We’ve visited the Amalfi Coast twice, in two very different ways. Our first trip, in 2014, was with our kids, on a tight budget, with limited time. We chose Sorrento. Its easy transportation connections and solid list of budget-friendly properties made it the right call for a short visit, and looking back, it was the perfect home base for that kind of trip. (The place we stayed has since closed, so you won’t find it in the recommendations below.)
We returned in 2022, this time just Tim and me, with a lot more money to spend and a lot more time on our hands. We’d fallen for Positano on that first trip, so we made a point of going back. Our visit came at the tail end of a four-week road trip through Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, and Basilicata, and the Amalfi Coast was where we finally slowed down. We spent about a week in Positano (amazing) and another week in Sorrento (also wonderful). That trip also included our stay at Villa Bohème in Positano, which remains the best hotel experience we’ve ever had, out of the many, many hotels we’ve ever stayed in.
Between the two trips, we’ve now spent a good amount of time on the Amalfi Coast, seen it on a tight family budget and as a relaxed splurge, and stayed in both of its most popular towns for extended stretches. These recommendations come from all of that.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Quick Picks
If you’re short on time, here are our top recommendations based on two trips, extended stays in Positano and Sorrento, and years of research in between.
- Best overall splurge: Villa Bohème, Positano — our favorite hotel stay of all time. Just three suites, breathtaking views, and top-notch service.
- Best if you’re short on time or on a budget: Sorrento — the easiest town to reach, with the best selection of budget-friendly properties. This is where we based ourselves with our kids on a tight-budget, short trip.
- Best for a romantic getaway: Positano — our favorite town on the Amalfi Coast, and the one we chose to return to on our second visit.
- Best value without the splurge: Villa Yiara, Positano — a private terrace with a sea view, without Villa Bohème’s price tag.
- Best for families: Sorrento Central and Sea View Flats — apartments with one or more bedrooms, steps from Piazza Tasso.
- Best for a quieter, upscale stay: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello — an infinity pool, terraced gardens, and near-perfect reviews, away from the coastal crowds.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: At a Glance
| Town | Price Level | Best For | Why Stay Here |
| Sorrento | Budget to high | First-timers, families, short trips | Easiest to reach, most budget-friendly options, great transit hub |
| Positano | Moderate to very high | Romantic getaways, special occasions | The most beautiful town on the coast, with beaches and a lively scene |
| Praiano | Moderate to very high | Luxury seekers wanting quiet over convenience | Best sunset views on the coast, top boutique luxury hotels, fewer crowds |
| Ravello | Moderate to high | Quiet, upscale stays away from crowds | Stunning views, fewer day-trippers, harder to get around from |
| Amalfi | Budget to moderate | Value without sacrificing location | Cheaper than Positano, still on the water, well-connected |
| Salerno | Budget to moderate | Road-trippers and transit connections | Easy train access, cheaper parking, not a true Amalfi Coast base |
Positano
A Quick Geography Lesson
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Sorrentine peninsula.
There are 13 towns along this coastline and Salerno and Sorrento sit at either end. Some of these towns are located right on the water, like Amalfi and Positano, and others are located higher up on the hills, like Ravello and Praiano.
When choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, the locations of these towns have a big impact on how you will get around. For example, if you stay in Positano, which sits on the water, you can easily get around by ferry, boat, bus, and car. But if you stay in Ravello, which is located up in the hills, you will be limited to traveling by bus or car, or driving to a coastal town to use the ferry or private boat.
For an overview of all 13 towns, plus a few hidden gems, take a look at our article Best Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast.
To get around the Amalfi Coast, you have a lot of options…car, bus, ferry, small boat tour, private boat, taxi, private driver, and tour. How you get around depends on several things: how long you will be in the Amalfi Coast, what you plan to do, and how much money you have to spend. Learn more in our article Best Way to Get Around the Amalfi Coast.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Sorrento
Sorrento technically sits outside of the Amalfi Coast. It is located at the far western end of the Sorrentine peninsula.
