The 14 Best Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit
When people think of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is often one of the first images that comes to mind: pastel towns tumbling down dramatic cliffs, the sparkling blue sea below, and winding roads that look both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.
I can tell you, even after visiting several times, it still takes my breath away (photos never quite capture the magic).
Most guides will talk endlessly about Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello – and yes, they’re stunning – but the coastline is dotted with many more towns, each with its own personality and charm. Some are lively and glamorous, others are quiet fishing villages where time seems to stand still, and each offers different things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast stretches for about 50 kilometers in Southern Italy’s Campania region, starting from Positano and ending in Vietri sul Mare. Along the way, you’ll find dramatic landscapes, hidden coves, lemon groves, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every town worth knowing, from the most famous to the underrated gems, with tips on what to do, where to eat, and the best hotels if you decide to stay overnight.
💡 TIP: If you want to visit the Amalfi Coast ‘s towns, I recommend using the public SITA bus or the ferries to move around. You could rent a car, but the roads are narrow and windy, and parking in the villages is a pain (and quite expensive if you do find space!)
Most travelers arrive via Naples, so once you decide where to stay, you’ll want to check my guide on how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples to compare trains, ferries, buses, and transfers.
Positano
Positano is the first town on the Amalfi Coast from the west. It’s also the most popular of them all, so you can expect it to be packed with visitors if you’re there in the high season. This also means plenty of things to do, high-end restaurants and hotels, boutiques, and attractions.
Positano has one of the most sought-after Amalfi Coast beaches and beach clubs, cute souvenir shops, and amazing viewpoints.
You can take a boat to sail along the coastline, join a cooking class, or visit the town’s landmarks, such as the iconic Church of Santa Maria Assunta. If Positano is one of your main stops, this Positano itinerary will help you decide whether to visit for one day or stay longer.
➤ What makes it special? Positano is the most iconic town on the Amalfi Coast. It’s the most Instagrammable village, boasting lookout points adorned with bougainvillea at every corner, and pastel-colored houses and cafés lining the narrow streets.
It’s known as the vertical city for being built against a dramatic cliff, offering the most astounding scenery, so it’s the best Amalfi Coast village to introduce you to the area.
Where to stay
LUXURY: Hotel Palazzo Murat
BOUTIQUE: Villa Yiara
MID-RANGE: YourHome – Casa Marina Positano
Where to eat
Casa e Bottega is a bright, airy spot known for its fresh salads, healthy bowls, and colorful dishes made with local ingredients. It’s one of the best places in Positano if you’re craving something lighter and fresh, with great smoothies, tartes, and beautifully plated meals in a relaxed setting.
Ristorante Casa Mele offers a more refined, intimate dining experience just uphill from the center of Positano. The menu focuses on creative Mediterranean dishes, homemade pasta, and carefully curated tasting menus.
Rada Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach. It serves a great variety of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, lasagna, and seafood, as well as a selection of appetizers. To drink, I recommend the Limoncello Spritz, a classic drink from the region.
Praiano
Praiano is a quieter, more laid-back alternative to its famous neighbor. It’s about halfway between Positano and Amalfi, and home to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves, including Marina di Praia which is nestled between cliffs.
While the town itself doesn’t offer as many facilities, Praiano boasts scenic hiking trails with views over the coastline and the sea. You can even start the popular Path of the Gods hike from here!
If hiking is not your thing, relax by the sea, wander around town, pay a visit to the Church of San Gennaro, or check out the viewpoints.
➤ What makes it special? Praiano offers the best sunset views on the Amalfi Coast, as you get a front-row seat to see the natural spectacle on the sea, and with the mountains to the side. In Positano, for example, it sets behind the cliffs so you won’t get to enjoy a proper sunset.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea
BOUTIQUE: Tramonto d’Oro
MID-RANGE: Hotel Villa Bellavista
Where to Eat
Trattoria da Armandino is a highly-rated restaurant by the sea, located on Marina di Praia. It’s a great place for lunch and drinks while you’re relaxing on the beach, or a casual dinner.
Kasai is a very popular eatery in town that serves modern takes on traditional Italian cuisine. It specializes in pasta and seafood dishes, as well as great appetizers and elaborate desserts, all of which can be paired with regional wines on their beautiful terrace overlooking the sea.
