What To Do & Where To Stay On The Amalfi Coast
Picture the Amalfi Coast and your mind immediately thinks of lemon groves, blue seas, colourful cliffside towns and beaches packed with parasols. And you wouldn’t be too far off. It’s the picturesque Italian destination that’s on everyone’s bucket list, and it’s easy to see why. It’s postcard-perfect.
If you’re dreaming of visiting this summer or planning for next year’s adventures, we’ve put together the ultimate guide. From the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast to what to do while you’re out there. Read on for travel inspiration…
Where to stay
Le Sirenuse, Positano
Le Sirenuse may just be the dreamiest hotel we’ve ever laid our eyes on. Looking like the type of hotel Wes Anderson would set one of his films in, this red and white five-star hotel is situated in Positano, conveniently located just steps from the seafront.
Not forgetting the breathtaking restaurants, each with postcard-perfect views. La Sponda, a culinary celebration of Naples, Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast, is the perfect date night destination, while Aldo’s is a deli-restaurant, bistro and bar rolled into one. It’s an alfresco spot you won’t be able to tear yourself away from. Think stunning patterned cushions, turquoise wicker seating and flowers festooned from the walls.
Where: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Website: www.sirenuse.it
Palazzo Avino, Ravello
For a pretty pink slice of paradise, Palazzo Avino is the sun-kissed luxury five-star hotel to visit. Situated high above the sea in the picturesque cliffside village of Ravello, the hotel is home to some of the best views across the Amalfi Coast, looking down upon the little fishing villages below.
Every room overlooks stunning scenery, from sea-view French balconies to mountain terrain. The interiors are hard to fault too – think fresh walls with touches of colour and antique furnishings.
Where: Via S. Giovanni del Toro, 28, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
Website: www.palazzoavino.com
Caruso, Ravello
From an infinity pool that looks out over the town of Ravello to decadent suites with sea-view balconies – and a complimentary boat tour thrown in, a stay at Caruso (a Belmond hotel) would be hard to beat.
The cliffside hotel, buried amongst the lemon groves and olive vines, is home to a range of rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, terraces with panoramic views, pools, and a private beach along the Amalfi Coast. For a villa experience, the hotel’s estate boasts the Villa Margherita, complete with butler service, a dedicated chef and two secluded suites.
Where: Piazza S. Giovanni del Toro, 2, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
Website: www.belmond.com
Borgo Santandrea, Conca dei Marini
Sitting atop the old fishing village of Conca dei Marini, this hotel erupted onto the scene in 2021 but has already garnered a reputation for its unbeatable hospitality and classic Mediterranean style.
Borgo Santandrea, home to 29 full-service rooms and 16 luxurious suites, is the passion project of two local Italian families, both with extensive hospitality experience. It has its own private beach, terrace gardens filled with olive and lemon trees, three restaurants, and multiple bars.
Where: Via Giovanni Augustariccio, 33, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy
Website: www.borgosantandrea.it
Villa TreVille, Positano
Spread across four villas and plenty more suites, surrounded by gardens and hidden terraces, Villa TreVille is an iconic spot on the Amalfi Coast. Over the years, its guest list has featured the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel, meaning it is far from a new addition to the area.
In addition to the old glamour of each room, you can enjoy fine Italian dining at Maestro’s restaurant (once Zeffirelli’s choice for gatherings) with breathtaking views of Positano and the surrounding bay. The menu itself, headed by Chef Vincenzo Castaldo, seeks to harmonise tradition with innovation using ingredients from Treville’s organic farm.
Where: Via Arienzo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Website: www.villatreville.com
Il San Pietro, Positano
Il San Pietro in Positano blends effortless elegance with modern design. The three-Michelin-key hotel is surrounded by gorgeous Mediterranean gardens and panoramic sea views for unforgettable views. The semi-circle swimming pool is also charming, with orange sunbeds lining the way and cream parasols protecting guests from the billowing sun.
