17 Beautiful Towns on the Amalfi Coast (+Map & Photos) (2024)

Overview of the Amalfi Coast

In our research, we kept hearing that there are 13 towns on the Amalfi Coast. In reality, the list is a lot longer. Once you add in Sorrento and Salerno (two cities that sit on either end of the Amalfi Coast and are popular cities to visit on a trip to the Amalfi Coast) and several smaller, hidden gems, our list includes 17 beautiful towns to visit in and around the Amalfi Coast.

The 13 towns of the Amalfi Coast include Amalfi, Positano, Atrani, Maiori, Minori, Conca dei Marini, Cetara, Furore, Vietri Sul Mare, Scala, Ravello, Tramonti, and Praiano.

The Amalfi Coast is located in the Campania region of Italy. This stretch of coastline sits on the Sorrentino peninsula and it overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno.

This is a popular destination for the rich and famous and has been that way since the 18th century. Its warm summers, mild winters, gorgeous coastal scenery, and beautiful towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, have been attracting visitors for hundreds of years.

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s top destinations for tourists. During the summer months, crowds have gotten so large that traffic jams along Amalfi Drive, the main road that runs along the Amalfi Coast, are an almost daily occurrence during this season. There is now an alternating license plate system to help cut down on traffic. We cover this in our guide to How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Towns on the Amalfi Coast: On a Map

Best Towns on the Amalfi Coast

This list of towns on the Amalfi Coast are ordered by geographical location, starting with Salerno in the east and ending with Sorrento in the west.

1. Salerno

Sitting at one end of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno has a big city feel and is a major transportation hub and port city.

Depending on your starting point and mode of transportation, you might find yourself passing through Salerno to get to other Amalfi Coast towns. If you will be passing through Salerno, there are a few things to see and do, but we don’t recommend going out of your way to visit this town.

Salerno

Top Experiences in Salerno: Visit Castello di Arechi for a bird’s eye view over Salerno, go to the beach, and go shopping. Visit the Salerno Cathedral (the Metropolitan Primatial Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli), which houses the remains of the Evangelist Matthew. The courtyard of the cathedral contains 28 columns from Paestum.

Best Way to Get to Salerno: Salerno has a train station, making it easily accessible from Naples and other destinations in Italy. This is one of the transportation hubs on the Amalfi Coast, so you can also get here and to the other Amalfi Coast towns by bus, car, private driver, and boat.

2. Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is famous for its colorful ceramics.

This small town sits right next to Salerno. During our visit on a Sunday afternoon in October, it was a very busy place to visit. The streets of this small town were very congested with cars and people. There are a few, short streets to stroll, go shopping, or have lunch or dinner.

Vietri Sul Mare

At the bottom of the town are two beaches. For the best experience, visit the larger beach on the far western side of town, since this one is a lot cleaner (from what we saw) than the beach closest to town.

Best Way to Get to Vietri sul Mare: Vietri sul Mare is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat.

3. Cetara

Like Vietri sul Mare, this was another busy town in late October. Parking was full during our visit, so the only way to get here was to park in neighboring Erchie and take a shuttle bus to Cetara.

Cetara

The main attraction in Cetara is its lovely beach and tower.

Best Way to Get to Cetara: Cetara is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat.

4. Erchie

Erchie is not one of the “official” towns on the Amalfi Coast but we really enjoyed our time here, maybe because it has an off the beaten path feel to it.

Erchie is home to a small, sandy beach (that’s a lot cleaner than Vietri sul Mare) and you can see La Torre Cerniola, the medieval tower that sits at the end of the beach.

Erchie

To drive down to the parking area, which sits a few steps from the beach, you will have to drive a two-way road that is really only wide enough for one-way traffic, so good spatial relations and excellent skills driving in reverse are necessary for navigating this road.

We liked Erchie but it’s only worthwhile for those with a lot of time on the Amalfi Coast (4 days or more).

Best Way to Get to Erchie: Erchie is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, and private boat.

