Where you stay on the Amalfi Coast shapes your whole trip. Each town has its own character, from the vertical glamour of Positano to the hilltop calm of Ravello, and the coast’s winding road means that choosing the right base saves hours of travel. Here is our guide to the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, in Sorrento and on Capri, and who each one suits best.
Positano: iconic and glamorous
Positano is the postcard image of the Amalfi Coast, with pastel houses cascading down to the sea, chic boutiques and beach clubs. It is perfect for couples and first-time visitors who want the classic Amalfi Coast experience. Be aware that the town is built on a steep slope, so expect plenty of stairs, and that it is lively and busy in summer.
Best for: couples, honeymooners and first-time visitors.
Amalfi: central and practical
The historic town of Amalfi sits at the heart of the coast, with its striking cathedral, lively piazza and lemon-scented lanes. It is the coast’s main hub for public boats and buses, which makes it a convenient base for exploring Positano, Ravello and beyond.
Best for: travellers who want to explore the whole coast easily.
Ravello: quiet and refined
Perched high above the sea, Ravello is the most peaceful and elegant town on the coast, famous for the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and for its summer music festival. There is no beach in town, so it suits travellers who prefer views, gardens and calm evenings to beach days.
Best for: couples, honeymooners and travellers seeking tranquillity.
Praiano: relaxed with spectacular sunsets
Between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano is quieter and more relaxed than its famous neighbours, with wonderful sunset views and easy access to both. It is a lovely choice if you want the Amalfi Coast scenery with fewer crowds.
Best for: repeat visitors and travellers who prefer a slower pace.
Sorrento: the perfect base for day trips
Strictly speaking, Sorrento is on the neighbouring Sorrento Peninsula rather than the Amalfi Coast, but it is one of the best bases for the area. It is flatter and easier to get around, with a lively centre, a wide range of hotels and direct connections to Capri, Naples and Pompeii.
Best for: families, first-time visitors and travellers planning day trips.
Capri: an unforgettable island stay
Most visitors see Capri on a day trip, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the island in the quiet of the evening and early morning, after the day-trippers have left. With its luxury hotels, elegant piazzetta and dramatic scenery, a night or two on Capri is a wonderful way to end a trip.
Best for: honeymooners and luxury travellers.
Our recommendations
- First visit, romantic trip: Positano, or Ravello for more tranquillity.
- Exploring the whole coast: Amalfi.
- Families and day trips to Capri, Pompeii and Naples: Sorrento.
- A special finale: one or two nights on Capri.
- A week or more: combine two bases, for example Sorrento or Positano with Ravello or Capri.
Practical tips
- Getting around: the coastal road is narrow and busy in summer, and private cars face local restrictions in peak periods. Public boats connect the main towns and run to their own timetables, which vary by season. Private drivers and boats give you the most flexibility.
- Book early: the best hotels fill up months in advance for May to September, so plan at least 3 months ahead, and 6 months or more for summer.
- Season: many hotels close from around November to March.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Positano or Amalfi?
Choose Positano for its iconic atmosphere, boutiques and beach life, and Amalfi for its central location and easy connections along the coast. Both are excellent; it depends on whether you value the setting or convenience more.
Is Sorrento a good base for the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. Sorrento is well connected, easier to get around and offers a wide range of hotels, making it a practical base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii and Naples.
More Amalfi Coast guides
- The perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary: 3, 4 and 5 days
- Capri by private boat
- The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi Coast or Puglia?
Let us find your perfect base
We know these towns and their hotels well, and we will match you with the right base for your dates, budget and travel style. Tell us about your trip for a free, tailor-made proposal, discover our private Amalfi Coast trips, or plan your journey today.