The Amalfi Coast seen from Ravello with the sea and coastline below

Amalfi Coast hotels: choosing the right town

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site with towns strung along a cliff road. Each one gives a different trip: glamour, history, gardens or quiet.

Photo: Deror_avi, CC BY-SA 4.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

The Amalfi Coast runs along the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula, with towns clinging to the cliffs between the mountains and the sea. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Choosing the right town matters more than choosing the hotel.

The towns at a glance

Full comparison, with who each town suits: where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Luxury or value?

The coast is famous for its grand hotels in former villas and convents, but many of the nicest stays are small guesthouses and family hotels with only a few rooms, each with a terrace. Value is better in Praiano, Minori and Maiori, or in Sorrento, just off the coast.

Stay on the edge, visit the center: a sea-view room in Praiano or Sorrento often costs much less than a similar room in Positano, and both are a short bus or boat ride away.

Check prices on the Amalfi Coast

See the coast from the sea

Frequently asked questions

What is the best town to stay in on the Amalfi Coast?

Positano for the iconic views, Amalfi for transport and history, Ravello for gardens and quiet evenings, and Praiano for sunsets and better value. First-timers without a car often choose Amalfi or Positano for the ferries.

Do I need a car on the Amalfi Coast?

No. The coast road is narrow and parking is scarce and expensive. Ferries, the SITA bus and private drivers are easier.

When are Amalfi Coast hotels cheapest?

In April, May and October, when most hotels are open but demand is lower than in summer.

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