Deciding Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region. The popular travel destination offers towering cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with white-sand beaches, pastel-colored fishing villages, vineyards and lemon groves.

There are several accommodation options to consider when planning a trip. Deciding where to stay on the Amalfi Coast largely depends on how much you want to spend and what you want to do. Here’s a breakdown of the different locations you can stay on your visit.

• Positano is popular for its central location, restaurants and stunning natural beauty. Peak season is crowded and prices can be a little higher than normal. It’s also called the Vertical Town, so if hilly walks aren’t your thing, you may want to consider another location.
• Ravello is an enchanting village perched on a ridge high above Amalfi. It is relatively out of the way and the bulk of visitors come during the day, leaving the nights peaceful. There are several scenic hiking trails in the area that run down to Amalfi. However, Ravello is the only town on the coast without its own beach.
• Sorrento, located across from Naples, is a convenient option if you’re trying to explore the local sights. Sorrento marks the start of the 43-mile winding coastal road, so it’s great for hikes and walks. The town offers an energetic atmosphere day and night.
• Amalfi, the coast’s largest city, is still small enough to feel intimate. It is a convenient base for excursions to Capri and the Grotta dello Smeraldo. The city is ideal for art and architecture lovers, though it is more crowded than other destination.
• Praiano and Conca dei Marini offer a romantic setting with beautiful sunny beaches great for honeymooners. However, they’re not convenient if you’re planning on visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples or Paestum.
• Cetara and Vietri sul Mare are somewhat off-the-beaten-path yet idyllic seaside locations, perfect for sipping wine, enjoying great food and taking in an authentic Amalfi coast experience.

If you’re having trouble deciding where to stay, keep in mind wherever you land on the beautiful Amalfi coast you’ll be able to drink the region’s iconic limoncello, soak in the Mediterranean sun and gaze out over the blue waters of the Salerno Gulf.