However, it’s large size, ferry port, and train station makes Sorrento very easy and economical to get to using public transportation.
Marina Grande in Sorrento
Getting to and from Sorrento
From Sorrento, it is not only easy to visit the Amalfi Coast, but it is also a handy location for getting to Capri, Naples, and Pompeii.
Train Stations in Sorrento: Both the Campania Express and Circumvesuviana trains terminate in Sorrento. These trains connect Naples to Herculaneaum, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Sorrento. If you have plans to visit Pompeii or Naples while on the Amalfi Coast, it is quicker, easier, and cheaper to do so from Sorrento.
Ferry from Sorrento: From Sorrento, many ferries travel to and from Capri all day long. You can also take a ferry from Sorrento to Naples and Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast.
Tours and Private Drivers: Since Sorrento is the main transportation hub next to the Amalfi Coast, it is also very easy to hire a driver for the day to take you to the Amalfi Coast, join a tour of Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, or even rent a car.
If you are traveling on a budget or have three or less days on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast. This is also one of the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast during the off season, since more hotels and restaurants will be open in Sorrento, than say Positano or Amalfi.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easiest town to reach, with train and ferry connections | Lacks the charm of the coastal Amalfi Coast towns |
| Best base for day trips to Capri, Pompeii, and Naples | Steep ramps or long staircases to get to beach clubs and the marina |
| Cheaper than Positano or Amalfi | Overcrowded and commercial |
| Best choice if you have limited time | No “real” beach — mostly lounge chairs on wooden and stone docks |
| More hotels and restaurants stay open here in the off-season | Not a true Amalfi Coast town |
Where to Stay in Sorrento
On our first trip to Sorrento, we stayed at a small homestay-type property up in the hills above town. The place itself was fine: basic, clean, with a washing machine, and jaw-dropping views over Sorrento and the coast. The problem was the public bus system. More than once, the bus simply failed to show up, which meant a long, hot, steep uphill walk back to the property, not exactly what you want after a full day of sightseeing at Pompeii or Capri. Learn from our mistake: it’s best to stay in Sorrento’s city center rather than the outskirts, to avoid the transportation hassles we ran into.
Sorrento is built on a cliff that overlooks the Bay of Naples. Most of the town is located on the cliff, but to get to Marina Piccola (the ferry port), Marina Grande (a great place to grab a bite to eat), or the beach clubs, you will have to walk downhill, or ride an elevator to get there (and later walk back up).
Sorrento
To limit how much walking you do, it is best to pick a hotel that is centrally located in Sorrento. For the best views, choose a hotel that sits along the edge of the cliff, where you will be treated to sunset views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Marina Grande is a very picturesque part of Sorrento, but you will do a lot of walking to get to and from here, and it will be hilly, so it’s not one of our first location choices in Sorrento. On the days we walked out here, we saw several groups of hot, slightly annoyed people dragging their wheeled luggage downhill on the uneven cobblestoned streets, voicing out loud their disappointment that they would have to repeat this, but uphill, at the end of their stay.
Top Experiences in Sorrento: Enjoy the view from Piazza della Vittoria, visit Marina Grande, spend some time at one of the beach clubs, visit Piazza Tasso, go shopping, try limoncello, visit Bagni Regina Giovanna, and day trip to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii. For the full list, read our Guide to Sorrento ↓
Best Hotels in Sorrento
LUXURY: Bellevue Syrene. Perched on the cliffs of Sorrento, this 5-star hotel offers a wide variety of rooms. Most rooms have a balcony with a sea view and you can choose from their long list of suites, some of which come with a hot tub or private pool. The service is impeccable and the views are some of the best in Sorrento. Even if you aren’t staying here, it’s worth visiting the hotel for a cocktail or sunset dinner on the terrace.
