Rising out of the dramatic cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast towns have been enchanting visitors for centuries. This stunning stretch of coastline between the port city of Salerno and the jagged coast of Sorrento is dotted with picturesque villas, lemon groves, vineyards, and beautiful beaches. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast offers a culinary, cultural, and visual feast for the senses.
While the Amalfi Coast drive is spectacular, it can be an overwhelming experience. You want to enjoy the coastal towns and live out your best Italian vacation life. I get it. Having been to the Amalfi Coast more times than I can count, I can offer tips for avoiding the touristy joints that offer mediocre quality and hanging out with the locals in the many restaurants, coffee shops, museums and galleries.
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Guide to the13 amazing Amalfi Coast towns
From well-known to hidden gems, the Amalfi Coast towns offer something for everyone. Although most visitors tend to stick to the larger, most popular towns of Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi, there are 13 Amalfi Coast towns to explore. Let’s get to know them.
Amalfi
Amalfi is the largest and most historic of all Amalfi Coast towns. This once-powerful Maritime Republic had a monopoly on trade with the Far East. Its glory was eventually cut short by the conquering Normans and plundering Pisans during the 12th century.
Here, you’ll also find the iconic 10th-century Duomo di Amalfi, also known as the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. The church is a blend of Arab-Norman, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. If you don’t want to climb up the steps leading to the church, grab a table at one of the restaurants in the square below and enjoy the view.
The town of Amalfi is a major transportation hub. It offers a wide range of shops selling local products and specialties, as well as clothing and souvenir shops. It’s a popular tourist destination, bustling with food and drink options. The town is a gateway to other towns, with connecting boats and buses readily available. So, even if you’re unsure which town to visit first, you can rest assured that getting around won’t be a problem.
Atrani
When it comes to images of the Amalfi Coast towns, Atrani is probably the one you have seen a lot. With a population of around 1,000 residents, Atrani is the smallest town on the Amalfi Coast. During the glory of the Republic of Amalfi, Atrani was home to many Roman patricians. It was where numerous Dodges were crowned at the Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto.
Located just beside the more famous Amalfi, Atrani seems to rise from the two hills (Civita and Aureo) it is nestled between. It is a small fishing village that has preserved its traditional character. Narrow roads and stacked antique houses with balconies decorated with pretty flowers and 13th-century Baroque churches.
The road that winds the Amalfi Coast cuts right through Atrani, almost as if it floated through the town. Below the road, supported by spectacular arches, lies a small beach with pretty blue chairs. In the past, most tourists tended to ride past Atriani, however, as it was featured on the Netflix show Ripley, this will likely change.
You can easily walk over to Atrani from Amalfi and have a drink in the piazza as you ponder the local legend of a fire-breathing dragon that was rumoured to live here. Atrani is also a great alternative to staying away from the crowds in Amalfi.
Cetara
Like the other Amalfi Coast towns, Cetara is a small fishing village with cheerful buildings descending into a harbour. Here you’ll also find a small beach, with pretty blue umbrellas. Cetara, like the other towns, seems to rise out of a valley filled with citrus groves and vineyards. However, the town’s specialty is salted anchovies, known locally as colatura di alici.
Cetara is not as visited or well known as the other towns. Those who make the trip will find pastel houses, fresh seafood delights and a look at what the Amalfi Coast was like before all the tourists arrived. But don’t let the small-town feel fool you. Cetara has a sizeable commercial fishing operation, mainly focused on processing and preserving tuna and anchovies.
Conca dei Marini
Like many Amalfi Coast towns, Conca dei Marini has a maritime past. This small fishing village was once an important trading center and home to many skilled sailors and traders. Today, it offers spectacular views and tranquillity that even Princess Margaret of England, Jacqueline Kennedy, and the Queen of Holland have enjoyed.
Conca dei Marini is known for its Mediterranean-style houses with lemon trees and fragrant gardens. Here, you’ll also find the Tower of Capo di Conca, also known as the Saracen Tower or White Tower. Once part of the defensive system against pirates, the tower then served as a cemetery until 1949. Today, it offers visitors spectacular views.
