The Amalfi Coast
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As well as being one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, the Amalfi Coast is friendly, full of history, and easily accessible from Naples airport. It has some of the best places to stay and enjoys sunshine in spades.
The approximately fifty mile-long stretch along the southern side of the Sorrentine peninsula on Italy’s west coast is a picturebook European holiday location. Cliffs terraced with scented lemon groves drop into the sparkling blue sea which seems to merge into one with the sky at the horizon.
Positano is the coast's most expensive and photogenic town and Amalfi itself is a popular day-trip option, with the town of Ravello perched high on a hill looking down over it. Even Salerno, though mainly useful as a transport hub, has a lovely old town with winding medieval streets.
Getting There from Naples (clue – keep your eyes shut)
Arriving on board a plush super-yacht is obviously the ideal way to get to the Amalfi coast but if flying is more realistic, the journey from the airport will make you even gladder to get there.
Italian drivers are keen overtakers often on the most precarious pieces of road which plunge away down to the Mediterranean hundreds of metres below.
People who have visited once though, know that even if the journey can be a little hairy, it would be worth doing twenty times just to get to the best places to stay in the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi History
For centuries after the passing of the town of Amalfi’s glory days as a maritime superpower (from the 9th to the 12th centuries), the area was poor and its isolated villages regular victims of foreign incursions, earthquakes and landslides.
But it was this very isolation that first drew visitors in the early 1900s, paving the way for the advent of tourism in the latter half of the century. Today the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s top tourist destinations, with some of the country’s best places to stay.
Friendly
Amalfi itself, which sits between the mountains and the sea, is the friendliest little town imaginable, with streets like corridors. The red-and-green-striped fishing boats and yellow and pink houses make it pretty without being remotely twee.
There is plenty of culture and history, and many of the best places to stay in the Amalfi coast have wonderful private hotel beaches.
People Watching and Boat Spotting
Amalfi has some fascinating characters. Even out of season, in spring, the place is full of life so the people-watching is unrivalled.
Seeing the lights on the super-yachts bobbing as darkness falls and trying to guess who owns them and how they made the money to buy them is a favourite game. Tip: Elton John and Roman Abramovich are only acceptable guesses by under 12s.
Visit the Cathedral
If you do nothing else whilst in Amalfi but people watch, sunbathe and admire the view, do make sure you visit the vast, ninth-century Cathedral. It has been renovated and adapted several times throughout its long history and it is dedicated to St Andrew, whose remains are rumoured to be interred in the crypt. The Baroque-style interior has a painted ceiling and two statues by Bernini.
Car rental
We say don’t do it. It will only give you something to worry about when you could be enjoying your holiday. The mountainous, winding roads are often narrow and local drivers perform almost acrobatic acts of foolishness at the wheel.
Buy
A notebook of soft, rough-cut Amalfi paper. The town was one of the first in Europe to manufacture paper, using an ancient Chinese method. Almost as soft as cotton wool, it is nevertheless a joy to make notes on and definitely deserves a fountain pen not a scratchy old biro.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in the Amalfi Coast and start to plan your stay. But if there's nothing here that fits the bill then check out our selection of hotels in Capri just across the Bay of Naples. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice and booking. Contact
The best hotels in The Amalfi Coast
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Monastero de Santa Rosa, Amalfi
Conca dei Marini, The Amalfi Coast
A monastery renovated with romance and elegance. Its celestial views from its perch on a cliff top are to die for. The hotel captures the essence of la dolce vita with its location, understated but immaculate style, and its incredible spa facilities. A romantic destination.
20 rooms from $491Views - Great views from hotelLuxurySpa breaksElegant -
Hotel Santa Caterina
Amalfi, The Amalfi Coast
A luxurious retreat in a stunning location. Beautiful rooms in whites and creams with splashes of colour and private balconies. Fabulous restaurants, private beach (reached by a glass lift through the cliff face), and luscious gardens with citrus groves. A romantic spot.
66 rooms from $472 -
Le Sirenuse
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
Sheer romance at this family-run hotel in an 18th-century palazzo. A celestial Amalfian fairytale - heavenly bedrooms with private balconies, Michelin-starred restaurant, and a pool terrace filled with lemon trees. A magical spot for romantics and foodies.
59 rooms from $458Restaurant - La Sponda restaurant holds one Michelin Star and is lit every evening by 400 candles.ElegantFoodiesHoneymoons -
Villa Cimbrone
The Amalfi Coast
A charming and romantic complex with stylish architecture and interior design. The villa has beautiful botanical gardens that sprawl towards the cliff face, bedrooms ooze understated elegance, and a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant. This romantic spot is also family-friendly.
