Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast (for the best experience!)

The Amalfi Coast is the UNESCO protected coast in southern Italy that consists of 13 main towns (or municipalities). Each town has its own vibe, personality and unique history. Where you decide to stay at the Amalfi Coast is an important one. This decision can help align your expectations and make the most of your time on this Italian gem. In this post, I share things to consider to help you decide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast for the best experience!

Disclosure: Booking your tour/accommodations via the links in this guide will earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Earnings will go back to the maintenance of the travel guides provided on The Thrill of Pursuit. Thanks for your support.

<3 Dominique

How to decide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

When I say “best” experience, I actually don’t have one specific place in mind. “Best” is dependent on your expectations for your visit. When deciding on where to stay in the Amalfi Coast, I would keep the following considerations in mind:

• What vibe are you going for? (Do you want to stay in a glamorous, bustling town or do you want to stay somewhere more laidback and idyllic?)
• How long are you staying on the coast for? (…and how much of the Amalfi Coast do you want to experience?)
• How do you plan on getting around the Amalfi Coast? (…and are you prone to motion sickness?)

With these considerations, we can better define and help you decide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast for the best experience!

I will break down the 13 different (main) towns on the Amalfi Coast and discuss the pros and cons of staying in each. I will discuss each going from west to east along the coast. For ease of our discussion, here is a map of the Amalfi Coast and its 13 main towns/municipalities:

Positano – the glamorous hot spot of the Amalfi Coast

Positano has always been associated with extravagance. During the Roman Empire, the Roman elite built villas here. Positano then became a wealthy port from the 15th to 17th century. The town had then fallen to hard times by the mid-nineteenth century and gradually became a sleepy fishing village. In the 1950s, the SS163 connected the Amalfi Coast to the cities of Sorrento and Naples. Up until then, mountain paths were the only links the Amalfi Coast had to the rest of Italy.

The SS163 allowed for the first tourists to reach Positano. Intellectuals, artists, and celebrities of the time made up these first tourists. One such tourist wrote the following about the Amalfi Coast:

It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.

John Steinbeck in an essay for Vanity Fair

If you ever make it to Positano, these words would definitely resonate. The Vanity Fair essay started the tourism boom in the region and soon jetsetters started popping up on the Amalfi Coast.

Who should make Positano their home base?

Positano is really pretty. It truly is a dream place with its panorama of colours. It is one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. Positano’s beauty is marked by its dramatic cliffside location. Its pastel coloured buildings seemingly spill down from the Latteri mountains and into the gem coloured Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famously known as a “vertical village”.

Positano has the reputation as the glamorous hot spot on the Amalfi Coast. So unsurprisingly, you can find the highest concentration of chic bars and clubs on the coast in Positano. If it is beauty, magazine-worthy pictures, and glamour that you seek, then Positano may be the perfect home base for you.

Be warned that the streets of Positano are very steep and narrow. And as one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast, it can also get very crowded during the day. In addition, thanks to its reputation, expect to pay more for accommodations and food in Positano. Lastly, Positano is located in a ravine between two mountains. It gets darker sooner here and don’t expect to get epic sunset views from here either. Positano may not be the best home base for you if you have limited mobility, are on a budget, and want to be where the crowds aren’t.

Summary of Positano Amenities

Praiano – the town with the best sunsets on the Amalfi Coast

Praiano is relatively quiet in comparison to its neighbour, Positano. During the 10th and 11th centuries, Praiano served as the summer residence of the doges of the Duchy of Amalfi. The town declined around the 19th century when the silk industry that sustained it declined. It was then revived when corals were discovered nearby and the men of Praiano became known as skilled coral fishers. Today, the town’s main source of income comes from fishing and tourism.

The town’s name is derived from praia, Latin for beach. This is fitting as Praiano’s claim to fame is La Cala Gavitela, the only beach on the Amalfi Coast that gets sunlight from sunrise to sunset. Praiano faces west so it offers some of the best sunset views.

Who should make Praiano their home base?

