A Town by Town Breakdown of the Amalfi Coast

Exploring the Amalfi Coast may be a daunting task for those unfamiliar with the area. In this guide, we break down the top Amalfi Coast towns in this southern Italian paradise and highlight where to eat, stay, and what to do in each of them.

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Pro Tip: Planning to visit the Amalfi Coast? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re traveling. See our Amalfi Coast Guide for more planning resources, our best Amalfi Coast tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

Guide to Amalfi Coast Towns

The jaw-dropping scenery and natural wonder of southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast make it a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Its proximity to Naples, Pompeii, and Vesuvius offer tourists the perfect opportunity to learn about the region’s historical significance while exploring its scenic landscape.

If you are unable to allocate more than one day to this area, our Rome Day Trip to Pompeii and Sorrento is an excellent way to see the AmalfI Coast and Pompeii. The tour is a round trip from Rome, but for those who have already planned a trip to the Amalfi Coast and will be coming from Rome, you can book the tour and can get off with your luggage (if not too much) in Sorrento. Just email us and we’ll organise that with you. From Sorrento, you can get to your Amalfi Coast destination via taxi or transfer.

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Where is the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is located in a small corner of southern Italy between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno in the Province of Salerno. The region is a 1.5-hour drive to the south from Naples, the closest big city.

The coastline is about 30 miles (50 km) long and follows a winding two-lane road with the sea on one side and mountains on the other.

Why is the Amalfi Coast so famous?

To put it simply: Breathtaking views and Limoncello! There is obviously much more to the Amalfi Coast than that, but after you’ve been here, these are the two main things you’ll be sure to remember. 

What is limoncello? Take lemon peels from gigantic lemons and soak them in pure alcohol, water, and sugar. What you get is a sweet and super powerful elixir of the gods! Italians drink it in a shot glass after a meal—they say it aids digestion. I say that you can drink it any time of the day, but remember that it’s 40% alcohol, even if the sweet taste hides the kick!

How long should I stay and where should I go?

One visit to the Amalfi Coast and you’ll understand why the region is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. I would recommend a full week to see the entire coast and definitely no less than three days. The big question is whether the Amalfi Coast is part of your vacation or if your vacation is the Amalfi Coast.

We recommend a multi-day trip to really soak up this amazing place, but if you want to visit for the day, check out our Pompeii day trip from Rome with a stop in Sorrento. It’s a great way to see the Amalfi Coast in a day. You can also use our day trip to get to the coast—leave our group in Sorrento and get a taxi to your final destination from there.

I will touch on how to get from place to place below, but you might want to rent a car. The roads are windy, but it allows you a lot of freedom to visit the lesser-known areas as well.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Pompeii day trip from Rome is worth it.

How do I get there?

The majority of people visiting the Amalfi Coast come down from Rome since it is so close and well-connected to Naples. There is no train from Naples that will take you directly to the Amalfi Coast, but you can reach Sorrento by train, which is the beginning of the coast. Here is how to reach Sorrento:

By Train:

There are trains that run from Rome to Naples on an hourly basis, which takes about one hour. Buy your tickets on the trenitalia website.

Book from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. Once you’ve arrived in Napoli Centrale (Central Naples train station) you will see signs for the Circumvesuviana, which is the train to Sorrento. The Sorrento local train is about an hour’s ride and costs €4.

While Sorrento is not technically on the Amalfi Coast, it sure feels like it to me! If you’re staying in Sorrento, then you’ve reached your destination. To get to Positano, or any other Amalfi destinations, then a taxi is an option and will cost around €50 and up.

By Car Rental:

Another option is to rent a car and do it yourself. You can rent a car at the Naples train station. This gives you loads of freedom, but it’s worth mentioning that it is one long, winding road of two lanes—it can get a bit tight, so if you don’t feel really comfortable with your driving skills, I would probably leave the driving to someone else.

Planning your trip to the Amalfi Coast? Check our dedicated guides on where to stay, the best beaches, and top things to do in the area.

Should I stay in a hotel or Villa Rental?

This is a frequently asked and very good question. Villa rentals used to be from Saturday to Saturday only, but with Airbnb, things have changed a bit and you can find three or four-day rentals.

As a general rule of thumb, I tell people that if you have a big group, it could be a huge money saver to rent a villa. But with 2 or 4 people, it’s often better in a hotel. An added bonus of hotels is the amenities they offer.

If you are going to rent a villa, it’s important to double-check where exactly it is and make sure it’s not really far outside the main area with no transportation. I’ve heard of people renting a villa that was high up in the mountain area—it has awesome views, but it’s not very practical if you don’t have your own transport.

Popular Tours from Rome

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amalfi Coast Guide for more resources.

Play-by-Play for Amalfi Coast Towns

The Amalfi Coast is a cluster of towns on Italy’s most incredible coastline. It is an amazing area, so we created this mini-guide covering where to eat, stay, and what to do in each town.

Sorrento

Sorrento is located just south of Pompeii overlooking the Bay of Naples. Many people don’t actually consider this the Amalfi Coast, but I do and you should too. It is definitely worth a stop and it’s also the only town on the coast that you can reach by train.

My Tips:

What is it known for? Lemons and Limoncello. I have already discussed this above—however, while you can find limoncello all over Italy, the real stuff is made here in Sorrento. Enjoy!