Il Rifugio dei Peccatori Praiano is a lovely local shop to stop for a panini and a coffee, or a glass of wine, and enjoy in the patio, which offers great views of the sea and the cliffs. We had the best sandwiches of our trip here!
Furore
Furore is home to one of the most dramatic sights on the Amalfi Coast: the Fiordo di Furore. This deep gorge between two towering cliffs has a small beach with the most jaw-dropping views. It’s tiny, but expect it to be crowded!
The town of Furore (which can’t be easily reached from the fiordo by walking)is scattered along the cliffs, much more spread out than other villages which gives it a more relaxed vibe and makes it seem less crowded.
If you have time, make sure to take a stroll in Furore so you can check out the colorful murals that decorate it, swim at the fjord, and explore the hiking trails around town.
➤ What makes it special? Fiordo di Furore is the only fjord in Italy and one of the most iconic sights in the region. It’s also a quieter, more peaceful town, while being close and easily accessible from the famous ones.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Furore Grand Hotel
B&B: La Vigna di Bacco
MID-RANGE: Tenuta La Picola
Where to eat
Hosteria Baccofurore is a family-run restaurant included in the Michelin Guide. The dishes, both traditional and innovative, are prepared with local ingredients, and you can pair them with a glass of local wine and great views.
L’Incanto is a hidden gem where you can enjoy local gastronomy overlooking the sea. Homemade pasta and seafood are the specialties, though the menu is quite extensive.
Amalfi
Amalfi is in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, and the region’s namesake town. Together with Positano and Ravello, it’s one of the most visited villages on the Amalfi Coast.
It’s a bigger town, though more laid-back than its famous counterparts, and historically one of the richest. The town of Amalfi features a lively waterfront, one of the oldest ports in the country, and incredible architecture that blends Byzantine and Moorish influences.
You’ll find great museums to discover more about its past as a Maritime Republic or the production of handmade paper, and then of course, there’s also the iconic Duomo di Amalfi, which is worth a quick visit.
The beach in Amalfi is one of the prettiest in the area, so sunbathing and swimming is a very popular activity.
➤ What makes it special? Amalfi is the richest town when it comes to local history and traditions, so it’s a great destination to learn more about the region’s past and its role in Italy’s trading routes.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Hotel Miramalfi
BOUTIQUE: Residenza Al Pesce D’Oro
MID-RANGE: B&B Valentì
Where to Eat
Da Gemma – La Cantina is an upscale historic restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional dishes. They serve beautifully presented seafood dishes, fresh pasta, risotto, and impressive desserts.
L’Abside is a cozy, more laid-back trattoria that’s popular for its high-quality seafood and pasta, which you can pair with delicious wine.
Pizzeria Donna Stella is arguably the best place for pizza in Amalfi. There’s a great variety of toppings, from the classic ones to some original flavors, as well as pasta dishes and salads. The outdoor seating area is in a lovely patio with lemon groves.
Conca dei Marini
Conca dei Marini is one of the smaller towns along the coast, yet it’s a very pretty coastal village with a whitewashed center and lovely terraced gardens. It’s not as touristy as the rest, so you won’t find as many amenities or souvenir shops, but it’s a picturesque village worth exploring.
You shouldn’t miss a visit to Grotta dello Smeraldo, a sea cave with a slight emerald glow that looks out of this world. The coves and small beaches are also beautiful.
➤ What makes it special? Did you know a variety of Sfogliatella, named Santa Rosa, was created in a monastery in Conca dei Marini? It’s the perfect town to try this sweet, regional treat filled with ricotta, semolina cream, and candied fruit.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Hotel Belvedere
HOLIDAY HOME: Borgo di Conca
B&B: B&B Iris
Where to eat
Bar Santa Rosa is a great spot to try Sfogliatella Santa Rosa – and a variety of other pastries – with an espresso or a glass of wine. They have a terrace where you can sit to enjoy the sea views.
Le Bontà del Capo is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Italian cuisine. It’s highly rated and if you come at sunset, you’ll have the most incredible view from the terrace.