While visiting Conca dei Marini, try the local specialty called the Santarosa, a seashell-shaped pastry with cream and black cherry. You can also enjoy a trip to the impressive Emerald Grotto, named after the spectacular hue reflected from the underwater rocks.
Furore
Hidden in a deep Fjord, Furore was once a place for society’s outcasts and Amalfi exiles. Lacking a central piazza surrounded by clusters of houses, the town was often overlooked by travellers passing by above it. This is why Furore became known as a place that doesn’t exist.
Furore gained an identity when an enterprising mayor invited artists to paint murals on local houses. Each September, artists gather here to add to the collection of murals. From cheerful seascapes, mythical creatures and the celebration of the god Bacchus, bright colours make this place a worthy gem.
Here, you’ll find the Fiordo di Furore, a deep cleft in the mountain that has left behind a sandy beach. There is a bridge at the mouth of the cleft where the road around the coast passes. You can get to Furore by car or bus from Amalfi. It is also a great starting spot for hiking the Amalfi Coast trails.
Maiori
Maiori’s beach is the largest out of all the Amalfi Coast towns. It’s a vibrant town with numerous shops, restaurants and bars. Because of its easy connectivity with other towns and multiple hotel options, it’s a great home base for exploring the coast or relaxing on the beach.
Maiori, originally called Rheginna Maior to distinguish it from the neighbouring Rheginna Minor (Minori), originates in Etruscan times. The town feels more modern than the rest of the villages, and there is a reason for that. While sometimes referred to as a separate town, Erchie is part of Maiori.
Maiori was no stranger to looting, floods and other natural disasters over the centuries. So, when the town’s river overflowed in 1954, destroying most of the ancient centre, it was an opportunity to rebuild. The river flushed the debris towards the sea, creating the large beach we see today.
Minori
The ancient town of Reghinna Minor, Minori, has a history of making and processing the famous Amalfi lemons and making pasta. Known for its culinary delights, Minori is a great place to eat out. You can find the thick ribbons of fresh pasta known as scialatielli in many local restaurants, and it’s delicious.
Once a retreat for wealthy Romans, today, Minori is unpretentious and less overrun with tourists than the more popular Amalfi Coast towns. It is also a great spot to set up a home base for exploring the area.
In addition to several historical churches and defensive towers, you can explore remnants of a Roman villa discovered in 1932. You can hike up to the Castle Mezzacapo, named after the family who built it, to admire the views. If you can afford to stay here, you’ll have the best views and the perfect location between Minori and Maiori. Be sure to let us know about your stay! We’re jealous already.
Positano
With whitewashed houses, dramatic staircases, streets lined with gift shops, and expensive restaurants, Positano is a popular tourist destination. The darling of Instagram, this is one of the best-known Amalfi Coast towns.
Positano (which also includes Montepertuso and Nocelle) is famous for its handmade leather sandals, cotton/linen clothes and stunning views. It is undoubtedly a gorgeous place, but it is also costly. If you’re looking for places to eat, we recommend you avoid the restaurants right by the beach and the pier. They are overpriced and not of good quality. You can find better options the further you get from the beach.
Positano is a lovely town, but it’s not one of our favourites. If you feel the need to visit to see what the hype is about, we recommend visiting off-season. You can take a ferry from another town and spend a few hours checking it out. You will either love it or hate it.
Praiano
Located between Amalfi and Positano lies the lesser-known but just as stunning Praiano. With a small yet isolated beach, this is the place to live out your la dolce vita dreams. Narrow streets, old churches and terraced gardens await as you reach the town.
Add several old churches, defensive towers, and homes typical of the area, and you have yourself an adventure without the crowds. For nature lovers interested in hiking the Amalfi Coast, Priano is where you can check out the famous Path of the Gods (Sentieri degli Dei). The trail offers magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Praiano is also home to the Africana Famous Club, where Jackie Kennedy supposedly partied in the ’60s. It is inside a cave with a generous terrace overlooking the sea. If you’re not into the night scene, you can drop by for a meal.