Praiano has the same interesting layout as Positano but without the ferry dock, shops and nightlife. Those who want the cliffs and the sea air without the maddening crowds would probably love staying in Praiano. There are some really good restaurants in town, especially if you love seafood. Note, since there isn’t much of a nightlife in Praiano then your accommodation may very well be the experience at Praiano. Choose wisely.

Summary of Praiano Amenities

Furore – the town that doesn’t exist

Furore is unlike any other small, Italian town town or village in that it doesn’t have a main square or town centre. Hence, it became known as “the town that doesn’t exist”. Instead, Furore is comprised of little cottages clinging to the side of a cliff. The town’s name translates to “fury” in English. The roar of the waves crashing into the area’s fjord inspired its name. Furore’s claim to fame is the Fjord of Furore which is an unexpected feature in this part of the world.

The fjord shelters a small village and a tiny beach. It has served as a safe harbour since ancient times. Some believe that Homer mentioned it in the Odyssey as a resting place for Odysseus. A 100-foot high bridge helps you identify the fjord from the sea. Every year, Furore hosts high diving competitions at this bridge.

Who should make Furore their home base?

Because Furore doesn’t really have a city centre, there really isn’t a place where crowds can congregate. Meaning, you can 100% avoid crowds in Furore. Furore is also equidistant to Positano and Amalfi. This can help those who get motion sickness break up their time on the road. There is also a high concentration of olive groves and wineries in Furore, giving a tranquil, rural vibe.

Furore served as my home base during my visit to the Amalfi Coast. I wanted to immerse myself in nature and the Italian countryside. My main goal was to go on as many hikes as I can. Furore was the perfect base for all that. I stayed at an agriturismo. Agriturismos are formally regulated by Italian law and refers to any farming activity that brings people to visit a farm or ranch. I stayed at a former monastery that was converted into a farm that hosts special events and overnight guests. I was able to cross the road from my agriturismo and get on Sentiero degli Dei aka Path of the Gods.

Since Furore doesn’t have a main plaza, it may be hard to scout where to have dinner in the evenings. And needless to say, Furore doesn’t have much of a nightlife. You may be limited to eating at your accommodation’s restaurant. Lastly, you really need to plan out logistics for how to get to the bigger towns like Positano and Amalfi.

Summary of Furore Amenities

Conca dei Marini – the discreet town

Conca dei Marini is an ancient fishing village with a rich naval history. It is even smaller than its neighbour Furore. In terms of vibes, Conca dei Marini could not be more different than Positano. In the 1960s, when millionaires and celebrities vacationed in Positano to be seen, there was a glamorous set that vacationed in Conca dei Marini to get away from the glitz. Prominent Italian families and Princess Margaret of England stayed in villas at Conca dei Marini. Jacqueline Kennedy was also seen around town in the summer of 1962.

Today, the fishing traditions of Conca dei Marini remain active. It supplies fresh catch daily to the village’s coastal eateries. Because of its discreet nature, Conca dei Marini also remains as an exclusive tourist destination.

Who should make Conca dei Marini their home base?

Like Praiano and Furore, Conca dei Marini doesn’t attract large crowds of people. If you wanted to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy hiking, you could hike from Conca dei Marini to Furore, Praiano, and Amalfi.Alternatively, you can catch a water taxi from the town’s marina to get to Amalfi if you want to avoid the winding roads. As with Praiano and Furore, your accommodation may very well BE your experience in Conca dei Marini as it is a very small town.

Don’t make Conca dei Marini your home base if you want easy beach access, vibrant nightlife, or a central location.

Summary of Conca dei Marini Amenities

Amalfi – the heart of the UNESCO protected coastline

The town of Amalfi is located right in the centre of the Amalfi Coast. Historically and strategically significant, the entire coast gets its name from this seaside gem.

Amalfi was the capital of the Duchy of Amalfi, the oldest maritime republic of Italy. It was a major trading hub that prospered for three centuries under the rule of different civilisations. The rival republic of Pisa sacked Amalfi in the 1100s, and the city never quite recovered. A local told me that there’s still some bad blood there with the Pisanos. Under the rule of the Pisanos, Amalfi’s trade relevance dramatically declined. During the medieval times, Amalfi became known for its flourishing schools of law and mathematics.

