Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast: 5 Best Towns & Hotels

Are you trying to decide where to stay in the Amalfi Coast but feeling stuck between all the famous towns? The Amalfi Coast can be quite confusing at first, I know all too well!

Picking the right base here really matters, and it can absolutely make or break your trip. Although the coastline looks small on the map, distances are bigger than they seem, and getting from town to town takes a lot of time. That’s why choosing the right location matters just as much as choosing your hotel!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best towns to stay in the Amalfi Coast and help you decide based on budget, logistics, and what each town is best for.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Overview of Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is made up of several small towns stretched along a dramatic coastline, and each one feels completely different. Some are known for iconic views and luxury hotels, while others are more relaxed, beach-focused, or easier to use as a base for exploring the region.

One thing you should know before choosing where to stay in the Amalfi Coast is how the public transport system works.

The main way to get around is by bus or ferry, and there are two main bus lines running along the coast: Sorrento to Amalfi, and Amalfi to Salerno. If you stay outside these main routes, getting around can take more time and often requires transfers.

Buses are affordable but can be slow and very crowded, especially in summer. Ferries are usually faster and more comfortable, but they only connect certain towns and can be canceled if the sea is rough.

Taxis are available but expensive, and driving yourself is not always as easy as it looks because of narrow roads, traffic, and limited parking.

Because of this, choosing your base is not just about views or hotels. It also affects how easy it will be to get around during your trip. Don’t worry, we’ll get into more details in the next section!

Area	Recommended Hotel
Positano (iconic views, romantic, very photogenic)	Hotel Conca d’Oro
Amalfi (central location, great public transport connections, historic feel)	Hotel L’Antico Convitto
Sorrento (easiest logistics, train access, more budget-friendly)	Hotel Continental
Maiori (beach focused, flatter, more space, usually better value)	Hotel Sole Splendid
Ravello (quiet hilltop town, villa gardens, panoramic views)	Villa Piedimonte

Map of the Best Places to Stay in the Amalfi Coast

Below you can find a customized map that includes the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, including my recommended hotels for each town for every budget.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast: Best Towns & Hotels

1. Positano

When thinking about where to stay in the Amalfi Coast, Positano is often what comes to mind first. It’s the most famous town along the coast, and it’s an amazing place to stay, but it also comes with a few challenges.

Positano has some of the most iconic views on the Amalfi Coast. I honestly thought it might be overhyped, and I wasn’t that excited before my first visit because I was worried I’d be let down.

I’m happy to say it truly lives up to the hype! It’s drop-dead gorgeous. If you’re after postcard-perfect views or planning a romantic trip, this is the place to be.

Another great thing about staying here is that you can enjoy quieter mornings and somewhat calmer evenings once the day-trippers leave. During the day, it can feel very busy, but early mornings and later at night feel completely different.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, so everything is in one place.

Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Positano, Italy

From a logistics point of view, Positano is also in a good location. It sits roughly halfway between Sorrento and Amalfi, which makes it easy to explore in either direction. The ferry port connects Positano with most major towns along the coast, and you can even take a ferry to Capri.

The bus connection is also good since Positano sits on the Sorrento to Amalfi line, with two main stops: Sponda and Chiesa Nuova. One thing to keep in mind is that because Positano sits in the middle of the route, buses are often already full by the time they arrive from either direction.

That can make getting on the bus harder. That said, since many people also get off in Positano, with a bit of patience and luck, you can usually still get a spot.

Another thing you need to consider is that the town is built vertically. It looks incredible, but it also means a lot of stairs, and there’s really no way around it. Even the bus stops are located higher up compared to the beach, so chances are you’ll be climbing quite a bit.

This is very important when choosing a hotel. Porter services can help with luggage, but you’ll still need to walk up and down stairs after the beach, dinner, or sightseeing.

And finally, budget. Because Positano is the most famous town on the coast, it’s also the most expensive. True budget options are very limited here. It’s an amazing place for luxury hotels, and many properties have incredible views, but they usually come with a high price tag.

2. Amalfi

Amalfi is another very popular choice when deciding where to stay in the Amalfi Coast, and for good reason. It’s one of the largest towns along the coast and has a very lively, historic feel, centered around the famous Duomo and main piazza.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Amalfi is how central it is. If you’re planning to move around a lot, this is one of the easiest bases you can choose.

Ferries run frequently from here to towns like Positano, Sorrento, and Salerno, and you can also easily reach places like Capri by boat.

Another big advantage is that both main coastal bus lines start and end in Amalfi (Sorrento-Amalfi and Amalfi-Salerno). This means you’re usually getting on at the starting point, so buses are empty when you board.