Ravello
Ravello (also known as Marmorata) is by far our favourite of all the Amalfi Coast towns. Perched above the coastline with panoramic views, manicured gardens and charming villas, it’s easy to see how it has inspired so many. You can relax in the main square or walk along the lovely streets that often provide excellent views of the vistas. Enjoy some gelato or a meal made from locally produced ingredients.
The Ravello Festival, held annually in the summer, is the oldest music festival in Italy. It draws its inspiration from the 19th-century composers Richard Wagner and Edvard Grieg. Each year, music lovers can feast on concerts that range from chamber music, opera and jazz to dance and contemporary. With the Amalfi Coast in the background, that is one concert you won’t see anywhere else.
For more iconic views from Ravello, visit the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone. The manicured gardens and strategically placed statues add to the magical feel of the place.
Scala
Scala is the oldest of the Amalfi Coast towns and offers excellent views of Ravello and other small villages. This town is also the birthplace of the founder of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta), Gerardo Sasso. The town is surrounded by chestnut trees and lush hills, making this an excellent spot for hiking and exploring.
Scala sits about 400 metres (over 1,300 feet) above sea level and was used as a defensive system for the Republic of Amalfi. As expected, numerous churches and tower remnants exist for those interested in the area’s history. The wealthy merchants that once lived here left behind artistic and historical monuments and buildings decorated with frescoes and precious marble.
Tramonti
Tramonti can be translated to among the mountains (tra i monti) or sunsets in Italian. It comprises 13 small hamlets nestled in the valleys of the Lattari mountains. Here, you’ll find lush greenery and vineyards and enjoy the local bounty. Try the pizza, wines and beer as you explore these lesser-known towns.
Small towns like Tramonti contributed to the Republic of Amalfi’s greatness. That’s why they are part of the Amalfi Coast towns. They often acted as defence systems and provided the republic with human and natural resources.
Vietri sul mare
As you go west of Salerno, you’ll find the first of Amalfi Coast towns, Vietri sul Mare. The town is well known for its pottery production, which dates back to Roman times. The royal house of Naples was once its most important client. You can buy different types of pottery at the numerous shops that line the town.
This is the place for pottery workshops, wine tastings, and shopping for artisanal souvenirs. It is an excellent base for exploring the coast, with pretty views, great food, and charming streets. You can explore the hillside or hang out by the water as you spend some beach time with your food and go shopping.
Bonus: Sorrento
While Sorrento is often mentioned by those visiting the Amalfi Coast, it is not officially one of the Amalfi Coast towns. However, due to its location on the peninsula and the proximity to the famous coastline, many assume that it belongs in that definition.
Sorrento can be your home base for visiting the Amalfi Coast towns, or you can drop by for a day or even a few hours. If you stay in Sorrento, you’ll have many choices for lodgings and restaurants as the town caters to tourists. It also gets hectic during the high season.
Sorrento is a beautiful place with amazing views that have attracted celebrities for decades. It wasn’t our favourite because it is so overrun with tourists. It almost doesn’t even feel like you’re in Italy. If that is irrelevant to you, you’ll probably enjoy staying here.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
There are several ways you can see the Amalfi Coast, depending on how much time you have. You can stay in nearby towns, like Salerno or Naples, and make several trips or a one-day outing to the coast. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the Amalfi Coast towns and use that as your base for exploring.
There are several ways to get to the Amalfi Coast. You can even combine some of the options to ensure you get the most out of your trip. The time of the year also plays a role in your decision. There are more crowds and higher prices during the height of summer, whereas going in the offseason might offer more value for your money.
Amalfi Coast by car
Seeing the Amalfi Coast by car is a spectacular experience. The winding road (SS163 known as the Amalfi Drive) offers 38 km (24 miles) of stunning coastline views while passing through enchanting towns, steep hills and abundant lemon groves.
There are occasional viewpoints where you can stop and take some pics, but don’t expect it to be easy. The road has one lane in each direction and can be extremely busy, especially during summer. The road can be pretty dangerous, with endless steep curves that seem to disappear around every corner. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s possible. We drive the route frequently, but letting someone else drive is easier if you feel uncertain.