Since ancient times, Amalfi and its beauty have attracted tourists. The conversion of old monasteries to hotels along the coast started relatively early in the 1800s. Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon built a coastal road connecting Positano to Vietri sul Mare. This road made Amalfi an unmissable stop on the Grand Tour – the old custom of a traditional trip through Europe by wealthy Europeans when they came of age. By the early 20th century, Amalfi had become a popular seaside resort with the British upper class spending their winters there.

Who should make Amalfi their home base?

Amalfi offers a convenient base thanks to its central location on the Amalfi Coast. You can catch the SITA bus easily going in either direction. (I use the word “easily” loosely here, as summer crowds can make it difficult to get on the bus.). There is a ferry port in town that directly connects to Positano, Salerno, and Naples. There are also trails that connect Amalfi to neighbouring towns if you prefer to walk.

In comparison to other Amalfi Coast towns, Amalfi is relatively flat. This would be ideal for those with those with limited mobility and who may not be able to handle steep stairs. In addition, Amalfi has many amenities that the smaller towns do not have. There are plenty of lively cafes, restaurants and nightlife. As a former capital of a maritime republic, Amalfi features architecture from all the different cultures that once ruled the region.

Mid-day brings day trippers into Amalfi, making the town especially crowded. Expect long lines for restaurants and the busses. It is also considerably expensive in Amalfi as a major tourist hub. You may also notice the heavy commercialisation of the town catering to international visitors. If you were seeking a more traditional, idyllic local experience, Amalfi may not be the best base for you.

Summary of Amalfi Amenities

Atrani – the smallest town on the Amalfi Coast

Actually, Atrani is the smallest town in all of Italy. It has also been named as one of “the most beautiful villages of Italy”. This is because Atrani has managed to keep its original, medieval era layout intact. You will notice the houses here cascading down the mountain slopes connected by steep flights of stairs, covered passageways, and tiny gardens. The original houses face the beach directly, and these houses isolate Atrani from automobile traffic. Though Atrani is a sleepy fishing village today, its history closely connects it to its twin city, Amalfi.

Who should make Atrani their home base?

Like Amalfi, Atrani is centrally located on the Amalfi Coast. It is also conveniently close to Amalfi. There is a trail that connects these two towns and should take about 15 minutes to get between them. If you wanted to be close to Amalfi but wanted to stay somewhere quieter, less crowded and more affordable, then Atrani is the ideal home base.

Summary of Atrani Amenities

Scala – the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast

Scala is the oldest settlement on the Amalfi Coast. It is also a unique (main) Amalfi Coast town as it is not located on the coast but up in the mountains, directly above Amalfi town. During the medieval period, Scala served as an important fortification for the Duchy of Amalfi. Its elevation offered some of the best panoramic views over the Amalfi Coast and was strategically important.

Who should make Scala their home base?

If you REALLY wanted to get away from the crowds that the Amalfi Coast attracts, Scala might appeal to you. The town is very quiet and mostly residential and rural. It is not commercialised by mass tourism at all. If you venture up there, you will enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and Ravello. Scala is also the perfect base for when you want to hike some nature trails and just get completely immerse by the forest. In addition, Scala offers some of the most affordable accommodations on the Amalfi Coast.

The downside of staying in Scala is its logistics. Because of its location, SITA buses arrive less frequently. Also, the bus often arrives already packed with passengers from other towns and may skip your stop, especially during peak season.I would also avoid Scala if you are prone to motion sickness as getting there involves steep mountain roads.

Summary of Scala Amenities

Ravello – the romantic town on the Amalfi Coast

Like Scala, Ravello isn’t located on the coastline. It is located in the mountains above Atrani. Ravello’s location offers its visitors some of the most beautiful views on the entire Amalfi Coast. Ravello is known as the “balcony of the Amalfi Coast”.

Ravello is my favourite town on the Amalfi Coast. It was just so breathtakingly beautiful and the architecture was just so regal. This is is because Ravello was the chosen refuge for a group of noble families who rebelled against the Doge during the 9th century. Ravello then prospered for centuries.

