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The Amalfi Coast is such a beautiful landscape that it inspires devotion. It has captivating views, as well as some of the most revered hotels and restaurants in Italy. UNESCO says “the Amalfi Coast is an outstanding example of Mediterranean landscape.” And its landscapes of verdant mountains plunging into bright turquoise seas are undoubtedly special. But the beautiful, historic centres add further to the appeal, with their colourful stacks of buildings, whitewashed alleyways, flower-filled balconies and views of sandy beaches. Positano is much adored by location scouts; Ravello has the views and romantic, literary credentials;  Amalfi itself is a central coast delight; Maiori is a great choice for families with its large beach; Conca dei Marini boasts a stunning location and has an exclusive feel to it; and Praiano is the town to visit if you like things a bit quieter — most people head on to neighbouring Positano.

Our Guide to the towns of the Amalfi Coast

By Kaitlyn Collins for Travel and Leisure

Positano

Image by darrenquigley32 from Pixabay

It’s pretty much universally agreed that Positano is a spectacular destination. Set amidst hairpin bends on the Amalfi Coast Road, visitors will struggle not to gape at the stack of warm-coloured buildings rising out of the narrow, bright-blue cove. It’s arranged with few gaps, but the steep cliffsides mean many properties have incredible views of the town, the bay, and the fragrant citrus and olive groves on either side. Accommodation here ranges from guesthouses and B&Bs to grand palazzos. Positano is known for being very chic and having the price list to match, so this isn’t a destination for those who’ll baulk at a bill! If you’re looking for something really spectacular, or it’s a special occasion, or your bank balance can take it, Positano and its charms are still an Amalfi prize – from the fancy restaurants and myriad coloured ice cream parlours, to the boutiques, and the sightseeing highlights.

Amalfi

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Amalfi is another town capable of making a fantastic first impression. It’s not sandwiched between two cliffs like Positano, but has the one towering cliff, and a sheer drop into a sapphire sea on the other side, decorated with similarly step-like architecture of palazzos and grand villas. Once a maritime power, Amalfi became a seaside resort in the Edwardian era, which is when many of the fanciest buildings date from: a golden era of pillars, pergolas and charm. The fact that Amalfi was a maritime power means that it has some significant historic sights, including a beautiful duomo and a number of interesting museums. Amalfi occupies a central spot on the coastline, so it’s a good base for exploring the region. And if you’re looking for a sandy beach, while the harbour beach is small and a bit rocky, just along from it, there’s a very nice sandy beach, below the town of Atrani. Accommodation in Amalfi ranges from guesthouses to luxury palazzo conversions, with a couple of interesting convent conversions to consider as well. Shop for locally made paper, ceramics, and limoncello. 

Ravello

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Ravello might not be a household name like Positano and Amalfi, but to those with a love for spectacular coastal views, it will be just as well appreciated. In fact, Ravello’s position above the Amalfi Coast means that you get some of the best views in the region. Because it’s not quite so well known, Ravello’s historic centre, with its 11^th century duomo and cobbled alleyways, has been less spoiled by the curse of popularity, and is still the perfect place to savour a cappuccino as you watch the world go by. Ravello's best known charms are probably its gardens, belonging to villas and palazzos; these tropical oases are where you can really find the magic of Ravello’s views. Expect statues, ancient trees and sheer drops to the bright Mediterranean Sea below. Book in advance, there’s not a huge range of accommodation. 

Maiori

Image by SALVATORE MONETTI from Pixabay

If you’re looking for a proper sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast, Maiori may be your best bet, with around a kilometre of proper sand! Maiori’s beach is backed by a promenade, which has plenty of buzz to it in season, and is popular with families, as well as the Amalfi Coast’s fashionable set. The long expanse of beach was created by a flood, which also destroyed part of the town’s historic centre, however you can still find a colourful, majolica-tiled church and an 11th century monastery carved into the cliff face, but the castle is a ruin, and many modern hotels have been built in place of the original historic centre. There’s another great beach just around the headland in Minori, and both towns are just four miles to the west of Amalfi, so you’re well positioned for exploring the coast. Accommodation here ranges from purpose-built resorts to traditional hotels, guesthouses and converted villas and palazzos. 

Praiano

By Mihael Grmek - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Praiano is a near neighbour of Positano, so beautifully positioned for idyllic Amalfi Coast views, but it’s a much more peaceful place to be. This is a small town, with smaller, and fewer properties than Positano, but it still has a promising range of guesthouses, B&Bs, small hotels, and converted villas, and it is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a peaceful, yet picturesque Amalfi Coast destination. It’s the closest centre to the magical Grotta della Smereldo – a vast sea-cave that glows emerald when flooded. Praiano has two centres, one on the main coast road, where there are a couple of beautiful churches, and spectacular views of the coast; and one tucked into the cleft of the cliffs at sea level, where there is a collection of beaches – some sandy and some pebbly. Both centres are small, but both have shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Praianois a great choice for families, or anyone who prefers a quieter beach and a less crowded restaurant. 

Conca dei Marini

Flickr user Brett Woodvine 

Tiny, but oh so charming, Conca dei Marini is best known for being close to the Emerald Grotto, one of the great sights of the Amalfi Coast. This fishing village is one of the smallest centres in the region, but it’s a spectacular spot, perfect for exploring the coast, surrounded by lemon orchards and cliffs on one side, and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.  Accommodation here is limited by the size of the village, but you'll find some converted villas and townhouses, plus converted farmhouses and agriturismo in the hinterland. Conca dei Marini’s fans have included jet-setting style icons in abundance, but we also think the town is suited to sailors, walkers and foodies, and to romantics of course! Whichever of these categories you see yourself in it’s worth trying the local cuisine, it’s really something, and enjoying the local beaches too, which are much quieter than those of neighbouring centres.