5. Tramonti

This quiet, rural area of the Amalfi Coast sits high in the mountains and is blanketed with vineyards. A visit here will make you think you’ve been transported to Tuscany.

Tramonti is the main area of the Amalfi Coast Wine Road, a driving route that takes you past various vineyards on the hills of the Amalfi Coast. And while you can explore multiple vineyards along the Wine Road, Tenuta San Francesco is one not to skip. And a good alternative to speeding a full day visiting multiple vineyards is to combine a visit to Ravello and Tenuta San Francesco into a day trip.

Grapes on the vines at Tenuta San Francesco

Wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco

Best Way to Get to Tramonti: Tramonti is located high in the mountains. The best way to get here is by car or private driver, particularly if you want to visit the vineyards in this area.

6. Maiori

We visited Maiori while cruising along the Amalfi Coast. Our boat captain advised that we skip Maiori, saying that it is a small city with very little to do for tourists.

And now that we have been there, we have to agree.

The highlights of Maiori are the wide, pebbly beach and the long promenade that runs along the beach. We had high hopes for the shopping street (Corso Reginna) but the shops sold more of what locals would need, rather than clothing, jewelry, or artwork.

Maiori

In Maiori, you get more of a small city vibe rather than the same Amalfi coast vibe you get from other towns. However, it was a lot quieter here with just a handful of tourists.

Best Way to Get to Maiori: Maiori is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat.

7. Minori

Minori sits next to Maiori. Like Maoiri, there is a different vibe here than what you get in Amalfi or Positano, but it is also a very quiet place to visit.

The main reason why you should put Minori on your list is to have a Delizie al Limone (a Lemon Delight) at Sal de Riso, an award-winning pastry shop. This small, cream filled cake is topped with a thick, delectable layer of icing. Or, take your pick from their huge selection of cakes, tarts, pastries, and cookies.

If you are driving along the Amalfi Coast, or will have a driver, this is a super quick stop and a nice break along the drive.

Minori

Sal de Riso, Minori

Basilica of Santa Trofimena

If you want to explore farther, visit Villa Romana e Antiquarium (Roman ruins), the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, or have a glass of wine at Giardinello, a beautiful wine bar in town.

Best Way to Get to Minori: Minori is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat.

8. Ravello

There are several reasons why Ravello is one of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast.

For thing, it is a beautiful place to visit. It sits high in the hills and from here, you have not one but two gorgeous villas to visit, both offering stunning views of the coastline and beautiful gardens to explore.

Since Ravello is not located along Amalfi Drive, it tends to be less crowded than Amalfi or Positano.

And finally, this is a very nice place to go shopping for artwork and ceramics.

The view from Villa Rufolo

The Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone Gardens

Top Experiences in Ravello: Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, go shopping for ceramics and limoncello, visit the Ravello duomo, have a drink at one of the cafes that line Piazza Centrale.

Best Way to Get to Ravello: Ravello is located in the mountains, so you won’t be able to get here by boat. Plan on hiring a driver, taking the bus, or, if you have a rental car, drive into town.

9. Scala

Scala sits in the hills overlooking Ravello. It is one of the oldest villages on the Amalfi Coast, but since it is made up of homes and groves of lemon trees, there’s not much here to do as a tourist. But you can get a glimpse of it on a visit to Ravello.

Scala

Best Way to Get to Scala: Scala is located in the mountains so you won’t be able to get here by boat. Plan on hiring a driver, taking the bus, or, if you have a rental car, drive into town.

10. Atrani

Atrani is a very small coastal town that is famous for its beautiful beach, with its backdrop of Amalfi Drive and Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena church. In fact, this view is one of the most popular photo/Instagram shots along the Amalfi Coast.

Atrani | Best Towns on the Amalfi Coast

Another view of Atrani

During our visit in 2022, the town of Atrani was closed. Denzel Washington was in town with a movie crew, filming Equalizer 3.