The view from the Bellevue Syrene
Terrace at the Bellevue Syrene
LUXURY: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. This hotel sits on the cliff overlooking Marina Piccola, the ferry port of Sorrento. An elevator links the hotel to the harbor, eliminating a steep downhill and uphill walk. With restaurants, a bar, and numerous hotel rooms with views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, this is one of the top hotels in Sorrento.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
UPSCALE: Palazzo Marziale. This 4-star hotel is located in a 15th century building in a central location in Sorrento (you can walk to Piazza Tasso, Marina Piccola, and the train station). Some rooms can accommodate up to six people and there are two restaurants onsite. Note: children are not allowed.
MID-RANGE: Sorrento Central and Sea View Flats. If you are a family, this is our #1 pick for Sorrento. This property has several apartments with one or more bedrooms that can accommodate up to five people. It is located just a few steps from Piazza Tasso (the main square) and it gets exceptional reviews.
MID-RANGE: Casa Ela. This property also gets exceptional reviews and offers both double rooms and a two-bedroom apartment that can accommodate up to four people. It is located near the main shopping streets in Sorrento, so it’s just a short walk to many great restaurants.
BUDGET: Sorrento Marida Rooms. This 3-star hotel gets wonderful reviews. It is located just outside of the city center. The units sleep up to three people and come with a kitchen and terrace.
BUDGET: Ostello Le Sirene. This hostel is located just outside of the city center. Rooms range from mixed dormitory rooms to double, triple, and quadruple rooms. It is within walking distance of the train station.
Our verdict: If you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or want to keep costs down, Sorrento is the easiest call. It’s exactly where we based ourselves on our own budget-conscious family trip. Just don’t expect the same postcard views or beach-town charm you’ll find in Positano or Amalfi.
Positano
Positano is one of the largest towns on the Amalfi Coast. It’s also one of the most beautiful, with its colorful buildings clinging to the hillsides, beaches, and villas.
Since it is one of the larger Amalfi Coast towns, Positano has a lot of hotels to choose from, as well as restaurants and rooftop bars. You’ll spend more money to be here, compared to Sorrento, but what you get is a few nights in one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns.
For those on a honeymoon, a romantic getaway, or those celebrating something special, Positano is our top pick for the Amalfi Coast.
Positano
Getting to and from Positano
It takes a little more time and money to get to Positano, compared with Sorrento. There are no train stations in Positano, but you can get here by bus, ferry, car, and private driver.
To get to Positano from Naples, you have two options. You can ride the Campania Express to Sorrento and from Sorrento take the bus, ride the ferry, or hire a private driver to take you to your hotel. A quicker but more expensive option is to hire a driver from Naples to take you right to your hotel, bypassing Sorrento. And if you have a car, you can drive here, but be aware that the Amalfi Coast roads are extremely congested from May through September and parking is challenging (reserve a parking space at a parking garage in Positano before your visit…your hotel can assist you with this).
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast | Expensive |
| Great choice for a romantic getaway or special occasion | Hilly — expect a lot of stair climbing |
| Accessible by bus, ferry, private driver, and boat | Very crowded in peak season |
| Several beaches and beach clubs to choose from | |
| Excellent central location on the coast |
Best Hotels in Positano
Since Positano is built into the hillsides, you will do quite a bit of stair climbing and walking up and down the hills in Positano. The ferry port is located at sea level, of course, and the bus stations are located higher in town.
No matter where you stay, you will have to do some hill climbing at some point. It’s best to pick a hotel located closer to the beach, to keep your stair climbing to a minimum. The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast in the summer, in our opinion, is the ferry. If you are staying closer to the beach, the less hill climbing you will have to do to get back to your hotel at the end of the day.
LUXURY: Villa Bohème Exclusive Luxury Suites. Villa Bohème is small property that has just three suites. Each suite has a spectacular view of Positano. We stayed here on our most recent visit to the Amalfi Coast and it is our favorite hotel stay of all time. The views are incredible, the service is top notch, and the location is excellent. It’s a splurge, but what a fantastic experience! We stayed in the Puccini Suite, which looks to be the most private of the three suites at Villa Bohème.
