From the vibrant streets of Positano to the historic glamour of Amalfi, this article shares what you need to know about the top seven best Amalfi Coast towns to visit in Italy.
These regions seduce you with modern charm and sun-kissed splendor as you explore their colorful neighborhoods, beloved attractions, and traditional cuisine. Enjoy time to unwind on pebbled beaches, stroll trails to villas that overlook the ocean, and tour historic landmarks peppering Italy’s renowned stretch of coastline.
The following information shares where to stay on the Amalfi Coast during your vacation and the highlights of each of the Amalfi Coast cities you can visit.
Chic cafés, glamorous villas, and fashionable boutiques line every street of Positano. The resort town exudes charm and its pastel homes that hang on the hills are a breathtaking backdrop to the luxury yachts anchored in the Marina Grande.
You can find a comfortable recliner on the sand or escape the heat in the beautiful blue water as music blares from beach clubs circling the coastline. You can also view the famous Byzantine painting in the 13th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta, before gorging yourself on a gourmet Mediterranean dinner during sunset.
Highlights: Marina Grande • Fornillo Beach • Santa Maria Assunta church • Vallone di Furore • Path of the Gods • Arienzo Beach Club
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
The Amalfi Coast is named after Amalfi town, one of the most historic destinations on the Italian coastline. It is a gorgeous destination, with white-washed buildings that rise above the azure seascape and archeological sites that preserve centuries of Italian history.
You can wander the Marina Grande and watch the yachts drift across the sea, climb a staircase to the medieval Roman catholic complex of Duomo di Sant'Andrea, explore the Moorish cloister of Chiostro del Paradiso, and delve into the history of Amalfi’s paper-making industry at Museo della Carta.
Highlights: Marina Grande • Duomo di Sant'Andrea • Chiostro del Paradiso • Museo della Carta • Grotta dello Smeraldo
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
Orange groves enwreathe the old buildings of Ravello, an endearing resort town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lush gardens grow on the hills surrounding Ravello and century-old buildings intersperse lavish accommodations in and around its enchanting neighborhoods.
You can explore the remodeled Baroque complex of San Giovanni del Toro to see a mosaic pulpit embellished with Persian majolica, visit the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pantaleone, and pass the lemon groves flanking the Sentiero Atrani steps heading back towards Amalfi.
Highlights of Ravello: San Giovanni del Toro • Cathedral of San Pantaleone • Sentiero Atrani steps • Villa Rufolo • Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
Artistic, relaxed, and historic, Praiano holds tight to its roots as an ancient fishing village, with colorful seaside homes amidst whitewashed houses rising up the mountain ridge.
Crowned by a bright cathedral with a ceramic-tiled dome, the town can feel like the perfect picture of the Amalfi Coast, with romantic sunsets, welcoming beaches, and streets that open to fascinating views of the bay.
Relax in a secluded cove to see the turquoise water fade to cobalt along the horizon or enjoy the medieval tower rising above the marina. No matter how you choose to experience Praiano, you can enjoy a quieter, often overlooked charm along the Amalfi Coast.
Highlights: Path of the Gods • Marina di Praia • Fiordo di Furore • Church of San Gennaro • Torre a Mare
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days
Vietri sul Mare is often considered the end of the Amalfi Coast and shines with a reputation as the ceramics capital of the greater Campania region. Artisan history dates back millennia, revealing a local style celebrating Mediterranean colors and elaborate tradition. The historic center exemplifies history, with decorative tiles dressing the walls of boutique shops.
Home to some of the coastline’s most popular beaches, including sandy spots perfect for families with young children, Vietri sul Mare is a combination of natural beauty, cultural charm, and artistic opulence.
Highlights: Crestarella beach • Ceramics • Marina di Vietri • Vietri cathedral • Villa amphitheater • The two brothers sea stacks
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
Minori is a small town close to Amalfi, but can feel like a different coastline entirely. Walking the streets and visiting the pleasant beach can feel more rustic and authentic than when visiting the town’s more polished neighborhoods. The seafront feels lively with shops and locals enjoying the coastal ambiance.
Pedestrians walk among the boutiques and enjoy the specialty pastas for which the town is known, its traditions dating back nearly a millennium. Often passed over for more famous nearby towns, Minori quietly celebrates roots dating back to the Etruscans, with an evolution that has created a timeless coastal charm filled with a seductive shoreline and colorful walkways.
Highlights: Minori cathedral • Roman villa • Lemon path • Watermills • Pasta factories
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days
Cetera can feel like a juxtaposition to the glamorous vision of the Amalfi Coast, featuring the deeply rooted traditions of a historic fishing village. Acting as an important center for seafaring for 1,000 years, including as a featured hub of deep-sea tuna fishing, the town's customs have resulted in its reputation as a luxurious culinary destination.
Fishers set sail in the dark, lighting the sea by lantern to find anchovies, but simultaneously creating an alluring ambiance along the coastline. With layers of history unveiling Roman connections, protections from Saracen pirates, and a 16th-century tower, Cetera at first glance blends perfectly into the spirit of the Amalfi Coast, but quickly sets itself apart.
Highlights: Tower of Cetara • Cetara beach • Cetara port • Church of St. Peter the Apostle • Hiking trails • Shopping
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days
The Amalfi Coast is a treasure trove of Italian culture and spectacular seaside experiences you can soak up during sample itineraries from our Amalfi Coast tours.
These are customizable and you can use inspiration from our Italy travel guide to arrange a vacation that exceeds your every expectation. If you need answers to any questions on the Amalfi Coast, our Zicasso Italy travel specialists are readily available to help you plan your trip after you discover new ideas like the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
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