19 rooms from $419Garden - Beautiful botanical gardens leading to the cliff face.Romantic BreakRomantic - Good for couples.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Relais Blu Belvedere
Massa Lubrense, The Amalfi Coast
Stylish, romantic and fabulously situated overlooking Capri. Chic contemporary design at its best - bright white on white walls, light wooden floors, floor to ceiling windows, and maritime touches. Magnificent pool and roof top terrace, excellent cuisine and a private beach club.
11 rooms from $255 -
Villa Maria
Salerno, The Amalfi Coast
An oasis of peace with spectacular views. The piece de resistance is the glorious dining terrace with vistas of the mountains sweeping down to a glittering sea. Fantastic food and cookery lessons using the same home-grown produce. A delightful spot for foodies and romantics.
23 rooms from $255HoneymoonsBeach LifeCooking classes - Check for timings.Views - Great views from hotel -
Miramare
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
A gem perched above the town with breathtaking views. The apartments are a great choice for families or groups. The bedrooms have warm terracotta floors, antique furniture and attractive bathrooms. The glassed-in terrace for breakfast is magical. Its private beach is a 210 step climb down.
16 rooms from $255Families - The apartments are perfect for families and groups.Beach Life - The hotel has its own private beach.GroupsViews - Great views from hotel -
Luna Convento
The Amalfi Coast
Tasteful simplicity in a stunning former convent. The glorious Moorish cloister is the perfect setting for delicious breakfasts, as are the terraces of both restaurants that serve delicious food and have spectacular views. An romantic fairytale setting.
from $249Romantic BreakViews - Great views from hotelSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Villa Rosa
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
Gorgeous terraces covered in bougainvillea with unbeatable views of the Mediterranean at this delightful villa. Large delightfully decorated bedrooms in white and pastels with aquamarine tiled floors. Enormous private balconies make the perfect place for breakfast. An utterly charming spot.
12 rooms from $216Beach LifeViews - Great views from hotelRomantic - Good for couples. -
Villa La Tartana
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
A handsome Positano townhouse with enchanting bedrooms and one apartment. Freshly decorated in whites and blues, pretty ceramic wall lights, painted bedheads and private balconies. Excellent breakfasts on the terrace. A cool sanctuary to start the day in before heading to the beach.
10 rooms from $210Families - The apartment is perfect for a family.Beach LifeViews - Great views from hotelSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday. -
Marincanto
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
A smart boutique hotel with smiling staff. Picture-perfect views from the beautiful terrace and from private balconies. Bedrooms in whites, creams and pastels are utterly chic. The infinity pool provides and place of tranquility as it merges with the cobalt blue of the sea. A romantic spot.
26 rooms from $196Romantic BreakRomantic - Good for couples.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
La Conca del Sogno
Nerano, The Amalfi Coast
Wonderful family-run restaurant with rooms on the sea front. An unbeatable setting - surrounded by craggy rocks of the Amalfi coast and overlooking clear blue waters. A lively ambiance and wonderful trattoria food. A real gem - perfect for foodies, romantics, and a great wedding setting.
7 rooms from $170Secluded setting - For escaping.Views - Great views from hotelOn the beach - In front of the hotel. -
The Belvedere
Conca Dei Marini (SA), The Amalfi Coast
Outwardly unassuming, this cliff top hotel will surprise with its magnificent views over the Amalfi coast, secluded private beach down steep steps, and old fashioned charm. A holiday destination for serious lazing in the sun in spectacular surroundings.
30 rooms from $170Views - Spectacular views out to see and down the Amalfi coast.Coastal - Set on a cliff top.Total relaxationSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Villa Franca
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
Truly sublime views of Positano and beyond from this hotel's hilltop perch. Romantic rooms in chic whites and creams with tiled mosaics and wonderful sea views from private balconies. The roof top terrace and swimming pool are equally magnificent. A great choice for romantics.
28 rooms from $157Romantic BreakViews - Sublime views of Positano and beyond.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Travel Intelligence -
Lidomare
The Amalfi Coast
A cosy hotel and charming family home. Traditional high-ceilinged rooms with antiques, large bookcases, cabinets of figurines, tiled floors and white washed walls. A modest choice for a beach holiday.
15 rooms from $135Beach LifeFull of character -
Casa Privata
Praiano, The Amalfi Coast
Gorgeous six room guesthouse, perfect for private parties or couples looking for privacy. Beautiful landscaped gardens full of lavender, roses, and fountains sprawling down to the cliff face and private beach. Large, airy and attractive bedrooms full of fresh flowers.
6 roomsHoneymoonsRomantic BreakViews - Great views from hotelOn the beach - In front of the hotel.Recommended by - I Escape