The terrace of the Puccini Suite, Villa Bohème
Villa Bohème
The view from Villa Bohème
LUXURY: Le Sirenuse. This is not only one of the top luxury hotels in Positano, it is also one of the top luxury hotels on all of the Amalfi Coast. With its central location, gorgeous views, outdoor terrace and bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, it’s worth at least having dinner or drink here. There’s also a good chance you’ll spot a celebrity (we did!).
LUXURY: Il San Pietro di Positano. This 5-star hotel sits just outside of Positano. It boasts big views of the coastline, has a Michelin-starred restaurant, has onsite parking, and offers a free shuttle service to and from Positano. It’s one of the highest rated luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
UPSCALE: Albergo Miramare Positano. Located on the hillside, but still just a few steps from the beach, this property offers everything from single rooms to two bedroom apartments. Some rooms have a balcony with breathtaking views of Positano.
UPSCALE: Hotel Palazzo Murat. This hotel is located almost a sea level in Positano. It’s a short, mostly flat walk to the beach and ferry port. Plus, it’s just a short walk to some of the best restaurants in town. Take your pick from standard hotel rooms to suites that can accommodate up to 5 people.
UPSCALE: Villa Yiara. In this adult-only property, each room comes with a terrace with a sea view. Prior guests rave about the reviews, the beautifully decorated rooms, and the service.
MID-RANGE: Alcione Residence. This hotel has an excellent location in central Positano. Rooms range from standard double rooms to two-bedroom apartments and come with a terrace with a stunning view of Positano. Plus, this property gets exceptional reviews.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Bougainville. Centrally located, it is a short walk to the beach and ferry port. This highly rated hotel has rooms that can accommodate two the three people. Some rooms have a sea view.
BUDGET: La Mammola. This is one of the cheapest properties in Positano that still gets good reviews. In fact, it gets excellent reviews. It’s just a short walk to the beach and rooms can accommodate two people.
Our verdict: If you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or want to keep costs down, Sorrento is the easiest call. It’s exactly where we based ourselves on our own budget-conscious family trip. Just don’t expect the same postcard views or beach-town charm you’ll find in Positano or Amalfi.
Praiano
Praiano sits on the coastal road between Positano and Amalfi, and it’s often described as the “sunset town” of the Amalfi Coast, thanks to its south-facing views. It’s quieter and more low-key than Positano, with a more local, authentic feel, but still home to some of the most talked-about boutique luxury hotels on the whole coast.
The town has two distinct centers: Vettica Maggiore, up along the main cliffside road, and Marina di Praia, a small cove down at sea level with its own beach and a cluster of seafood restaurants.
Getting to and from Praiano
There’s no public ferry stop in Praiano, which is the main tradeoff versus Positano or Amalfi. Your main options are the SITA bus (connecting to Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno), a private driver or taxi, or a private boat transfer. If having ferry access matters to your itinerary, this is worth keeping in mind.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best sunset views on the Amalfi Coast | No ferry service |
| Quieter, more local feel than Positano | Spread out, with steep walks between the two town centers |
| Home to some of the coast’s top boutique luxury hotels | Fewer restaurants and shops than Positano or Amalfi |
| Charming, low-key beach cove at Marina di Praia, with good seafood restaurants | Less convenient for day-tripping to multiple towns |
Best Hotels in Praiano
LUXURY: Casa Angelina. An all-white, minimalist boutique hotel that feels more like an art gallery than a traditional Italian hotel. Perched on the cliffs of Vettica Maggiore, it’s considered one of the best spots on the coast for sunset views, with a rooftop restaurant and both indoor and outdoor pools. Popular with honeymooners.
LUXURY: Grand Hotel Tritone. Perched on a cliff between Praiano and Positano, its standout feature is a private beach club accessible via an elevator built into the rock. A good pick for families who want a private beach without the usual Amalfi Coast stair-climbing.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Pellegrino. A well-regarded family-run hotel with air-conditioned rooms, sea views, and a restaurant known for its local cooking — consistently praised for how well it’s run.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Il Pino. A seaside hotel with an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and garden. There’s an onsite restaurant and poolside bar, and it’s one of the higher-rated properties in Praiano.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Le Fioriere. A small, family-run hotel right on the main road, with a rooftop terrace looking out toward Capri’s Faraglioni. Centrally located near restaurants and shops, with the bus stop directly in front. Handy given Praiano’s transit tradeoffs.
