Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
Cool Outdoor Garden
Love this outdoor garden for children! Seems like a really fun hotel for enjoying an evening outdoors while still being onsite.
Top Places to Stay in Maiori and Minori
Located on the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast, Maiori and Minori are two neighboring towns known for long beaches, coastal walking paths, and a relaxed local atmosphere. You can get here by bus, ferry, or car, though driving gives you the most flexibility. Both towns are less polished than Positano but offer better prices, easier logistics, and plenty of space to unwind.
Why Stay in Maiori or Minori?
Staying in Maiori or Minori is a great option because you’ll get more beach time, bigger rooms, and a much calmer vibe without losing access to the rest of the coast.
- Budget-friendly and spacious: Hotels and vacation rentals are more affordable here, often with balconies, pools, or full kitchens.
- Beaches at your doorstep: Maiori has the longest stretch of sand on the coast, and Minori’s beach is just a short stroll away.
- Less touristy feel—but that’s the charm: Fewer crowds mean more chances to chat with locals and discover authentic restaurants.
Attractions near Maiori and Minori:
- Torre Normanna
- Path of the Lemons
- Spiaggia Cavallo Morto (Beach)
- Spiaggia del Cauco (Beach)
Best Hotels in Maiori and Minori:
Choose from any of these awesome hotels. If you’d like to stay in a villa, Booking.com has tons of great options.
Hotel Club Due Torri ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maiori · Restaurant · Family Friendly
This is my number one pick for Maiori for the price, location, and amenities. It’s a beautiful hotel at a great price with a very good feel.
Villa Charlotte Minori
B&B · Minori · Terrace · Garden · Breakfast
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.
Una Finestra sul Mare
Apartment · Maiori · Beachfront
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.
Torre Elisea
Guest House · Minori
Simple guest house with great views. There aren’t a ton of rooms here, so you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers too.
Ravello Art Hotel Marmorata ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between Maiori and Amalfi · Pool
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.
Top Places to Stay in Sorrento
Sorrento sits on the northern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, just before the Amalfi Coast officially begins. It has direct train access from Naples, which makes it a convenient jumping-off point for exploring nearby destinations like Pompeii, Capri, and Positano.
Why Stay in Sorrento?
Staying in Sorrento is a great option because it’s well-connected, full of energy, and ideal for travelers who want access to the coast without the logistical challenges.
- Easiest arrival: It’s one of the only Amalfi-area town connected to Naples by train—no car, bus, or ferry transfer required.
- Everything you need in one place: Hotels, shopping streets, and seaside restaurants are all steps from the center.
- More crowds, but more options: It’s busier than other towns, but that means more dining choices and better availability, especially in high season.
Attractions near Sorrento:
- Pompeii
- Mt. Vesuvius
- Naples
- Capri
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Imperial Hotel Tramontano ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historical Hotel
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.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic Luxury · Pool
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.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pool · Family Friendly
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.
Hotel Lorelei Londres ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Grand Hotel Royal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Top Places to Stay in Ravello
Set high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a cliffside village known for its gardens, elegant villas, and panoramic views of the sea. It’s a bit inland and best reached by car, though buses and hired drivers also make the climb. With fewer crowds and more space to breathe, Ravello feels like a calm retreat from the bustle below.
Why Stay in Ravello?
Staying in Ravello is a great option because it feels like a refined secret, full of beauty and standout hotels.
- Culture over crowds: From summer concerts to villa gardens, the focus here is on elegance, not beach umbrellas.
- Walkable luxury: Ravello’s center is compact and mostly flat, making it easy to explore on foot.
- No beach—but that means quiet nights: With sun-seekers elsewhere, evenings are made for candlelit dinners, not party crowds.
Attractions near Ravello:
- Villa Cimbrone and Terrazza dell’Infinito
- Villa Rufolo
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
La Moresca ⭐⭐⭐
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.
Ravello Art Hotel Marmorata ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between Maiori and Amalfi · Pool
This is a really nice and reasonably priced hotel set on the cliffside with killer views. Bonus, it has a hydromassage pool!
Top Places to Stay in Amalfi Town
Amalfi Town is a compact coastal gem with a beach, a striking cathedral, and a bustling piazza that doubles as the town’s social center. It’s centrally located and accessible by ferry or road, making it a convenient base for exploring other parts of the coast. The town may be busy, but it’s also flat, photogenic, and full of character.
Why Stay in Amalfi Town?
