10+ Best Villages and Towns on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The Amalfi Coast is a renowned stretch of coastline in southern Italy. Famed for its sparkling blue sea, beautiful beaches and picture-perfect towns that belong on a postcard. Each town and city of the Amalfi Coast is vibrant and unique in character, making all of them absolutely worth visiting! Here’s your ultimate guide to the best cities, villages and towns of the Amalfi Coast.

If it’s your first time on the Amalfi Coast and you’re not sure where to begin, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend the perfect week on the Amalfi Coast.

Best towns on the Amalfi Coast

Positano

The most famous town on the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly Positano. A splash of colourful pastel hued houses painted across the jagged coastline, Positano is abundant with things to do. Nestled between an enclave of the mountainous hills, this enchanting little town has served as inspiration to artists, writers, filmmakers and all those who visit, including the likes of American writer John Steinback.

Boasting of breathtaking views, beaches with crystal clear waters, it’s a dreamy destination. A place to wander along the quaint cobbled streets and shop for the famous ‘Positano Fashion’ (moda positano), or feast at a local restaurant and dine with a view! Positano is also situated along the most popular hiking route of the Amalfi Coast, the Path of Gods.

Although quite small, the town makes for a great base to stay while venturing out further and exploring the wider region of the Amalfi Coast.

“It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” – extract from ‘Positano Bites Deep’, John Steinback

Feeling inspired to go? We’ve made a one day in Positano itinerary so you can make the most out of your trip!

Arienzo

A small village situated between that of Positano and Amalfi, and home to the popular Arienzo Beach Club. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter scene, and its pebble beach makes for a great spot to dip into the crystal clear waters and spend an afternoon relaxing.

Nocelle

The little lesser known village of Nocelle is situated above Positano, 1700 steps to be exact. This secret village has a few restaurants, B&Bs, as well as captivating views over the coastline. Offering a serene and peaceful respite away from its busier neighbour, Positano.

Amalfi

Many people don’t realise this, but there’s actually a town in which the famous coastline was named after, the beautiful and historic Amalfi.

According to legends, the Roman god Hercules fell in love with a nymph called Amalfi. When she died, Hercules wanted to bury her in the most beautiful place on earth, and thus decided on this gorgeous spot tucked away in the cliffs of the coastline, naming it after her.

Easy to fall in love with, Amalfi is a winding maze of narrow lanes and captivating views. You can lounge on the beach with an Aperol spritz in hand or walk the Path of Lemons to the nearby town Maiori and marvel at the endless lemon trees of the Amalfi Coast.

Home to the magnificent Duomo di Amalfi. There’s also a small museum detailing the history and production of paper!

Atrani

This tiny village is attached to that of Amalfi, so many people often think of it as the same place. Situated just a ten minute walk away from the bustling centre of Amalfi, if you walk through the pedestrian tunnel (as if walking through a secret passageway) you’ll find the charming fishing village, Atrani.

A hidden gem of the coastline, this quaint destination offers a quieter more authentic feel of Italy. Filled with historic churches, narrow cobbled lanes and a beautiful beach, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean.

A highlight and must-see when visiting Atrani is Grotta di Masaniello, the cave and home of the Italian fisherman Masaniello. A small home carved into the rocks, 145 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by myths and legends and reveals a glimpse into the history of life in the coastal villages of the Amalfi Coast.

Conca dei Marini

Characterised by its white washed houses, the town of Conca dei Marini is a quaint little village that hugs the legendary cliffs of the Emerald Grotto.

Known locally as Grotta dello Smeraldo, this natural cave is a highlight when visiting the picturesque village. Offering a unique experience, the small cave is partly inundated by the sea and when the sun’s rays filter through a beautiful and unusual emerald green light effect occurs, illuminating the crystal clear waters.

Conca dei Marini is known to be a more tranquil pocket of the coastline, a destination where visitors can relax and take in the mesmerising scenery. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and wander through the narrow cobbled lanes to see what you stumble across, a charming town perfect to immerse yourself in southern Italian life!

Ravello

Pretty as a postcard Ravello is actually situated on the hills high above the Amalfi Coast. Home to immaculate gardens, Italianate architecture, and romantic scenery, it’s also famed for its music festival, hailed as the ‘City of Music’.