Our verdict: If a great sunset and a quiet, boutique luxury stay matter more to you than being in the middle of the action, Praiano is worth serious consideration, especially for travelers who’d normally be looking at Positano’s top-tier hotels anyway. Just go in knowing you’ll rely more on buses, drivers, or boat transfers than the coast’s ferry network.
Ravello
With its villas, beautiful gardens, and extraordinary views along the coast, Ravello is one of the most enchanting towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. It also makes a great place to stay, if you don’t mind the transportation hassles getting here and around the Amalfi Coast.
Since Ravello is located in the hills above the coastline, you cannot get here by ferry. You will be limited to the bus, driver, or getting around by rental car. If you choose to take a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast or use the ferry to get around, you will first travel to Amalfi and then get on the boat/ferry.
However, since it is a bit more challenging to get to Ravello, it also tends to be less crowded. If you want to stay in a quieter town with big views of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is worth considering.
Ravello
Getting to and from Ravello
There are no train stations or ferry stations in Ravello. You can get here by bus, car, and private driver.
To get to Ravello from Naples, you have two options. You can ride the Campania Express to Sorrento and from Sorrento take the bus or hire a private driver to take you to your hotel. A quicker but more expensive option is to hire a driver from Naples to take you right to your hotel, bypassing Sorrento. And if you have a car, you can drive here, but be aware that the Amalfi Coast roads are extremely congested from May through September and parking is challenging.
Where to Stay in Ravello
The town of Ravello is slightly hilly, but you’ll climb a lot fewer stairs here than in Positano. Hotels are located in and around the small city center. There are a few hotels on the outskirts of the city center that offer views along the Amalfi Coast.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wonderful views of the Amalfi Coast | Takes longer to reach from Sorrento and Naples than Positano or Amalfi |
| Less crowded than other Amalfi Coast towns | No harbor or ferry port |
| Great choice for a romantic getaway or special event | Harder to get around the Amalfi Coast from here |
Best Hotels in Ravello
LUXURY: Hotel Villa Cimbrone. This hotel is one of the most elegant on the Amalfi Coast. As a visitor, you can stroll the gardens and visit the Infinity Terrace, which is one of the best things to do in Ravello. The villa also has a variety of hotel rooms and suites, some with a balcony and sea view.
Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone
LUXURY: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel. This 5-star hotel is located in an 11th century building. It has an infinity pool, terraced gardens, and gorgeous views of the Amalfi Coast. Some rooms have private balconies with sea views. It is one of the most luxurious properties on the Amalfi Coast.
UPSCALE: Casa Chiarina. Casa Chiarina is centrally located in Ravello. The property offers one-bedroom houses, each with a queen bed, kitchen, and dining area. Some rooms have a terrace with spectacular views of Ravello. This property gets exceptional reviews on Booking.com.
MID-RANGE: Al Borgo Torello. This property is located outside of the Ravello city center, but what you get is a garden-like oasis with views of the Amalfi Coast. Rooms range from economy double rooms to a family room that can accommodate up to four people.
MID-RANGE: Maera B&B Ravello. Located near the city center of Ravello, this beautiful property has a restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace. Rooms can accommodate two people.
Our verdict: Ravello is the pick for travelers who want the classic Amalfi Coast views without the classic Amalfi Coast crowds, but you’re trading convenience for that quiet. If day-tripping around the coast by ferry is a priority, you’ll be better served staying in a town with harbor access instead.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a slightly smaller town than Positano. It is also located on the water and Amalfi Drive runs right through the center of town, so you can get here both by land and sea, making it a convenient location.
Amalfi is much smaller than Positano, so you will have less hotel options here. But it tends to be slightly cheaper, so if you like the idea of staying on the Amalfi Coast and don’t want to spend a small fortune, this is a town to consider.