Compared to Positano, Amalfi is a bit easier to navigate. There are still stairs, but the town center near the harbor and main streets is relatively flat, which makes moving around with luggage or coming back from dinner much easier.

You also get a wide choice of restaurants, cafes, and shops, and everything feels very walkable.

One thing to be aware of is that Amalfi gets very busy during the day. Because it’s such a major transport hub, a lot of day-trippers pass through, especially in peak season. Early mornings and evenings are usually much calmer and feel a lot more relaxed.

In terms of budget, Amalfi offers a much wider range of accommodation compared to Positano. You can still find luxury hotels here, but there are also plenty of mid-range and more budget-friendly options. Overall, it’s noticeably cheaper than Positano!

3. Sorrento

Sorrento is technically not on the Amalfi Coast itself, but it’s still one of the most popular places to stay when visiting the region. If logistics are high on your priority list, Sorrento is easily one of the most convenient bases you can choose for your Amalfi Coast itinerary.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Sorrento is how easy it is to get here and get around. You can take the Circumvesuviana train directly from Naples, which makes arrival and departure much simpler compared to towns along the coast.

Sorrento is also well connected by ferry, and you can easily visit places like Capri, Positano, and Amalfi by boat. The SITA bus line also runs between Sorrento and Amalfi, which gives you another option for getting along the coast.

Although it’s very well connected, you still have to factor in a lot of travel time. For example, getting to Positano from Sorrento takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, while Amalfi is roughly 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to move around a lot, since you’ll likely be spending more time commuting compared to staying directly on the coast.

Read more: 20 Best Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is also a great base if you’re planning to see more than just the Amalfi Coast. From here, it’s easy to visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, and even Naples as a day trip. There are also tons of guided day tours of the Amalfi Coast starting from Sorrento.

The town itself is larger and more spread out compared to most Amalfi Coast towns. It still has beautiful viewpoints and charming streets, but it feels more like a small city than a tiny cliffside village.

The big advantage here is that it’s much easier to walk around, and you won’t be dealing with nearly as many stairs as you would in places like Positano or Ravello.

Sorrento has by far the largest selection of accommodation in the region. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels to guesthouses and more budget-friendly stays. It’s also noticeably more affordable than staying directly on the Amalfi Coast.

4. Maiori

Maiori is a great choice if you want to stay directly on the Amalfi Coast but prefer something more relaxed and less chaotic than the more famous towns. It’s especially popular if beach time is high on your priority list.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Maiori is that it has one of the longest and most accessible beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Unlike towns like Positano, where the beach is smaller and the town is built vertically, Maiori is much flatter and easier to walk around.

If you want to stay somewhere where you can easily go back and forth between your hotel, restaurants, and the beach without climbing endless stairs, Maiori is a great option.

From a transport point of view, Maiori is well connected by bus since it sits on the Amalfi to Salerno line. You can take the bus to Amalfi and continue by another bus, or you can take a direct ferry to Positano. However, it has no direct connections to Sorrento or Capri.

Maiori also tends to feel more local and less tourist-heavy compared to places like Positano or Amalfi. It still gets busy in summer, but overall, the atmosphere is more laid back, especially in the evenings.

When it comes to accommodation, Maiori usually offers better value compared to the most famous towns along the coast. You’ll still find nice hotels, but prices are generally lower, and rooms are often larger, which can be great if you’re traveling as a family or staying longer.

5. Ravello

Ravello is very different from the other towns on this list. Instead of sitting directly on the water, it’s located high up in the hills above Amalfi. If your priority is views, peace, and a slower pace, this is one of the most special places you can stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Ravello is best known for its incredible viewpoints and historic villas, especially Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. The views from here are honestly some of the best on the entire coast! Because of its hilltop location, Ravello feels quieter and more relaxed, especially in the evenings after day visitors leave.

Staying in Ravello means you’ll be away from the crowds and noise of the coastal towns. The town itself is small, very walkable, and centered around Piazza Duomo, with a handful of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

It’s a great choice if you’re planning a romantic trip or if you simply want somewhere calm to come back to after sightseeing.

Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Ravello, Italy

From a logistics point of view, staying in Ravello requires a bit more planning. You’ll usually need to travel down to Amalfi by bus or taxi before continuing along the coast by ferry or bus. The drive between Ravello and Amalfi is short, but the road is very winding, so it can take longer than you expect.

In terms of accommodation, Ravello is known for beautiful boutique hotels and luxury properties, many with incredible views. There are fewer accommodation options overall compared to larger towns, but what you find here is often very special and more about atmosphere and views than beach access.