A little more of the beaten path, this charming pocket of the Amalfi Coast offers a laid-back ambience, even in the height of Summer. Home to the 13th century Villa Rufolo, dubbed the ‘crown of Ravello’, the historic site overlooks the stunning Duomo di Ravello.

In the months of July and August Ravello comes to life with music and culture, hosting a two month long festival. Also home to the impressive landmark Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer which acts as a venue for most of the happenings of the festival.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, while in Ravello you can visit the Caseificio Staiano Ravello Cheese Factory and learn how to make your own mozzarella!

Pianillo

Located in the municipality of Ravello, the charming and peaceful hamlet of Pianillo is a hidden treasure of the coastline, abundant with natural beauty!

This little pocket is surrounded by endless forests of luscious green Mediterranean vegetation, making it the perfect little spot for retreating into nature. It’s also situated nearby to many restaurants that feature on the Michelin guide, making it a great base for foodies.

Praiano

Another quieter town perched on the cliffs is that of Praiano, the neighbouring town and just a fifteen minute drive from the more bustling Positano.

A highlight of Praiano is the beautiful Church of St. Gennaro which stands in all its splendour as the only building of baroque architecture along the Amalfi Coast. There’s also the Marina di Praia beach, although quite small it offers a dramatic setting being nestled in between two looming cliff faces.

If you choose to stay in Praiano and use it as a base to explore the wider region, you could stay in an art gallery! Casa Angelina is a five-star luxurious hotel, filled with art at every turn, it boasts of incredible views as well as top-level gastronomy.

Also is you are up for a hike up a steep staircase (which does feels endless) you can hike to the neighbouring town Furore!

Furore

Furore is coined as a “town that doesn’t exist” thanks to the fjord-like gorge that sits bang in the middle of it. There’s no main square or town, but instead a light dusting of fisherman’s cottages that cling to the cliff face.

Although there’s not much to see in the village itself, Furore comes to life in September when artists from all corners of the world come to celebrate street art. A festival where artists alike are encouraged to add on to the murals that decorate the local buildings.

The biggest draw to Furore is that of the huge bridge. Famed for its huge stone arch that connects over the magnificent sparkling gorge, with a hidden pebble beach tucked below. A dramatic spot to take a dip in the warming waters of the Mediterranean.

This is the idyllic destination for those who love hiking, exploring hidden coves and experiencing the beauty of the natural landscape. Offering a unique and unforgettable experience, Furore is sure to inspire all those who visit!

Nerano

Just outside of the Amalfi Coast as it’s pretty close to Sorrento! This picturesque town is known for its captivating views of the Mediterranean sea, beautiful beach Marina del Cantone and the intimate seafood restaurants that line the waterfront.

While visiting the town , you have to try the Spaghetti Nerano! A delicious mouthwatering dish invented in Nerano, its main ingredients are pasta, fried zucchini and provolone del Monaco (a sprinkling of sweet, nutty cheese).

Hailed as a “place where chefs go”, the town is renowned for it’s fresh and locally caught fish and seafood dishes. Here’s a few top suggestions of where to eat in Nerano:

• Ristorante Le Sirene, situated within a hotel, this restaurant offers stunning views from its roof terrace and serves comforting Italian cuisine, with both vegetarian and vegan options too
• Ristorante Mary’s da Luig, located on the beach, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere alone make it worth dining in! Family owned, serving tasty traditional delights fresh from the sea
• La Macina, for a quieter ambience this restaurant is situated further inland and serves traditional Italian cuisine with a twist, it’s a little more on the pricier side but truly a unique dining experience!

Aside from its gastronomy scene, Nerano is a chraming traditional southern Italian village. A peaceful place where visitors can wander through the narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, or simply relax and soak up the sunshine with a limoncello on ice.

Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi 

We actually based ourselves here for part of our trip as it was lovely to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the coastline and was considerably cheaper and quieter than basing ourselves in Amalfi or Positano.

Overlooking the bays of Naples and Sorrento, this small village is perched on a hilltop on the farthest point of the Amalfi Coast, offering mesmerising panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A highlight of the quaint village is the historic,  Monastero del Deserto, a beautiful building that was constructed by Italian Carmelite monks in 1679. A point of interest for foodie fanatics, the town is also home to the two-starred Michelin restaurant Don Alfonso 1890.

Stunning views, great food and a tranquil setting, it made for the perfect base to explore the Amalfi Coast!