La Piazza is a local trattoria where you can enjoy simple traditional dishes, including pasta, seafood, and pizza, in generous servings.
Atrani
Atrani is the smallest town on the Amalfi Coast, nestled between the sea and the rugged cliffs. It’s still a quaint village to explore with its narrow medieval alleyways, pastel-colored houses, and the charming Piazza Umberto I where you can sit for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
The historic Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto is one of its major landmarks, along with the beach. There are fewer amenities than in other towns, but it’s a great destination to go off the beaten path.
➤ What makes it special? It’s one of the most authentic, untouched villages, so it gives you the chance to glimpse into the Amalfi Coast of the locals. It’s also a vastly different experience from visiting Positano or Amalfi, so it makes for an interesting contrast.
Where to Stay
APARTMENT: Sapore di Sale
MID-RANGE: La Corte di Atrani
Where to Eat
Le Palme is a lovely local restaurant that serves traditional Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, pizza, and aperitivo. It’s in the heart of the village, so it’s usually quite lively.
Il Birecto offers a very varied menu, from appetizers to main pasta and meat dishes, seafood, pizza, and dessert. It’s located in the town’s main square, so it’s great for people-watching while you eat.
Ravello
No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a visit to Ravello, one of the touristy towns that offers the most breathtaking views as it’s located high above the coastline, with prime vantage points to take in the scenery.
If you’re planning to spend time there, I’ve put together a full guide to the best things to do in Ravello.
The town is very elegant and classy, featuring historic villas, manicured gardens, and various cultural events, such as the annual Ravello Festival for classical music performances.
Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are among the major attractions, boasting vast terraces overlooking the sea, gardens, and beautiful architecture.
There’s also the Duomo di Ravello, the lively Piazza Centrale, and the cute souvenir shops that line its streets.
Ravello also pairs beautifully with Amalfi if you only have one day in this part of the coast. I’d visit Ravello in the morning, then head down to Amalfi in the afternoon. Here’s exactly how I’d plan an Amalfi and Ravello day trip.
➤ What makes it special? It has a rich cultural and artistic heritage that sets it apart, and it has attracted – and inspired – many artists throughout the years. Virginia Woolf, Tennessee Williams, and Greta Garbo are a few of them. It also offers the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast from its viewpoints.
Where to Stay
APARTMENT: Ravello Suite
MID-RANGE: Gala Residence Villa Giovanna
ON A BUDGET: Nonno Francesco B&B
Where to Eat
Rosellinis is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a fine dining experience with panoramic views of the coastline. They offer a tasting menu.
Salvatore Ravello is a well-known restaurant in Ravello offering classic local dishes with a creative touch, served on a beautiful terrace overlooking the coast. It’s a great spot for homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a more refined take on traditional flavors.
Scala
Scala is the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, built by the Romans in the 4th century as they were trying to find their way to Constantinople (currently Istanbul). It’s a peaceful village rich in history and nature located right behind Ravello, so it’s a bit more inland than the rest.
It’s a great destination for hiking, with trails leading to the beautiful Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve. The town is also home to Duomo di San Lorenzo and the ruins of San Eustaquio Basilica.
I didn’t make it to Scala yet, but it’s definitely on my list for my next trip!
➤ What makes it special? It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers, and the best town to visit without the crowds, as it’s not very popular with tourists. It offers different scenery and activities, so it’s a refreshing break from exploring the more famous side of the coastline.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Palazzo Pascal
VILLA: Villa Amì
BOUTIQUE: Suites in the Amalfi Coast – B&B with Terrace near Amalfi
MID-RANGE: Hotel Zi’ntonio
Where to Eat
Il Pinguino is a casual, family-run pizzeria and restaurant that serves regional dishes. It’s open from breakfast until dinner, and it’s also a B&B.
Trattoria da Lorenzo is a family-run place in Scala serving honest, traditional Amalfi Coast dishes. Expect homemade pasta, simple meat plates, and hearty local flavors in a quiet, no-frills setting with mountain views.
Minori
Our next town is Minori, a small coastal village with one of the few sandy beaches along the coast, historic attractions, and a really good gastronomic scene.
Things to see in Minori include the ancient Villa Romana e Antiquarium, an archaeological site from the first century AD, the Basilica of Saint Trofimena, and the lovely lungomare, which is the perfect setting for a stroll.