Staying in Amalfi Town is a great option because it blends scenic charm with practical perks, and you won’t need to climb hundreds of stairs to enjoy it.
- Classic coastal vibes: Cafés, gelato stands, and sea views are all steps from your hotel.
- Great for exploring: Boats and buses connect you easily to Ravello, Positano, or Capri.
- Tourist-packed—but never dull: Expect crowds during the day, but the energy keeps things lively into the evening.
Attractions near Amalfi:
- Amalfi Cathedral
- Piazza Duomo
- Cloister del Paradiso
- Torre del Ziro
- Lido Delle Sirene (small beach with cool rock formations)
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Hotel Luna Convento ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing Cloister
This rustic hotel has tons of great amenities and is in an epic location. It would be a great choice for an Amalfi vacation!
Vista d’Amalfi
B&B · Fantastic Views · Great Location
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.
Relais San Basilio Convento
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.
Donna Giulia
B&B · Private Beach · Great Location
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.
How to Choose Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Match the town to your travel style.
- First-time visitors and families: Stay in Amalfi Town — flat terrain, ferry access, loads of history, and central location.
- Romantic couples: Choose Ravello — cliffside villas, garden concerts, and intimate sunsets.
- Beach lovers: Go for Positano — sandy beach, waterfront dining, and that iconic cliffside view.
- Budget-conscious: Pick Maiori or Minori — affordable hotels, local eateries, and longer beaches.
- Sunset chasers: Opt for Praiano — west-facing views, hidden coves, and a slower pace without the scene.
- Train-based travelers: Base in Sorrento — direct trains, tours, and a hub for exploring.
- Luxury seekers: Upgrade to Capri/Anacapri — exclusive hotels, high-end dining, and helicopter or boat access.
Best Tours and Experiences on the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Taking a guided tour unlocks hidden gems and local history while eliminating tricky travel logistics.
Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
13 Hours | €€
Explore ancient ruins with an archeologist and enjoy stunning coastal views and luxury round-trip transport.
Book Now!
Capri Full Day Tour from Sorrento by Luxury Boat
8 Hours | €€€
Sail from Sorrento to the stunning island of Capri and visit the incredible Blue Grotto.
Book Now!
Positano and Amalfi Day Trip from Rome with Boat Cruise
15 Hours | €€
Navigate along the Coast, explore the picturesque town of Positano, and enjoy a classic limoncello.
Book Now!
Capri and Sorrento Coast Boat Tour from Positano with Light Lunch
10 Hours | €€€
Swim, snorkel, explore colored caves and wander Capri at your own pace in this semi-private day trip.
Book Now!
Amalfi Coast Snorkeling and Boat Cruise
4 Hours | €€€
Discover the underwater world of Amalfi in style on a VIP half-day tour from Amalfi Town.
Book Now!Where NOT to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Avoid areas that feel more like transit zones than dreamy escapes. Steer clear of Salerno’s outskirts, which are far from the cliffs and lacking coastal charm. Skip the highway-adjacent hilltop suburbs unless you love spending time in traffic. Also, if you’re not driving, remote inland hamlets should be avoided.
Where To Stay on the Amalfi Coast FAQs
Yes, ferries and buses link most towns. Choose central spots like Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento if you’re not planning to rent a car.
Positano for a lively scene, Maiori for a long sandy stretch, and Marina di Praia in Praiano for calm coves.
Maiori and Minori offer the best value in hotels and restaurants.
Yes, look for simple B&Bs in Anacapri or budget stays off-season.
Ravello tops the list for quiet elegance, cliffside views, and garden concerts.
Sorrento, because it’s train-connected and tour-friendly with plenty of accommodation options.
Amalfi Town and Maiori are mostly flat, making them ideal if you want to skip steep climbs.
Praiano and Maiori offer calm beaches, larger rooms, and safe, friendly environments.
Visit in late April–May or September–October for lower rates and fewer tourists.
Final Thoughts
Where you book on the Amalfi Coast decides whether your mornings start with beach walks, garden vistas, or espresso on a yacht deck. Lock in the vibe (buzzing, budget, or bliss) then use ferries and buses to sample the rest. Choose smart, pack light, and the entire coast becomes your all-access playground.
Keep planning:
Top 15 Beaches Along the Amalfi Coast in 2025
The Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast on a Budget
How To Get From Rome To the Amalfi Coast
A Town-by-Town Breakdown of the Amalfi Coast
Here Is Where to Stay in the Most Popular Italian Destinations
Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and 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?