Maiori

Another coastal delgiht, Maiori is home to the largest beach of the coastline! A vibrant and friendly town that has remained a popular destination since the ancient Roman times.

Abundant with historic treasures, you can also see the impressive Norman Tower that looms over the main beach, built in 1563 to protect the coastline of Maiori from pirate and enemy attacks by sea. The watchtower is now home to an elegant restaurant where you can dine with a view (it’s super popular though, so be sure to book in advance if you want to eat here).

Explore the hidden caves situated along the coastline, Pandora’s Cave (Grotta del Pandora) is a popular attraction thats only reachable by sea. A geological wonder that people kayak to, to see the gorgeous emerald green glow of the sea within.

You can also walk along the Path of Lemons and visit Amalfi, which is just an hours hike away!

Minori

Nestled between Ravello and Mairori lies the small and charming town Minori. Famed for its abundance of lemon groves, it’s the connecting town situated along the Path of Lemons, the idyllic spot to sample some sun-kissed limoncello!

Book yourself on a ‘Lemon Tour’ and immerse yourself in the old rural life, learning all about the cultivation and importance of lemons of the Amalfi Coast. The best way to experience Minori is simply to wander around its charming streets where you’ll find treasures such as the town’s cathedral, Basilica of Saint Trofimena. This lemon coloured sacred place is dedicated to the female saint, Trofimena.

Step back in time! Home to Villa Marittima Romana, an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the 1st century. Not much is known about the villa, but it’s believed to have been a large estate with grand architecture.

There’s also a cosy beach to lounge on! And you can find some tasty delights in Minori, including the patisserie of the world-famous pastry chef Sal De Riso, serving heavenly pastries that make it worth the trip alone!

Due to it being less visited, accommodation in Minori is a reasonable price so it makes for a great base to stay while exploring the wider region.

Cetara

Situated at the foot of Mount Falerio lies Cetara, known as the ‘World Tuna Capital’, this quaint fishing town has a thriving seafood industry! Cetara is one of the more traditional and quieter towns of the Amalfi Coast due to the fact it doesn’t really rely on tourism.

Full of character and charm, there’s only one main street that runs along the town, where you’ll find an abundance of vibrant and colourful restaurants, shops and cosy cafes just waiting to be explored! The main highlight of the street is Saint Peter’s Church, dedicated to Saint Peter, a fisherman himself.

A must when visiting Cetara is to sample some tuna or their famed anchovy sauce (a recipe which probably hasn’t changed much since the Ancient Romans used it as a dressing on all of their food). A good place to do so is at the beloved canned fish processing company, Delfino Battista.

Another popular attraction where you can delve further into the town’s maritime heritage is the 16th century Tower of Cetara. A defensive structure that looms over the beach, located inside is a small museum dedicated to the fishing roots of the town as well as ancient barrels which once stored Anchovy Colatura.

Filled with beautiful beaches, restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine and a fascinating fishing heritage, there’s a lot to love about Cetara!

Vietri sul Mare

Known worldwide for its ceramics, Vietri sul Mare is the ‘Ceramic Capital’ of the coast and considered to be the gateway to the Amalfi Coast as it is the first town you reach when travelling from Salerno.

Get creative! What better place to spend the afternoon with ceramics than in this enchanting pottery town? Whether its searching in one of the local shops for beautifully painted handmade ceramics, or booking a ceramics workshop for yourself, there’s nowhere more dreamy to do so!

The best way to experience Vietri sul Mare is to simply wander around and get lost down the narrow winding streets. Admire the intricately detailed tiles that pave the floors and walls of the town, vibrant and colourful you are practically breathing in the creativity that surrounds you.

Home to a variety of traditional restaurants that serve delicious homemade food, as well as the choice of four different beaches! Vietri sul Mare makes for a great start as well as base to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Salerno

Located on the easternmost end and by far larger than any other city on the Amalfi Coast, Salerno is not as quaint and pretty as the towns that lie further along the coastline. That being said, its breathtaking views, historic architecture and abundance of local cuisine make up for it!

A cultural hub, this bustling city is filled with a fantastic array of museums, art galleries, theatres and archaeological sites. One of the most popular being, Castello di Arechi, an impressive castle ruins that date back to the 6th century. This medieval gem is situated 300 meters above sea level, offering mesmerising views that overlook the city and Gulf of Salerno.

