If you love Italy and are planning to include the picture-perfect beauty of the Amalfi Coast in your Italy itinerary, then look no further. The sought-after coast is said to be a tourist trap, much like Cinque Terre, but truth is, the towns on the Amalfi Coast are totally worth visiting!
Endless cliffs covered in a carpet of green hanging over the glittering blue sea. Dotted with delightful little towns built steeply up the hills overlooking the beaches below, this is a sight you’ll never forget.
To help you make sure you don’t miss out on the most picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast, I’ve asked fellow travelers what their favorite is and why they think you should visit and add them to your Amalfi Coast itinerary.
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Picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast
Now, let’s dig into the fun stuff and explore the most picture-perfect towns in Amalfi Coast recommended by travelers! You’re about to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful coasts.
Positano
Recommended by Dan of Urban Abroad
When visiting Italy’s UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast towns, Positano is the ultimate destination! This beautiful fishing village climbs steeply into the surrounding mountains and offers some of the best photo opportunities in the whole of Italy.
With a long list of things to do here including some of the best hiking in the Amalfi Coast, with the incredible path of Gods, relaxing on Fornillo beach, a historic visit to the Santa Maria Assunta Church, or just sampling all the delicious Italian food on offer, you will be spoilt for choice.
With most attractions in the town being within easy reach of the beach, Positano makes the perfect postcard town for both families and romantic getaways in the sun.
May is a great time to visit Positano, not only to avoid the hot humid climate but also if you wish to enjoy the town without the big tourist crowds that arrive during the summer months.
By traveling to Positano outside of the summer peak times, accommodation rates are considerably lower too. Many people stay at Hotel Villa Gabrisa known for spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, elegant rooms, and sought-after balcony rooms which give you full ocean views.
All in all, Potasino makes any trip to the Amalfi Coast a memorable one for anyone looking to visit one of its beautiful towns.
Praiano
Recommended by Olivia of Girl With Blue Sails
One of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast is the lovely hillside city of Praiano. Complete with a hill of colorful houses leading down to the shore, Praiano has those quintessential Italian coastal vibes.
With a beautiful beach, restaurants overlooking the water, and plenty of scenic overlooks, Praiano is a town worth staying at least a couple of nights on your next vacation.
Located in the next town over from the popular town of Positano, Praiano makes a wonderful, quiet place to stay away from all the hustle and bustle.
The nearest airport is Naples airport, and Praiano can be reached by car. Once in town, there are local buses and boats that run daily, providing plenty of opportunities to carpool and take day trips to the nearby towns without adding to the traffic.
Marina di Praia Beach is a must-see beach cove when visiting Praiano. It is a short walk down to the beach. There are plenty of restaurants along the walk, perfect for grabbing a bite while being surrounded by ocean views.
The people of this charming Amalfi Coast town are very friendly as well, always happy to make recommendations and ensure their visitors’ stays are as fun as possible.
A great place to stay is Pezz Pezz with spacious rooms and terrace with sea view.
Vietri sul Mare
Recommended by Toti & Ale of Italian Trip Abroad
Along the unique stretch of coastline that runs for 40 kilometers, about 25 miles, on the only road that will take you from Sorrento to Salerno, there are many magnificent towns and small villages.
Almost at the end of your trip, you’ll reach Vietri sul Mare. “Sul mare” in Italian means on the seaside, and this town literally is.
The beautiful town is next to Salerno with a never-ending promenade, this is one of the most populated towns along the Amalfi Coast well known worldwide for the production of fine ceramics and authentic clay masterpieces.
Vietri Sul Mare is one of the most attractive shores on the whole Amalfi Coast, with locals often preferring this stretch of beaches more than the other because it is intimate and less touristy.
Vietri Sul Mare is not just a beach and to be seen as a summer destination, but an absolutely cute town. All around the white houses, you can admire ceramics and well-adorned doors and staircases.
The town, like other locations in the same area, features houses on the typical Terraces climbing up the steep mountain hills. Many houses around here have hidden lemon groves, gardens, and beautiful private pools.
This is also the ideal location to avoid the traffic of the only highway passing through the Amalfi Coast. Taking the highway from Naples to Salerno, get out at Vietri sul Mare, avoiding the usual traffic jam.
Book your stay in a local agriturismo, like Villa Maria Antonietta, feeling the local vibes.
Ravello
Recommended by Kerry of Adrenaline Junkiez
Ravello is a beautiful small town in Italy that is usually visited as the last stop on an Amalfi Coast road trip. Located high atop the mountains, the views over the southern coast of Italy are incredible.
Known as the garden in the Sky, Ravello has several spots of luscious greenery, tall perfected curated trees, and even miniature vineyards, some of which are cultivated directly into the cliffside.