At its peak, Ravello was home to 25,000 people. During this time, a huge number of palazzi were built in town by the mercantile nobility. The town started to decline after the Duchy of Amalfi was sacked by the Republic of Pisa. Much of the residents of Ravello relocated to the Kingdom of Naples.

Even so, the architecture and city layout from Ravello’s golden years remained, giving the town its romantic appeal. For centuries thereafter, Ravello attracted inspiration-seeking intellectuals, artists, and celebrities from all over the world.

Who should make Ravello their home base?

Relative to Positano and Amalfi, Ravello is less chaotic. This is because Ravello is less accessible being perched up in the mountains above the coastline. It has a more laidback vibe. Because of its reputation, Ravello still receives a good amount of visitors relative to the smaller Amalfi Coast towns but this really depends on the season and the day. So if you were looking for something in between the crowded towns and the REALLY quiet ones, then Ravello might be the perfect base for your visit to the Amalfi Coast. Some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast can be seen from Ravello. The town itself is so historically interesting and absolutely stunning. If you don’t mind walking, there are trails that connect Ravello to Minori and Amalfi so you can skip the crowded SITA bus and expensive taxis.

If you were looking to stay by the water, then obviously Ravello wouldn’t be the right home base for you. Ravello also wouldn’t be the ideal base for budget conscious travellers. Ravello is very quiet and upscale, so if you were looking for an active nightlife here, then you’re in the wrong town.

Summary of Ravello Amenities

Minori – the town of good taste

Minori is another laidback fishing village. Archaeological evidence indicates that Minori is the oldest inhabited site on the Amalfi Coast. A maritime Roman villa dating back to the 1st century can be found in Minori. This is considered to be one of the most important sites on the Amalfi Coast. This impressive seaside residence of a Roman Senator or member of the imperial court would disappear from historical records around the 4th century.

Not too far from the site of that Roman villa, a new town would be founded on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea during the 7th century. It was said that the relics of Saint Trofimena were miraculously found on the current town’s beach. So they founded Minori on site and dedicated the town’s church to Saint Trofimena. In the coming centuries, Minori would share in the fortunes/misfortunes of Amalfi. In the 18th century, Minori was the centre of pasta and pastry production for the Kingdom of Naples. This was thanks to the numerous flour mills throughout the town, that was powered by the Rheggina River from which the town got its name.

Today, Minori is the gastronomic capital of the Amalfi Coast. It is the home of one of the oldest forms of pasta called ndunderi, as well as of distinctive shapes such as riccio and lagane. The town is also known for its world-famous delizie al limone and for its ricotta and pear cake.

Who should make Minori their home base?

Like other smaller Amalfi Coast towns, Minori offers a refuge for those distancing themselves from the crowded Amalfi Coast experience. It has retained its local fishing village charm and features sandy beaches. Accommodations in Minori are considerably more affordable in comparison to the more famous towns. Food here is also surprisingly more affordable considering its culinary reputation.

You should reconsider using Minori as your home base if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, high-end shopping, and a transportation hub right at your doorstep.

Summary of Minori Amenities

Tramonti – home of mozzarella and pizza

Like Scala and Ravello, Tramonti is the rare Amalfi Coast (main) town that is not located on the shoreline. It is located in the mountains above Maiori. Tramonti is surrounded by streams, olive groves, vineyards, and gardens. Its origin can be traced back to the ancient Romans.

The air of Tramonti is always refreshingly cool because of the town’s elevation. This makes it the perfect region for making cheese. Fior di latte, also commonly known as mozzarella, was invented in Tramonti. Tramonti also credits itself as the birthplace of pizza (just don’t tell the Napolitanos though). It is said that pizza was invented as a means to use up leftover bread dough. The bread was topped with piennolo tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, anchovies and a sprinkling of cheese. It was a perfect dish to share amongst friends. After WWII, many soldiers from the Campagnia region emigrated to parts of northern Italy. There, these men opened up pizzerias and thus the popularity of pizza began.

Who should make Tramonti their home base?

Tramonti is very residential and very agricultural. It would offer a very atypical setting from that which most people associate with the Amalfi Coast. It is very green and about 10 km/6 mi away from the coast. Staying in Tramonti would offer a peaceful escape in the Italian countryside while having the coast just 20 minutes away (if you’re driving). Accommodations and food are more affordable here than other commercialised Amalfi Coast towns.

