After having longed to visit for so long, I finally got the chance to visit the Amalfi Coast! But once I started planning, I realized it wasn’t so simple as head to Positano and stay forever. First of all, Positano was so insanely expensive, and second of all, there’s a ton of towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast and I didn’t know where to start! Therefore, I’m going to give you the lowdown on all of the best Amalfi Coast towns; all the details I wish I knew, such as which one is the best to stay in, and which ones to visit and which to skip.
Positano
Positano is known for being the destination for the rich and famous. Therefore, it is the liveliest of the Amalfi Coast towns. Filled with glamorous bars, upscale shopping, delicious restaurants, nightlife, beautiful beaches, and stunning views, there’s nothing to not like. However, keep in mind that it is a very vertical town, and is therefore not really accessible.
This is, of course, the main attraction. Many people will travel all the way to Italy just for the magical cliffside town of Positano. Even if you fancy yourself “too cool” to visit the popular destinations, this is one stop you cannot miss, especially if you’re already in the Amalfi Coast to being with.
But I don’t have the budget for all of that, Claire! Well don’t worry, I gotchu covered. Check out my post: How to Visit Positano on a Budget.
Amalfi
Probably the second most popular town on the Amalfi Coast is the town that the coast is named after – Amalfi! It’s the largest town along the coast, and also very lively, even in the shoulder season, but it’s more low-key than Positano. Amalfi has a rich history, as one of the region’s main maritime powers since at least the 6th century, and a lot of art to see. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral for just a taste of it! And, of course, there’s a long stretch of gorgeous beach.
Amalfi is less expensive than Positano (but still not terribly affordable) and centrally located, making it a great town to stay in if Positano isn’t quite within your budget.
Ravello
Ravello is noticeably different from all the other towns on this list because it is located up in the hills. Therefore, there isn’t direct beach access, making it a day-trip spot for most. However, don’t be fooled, just because there’s no beach doesn’t mean there’s no taste of the sea. Due to its location in the cliffs, Ravello has stunning views of the open Mediterranean.
Being that the town is a bit out of the way, Ravello is a lot quieter and peaceful than the other Amalfi Coast towns. It’s the perfect spot for couples looking for a romantic retreat, or anyone looking to get away from the crowds.
Capri
Technically, Capri isn’t a town, it’s an island, but I just had to include it. As it used to be Emperor Augustus’ private resort, there is no difficulty seeing what exactly makes it so popular. Technically made up of multiple towns, Capri is still small enough to see in a day, which is why it is mostly a day trip from the coast. Stroll along the marina, then hike your way up to the main town, and then take a chairlift up a cliff to Anacapri, for gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Capri is luxurious and the summer favorite for VIPs and celebrities, which means it does get very crowded. If you want to really experience Capri at its best, stay a night on the island. After all the ferries return to the mainland for the evening, the island transforms into a totally different place. But, as with almost all of the towns, Capri is not cheap to stay at.
To see more photos, read: 20 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With Capri
Praiano
Tucked away on a cliffside near Positano, Praiano was a favorite of royalty in the past, as first-century Roman emperors and the medieval-era dukes of the maritime Republic of Amalfi chose this as their summer getaway. As a result, I’d describe Praiano as classy and sophisticated. You can sleep in an art gallery, feast your eyes on the palatial interior of churches, and gorge yourself on delicious seafood. What more can you ask for?
Atrani
Literally a hop and a skip away from Amalfi, Atrani is only 0.12 kilometers squared, making it literally the smallest town in Italy. But its size has nothing to do with its charm! In the summer months, beach chairs fill the entirety of Atrani’s tiny beach. If you’re sick of beaching, roam upwards onto the quiet but picturesque streets of Atrani. Its a wonderful getaway of sorts from the busier towns.
Furore
Furore is often referred to as the village that doesn’t exist, because there was no central piazza nor clusters of houses so that most passing by could not even tell that there was a town there. However, recently Furore has earned itself a place on the map due to its massive fjord. The fjord opens up to reveal an extremely narrow but picturesque beach. A bridge spans the fjord that many thrill-seekers dive off of, and it creates a hidden cove.
Beyond the beach, there’s a series of trails that you can also hike to reach nearby bars and restaurants. The town itself is now set up more like an open-air museum, so that you can walk through and enjoy the artwork inside.
Maiori & Minori
Maiori and Minori are different from the other Amalfi towns in that they are relatively flat. The larger town, Maiori, has the largest stretch of beach on the Amalfi coast, and has historical ruins to explore, as it was an ancient Roman settlement. Minori, although mere meters away from Maiori, enjoys a different “micro-climate” than the rest of the towns, as it always has a pleasant breeze. Minori is also known for its pasta; called the “City of Taste”, Minori has been producing exceptional pasta since the 16th century and today their pasta is still celebrated nationally.
These towns are quite quiet and less trendy than their neighbors, and both are also rather small. It’s the perfect destination for people looking for somewhere more off the beaten path!
Procida
This is also not a town, and technically not even in the Amalfi Coast, but I thought I’d include it because it’s such a hidden gem! Off the coast of nearby Naples, Procida is an island that is filled with colorful houses. It’s like Amalfi Coast meets Cinque Terre, the greatest collaboration of all time. Not as well known as the other islands around the area, Procida is a taste of local island life.
Only 40 minutes away from Naples, Procida is the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, and the most underrated. Tourists have not yet found out about this place, so I urge you to visit sooner rather than later, before they do.
Salerno
As the capital of the region, Salerno is the town best connected to the rest of Italy by rail. It is also well connected to the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns by boat and bus, so it’s a good place to base yourself out of if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. I stayed in this adorable Airbnb during my Amalfi Coast trip (click here for $40 off your first stay with Airbnb) but otherwise didn’t spend too much time in Salerno itself, but there is plenty to do. You can walk along the water, go shopping along the main street, or grab some Michelin-starred food for dinner.
Sorrento
Although technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is another popular town for people to base themselves out of during their Amalfi Coast trip. It is also cheaper than most of the other towns, and unlike Salerno, is closer to Positano and Capri, the two trendier destinations on the coast. There is also plenty to do in Sorrento; for more, read: What To Do in Sorrento.
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