How long should I stay? Sorrento is a good launch point for other areas. It has daily ferries to Capri and is just one hour from Pompeii and Vesuvius. If you are staying down here for three nights, it is sometimes easier just to stay here the whole time and do day trips to other areas.

Where to stay? I highly recommend staying in the historical center. This way you avoid the many hotels that cater to big bus groups

• Maison Tofani: It’s right in the historical center in a transformed 18th-century palace. The staff is super nice and the breakfast hall will make you feel like the aristocrat that you are
• Grand Hotel: If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, then this is your spot. Enjoy amazing sea views and gorgeous sunsets with a cocktail in your hand

Where to eat? Eating in an area heavy with tourists can be tricky, but not to worry—I’ve got you covered.

• Inn Bufalito: €€ | Semi Casual — They’re best known for their buffalo mozzarella and delicious steaks. Don’t miss a stop at this popular, friendly restaurant that won’t disappoint.
• Il Marzialino Restaurant: €€ | Semi Casual — Modern bistro and wine bar in a 5-star hotel with great food that won’t put a hole in your pocket.

Check out our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Sorrento for more recommendations.

Positano

When you see photos of the Amalfi Coast, 99% of the time, they are photos of Positano. This is the most popular of all the towns on the coast and it is by far the most happening of them all. For anyone looking to do some shopping, this is the place.

My Tips:

What is it known for? Stairs and shopping. The town is perched on the hill and extends all the way down to the water. If you are not used to walking, be prepared for a good workout—there are steps everywhere!

How long should I stay?  Positano is one of the only towns here with a sandy beach, so many people stop here for a few days to relax on the beach. It’s also right in the middle of the coast so you can take day trips both ways. Three days is usually a good amount to spend here.

Where to stay? I recommend two places here, one on the beach and the other higher up. It just depends on how much you want to walk at this point

• Buca di Bacco: The service is very good, and you can walk out of your hotel and hit the beach right away
• Covo dei Saraceni: Perched up higher, you can better appreciate the views that the coast is famous for. Impeccable service

Where to eat? I love eating with an amazing view, so I will recommend places a bit higher up in the town.

• La Tagliata: €€ | Semi Casual — One of my favorite places! Everything on the menu is good, plus they have a shuttle that will come and pick you up and drop you off after.
• Rada Restaurant: €€€ | Fine Dining — Get dressed up and enjoy a great meal in this fabulous location!

Check out our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Positano for more recommendations.

Amalfi Town

Don’t miss the town called Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast—it’s a two-for-one Amalfi adventure! Historically, it’s where the Knights Templar originated and it’s the site of the beautiful cathedral today. 

The cathedral boasts a combined Romanesque, Baroque, and Rococo architectural style and sits in Amalfi’s central plaza, the Piazza del Duomo.

My Tips:

What is it known for? Cathedral and street food

How long should I stay? An evening will suffice. Unlike Sorrento and Positano, there is less happening in the evening here, plus Amalfi is smaller.

Where to stay? I don’t recommend staying here overnight, since it’s not a large town. It’s best to come here in the early evening, visit the church, eat a delicious meal, and take a stroll through the streets.

Where to eat? There are plenty of options to eat in this quaint town.

• Hostaria Acquolina: €€ | Casual | Centrally located — this restaurant has a mix of tasty, typical Italian dishes and international cuisine.
• Street food: € — As you are roaming around, you will see many people eating fried fish from a paper cone. Don’t be shy—ask them where they got it and enjoy it!

Check out our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Amalfi for more recommendations.

Ravello

Ravello is a town further east and slightly inland from Amalfi. It is often overlooked by many, and that’s why I recommend going since it’s still the Amalfi Coast and therefore still amazing! 

Located approximately 1,200ft (350m) above the shore, Ravello boasts elegant villas, gardens, and intoxicating panoramic views.

Ravello also holds a music festival every year that takes place inside the local villas and attracts international crowds.

My Tips:

What is it known for?  Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone

How long should I stay?  Since it’s a bit farther away and the villas are lovely, I would recommend at least one night and two days.

Where to stay?

• Villa Piedimonte — Perched on top of the mountain with a pool and unforgettable views, you don’t need anything else.

Where to eat?

• Mimi Pizzeria: €€ — Since I haven’t recommended one pizza place yet, I thought it was time. This is the typical Napolitano-style pizza, which has a thicker crust. Buon Appetito!

Check out our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Ravello for more recommendations.

Maiori and Minori

You have probably heard of all the towns I’ve mentioned so far—they are popular choices.

When you’ve lived in Italy for a long time though, you like to visit the big towns, but you also want to discover the smaller ones. Maiori is my favorite “lesser-known” town. 

My Tips:

What is it known for? The Beach! A local’s beach without tourists

How long should I stay? At least one night. If you want to chill more at the beach, then stay two nights.

Where to stay?

• Hotel Sole Splendid: You cross the street and you are at the beach. It’s also at the end of the so-called strip, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

Where to eat?

• Torre Normanna: €€€ | Fine dining — How about dining in a Medieval Norman tower that used to be an outpost for pirates? Dress up nice and have an unforgettable evening.

Check out our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Maiori and Minori for more recommendations.

Popular Tours from Rome

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amalfi Coast Guide for more resources.