The Amalfi Coast Map: Towns, Sights, Beaches and Distances

The Amalfi Coast is the south side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in the province of Salerno, between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. It runs from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, with thirteen towns along the coast and one road, the SS 163, linking nearly all of them. Journey times can double in August, so the order in which you visit the towns matters.

At a glance

• Distance from Naples: 31 miles (50 km)
• Municipalities: 13
• Stretch: Positano to Vietri sul Mare
• Seas and gulfs: Gulf of Naples and Gulf of Salerno
• Main road: SS 163, about an hour and a half to drive
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997

Where is the Amalfi Coast on the map?

The Amalfi Coast lies south of Naples, in the province of Salerno, facing the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. It sits on the Tyrrhenian coast with the Gulf of Salerno in front and the Monti Lattari mountains behind. The Monti Lattari chain crosses the whole territory and ends at Punta Campanella.

The coast is 31 miles (50 km) from Naples. Sorrento is a common starting point, but it is not on the Amalfi Coast. Positano is where the coast begins.

What are the regions of the Amalfi Coast?

There are 13 municipalities along the coast.

Most towns sit right on the SS 163, which runs from the hills of Piano di Sorrento to Vietri sul Mare. Furore, Ravello and Tramonti are harder to reach, by winding roads that climb into the Monti Lattari. Plan a little extra time if one of them is on your list.

What are the main towns on the Amalfi Coast?

Positano

Positano is the western end of the coastal stretch. Sorrento is about 45 minutes away by road, or about 50 minutes by ferry in season, and Amalfi is about 40 minutes by road or about 25 minutes by ferry. The Sentiero degli Dei, a trail of about 5.6 miles (9 km), ends here. It starts in Agerola. Positano works as a base for the western part of the coast.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a former maritime republic and sits between mountains and sea in the Mediterranean maquis, the wild scrub of the hills. It is the best-placed town for short hops. Atrani is 5 minutes away by road, Maiori about 20 minutes by road or about 15 by ferry, and Salerno about an hour by road or about 35 minutes by ferry. A base here covers the middle of the coast.

Atrani

Atrani is Italy’s smallest town and lies just 2,300 feet (700 meters) from Amalfi. The trip takes 5 minutes by road or 10 on foot. It makes an easy walk from an Amalfi base.

Ravello

Ravello is about 25 minutes uphill from Amalfi by road. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone, with the Terrace of Infinity, and the terraces and cloisters of Villa Rufolo are here.

Maiori

Maiori is about 20 minutes from Amalfi by road and about 15 minutes by ferry. Maiori and Minori share the start of the Sentiero dei Limoni and the ruins of a Roman villa.

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is the eastern end of the coast, on the Gulf of Salerno. It is known for its artistic ceramics. Salerno is close to the east, so it also works for arriving or leaving by that side.

How far is Positano from the rest of the Amalfi Coast?

Amalfi is the hub for day trips: Atrani, Maiori and Ravello are all within about 25 minutes by road.

The whole Amalfitana road takes about an hour and a half to drive, and journey times can double in August.

From Positano, Amalfi works as a day trip. Ravello, Maiori and Salerno are better handled from an Amalfi base.

Where are the main sights and beaches on the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The Sentiero degli Dei, about 5.6 miles (9 km) between Agerola and Positano, is a walking route on the western side. Ravello holds the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and the central coast has the Roman villa ruins at Maiori and Minori and the Sentiero dei Limoni. Vietri sul Mare has the ceramics.

The coast has sheer cliffs overhanging the water and tiny bays, with terraces planted with vines, olive and citrus trees. The official interactive map of the 13 municipalities marks points of interest. Each pin opens a page with description, photos, directions and contacts. For beaches, use it to find the bay nearest your base.

A Ravello visit combines easily with Amalfi in one day, since the road up takes about 25 minutes.