Best Way to Get to Atrani: Atrani is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat.

11. Amalfi

Amalfi is one of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast. It is small and quick to visit and has just a handful of places to visit.

The Amalfi Duomo is the main attraction in town. It costs a few euros to enter the Duomo complex, where you can visit the Cloister of Paradise, the crypt, the museum, and the cathedral.

We were told that Amalfi is the birthplace of limoncello and it seems that every other shop in town sells limoncello, lemon sorbet, and a long list of lemon-themed souvenirs, such as ceramics, T-shirts, and linens.

Amalfi

The Amalfi Duomo

The Amalfi beach

Limoncello shop in Amalfi

Best Way to Get to Amalfi: Amalfi is one of the most crowded towns we visited on the Amalfi Coast. The best way to get here is on a boat of some sort (a ferry, a private boat, or a small group tour by boat) to avoid the traffic jams on Amalfi Drive and hassles finding a parking space. You can also get here by bus and by car.

12. Conca dei Marini

Conca dei Marini is a small town that sits along the coast. For tourists, there is not much to do here, to make this town worth the visit, but if you will be cruising along the Amalfi Coast, keep an eye out for Borgo Santandrea. This luxury hotel was once a fortress. It’s best seen from the water and the massive limestone cave that sits high above the hotel is quite the sight to see.

Conca dei Marini

Best Way to Get to Conca dei Marini: The best way to visit the town is by bus, driver, or by car. But the main attraction is the hotel, which is best seen from the water, either by ferry or on a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast.

13. Furore

Like Conca dei Marini, there aren’t any sights in town worth visiting. This town sits in the mountains, above the coast, and is more of a residential area than a tourist hub like Amalfi or Positano.

The main attraction is Fiordo di Furore. This narrow cove has a small beach that is a popular swimming spot in the summer.

Beyond the beach is a small fishing village and several paper mills.

Fiordo di Furore

Best Way to Get to Fiordo di Furore: The best way to get here is on a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast. We visited Fiordo di Furore on a boat tour and were able to enter the cove on the boat. Your next best option is to get here by bus. From the bus stop, descend the steep staircase to the beach to take a photo or go swimming. You could also hire a driver or taxi to be dropped off here. If you will be driving the Amalfi Coast, we have heard that parking is extremely difficult, so you might be limited to a quick glimpse of the cove as you drive over the bridge.

14. Praiano

Praiano is perched on the cliffs that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea. Quieter and less touristy than Amalfi or Positano, this is a popular spot for the rich and famous to stay on a visit to the Amalfi Coast.

Sitting below Praiano are several exclusive beach resorts and hotels. Grand Hotel Tritone is a 4-star hotel that sits on the cliffs and has stairs that lead down to a beach. Marina di Praia is a public beach that has public parking at street level.

Praiano

Marina di Praiano Beach

Best Way to Get to Praiano: Since Praiano sits on the cliffs overlooking the sea, the best way to get here is by bus, car, or private driver. You can also get here by boat but you will have to ascend a series of long, steep staircases to get up to street level.

15. Positano

Positano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast. Overlooking the sea and the wide black sand beach are colorful buildings that cling to the steep cliffs. Some of the top hotels and restaurants in the Amalfi Coast are located in this town, making Positano one of the best places to stay in the Amalfi Coast.

Positano | Best Towns on the Amalfi Coast

Ceramics shop in Positano

Positano from the water

In town, you can go shopping, relax on the beach, rent kayaks and paddle on the water (the views back to Positano are stunning!), and visit the rooftop bars and restaurants. For the full list, check out our Guide to Positano, which also lists the top restaurants and best places to stay.

On a quick visit along the Amalfi Coast, it is worth spending at least an hour or two in Positano. But if you have more time, consider spending a night or two here. Many hotels have rooms with a view of the town and the coast, making this one of the best places in Italy to splurge on a hotel room.

