Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Best Areas, Villages and Types of Stays

The Amalfi Coast runs from Positano to Vietri sul Mare above the Gulf of Salerno, and you can sleep right on it in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello or Praiano, or base yourself in Sorrento or Salerno for trains. No coastal village has a railway station, so the choice of base decides how you arrive, how you move around and how much you pay.

At a glance

• Directly on the coast: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Praiano
• Practical base with a train to Naples: Sorrento
• Cheapest base: Salerno
• Most expensive and most crowded village: Positano
• Quietest, most residential village: Praiano
• Capri: ferry or hydrofoil only

The best areas to stay on the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi: for a first visit on the coast

Amalfi is a former maritime republic. Its medieval Arsenale is the only rock shipyard still existing, and the Museo della Carta sits in an old paper mill at the start of the road to the Valle delle Ferriere. Lodging runs from 5-star hotels to residenze turistico alberghiere, which are apartments with their own kitchen and require a stay of at least seven days. Hotels here are classified from 1 to 5 stars, and about 80 operators work in the local Amalfi Experience network.

Atrani: for a small-town stay next to Amalfi

Atrani is Italy’s smallest town and sits just 2,300 feet (700 meters) from Amalfi. It suits travelers who want Amalfi’s sights within reach and a smaller place to come back to at night.

Positano: for the classic coastal village, at a price

Positano marks the western end of the coastal stretch. It is the most expensive and most crowded village on the coast, so it fits a short splurge better than a long, budget-minded stay. You sleep directly on the coast here, with no railway station in the village.

Praiano: for quiet evenings

Praiano is the quietest, most residential alternative to the busier villages. It also lets you sleep directly on the coast. If your days are spent at Amalfi or Positano, it gives you a calmer place to return to.

Ravello: for gardens and views, without a beach

Ravello has no beach of its own and sits about 1,150 feet (350 meters) above sea level. Villa Cimbrone, with its gardens and the Terrace of Infinity, is the main draw. It suits travelers who want height and calm over swimming from the door.

Maiori and Minori: for the Lemon Path and Roman ruins

Maiori and Minori are home to the start of the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path) and to the ruins of a Roman villa. They suit walkers and travelers who like having a trail and some history close to where they sleep.

Sorrento: for train access and an easy base

Sorrento is a practical base with a train to Naples. No coastal village has a railway station, so this is the town to choose if your trip leans on rail connections.

Salerno: for the lowest prices and rail links

Salerno is the cheapest base. Prices tend to be significantly lower here than anywhere directly on the coast. It has a regional railway station, plus ferry and bus links to Amalfi.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast with kids, as a couple or on a budget

• Family without a car: Sorrento or Salerno · hotels, or an apartment in a residenza turistico alberghiera with its own kitchen (seven nights minimum) · train station in town
• Budget: Salerno · hotels and rooms in a regular alberghi setup · regional train, plus ferry and bus to Amalfi
• Capri: a separate stop with its own booking · ferry or hydrofoil only, no road access

What is the best area to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

Without a car, sleep in Salerno or Sorrento. Both have rail links, while the coastal villages have no station at all. From Salerno, ferries and buses run to Amalfi, so you can still spend your days on the coast.

Hotel prices and when to book on the Amalfi Coast

From Easter to October, and markedly from June to August, accommodation prices along the coast rise. Salerno stays significantly cheaper than any point directly on the coast. In July and August the SS163 slows to a walking pace and SITA buses travel packed, so a base with a ferry or train link is easier in those months.

A tourist tax is charged per person and per night, graduated by type of accommodation, and you pay it to the property. Local authorities say they want to spread tourism across the year and ease the summer crowding, which makes spring and autumn dates worth considering.

Book Capri separately, as a stop of its own and not as a daily base.