The beach is also worth a visit to relax on the shore, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss a stop at Sal de Riso bakery for its famous pastries afterward!
➤ What makes it special? Minori is renowned for its culinary scene, and it even hosts the festival Gusta Minori – Taste Minori – to showcase the town’s specialties and gastronomic traditions. (Psst: It’s in September if you’d like to visit!)
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Villa Romana Hotel & Spa
PRIVATE VILLA: Villa Anna
BOUTIQUE: Aqua Mirabilis Relais de Charme
MID-RANGE: Villa Marietta
Where to Eat
Sal de Riso is the top bakery in town. Its pastries and decadent desserts are famous, so it’s an unmissable spot for coffee and cake.
Giardinello is a local favorite, serving traditional dishes from the Amalfi Coast with a modern twist. Its beautiful garden setting is a major draw, and the food is top-notch.
Tipico Terre di Nocciole is a cozy spot in Minori serving local plates made with the town’s famous hazelnuts. You’ll find charcuterie boards, fresh salads, and simple homemade dishes in a relaxed, homey setting.
Maiori
Maiori is a town on the coast that’s perfect for beach lovers, as it boasts the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the very few sandy ones. It’s also one of the largest towns, as its name in Italian implies.
Maiori has a beautiful seafront promenade where visitors can stroll along or sit for an espresso with a view, and a charming old town worth getting lost in. There’s also the remains of an ancient castle and a great number of hidden gems along its coastline. Plus, here it’s where the Path of the Lemons starts from!
One of them is Grotta Pandora, a great sea cave that’s only accessible by boat, and where you can go swimming and kayaking.
➤ What makes it special? It’s got the best beach along the coastline, perfect for families with young children, or those who love to spend a full day on the beach (one that doesn’t have pebbles for a shoreline).
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Hotel Club Due Torri
HOLIDAY HOME: Costa Blue
BOUTIQUE: B&B Maiurè
MID-RANGE: Residence Due Torri
Where to Eat
Torre Normanna is a stunning restaurant located in an ancient watchtower with incredible sea views. It specializes in fresh seafood and other regional classics.
Ristorante Pineta 1903 is a historic seafood restaurant. It has indoor and outdoor seating areas, with a beautiful lemon grove in the garden. A specialty of the house is their homemade limoncello, so be sure to try it.
Mammato1890 is another traditional establishment located on the seafront. It’s renowned for its excellent service and high-quality food, offering most Italian dishes, from pasta to fresh seafood and great pizza.
Tramonti
The town of Tramonti is set inland, among the peaks of the Lattari Mountains that inspired its name, which means in the mountains. Surrounded by green rolling hills and vineyards, it offers an entirely different landscape than most towns on the Amalfi Coast, so you’re in for a dramatic change of scenery.
Tramonti is a small historic town, best known for its winemaking heritage, so visiting the local vineyards and stopping by a a wine bar for a glass of wine are the best things to do in town.
You should also stroll along its narrow alleys and admire the ancient architecture, which will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Some of these historic attractions include the Cappella Rupestre di Gete, a rock chapel, and the ruins of a 15th-century castle, Santa Maria la Nova. It also has great hiking trails!
➤ What makes it special? The landscape, which strikingly contrasts the picturesque seaside villages along the Amalfi Coast, makes it stand out. Its wine heritage is also impressive.
Where to Stay
BOUTIQUE: Villa Le Murelle
B&B: Farfalle e Gabbiani
Where to Eat
Ristorante Montagne Verdi is a cozy local restaurant in the center of Tramonti, where you can enjoy homemade pizzas, various pasta dishes, and great taglieri (charcuterie boards) paired with good wine.
Azienda Agrituristica Il Raduno is the perfect place to enjoy a home-cooked quality meal in a beautiful patio with views of the mountains and vineyards around it.
Erchie
Erchie is another off-the-beaten-path gem on the Amalfi Coast, with a very laid-back, peaceful atmosphere that’s ideal for those looking to enjoy the region away from the bustling crowds.
Its best feature is a crescent-shaped beach, dotted with a few colorful fishing boats, where you can lay down a towel to relax. The water is calm and easy to access, so it’s great for families.
