Best Places to Stay on the Amalfi Coast in 2024

The first is location. Do you want to stay in a town that is easy to get to and easy to get around using public transportation, such as Sorrento? Or do you prefer to stay in one of the smaller, more scenic towns on the Amalfi Coast, even if it takes longer to get there?

The second thing to consider is how much time you have. For those with limited time, Sorrento is the best option, since it is the easiest to get to. But for those with more time, a smaller Amalfi Coast town is also a great option.

The third thing to consider is your budget. Some towns are cheaper to stay in than others (for example, Sorrento is cheaper than Positano and Amalfi). For the various locations along the Amalfi Coast, we list hotels, apartments, and villas for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.

In this guide, we go into more detail about each of these factors, with recommendations for some wonderful places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, for all budgets.

Overview of the Amalfi Coast

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.

Positano

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.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

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: Easiest town to get to; best location for getting to and from the Amalfi Coast and day tripping to Capri and Pompeii; cheaper than the Amalfi Coast towns; best for those with limited time; best during the off season since more hotels and restaurants stay open in Sorrento

Cons: Lacks the charm of the Amalfi Coast towns; no “real” beach (the beaches are lounge chairs set up along the wooden and stone docks)

Where to Stay in Sorrento

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 | Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

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.

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: One of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast; great choice for a romantic getaway or special event; accessible by bus, ferry, private driver, and boat; has several beaches and beach clubs; great location on the Amalfi Coast

Cons: Expensive; hilly

Where to Stay 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.

Best Hotels in Positano

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 | Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Villa Bohème | Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

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: Villa Dani. Just a few steps from Spiaggia Grande, the main beach in Positano, this vacation home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a patio with views of the sea. It can accommodate up to six people and it’s a great choice for families.

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.

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.

MID-RANGE: Exclusive Apartments Positano. This two bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 4 people, making it another great choice for families. The view from the terrace is amazing and it is a short walk to the beach.

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.

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: Wonderful views of the Amalfi Coast; less crowded than other Amalfi Coast towns; great choice for a romantic getaway or special event

Cons: Takes longer to get here from Sorrento and Naples than Positano or Amalfi; no harbor or ferry port; 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.

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.

Amalfi

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: Another beautiful Amalfi Coast town; slightly cheaper than Positano; well connected to the rest of the Amalfi Coast by bus and ferry; has a beach; lots of tour options for exploring the Amalfi Coast

Cons: Less hotel and restaurant options than Positano or Sorrento; can be crowded; takes longer to get here from Naples and Sorrento; less picturesque than Positano or Ravello

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.

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: Well connected with public transportation; has a beach; easier to get to the eastern Amalfi Coast towns (Vietri Sul Mare and Cetara); easy to day trip to Paestum

Cons: Lacks the vibe you get on the Amalfi Coast; good place to stay if traveling by car (it is cheaper to park your car here for the day and use public transportation to get around the Amalfi Coast).

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.

More Towns along the Amalfi Coast

There are 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast and this guide covers three of them (Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi) as well as the two larger towns that bookend the coast.

You also have the option to stay in the other towns, but to avoid overwhelming you with choices, we left them off of the list. Some are challenging to get to, such as Praiano and Tramonti, and others lack the charm that Amalfi and Positano have (such as Maiori and Minori).

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: On a Map

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast by Traveling Style

Best Location on the Amalfi Coast

On our most recent trip to the Amalfi Coast, we stayed in both Positano and Sorrento. Both are great locations, but Positano was by far our favorite of the two. To start and end each day with views of Positano and its wide beach was an unforgettable experience.

Sorrento is our #1 recommendation for budget travelers and those with three days or less in the Amalfi Coast region.

Positano is our #1 recommendation for those with a little more time, those on a romantic getaway, and those who don’t mind spending the extra time and money to get here and stay here.

Best Hotels for Mid-Range Travelers

For mid-range travelers, we recommend Sorrento Central and Sea View Flats in Sorrento, Villa Dani and Hotel Bougainville in Positano, Casa Chiarina in Ravello, and La Bambagina in Amalfi.

Best Hotels for Budget Travelers

We recommend Sorrento Marida Rooms and Ostello Le Sirene in Sorrento, La Mammola in Positano, and  Holidays Baia D’Amalfi in Amalfi.

Best Luxury Hotels and Villas

The Amalfi Coast is a romantic getaway destination, making it a perfect place to splurge on a hotel, especially if you are travelling for a honeymoon or special occasion.

In Sorrento, the Bellevue Syrene and Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria are two of the highest rated luxury properties.

In Positano, we recommend Villa Bohème. With its great location, amazing views, and exceptional service, this is one of the top hotel choices in all of the Amalfi Coast. Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano are also excellent options.

In Ravello, Hotel Villa Cimbrone and Caruso, A Belmond Hotel are the top picks.

In Amalfi, check out NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi and Borgo Santandrea, which is located just outside of Amalfi.

Best Hotels for Families

In Sorrento, our top picks are Sorrento Central and Sea View Flats and Casa Ela.

In Positano, Villa Dani in Positano is a 2-bedroom apartment with sea views that can accommodate up to six people. Exclusive Apartments Positano is another slightly cheaper option.

In Amalfi, we recommend DieciSedici and Amalfitano Apartments.

More Information about the Amalfi Coast

SORRENTO & CAPRI: Learn about the best things to do in Sorrento, how to spend 3 days in Sorrento, learn how to plan your day trip to Capri, and find out whether or not the Blue Grotto is worth it.

AMALFI COAST TOWNS: For an overview of where to go, check out our article 17 Beautiful Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast. We also have detailed guides about the Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast and how to visit Positano and Ravello. Learn how to plan your time with our Amalfi Coast Itinerary.

ITALY ITINERARY: On this 10 day southern Italy itinerary, visit the Amalfi Coast, Castelmezzano, Matera, Alberobello, and more towns in Puglia.

GETTING AROUND: Learn how to travel from Rome to Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast and how to visit Pompeii when traveling between Rome and Sorrento. We also have a guide to the Best Way to Get around the Amalfi Coast and what it is like to drive the Amalfi Coast.

PATH OF THE GODS: The Path of the Gods is a gorgeous hike on the Amalfi Coast.

VISITING IN OCTOBER: Learn what it is like to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast in October and November.

If you have any questions about where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Italy

PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. We also have a guide to the best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula and how to spend one day in Vieste.

BASILICATA: Basilicata is a region in southern Italy. Read our guide on the best things to do in Matera and how to visit Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa and do the Angel’s Flight zipline.

ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice. For those with more time, check out our 14 day Italy itinerary, which covers the highlights of Italy.

BEST OF ITALY: In our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy.

ROME: For a list of the top experiences in Rome, read our article Best Things to Do in Rome. Learn how to put these together in our 2 Day Rome Itinerary, where to eat in our Rome Restaurant Guide, how to visit the Colosseum, and where to stay in our Rome Hotel Guide. And don’t miss our guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.

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