Where: Via Laurito, 2, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Website: www.ilsanpietro.com
Monastero Santa Rosa
Nestled in the fishing village of Conca dei Marini, located between Amalfi and Positano, the Monastero Santa Rosa makes a lovely spot for Italian hospitality. With just twenty rooms and suites, the hotel offers the luxury of privacy in the heart of Amalfi so you can soak in the buzzing vibe of the coast, but also relax in beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
There are four levels of gardens here, plus a bar terrace and a fabulous infinity pool that overlooks the glorious Amalfi Coast. An incredible place to relax, unwind and soak up some summer sun, the Monastero Santa Rosa makes the perfect place for a truly luxe summer.
Where: Via Roma, 2, 84010 Conca dei Marini SA, Italy
Website: monasterosantarosa.com
Hotel Villa Cimbrone
Perched on a cliff in the enchanting town of Ravello, Hotel Villa Cimbrone is where historical grandeur meets modern luxury on the Amalfi Coast. This stunning five-star retreat, dating back to the 11th century, has just 19 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, each adorned with antiques and plush fabrics, many offering jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean.
Dining at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Il Flauto di Pan, is an experience in itself, offering gourmet dishes in a setting that’s as breathtaking as the food. Villa Cimbrone, with its lush gardens and storied past, has welcomed aristocrats and artists alike, making it a beacon of refined luxury and timeless charm.
Where: Via Santa Chiara, 26, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
Website: hotelvillacimbrone.com
Things to do
Hop on a bus to see the Amalfi Coast Drive
Although you can drive along the coast yourself, it is a windy route that’s better for more confident drivers, so we’d recommend grabbing a shuttle bus and seeing the sights without worrying about driving yourself.
The Sita bus company runs from all of the local towns along the Amalfi Coast, so there’s plenty of opportunity to nip on and off, exploring the area’s culture, sights, sounds and flavours.
Visit Capri
Whether you’re visiting for a week or a long weekend, a trip to Capri is always a good idea. There are regular ferries from Amalfi to Capri every day, and it’s definitely worth the fifty-minute trip – plus, you can’t quite beat a boat ride even if it is a ferry…
Famous for its natural beauty and colourful coastal villages, Capri is a small island in Italy’s Bay of Naples. There are plenty of spots to explore, from the Villa San Michele, home to author Axel Munthe’s villa and art collection, to the botanical gardens of Giardini di Augusto and the little cave of Blue Grotto.
Fall in love with the resort town of Ravello
This little cliffside town, set above the Tyrrhenian Sea, is often described as the ‘city of music’. It’s famed for its summer Ravello Festival (which takes place this year from 4th July until 5th September), an annual celebration of the arts and music. When it’s not on, the town is great for sightseeing.
You could easily spend the day exploring the small streets, gazing at idyllic cliff houses and exploring the architecture, from the Piazza del Duomo to the old Ravello Cathedral.
Swim at Fiordo di Furore
For a hidden beach experience, look to Fiordo di Furore. Slotted between the cliffs, it’s a narrow cove that’s home to a petite beach area and an arched bridge. Head here for the afternoon to sunbathe, dip your toes in the crystal clear waters and snap a photo for the ‘Gram.
Snap a photo at the famous village of Positano
For the ultimate Amalfi Coast experience, a visit – or, better still, a stay – to Positano is vital. It’s arguably the coast’s most iconic location, famed for its idyllic setting, colourful buildings along the cliffside and its world-famous sunsets.
Some of the world’s most beautiful hotels, beaches and restaurants lie here. Trek around the scenic cliff trails, stop by the Arienzo Beach Club for an intimate beach experience or go clubbing at their legendary nightclub Music on the Rocks.
Arguably the coast’s most iconic location, famed for its idyllic setting, colourful buildings along the cliffside and its world-famous sunsets.
Visit the local nearby areas
If you’re staying a little longer, there are some great towns nearby that are worth visiting…
Vietri Sul Mare
Slotted along the coast a little further down the region, this small town is known best for its ceramic shops and less touristy stretches of beaches.
Pompeii
About an hour from the Amalfi Coast, the ancient city of Pompeii needs little introduction. Spend the day exploring the ruins left from the volcanic eruption.
Sorrento
From the old town to the buzzy Piazza Tasso, Sorrento is about an hour and 15 minutes away from the main Amalfi areas.