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Parking is another issue to consider if you decide to drive. Parking can be challenging and competitive, with jagged cliffs all around and steep, narrow roads. There are options in the Amalfi Coast towns, but most are expensive (about €5 an hour in the parking garage). Finding available spots during the summer months might be even more challenging. If you choose to stay in one of the towns, ensure the property offers parking options where you can safely leave your car.
Amalfi Coast by bus
Seeing the Amalfi Coast towns by bus is an excellent option if you don’t want to drive. With regular routes and robust connectivity between towns, taking the bus is easy and convenient. However, keep in mind that you are limited by timetables as well as departure times.
You can take the bus from Naples to Salerno or Salerno to Naples and stop at different towns throughout the journey. You are not likely to enjoy all the villages in one day, but you can visit some of the larger ones. If you stay in one of the towns, the bus provides an easy way to explore the others.
Get more info on bus schedules, routes, tickets and prices.
Amalfi Coast by ferry
Try taking a ferry to take in the stunning landscapes of the Amalfi Coast towns. Before the roads were carved into the mountains, this was the only way to reach the towns in the past.
Ferries run between Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, Cetara and Minori ports. You can also ferry to and from Salerno and other famous Italian islands. Remember, there are different routes and not all ferries will stop in the same towns. The routes are posted in the ports, so figuring out where you want to go is easy.
While the ferries can get busy, they are a great alternative to traffic jams. The service is efficient and easy to use. The ferries operate from early March to the end of October.
Get more info on ferry schedules, routes, tickets and prices.
Best time to visit Amalfi Coast towns
While summer is a great time to enjoy the towns of the Amalfi Coast, it’s also busy. The biggest crowds and highest prices are in July and August. The temperatures can get relatively high, making it more challenging to walk around or hike. As many towns have steep streets and stairs, they are not the best for exploring during scorching heat.
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is May/June or September/October. The weather is still spectacular, the crowds are smaller, and prices are lower. It’s even less busy between November and March, but remember that the ferries are not in service during this time.
Things to do in Amalfi Coast
When it comes to things to do in Amalfi Coast, it comes down to how much time you have. For beach lovers, Amalfi has many pretty ones to choose from. Spend a day or a few relaxing on the beach under cheerful umbrellas and enjoy the beauty around you.
Lemon groves, vineyards, and fishing are staples on the Amalfi Coast. As you explore the different towns, indulge in local specialties, such as limoncello, wine, pasta, and fish. Treat yourself to a cooking class and learn about the local flavours. You can also shop for ceramics, fabrics, and souvenirs to bring home.
We love taking ferries between towns and spending time exploring the coast from the water. If public ferries aren’t doing it for you, rent a private boat and enjoy the trip at your own pace. It’s quite a sight during the day as well as at night.
If you’re interested in hiking the Amalfi Coast, there are a few options with spectacular views. Keep in mind that during the summer months, the temperatures can soar during the day, making hiking challenging. Ensure that you are dressed for the weather and have plenty of sunscreen, water, and protection from the elements before hiking the Amalfi Coast.
For history and architecture lovers, the Amalfi Coast towns offer numerous churches, small museums, and historical sites to explore. What will you decide on?
Recommended tours for groups:
Final thoughts on the best Amalfi Coast towns
For me, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Having spent a lot of time here, I can say that the Amalfi Coast towns offer something for everyone. The ones often recommended as “the best” are the largest, most touristy ones. It’s usually done by people who have only been to those and have not seen the rest of the towns. You can’t proclaim that Positano is your favourite because it’s the only one you’ve visited.
You can spend a day or a week on the Amalfi Coast. It’s a beautiful area with breathtaking views of the sea, the mountains, and the towns. If you have the means, spending a few days here will allow you to explore all the towns, beaches and trails. You will experience it differently than if you only spend a day or two hopping between the most touristy places.
Whatever you decide and where you decide to stay is up to you. I wanted to show you all the Amalfi Coast towns and introduce you to those that aren’t always on visitors’ radars. The rest is up to you.