Reconsider your visit to Tramonti if you want to be at the coastline, are looking for a vibrant nightlife, or are not planning to rent a car. The villages of this municipality aren’t very walkable. In addition, relying on the public bus can be difficult as schedules become limited and crowded especially during peak season.

Summary of Tramonti Amenities

Maiori – home of the Amalfi Coast’s largest beach

Maiori has been a popular resort town since the time of the Romans. There are several things about Maiori that makes it standout from the other Amalfi Coast towns. Firstly, it is famous for having the largest beach on the coast. This makes it a popular destination, especially for families. Secondly, Maiori features shopfronts and restaurants right on the shoreline which is a rarity amongst the Amalfi Coast towns. Lastly, Maiori is relatively flat.

In 1954, a catastrophic flood destroyed the historic centre of Maiori. Therefore, Maiori is not esteemed for its historical charm in the same way as Positano and Amalfi. However, Maiori offers a lively atmosphere and large urban centre that is not available in the other towns.

Who should make Maiori their home base?

Maiori is the perfect base for those with limited mobility. The 1954 flood destroyed many of the steep staircases in the historic centre and were never restored. Hence, Maiori is pretty flat in comparison to the other Amalfi Coast towns. It is also located where catching busses and ferries are relatively easier for those relying on public transportation. Other Maiori features include:

• a more local, southern Italian atmosphere
• family-friendly vibe
• (relatively) affordable accommodations and food
• located right on the coast
• proximity to a lively nightlife

Reconsider staying in Maoiri if you are looking to stay somewhere with that romanticised vibe of an ancient cliffside town by the sea or a quiet, Italian seaside getaway.

Summary of Maiori Amenities

Cetara – the traditional fishing village of the Amalfi Coast

Of all the (main) towns on the Amalfi Coast, Cetara is one of the least reliant on tourism. Perhaps that is why Cetara remains to be a quintessential Mediterranean fishing village.

Cetara is a world tuna capital! Tuna caught in the area are world famous. Large quantities of Cetara tuna are shipped to Japan where it is used for sushi and sashimi dishes. In general, the best fish on the Amalfi Coast can be found in Cetara.

Who should make Cetara their home base?

If you wanted to experience life on a Mediterranean fishing village, then Cetara may be the perfect base for you. Cetara offers world-class seafood and a historic atmosphere without the massive touristic crowds. All this while still offering easy access to the famed coastline.

Skip Cetara if you are looking for luxurious amenities (that are more associated with Positano), pristine swimming beaches, and a bustling nightlife.

Summary of Cetara Amenities

Vietri sul Mare – the gateway to the Amalfi Coast

It seems counterintuitive to end an article about the main Amalfi Coast towns with the town that is the literal gateway to the Amalfi Coast. But, I wanted to start with the most popular town which just happens to be the westernmost town on the coast. If you’ve made it this far, I am assuming you are making a very intentional decision on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Vietri sul Mare is the easternmost town on the Amalfi Coast. Since the Middle Ages, this town has been famous for its ceramics. Vietri sul Mare’s polychrome ceramics have been exported to other countries since at least the 15th century. The motifs and techniques used to make these ceramics have been preserved by generations of the town’s artisans and have remained unchanged to this day.

Vietri sul Mare features some of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Those beaches are amongst the most popular with the locals, especially those with children.

Who should make Vietri sul Mare their home base?

Vietri sul Mare offers traditional, southern Italian charm, excellent affordability, and a relaxed, crowd-free atmosphere for its visitors. It is the most accessible town on the Amalfi Coast as it connects directly to Naples and has a national train station.

Vietri sul Mare may not be the ideal home base for you if you are seeking pristine swimming beaches, luxurious amenities and that vertical cliffside town aesthetic that people often associate with the Amalfi Coast.

Summary of Vietri sul Mare Amenities

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Do you have a favourite town to use as a home base on the Amalfi Coast? Do you have questions to help plan your visit? Let me know in the comments below!