While a few houses are built over the cliffs, the town itself is right by the sea, backed by the mountains instead of being perched on them.
While it’s mostly unknown to foreigners, it’s quite a popular spot among Italian tourists during summer, so you might find the beach packed with locals.
➤ What makes it special? It’s a quieter yet enchanting alternative to escaping the crowds of the most touristy towns, and its hidden, intimate beach is a gem.
Where to Stay
HOLIDAY HOME: Limoneto di Ercole
MID-RANGE: Almaris
Where to Eat
Lido Edelvina sits right on the sand and also doubles as a casual restaurant. When I stopped, I only grabbed a coffee and a juice, but the menu features fresh seafood and pasta dishes served just steps from the water.
Edonè is a small terrace restaurant overlooking the sea and the tiny bay of Erchie. The menu goes beyond seafood with generous taglieri of cold cuts and cheeses and plenty of bruschette to share with a glass of wine.
Il Faro di Capo d’Orso sits dramatically perched on a cliff just outside Erchie. It’s a true fine-dining experience and one of the most elegant restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, with tasting menus that reinterpret seafood classics and panoramic views that feel almost unreal.
Cetara
We’re on the final stretch of the Amalfi Coast moving east, and Cetara is the second-to-last town. It’s a small fishing village with a working fishing port, which is the closest you’ll get to discovering the local traditions first-hand.
All Amalfi Coast towns were originally fishing hamlets, but the tradition was lost eventually, or replaced by tourism, so Cetara offers an authentic glimpse into the past. It’s especially famous for its anchovies and tuna, which you’ll be able to enjoy in most restaurants.
Aside from its port, highlights in Cetara include a small lovely beach, and Torre Vicereale, an incredible tower by the sea.
➤ What makes it special? Cetara produces some of the finest anchovy-based sauces in Italy, so there’s no better place to try them than here. Its working port also offers a unique experience that you won’t find in other towns.
Where to Stay
HOLIDAY HOME: Casa Maria
MID-RANGE: Sopra il Limoneto
ON A BUDGET: B&B Domus San Pietro
Where to Eat
Ristorante Cetara Punto e Pasta is a highly-rated restaurant that serves a variety of homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and other typical dishes of the region.
Ristorante Acquapazza is a great place to try the Cetara original Colatura di Alice, an anchovy-based sauce made in the city that’s usually used on spaghetti dishes.
Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is the last town on the Amalfi Coast when arriving from Sorrento, or the first town from Salerno. It’s very picturesque, and best known for its colorful ceramics, which you won’t miss as the town’s filled with cute ceramic shops.
Its historic center is a maze of alleyways, featuring charming piazzas and great vantage points from which to take in the sea views. It’s one of my favorite towns to spend a few hours strolling around!
Vietri sul Mare has a sandy beach, a rarity in the region, which makes it a popular destination for summer holidays.
Aside from the ceramic workshops and the museum, which can’t be missed, there’s the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and Torre Crestarella viewpoint to check out.
➤ What makes it special? Vietri sul Mare is famous for its hand-painted pottery, which decorates most houses around town. Its colorful shops are also dedicated to this beautiful art form, unique to this seaside village in Campania.
Where to Stay
LUXURY: Relais Paradiso
BOUTIQUE: Aquaboutique Wellness&Spa
MID-RANGE: Calamarina B&B
ON A BUDGET: Villa Carosino
Where to Eat
Ristorante 34 da Lucia is a highly-rated, family-run eatery that specializes in fresh seafood. You can enjoy the catch of the day or a variety of dishes that use locally sourced fish. Portions are meant to be generous, and the service is top-notch.
Ristorante Pizzeria al Limoneto is a restaurant and pizzeria known for its high-quality food, and variety of pizza flavors (pistachio pizza, anyone?). It features a lovely garden with lemon trees, and an indoor seating area with sea views.
As you can see, each of the Amalfi Coast towns has its unique charm, which makes the region a very diverse, captivating place to discover.
I love the popular towns – there’s a reason they’re famous, after all! – but I’m also a fan of exploring the lesser-known yet beautiful villages. I hope you will enjoy them too!