Gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello overlooking the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

One question decides it: do you want to wake up in the postcard, or next to the ferry? Here's every option side by side.

Photo: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 3.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

Side by side

Town Views Transport Beach Quiet Price
Positano Iconic Ferries, bus Yes Low in summer Highest
Amalfi Good Best: ferries & buses Small Low High
Ravello Spectacular, from above Bus from Amalfi No High High
Praiano Great, sunsets Bus Small coves High Better value
Sorrento Bay of Naples Train to Naples, ferries Platforms Medium Most choice

Who should stay where

  • First visit, no car: Amalfi or Positano, for the ferries.
  • Honeymoon and quiet evenings: Ravello, high above the sea with its villa gardens.
  • Best value with views: Praiano, or Sorrento for the widest choice.
  • Capri and Pompeii day trips: Sorrento.
AmalfiCentralFerries & busesFirst-timersRead guide RavelloQuietAbove the seaHoneymoonsRead guide PraianoValueNear PositanoSunsetsRead guide SorrentoMost choiceTrain from NaplesDay tripsRead guide

Split your stay: two nights in Sorrento for Capri and Pompeii, then three on the coast proper, is a popular plan that avoids carrying luggage up and down the cliff more than once.

Check Amalfi Coast prices

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to stay in Sorrento or on the Amalfi Coast?

Sorrento is easier to reach by train from Naples, has more hotels at lower prices and fast ferries to Capri. The Amalfi Coast towns are more scenic but harder to reach. Many visitors split their stay.

How many nights do I need on the Amalfi Coast?

Three to four nights lets you see Positano, Amalfi and Ravello and spend a day on the water or in Capri.

Naples to Amalfi How to get from Naples to Amalfi: seasonal ferry, train plus SITA bus via Salerno or Sorrento, private transfer or a guided day trip, with tips on timing. Read guide

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Keep planning

Naples to Amalfi How to get from Naples to Amalfi: seasonal ferry, train plus SITA bus via Salerno or Sorrento, private transfer or a guided day trip, with tips on timing. Read guide Amalfi Coast Amalfi Coast hotels compared town by town: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Praiano. Luxury suites, better-value stays, transport and when to book. Read guide Positano Hotels in Positano, Italy: the best areas to stay, sea-view rooms vs suites, steps and luggage, when hotels open and how to get there. Live prices and a map. Read guide Sorrento Hotels in Sorrento, Italy: cliff-top sea-view rooms vs the old town, getting there from Naples, ferries to Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and live prices. Read guide Capri Hotels in Capri: Capri town vs Anacapri, why staying overnight beats a day trip, getting there by ferry and the best boat tours around the island. Read guide