The city is filled with traditional trattorias (informal Italian-style eating establishments) where you can dine on some of the tastiest cuisine you can imagine.

Truly a city with something for everyone, this is a perfect destination for those who want to indulge in history, culture and the surrounding natural beauty!

Erchie

Situated next door to Cetara and within the municipality of Maoiri lies the small fishing village of, Erchie. Pronounced (‘irk earrr’), this hidden gem’s name derives from an old temple built in honour of Hercules.

Off the beaten path and certainly less visited than most towns, Erchie is home to the beautiful Church Sanctuary of Saint Lucia and its stunning (now a popular wedding venue) La Torre Cerniola. There’s also a picturesque beach with captivating views, perfect for soaking up the sunshine!

Although there’s not loads to do in Erchie, it makes for a great relaxation spot! Offering a tranquil pocket of calm away from the busier areas, it’s perfect for those seeking a quiet spot along the Amalfi Coast.

Tramonti

Set high above in the peaks of the Lattari Mountains, Tramonti is a charming town surrounded by endless stretch of olive groves and lemon orchards.

The perfect place for those interested in sampling the sun kissed delights of the coastline, whether its visiting a winery, tasting limoncello or indulging in the glorious golden olive oil of the region, there’s something for everyone!

Also, pizza lovers have to know! This little village is a pizza paradise, move over Naples… not everyone is aware that this was once considered the ‘Pizza Capital’. In fact, this is the only municipality in Italy whose pizza has been certificated as a local product, where pizza making is quite literally considered an art form.

Tramonti is known to be a great place for a retreat thanks to its abundance of hiking trails and remote location, and of course, indulging in the best pizza of the world!

Pontone

Also known as ‘ancient Scalella’ is officially part of Scala, the oldest village of the Amalfi Coast. Situated high above in the hilltops, Pontone can actually be reached by foot from Amalfi, that is, if you are willing to climb the steep ascent of 750 steps!

A picturesque medieval village, Pontone was previously a retreat for nobles in the Middle Ages and today you can still see the remains of some of the residences that were built on the rocky hills.

Thanks to its position atop the hillside of Mount Pontone, the village boasts of stunning views as well as being an idyllic spot for hiking the surrounding nature trails!

Sorrento

Please note that Sorrento is not actually on the Amalfi Coast. It’s actually is located to the north of the Gulf of Naples coast, while the Amalfi Coast is to the south. Famed for its abundance of citrus fruits, Sorrento is a lemon haven!

Important to note, Sorrento lemons are known as ‘limone di Sorrento‘ which differ from those of Amalfi which are known as ‘sfusato Amalfitano’. Lemons have an important place in Italian heritage and have been used in Italy for well over two millennia. Learn more about lemons in Sorrento and Amalfi here.

Although Sorrento is just over an hours drive away from the Amalfi Coast, the reason we’ve chosen to include it is because the ambiance is similar to that of the towns along the coastline and it’s often less busy (with more parking options) than Amalfi or Positano.

Characterised by a splash of colour, this vibrant coastal town offers sweeping views overlooking the Bay of Naples and is filled with a maze of historic delights! It also makes as a great base point for those who wish to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Rich with cultural heritage and filled with life, here are just a few of the many things to do in Sorrento:

• Wander through the Old Town, narrow, winding labyrinth streets that you can easily lose yourself down, discover the history along the cobbles of this picturesque destination
• Visit Capri, the luscious island is just off of the coastline, making for the perfect day trip from here.
• Frantoio Gargiulo, visit a traditional olive grove nearby and sample the sun kissed golden liquid that makes most of Italians cuisine so delicious.
• Taste Limoncello, if you visit one of the Limoncello shops you won’t be able to move as they are so crammed with bottles- a must-try when visiting this citrus haven.
• Dine in ‘O Parrucchiano, serving traditional homemade Italian cuisine, you can dine below an abundance of lemon trees that fill the courtyard of this restaurant.

What are the most popular towns on the Amalfi Coast?

The following towns are easily the most popular of the Amalfi Coast, both in population as well as visited. Of course it’s entirely personal preference, but we enjoyed staying in the quieter pockets of the coastline as a base to explore, but all of the towns offer viable reasons as to why you should stay there.

• Amalfi
• Positano
• Ravello
• Sorrento
• Vietri sul Mare

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