Best Beaches on the Amalfi Coast: Where They Are, How to Get There and When to Go

Marina Grande in Amalfi is the easy pick, a beach of sand and pebbles with lidos, bars and restaurants, while the Spiaggia del Duoglio suits anyone who wants it more secluded. Some beaches here can only be reached by sea or down a long flight of steps, so the way in matters as much as the sand.

What are the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast?

The beaches fall naturally by village. Amalfi has Marina Grande, the Spiaggia del Duoglio and Santa Croce Beach. Positano has its own Marina Grande, Fornillo Beach and the Spiaggia di Laurito. Praiano has the Spiaggia della Gavitella, and Furore has a small beach at the bottom of its fjord. Expect rocky coves, pebble beaches and small hidden bays.

• Marina Grande, Amalfi: sand and pebbles · in town, fully equipped · families and first-timers
• Spiaggia del Duoglio: secluded · green path and 400 steps, or small boats from the Amalfi pier · quiet seekers
• Santa Croce Beach: reached only by sea · for those who plan a boat
• Marina Grande, Positano: about 1,300 feet (400 meters) of sandy shore in the inlet · an easy stretch of sand
• Spiaggia di Laurito: sheer cliffs, untouched nature · on foot · walkers
• Spiaggia della Gavitella, Praiano: landing, beach establishments and restaurants · a beach with services
• Furore fjord: small beach at the bottom of the fjord · swimming

No train station serves any village on the coast. The nearest are Salerno to the east and Sorrento to the west. The SITA bus network connects every coastal village, and the Amalfi-Positano line runs between those two towns. That makes the town beaches easy without a car, and the boats from the Amalfi pier open up the Duoglio. Santa Croce needs a boat.

Driving means the SS163, the narrow coastal road linking every village from Vietri sul Mare to Positano. Praiano is 6 miles (10 km) from Amalfi on that road. Amalfi, Positano and Ravello enforce ZTL restricted traffic zones during peak season, so a bus or boat is often the simpler choice there.

How warm is the water at the beaches on the Amalfi Coast?

Late summer is the warm-water season. The sea near Amalfi peaks in August at 79°F (26°C). July is close behind at 77°F (25°C), and September still holds 76°F (24°C).

Early summer and autumn suit swimmers who like it a little cooler. June averages 72°F (22°C) and October 71°F (22°C). May is cooler at 66°F (19°C), and April drops to 60°F (16°C).

Winter water stays in the high 50s. January averages 59°F (15°C), while February and March both sit at 58°F (14°C). Positano reads the same in January and February. Most swimmers will want to wait until June or later.

Where are the beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and how do you get to each one?

Marina Grande, Amalfi: sand and pebbles

In the town itself, fully equipped with lidos, bars and restaurants, and the most accessible beach of Amalfi.

Spiaggia del Duoglio: secluded

It’s reached by a green path and a flight of 400 steps, or by small boats from the pier in Amalfi. It’s ideal for those who prefer more secluded situations. Wear shoes that grip for the steps, and bring water.

Santa Croce Beach: only by sea

This beach can only be reached by sea. Sort out the boat before you set out, since there’s no path to fall back on.

Marina Grande, Positano: sandy shore

It’s the first beach to look at in Positano if you want sand underfoot. The SITA bus from Amalfi runs on the Amalfi-Positano line, so it works without a car.

Fornillo Beach: intimate pebble cove

Fornillo is a small cove of pebbles and gravel in Positano, reachable on foot. Beach shoes make the pebbles easier on the feet.

Spiaggia di Laurito: cliffs and untouched nature

Laurito sits below sheer cliffs in Positano and is reachable on foot. Bring water and sturdy shoes, since you’re walking in.

Spiaggia della Gavitella: landing and restaurants

This Praiano beach has a landing, beach establishments and restaurants.

Fiordo di Furore: small beach at the foot of the fjord

A small beach lies at the bottom of the Fiordo di Furore, and visitors can swim there. Treat it as a short, quiet swim stop.

What should you know before going to the beach on the Amalfi Coast?

• Heat: heatwaves are common in the south of Italy in summer, so carry water and take shade in the middle of the day. – Thunderstorms: heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds come mainly in spring and summer. – Earthquakes: several major fault lines cross Italy and earthquakes are frequent. – Beach access: in Amalfi, apart from Spiaggia Grande and the area outside the breakwater, access by land is inhibited or not easy.