Italy · Guide

Where to Stay on the Amalfi CoastThe 6 Best Bases Compared

Stay in Amalfi town if you travel without a car: buses and ferries leave from its harbor.Pick Positano for the famous view, Praiano for sunsets at lower prices, Ravello for quiet, and Sorrento as the cheapest, easiest base.

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✓ Facts checked · Updated 2026-11-03 · Ad*

The short answer

No car, first visitAmalfibus and ferry hub, flat center
The postcardPositanoiconic, steep, expensive
Sunset, valuePraianobetween the two, calmer
Quiet and gardensRavellohilltop villas, no beach
Beach, familiesMaiorilongest beach on the coast
Easiest and cheapestSorrentotrain from Naples, many hotels

Where the towns are

Sorrento and Salerno are the gateways at either end. Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Maiori lie on the coast road and ferry lines; Ravello sits on the hill above Amalfi.

Where on the coast should you base yourself?

The Amalfi Coast is a steep stretch of about 50 km between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, linked by one narrow cliff road, the SS163, and by ferries. Where you sleep decides how much time you spend in buses. Pick a town on a ferry line and you can reach Positano, Amalfi and Capri by boat in season.

Most hotels close from November to March. For May, June and September, book early: the best rooms sell out months ahead.

Our tip: Take the ferry at least once: from the water you see Positano and Amalfi the way they were built to be seen, and you skip the traffic on the coast road.

Which town suits you?

1
Good for: First visit, no car
Amalfi

The town that gave the coast its name, with the cathedral of Sant'Andrea and the main bus and ferry stops right by the harbor. The most practical base in the middle of the coast.
- buses and ferries in every direction
- flat center around the cathedral square
- Ravello and Atrani a short ride or walk away
- very busy with day visitors
- small town beach
$$–$$$Not ideal for: Anyone looking for a quiet hideaway.

Try here: Delizia al limone, a sponge cake soaked in lemon cream.
Hotels in Amalfi →
2
Good for: Couples, views
Positano

The pastel houses stacked down to the beach, the most photographed view on the coast. Glamorous, steep and the most expensive, with a ferry pier on the main beach.
- the famous view from your terrace
- beach, boutiques and restaurants in town
- ferries to Amalfi and Capri in season
- hundreds of steps everywhere
- parking costs about €8–10 per hour
$$$Not ideal for: Travelers on a budget or with limited mobility.

Try here: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare, thick fresh pasta with seafood.
Hotels in Positano →
3
Good for: Sunsets, value
Praiano

A spread-out village between Positano and Amalfi, facing west. Calmer and cheaper than its neighbors, with views towards Positano and the sunset.
- sunsets over the sea
- cheaper than Positano
- quiet in the evening
- few beaches, mostly rocky coves
- you depend on the bus or boats
$$Not ideal for: Anyone who wants nightlife or a big beach.

Try here: Colatura di alici from nearby Cetara, an anchovy sauce for spaghetti.
Hotels in Praiano →
4
Good for: Quiet, gardens, music
Ravello

A hilltop town above Amalfi with the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and summer concerts. Elegant and peaceful, but with no beach.
- the gardens and the terrace views
- calm in the evening
- summer concerts at Villa Rufolo
- no beach, bus down to Amalfi
- no ferry stop
$$$Not ideal for: Beach lovers who want to swim every day.

Try here: Limoncello, made from the coast's big Sfusato lemons.
Hotels in Ravello →
5
Good for: Families, beach days
Maiori and Minori

Two towns at the eastern end. Maiori has the longest beach on the coast, Minori is small and relaxed. More like a normal Italian beach holiday, with lower prices.
- the longest sandy beach on the coast
- flatter promenade, good with kids
- ferry stops and cheaper hotels
- less dramatic than Positano
- far from Positano by road
$$Not ideal for: Anyone who wants the postcard view outside the window.

Try here: Ndunderi, Minori's old ricotta dumplings.
Hotels in Maiori and Minori →
6
Good for: Budget, no car, families
Sorrento

Strictly speaking on the Sorrento Peninsula, not the Amalfi Coast. A real town with many hotels, the train from Naples and ferries to Capri, Positano and Amalfi in season.
- most hotels and the best prices
- Circumvesuviana train from Naples and Pompeii
- flat center, good for families
- an hour or more to Amalfi by bus
- not on the Amalfi Coast itself
$–$$Not ideal for: Travelers who want to wake up above the cliffs.

Try here: Gnocchi alla sorrentina, baked with tomato and mozzarella.
Hotels in Sorrento →

What should you know before booking?

Driving is stressful: the coast road is narrow, parking is scarce and expensive, and on selected peak days the SS163 only lets cars with odd or even plates through between 10 am and 6 pm. Hotel guests with a booking are exempt. Check the current dates before you go.

Without a car, use the SITA buses along the coast and the ferries. In summer, buses fill up quickly; ferries are more relaxed and also run to Capri.

Plan three to five nights. That is enough for two towns, a boat trip and the Path of the Gods hike from Agerola above Positano.

How do you get to the Amalfi Coast?

The nearest airport is Naples. From there, buses and private transfers go to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi; to Positano it takes about one and a half hours by road. By train, go to Salerno and take the ferry to Amalfi or Positano, or take the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento.

Your two days on the Amalfi Coast

Day 1: Amalfi and Ravello

MorningAmalfi: cathedral of Sant'Andrea before the crowds.
MiddayWalk to Atrani next door, lunch by the tiny piazza.
AfternoonBus up to Ravello: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
EveningBack to Amalfi for dinner by the harbor.

Day 2: Path of the Gods and Positano

EarlyBus to Agerola (Bomerano), hike the Path of the Gods to Nocelle, about 3 hours.
MiddaySteps down to Positano, lunch.
AfternoonSwim at Spiaggia Grande.
EveningFerry back in season, or the bus.

What does it cost?

Ferry Positano–Amalfifrom about €8One way; more ferries in season, check timetables.
Ferry Salerno–Amalfifrom about €12One way; the easy way in by train and boat.
Parking in Positano€8–10 per hourIn the garages; street spaces are rare in summer.
Parking in Ravello€2.50 per hourOr about €15 per day below the cathedral square.

✓ Facts checked · 2026-11-03 · Approximate prices, November 2026. Check before you go.

Tours and experiences nearby

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Frequently asked questions

Which town is the best base on the Amalfi Coast?

Amalfi for most first-timers without a car, because buses and ferries leave from there. Positano if the view matters most, Sorrento if budget matters most.

Do you need a car on the Amalfi Coast?

No. Buses and ferries reach all the main towns, and parking is scarce and expensive. A car only helps for villas in the hills.

How many nights should you stay on the Amalfi Coast?

Three to five nights: enough for two towns, a boat trip to Capri and the Path of the Gods.

Is Sorrento a good base for the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, if you want lower prices and an easy arrival by train. Expect an hour or more by bus to Amalfi, or take the ferry in season.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

May, June and September. July and August are hot and crowded, and from November to March many hotels and ferries stop.

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