There are many different cafes and restaurants in the central square that make for a wonderful lunch or dinner. You can also do a spot of shopping at the small stores dotted about the town.
There are many picturesque buildings and architecture to admire but nothing compares to the views of the towns below and the ocean beyond.
Due to its mountainous location, the easiest way to get to Ravello is to drive. There is plenty of parking and even a small coach stop if you choose to get there by public transport.
Best of all, Ravello is much quieter than other places on the Amalfi Coast. This creates a feeling of peacefulness that is worth the visit alone.
Stay at the old convent from 1288, Hotel Parsifal, now a lovely family-run hotel with impeccable views of the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi
Recommended by Lori of Italy Foodies
The charm and beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast towns doesn’t begin and end with the holiday town of Positano. There are less-visited and equally beautiful towns to explore.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast is a bit of a hop, skip, and a jump. Most visitors to the Amalfi Coast fly into Rome or Naples, take the train to Sorrento, and private transport from there. Unfortunately, there is no train service directly to the Amalfi Coast.
From Positano, the quaint town of Amalfi is just 16 km away but can take around 40 minutes by bus (depending on the time of year). A more enjoyable way is to take the ferry from Positano which takes 50 minutes but offers a stunning view from the sea.
You’ll arrive in Amalfi at the main piazza, surrounded by white-washed houses perched on the steep cliffs. Be sure and visit the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew with its huge staircase, Arab-Norman bell tower, and Byzantine columns. It’s the most visited cathedral on the coast.
Other unmissable sites include the Chapel of the Crucifix, the Paper Museum, and the Ancient Arsenals of the Amalfi Republic.
The food in Amalfi is understandably amazing given the local foods that grow big in the sun. From small cafes and street vendors alike, you’ll enjoy amazing coffee, fresh fruit and vegetables, Baba Rustico, the traditional Italian bread of the Campania region, and so much more.
Stay a few nights at the Terrazza Duomo hotel. It’s close to everything including Amalfi’s best beach.
Capri
Recommended by Lori of Travlinmad
Off the coast of Naples in southern Italy is the stunning island of Capri. From the time that you first set foot on the island you’ll be captured in its spell.
To reach Capri, you’ll have to take the inexpensive ferry from the Port of Naples or Sorrento. Generally, the ride takes about 50 minutes across the Bay of Naples on the high-speed ferry or 80 minutes via the standard.
Your boat will dock at the Marina Grande and from there you can ride the Funicular Marina Grande up the hill to the main Piazzetta in the town.
In spite of any crowds, you will find Capri to be quite relaxed and intimate. Most visitors are here for just a day trip and don’t realize all there is to see and do on Capri.
Shoppers who love upscale finds will be in heaven in Capri, and there are also incredible restaurants, and wonderful boutique hotels to stay a few nights.
But there is also stunning natural scenery to be enjoyed. One of the most popular ways to experience Capri is on a boat tour to the famous grottoes, or stroll the beautiful Gardens of Augustus.
For the more adventurous, a hike to historic Villa Jovis – home of Emperors Tiberius and his mad nephew, Emperor Caligula.
There is so much to see on Capri. Stay for a few days at the quiet boutique La Minerva hotel. You’ll be so glad you did.
Sorrento
Recommended by Shannon of Traveling Teacher Girl
Sorrento is one of the best towns in Amalfi Coast. Sorrento is located in a central location on the Sorrentine Peninsula, making it the perfect home base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and other locations nearby.
A few easy day trips from Sorrento include Pompeii (20-30 minutes by train), Capri (30 minutes by ferry or boat), Positano (30-40 minutes by bus or ferry), and Naples (one hour by train).
Sorrento is located on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, which adds to the beauty of this charming town. The town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and cute shops along its winding cobblestone streets. A few of the main sites in town include Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, Piazza Tasso, and the Cathedral and Bell Tower.
Some other popular activities in Sorrento include visiting a Limoncello factory, taking a cooking class, or doing a food tour.
For a centrally located and budget-friendly hotel, be sure to check out the Grand Hotel Europa Palace. It is located very close to the Sorrento train station, and a short five-minute walk from the center of town. It also has a pool and beach access.
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Reflections on the Amalfi Coast towns
There’s no doubt, the Amalfi coastal towns are worth visiting. Hopefully, with these tips and recommendations, you’ll find the perfect Amalfi towns for your liking.
I do, however, challenge you to not only visit the most popular. One of the most rewarding responsible travel tips are to get off the beaten path and spread your tourist money in different places.
In areas that can get overtouristed, like some towns along Amalfi Coast, it can be refreshing both for locals and for travelers to both spread the trip to lesser-visited towns, but also to stay longer in each place so that you get a connection to the place before rushing off to the next.
READ NEXT: Italy off the beaten path
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