Amalfi is smaller and less hilly than Positano. Many properties are located near the city center, so you won’t have to do a lot of walking here.
Since Amalfi gets crowded midday, when day trippers arrive, by staying here you can explore the town early and late in the day, when it is quieter.
Getting to and from Amalfi
Getting to Amalfi is similar to getting to Positano. There are no train stations in Amalfi, so you will get here by bus, ferry, driver, or car. Since it is located farther east than Positano, if you are coming from Naples, it will take longer to get here.
To get to Amalfi from Naples, you have two options. You can ride the Campania Express to Sorrento and from Sorrento take the bus, ride the ferry, or hire a private driver to take you to your hotel. A quicker but more expensive option is to hire a driver from Naples to take you right to your hotel, bypassing Sorrento. And if you have a car, you can drive here, but be aware that the Amalfi Coast roads are extremely congested from May through September and parking is challenging.
| Pros | Cons |
| Another beautiful Amalfi Coast town | Fewer hotel and restaurant options than Positano or Sorrento |
| Slightly cheaper than Positano | Can get crowded, especially midday |
| Well-connected by bus and ferry | Takes longer to reach from Naples and Sorrento |
| Has a real beach | Less picturesque than Positano or Ravello |
| Lots of tour options for exploring the coast |
The Amalfi Cathedral
Best Hotels in Amalfi
LUXURY: Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. This hotel is located outside of the city center, sitting just to the west of Amalfi. It is located in a converted 13th century monastery, on the cliffs overlooking Amalfi. All rooms have sea views and marble bathrooms. There is an infinity pool, a gym, and two restaurants.
UPSCALE: La Bambagina. This very highly rated hotel is located in the Amalfi city center. From here, it is a short walk to the duomo and the beach. Rooms are modernly decorated and have a balcony.
UPSCALE: DieciSedici. This 4-star hotel is located near the city center of Amalfi. Some rooms are suites and some rooms have a dining area, refrigerator, and balcony. There are several suites that can accommodate up to four people, making this a nice choice for families.
MID-RANGE: Amalfitano Apartments. This property ticks all the boxes for an apartment: beautiful views, washing machine, kitchen, air conditioning, and multiple bedrooms. Check out the upper terrace with views of Amalfi. This is an excellent choice for families or small groups of travelers.
BUDGET: Holidays Baia D’Amalfi. This property is one of the cheapest in Amalfi that is centrally located and gets good reviews (you can stay in plenty of cheap places with poor reviews, but what kind of vacation would that be?). Rooms are basic but have a private bathroom and mini-bar.
Our verdict: Amalfi is the middle ground. You get real coastal charm and easy ferry access without paying Positano prices. It won’t be quite as postcard-perfect, but for most travelers, that tradeoff is worth it.
Salerno
Like Sorrento, Salerno is located outside of the Amalfi Coast. We are mentioning it since it is another transportation hub.
Salerno sits to the east of the Amalfi Coast. It has a train station, so it’s easy to get here from many other cities in southern Italy. From Salerno, you can get to the Amalfi Coast towns by bus, car, driver, and ferry.
However, Salerno looks and feels more like a city than a charming Amalfi Coast town. It’s only worth staying here if you will be traveling through the southern end of Italy (for example, traveling up the coast from Sicily).
| Pros | Cons |
| Well-connected by train, making it easy to reach from other cities in southern Italy | Lacks the coastal-town vibe you get in Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello |
| Has a real beach | Fewer immediate options for exploring the classic Amalfi Coast towns |
| Easier access to the eastern towns (Vietri sul Mare, Cetara) | Feels like a large, working city versus a small coastal village |
| Easy day trip to Paestum | Caters mostly to locals |
| Cheaper, more convenient parking if you’re traveling by car | Features a shipping harbor, which takes away from the view |
Salerno
Best Hotels in Salerno
UPSCALE: Luxury Apartment Salerno Center. This property offers apartments that can accommodate up to four people and come equipped with a kitchen. It is within walking distance of the beach.
