Trying to figure out where to stay on the Amalfi Coast can be overwhelming, since every town looks gorgeous in photos. While the Amalfi Coast is undeniably beautiful, it’s also one of the most logistically tricky places in all of Italy. Roads are narrow and winding, buses and ferries get crowded, and each town sits on dramatically steep cliffs (with lots of stairs!).
That’s why choosing the right home base is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your trip.
I recently traveled to the Amalfi Coast with my sisters, and we split our time between Sorrento and Amalfi with day trips to Capri and Positano. We also traveled through many small towns along the way.
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Each town has its own personality, perks, and pitfalls, and the one you choose can dramatically shape your vacation. That’s why I put together this guide to the best towns to stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Best Towns to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast is a personal decision. You’ll want to look for a place that fits your travel style and budget, but here are some things to look for:
- easy transportation
- few hassles with luggage
- good access to ferries
- the vibe you want (relaxing, lively, luxurious, budget-friendly… or a mix!)
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top options.
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Sorrento: The Best Base for First-Time Visitors
Even though Sorrento isn’t technically part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s close enough to feel like it is, and has just as many spectacular seaside views. We spent two nights here and absolutely loved it. There’s easy access to ferries, buses, and trains that can take you to Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, Naples, and the entire peninsula without the stress.
The town is flat and walkable – noticeably different than the steep cliffside villages farther down the coast. There are more hotel options, better prices, and a lively evening atmosphere. Each night we had so much fun eating at great restaurants (there are a ton of them), enjoying a drink while listening to live music, and indulging in gelato.
Sorrento’s convenience and charm make this a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
Who Sorrento Is Best For
- First-time visitors
- Anyone who wants convenience
- Travelers with limited mobility or who don’t want endless stairs
- People planning day trips
Potential Downsides
- Not technically part of the Amalfi Coast (though you won’t care once you see it!)
- More of a small city feel than a tiny coastal village
Scenic and Savvy Verdict:
Sorrento is the easiest and most stress-free base for most travelers.
Explore lodging options here: Sorrento lodging
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Amalfi: The Most Convenient Base On the Amalfi Coast
After Sorrento, we stayed in Amalfi for two nights. (Click here for our complete Amalfi Coast itinerary.)
This charming coastal town is smaller, more compact, and has a central piazza, beautiful cathedral, and scenic waterfront, with many restaurants and shops tucked into picturesque lanes. The town is also flatter than Positano which makes exploring (and transporting your luggage) much easier.
Amalfi is especially convenient for getting around the coast because it’s one of the main transportation hubs where two major bus lines intersect: the SITA buses that run along the Amalfi Coast (toward Positano and Sorrento) and the routes that head inland and east toward Ravello, Minori, and Salerno. Since both lines pass through Amalfi, it’s one of the easiest towns to catch connections without long waits or complicated transfers, making it a practical base for exploring multiple directions.
Who Amalfi Is Best For
- Travelers who want a true Amalfi Coast stay
- Couples seeking a scenic, romantic base
- Anyone who values convenience but still wants charm
Potential Downsides
- More expensive than Sorrento
- Busy in peak season
- Beaches are pebbly and can get crowded
Scenic and Savvy Verdict:
Amalfi strikes a great balance between beauty and practicality. We’d stay here again.
Explore lodging options here: Amalfi lodging
(For help planning your Italy trip check out our article: How to Plan a Trip to Italy Without Getting Overwhelmed)
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Positano: The Most Beautiful Town… But the Least Practical
Positano is the most popular Amalfi Coast town. It’s stunning and dramatic but staying here is not for everyone. In fact, after doing a day trip to Positano, my sisters and I agreed we would not want to base ourselves here.
Positano is incredibly steep, with lots of long staircases.
Hotels often require walking steep paths with luggage, and crowds can make the already narrow streets feel jammed. Tiny restaurants, boutiques, and ceramic shops are squeezed into whatever space the cliff allows. And because everything is stacked and tucked into tight spaces, getting from one place to another includes plenty of up-and-down climbing.
Positano is breathtaking, but doesn’t allow for an easy, relaxing stay.
Who Positano Works For
- Travelers who prioritize beauty and aesthetics above convenience
- People who don’t mind lots of stairs, hills, and heat
Potential Downsides
Basically… everything above.
Scenic and Savvy Verdict:
Stunning for a day trip but staying overnight is not nearly as charming as it looks on Instagram. Be honest about your mobility, patience level, and the type of vacation you want.
If you’re up for staying in Positano, you can explore lodging options here: Positano lodging
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Maiori & Minori: Underrated and Affordable
As we rode along the coast, I noticed the towns of Maiori and Minori, especially their long sandy beaches, wide promenades, and spaciousness. I made a note to be sure and check these out for future trips.
Both Maiori and Minori are among the flattest on the entire Amalfi Coast, which would make them easier to navigate with kids, luggage, or if someone in your group has mobility concerns. They offer more affordable hotels and restaurants, and the beach access is great.
If you want beauty without the hustle and bustle, you’ll find a quieter, more local feel in these two towns.
Who These Towns Are Best For
- Families
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Anyone who wants a quieter, more spacious feel
Potential Downsides
- Less glamorous than Amalfi or Positano
- Fewer ferry departures in shoulder season
Scenic and Savvy Verdict:
A great option if value and comfort matter more than buzzy nightlife or name recognition.
Explore lodging options here: Maiori lodging – Minori lodging
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Ravello: For Romance, Views, and Luxury
Perched high above the coastline, Ravello offers sweeping views, peaceful gardens, and some of the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful boutique hotels. It feels like a world away from the coastal crowds and has a refined, romantic atmosphere that makes it perfect for a special getaway.
Because it sits high above the water, Ravello doesn’t have beach access, but with cobblestone lanes, iconic villas, and panoramic terraces, it’s a good place to slow down and savor the moment.
Who It’s Best For
- Honeymooners
- Couples looking for a peaceful retreat
- Travelers who don’t mind being away from the water
Potential Downsides
- No direct beach access
- Need to rely on buses or drivers
Scenic and Savvy Verdict:
Gorgeous for a splurge or special occasion, but not ideal for everyday sightseeing.
Explore lodging options here: Ravello lodging
What About Capri?
Capri is absolutely worth visiting, but I don’t recommend staying here if your goal is to explore the Amalfi Coast. We did a day trip to Capri and loved the island, but it does not make a good base. Capri is expensive, ferry schedules are limited in the evenings, and it’s not well connected to the rest of the coast. If you stay here, you’ll spend more time commuting than sightseeing. For most travelers, Capri is good as a day trip, not a home base.
Magical No Matter What
The Amalfi Coast is magical no matter where you stay, but the right base will make your experience smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful.
I recommend starting with Sorrento or Amalfi, since they offer the best mix of convenience, beauty, and comfort, without the exhausting logistics.
And if you’re debating between a visit to the Amalfi Coast or traveling to the Cinque Terre, you’ll want to read our comparison of both Italian coastal regions. They’re both stunning… but there is a coast I love the most. Find out more here: Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
Have you stayed on the Amalfi Coast? Do you have anything to add to our list? Tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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The narrow curves and steep edges on Amalfi Coast Road make the drive thrilling but totally worth it for the views.
The views are definitely gorgeous, but you can’t enjoy them if you’re focusing on the extremely narrow roads, cliffs, and blind turns in front of you as a huge tour bus approaches with only room for one of you. That’s why hiring a private driver is actually very popular in this region, as well as taking public transportation – buses and ferries.