Best Way to Get to Positano: Positano is a coastal town that is accessible by car, bus, ferry, and private boat. If you are getting around by car, there are several public parking garages in town. Some take reservations in advance.

16. Nerano

Nerano is a hidden gem. Technically, it sits just outside of the Amalfi Coast, sitting between Positano and Sorrento. We are including it since many Amalfi Coast tours and boat trips visit this small coastal town.

Several small restaurants line the beach, serving fresh seafood and pasta dishes. The dish to get here is spaghetti Nerano, which is spaghetti served with fried zucchini in a light cream sauce.

Nerano

Spaghetti Nerano and Linguine alle Vongole

One more view of Nerano

Best Way to Get to Nerano: The best way to get to Nerano is by boat, either on a private boat or a small group tour. You can also get here by car.

17. Sorrento

Sorrento, like Salerno, is a gateway into the Amalfi Coast. It is a great place to stay in the area, since it is a transportation hub and great home base, not only for exploring the Amalfi Coast, but to also day trip to Capri and Pompeii.

If you have a few days on the Amalfi Coast, this town is the best place to stay, since it is very easy to plan your day trips from here.

This coastal town doesn’t have much in the way of “traditional” sandy beaches since Sorrento sits on a series of cliffs. The beaches are long concrete or wooden docks with lounge chairs and umbrellas. These docks form coves that make great swimming spots.

Sorrento

Marina Grande, Sorrento

Shopping in Sorrento

Top Experiences in Sorrento: Have lunch or dinner in Marina Grande, go shopping for limoncello, sandals, or leather goods, enjoy the view of Vesuvius from viewpoints throughout town, relax at one of the beach clubs, have gelato, and day trip to Capri, Pompeii, or other towns on the Amalfi Coast.

How to Get to Sorrento: You can get to Sorrento by car, private driver, taxi, bus, ferry, or by taking the Circumvesuviana train or Campania Express train.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast?

The most popular towns on the Amalfi Coast are Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Other nice places to visit are Atrani, Nerano, and the vineyards around Tramonti. Our personal favorites are Ravello, Positano, Nerano, and visiting the vineyards near Tramonti.

How much time do you need on the Amalfi Coast?

For the best experience, plan on spending at least three days on the Amalfi Coast. This gives you one day to day trip to Capri, one day to visit a few of the Amalfi Coast towns, and one day to visit nearby Pompeii. With more time, you can hike the Path of the Gods, visit the smaller, off the beaten path places like the vineyards around Tramonti, or simply relax and soak up the sun.

What is the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast?

During the summer months, the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by boat (ferry, small boat tour, or private boat). The views are beautiful and you can avoid the traffic jams on Amalfi Drive. If you are traveling on a budget, the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast is by ferry or by bus. From June through September, avoid driving the Amalfi Coast if possible, since traffic jams are frequent, parking is a nightmare, and rental car traffic is limited by the new alternating license plate system.

When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is late April through May and late September through October. During this time, crowds are below peak levels and the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the busiest months on the Amalfi Coast and during this time, traffic jams on Amalfi Drive are a common occurrence, prices are expensive, and you will have longer waits to get on the ferries and buses. If you want to visit with nice weather and low crowds, go in November. Just be aware that many restaurants and hotels will be closed at this time and the ferries will not be running.

More Information for Your Trip to the Amalfi Coast

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.

AMALFI COAST TOWNS: 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.

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.

POMPEII & PAESTUM: Learn how to visit Pompeii when traveling between Rome and the Amalfi Coast. And don’t miss our guide to Paestum, one of the best places to see Greek ruins in Italy.

WHERE TO STAY: For recommendations of where to stay, including Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, take a look at our Amalfi Coast Hotel Guide.

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

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

More Information for Your Trip to 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.

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.

MILAN & LAKE COMO: Learn how to visit Milan on a day trip or while traveling between the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations.

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. And don’t miss our guides to the Best Views of Rome, best Rooftop Bars in Rome, and our Rome Restaurant Guide.

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.

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