MID-RANGE: B&B Peter Pan. This bed and breakfast is centrally located in Salerno and gets exceptional reviews.
MID-RANGE: Exclusive Loft Salerno Centro. If you want a little more space, this highly rated apartment comes with a kitchenette and can accommodate four people. Prior guests rave about the value for money and cleanliness.
Our verdict: Salerno isn’t a true Amalfi Coast base, and we wouldn’t recommend it as your main stay unless you’re arriving by car or passing through as part of a longer Italy road trip, in which case, it’s a smart, affordable place to park and launch day trips from.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay on the Amalfi Coast?
The town you choose will have a big impact on cost. Sorrento will be cheaper than Positano or Amalfi. For what you pay for a 3-star hotel in Positano, you could get a 4-star hotel in Amalfi or Sorrento.
In Sorrento in July, a 3-star hotel will range from $150 to $250 per night, a 4-star hotel will range from $250 to $600 per night, and a 5-star hotel will start around $600 USD per night.
In Positano in July, a 3-star hotel will range from $200 to $400 per night, a 4-star hotel will range from $400 to $800 per night, and a 5-star hotel will start around $800 and go up from there.
How Far in Advance Should You Make Your Reservation?
If you plan to visit the Amalfi Coast during the peak season, which is most of the year (May through October), I recommend making your reservations at least three months in advance, although 5 to 6 months is even better.
If you wait too long, you will have limited choices and may end up spending more to get a decent hotel.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Deciding Where to Stay
Booking a property in the outskirts to save money. We learned this one firsthand. Our homestay above Sorrento was cheaper, but the unreliable bus service turned it into a hassle. Unless you have a rental car, prioritize a centrally located property over a slightly cheaper one on the edge of town.
Underestimating the stairs. Positano, Ravello, and Praiano are all built into hillsides, and “sea view” doesn’t tell you how many steps separate your room from the beach or town center. Read the property description carefully, or check recent reviews for mentions of stairs, before booking.
Assuming every town has ferry access. Ferries connect Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno, but not every coastal-sounding town. Praiano, for example, has no scheduled ferry stop. If getting around by boat is part of your plan, confirm your town has ferry service before you book.
Booking too late for peak season. Rooms in Positano and Praiano’s top boutique hotels can sell out 5-6 months in advance for a July or August stay. If you have your dates locked in, book as early as you can.
Renting a car for a Positano or Amalfi stay in peak summer. From May through September, rental cars are subject to an alternating license plate system on Amalfi Drive. Combined with heavy congestion and limited, expensive parking, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth. Unless you specifically need a car for a broader Italy road trip, getting around by bus, ferry, or private driver is usually the better call. For the full picture on what driving here is really like, see our guide to driving the Amalfi Coast.
Plan Your Amalfi Coast Trip
- Need a day-by-day plan? → Our Amalfi Coast Itinerary guide covers everything from 2 days to a full week.
- Trying to decide how to get around? → Our Best Way to Get Around the Amalfi Coast guide compares car, bus, ferry, and private driver.
- Want the full rundown on what to do? → Our Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast guide covers the highlights.
- Curious about the best time to go? → Our Amalfi Coast in October guide covers why it’s our favorite season to visit.
- Planning a stop in Capri? → Our Best Things to Do in Capri guide covers the island’s top experiences.
- Want more time in Sorrento? → Our Three Days in Sorrento itinerary covers Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast on a budget.
- Making this part of a bigger trip? → Our 14 Day Italy Itinerary and Southern Italy Itinerary guides cover how to combine it with the rest of the country.
If you have any questions about where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, let us know in the comment section below.
Explore More of Italy
We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Basilicata, Sicily, and Puglia.
17 Beautiful Towns on the Amalfi Coast (And Which Ones to Visit)
Pinterest Facebook Flipboard The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most celebrated stretches of coastline, and it’s easy to see why. Colorful towns cling to dramatic cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the whole coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tim and I made it a point to visit, or at least see, every […]
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