Where to Stay on the Enchanting Amalfi Coast

It may only be about 50 kilometres long, but the Amalfi Coast offers some of the most jaw-dropping sights in Italy. Think pastel-hued houses, pretty little coves, turquoise waters and fairytale-like buildings. From family-friendly towns to peaceful villages, the Amalfi Coast offers numerous places to use as a base for your holiday – how do you pick just one? Lucky for you, our travel experts at Plum Guide have spent plenty of time in the area, and understand all there is to know about this gorgeous stretch of coastline. To help you decide, have a read of our guide to where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

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Often considered the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most famous towns along this stretch of coastline. If this is your first time visiting, Positano makes for a good base as it offers the very best of the Amalfi Coast in one place. Be prepared to have your camera out at all times – with its colourful houses tumbling down the cliffside and narrow streets lined with shops, cafes and galleries, it’s a photographer’s dream.

Spend relaxing days on Spiaggia Grande with its rows of loungers and umbrellas. Alternatively, take a kayaking tour and paddle along the coast, exploring the many coves and hidden beaches. If you’re planning to visit other places in the area, Positano has good ferry links to other coastal towns and the island of Capri.

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Another lovely spot for first-timers is Amalfi. It’s centrally located, with excellent transport links to other destinations along the coast. The town itself is a charming place to spend time in, with tiny alleyways and beautiful medieval buildings adding to its character. One of its highlights is the 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral, a magnificent building both inside and out – visit for its pristine gardens and intricate architectural details. Need to pick up a few souvenirs? There are numerous shops and boutiques within the town where you can buy everything from clothing to unique mementoes (including plenty of lemon-related products).

Amalfi is also home to the sun-soaked Spiaggia Grande. With its many sun loungers, restaurants and snack bars, this is a hugely popular spot, especially in the summer. To escape the crowds, why not hire a boat and sail to the tiny cove of Santa Croce for a more private swimming experience?

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Just a short drive away, Atrani is best for those who want easy access to Amalfi’s attractions, but prefer to come home to quieter and more peaceful surroundings. It’s a small village with fewer tourists than its more famous neighbour, and a glimpse of everyday life can be seen in Piazza Umberto I, Atrani’s central square. It’s surrounded by well-preserved medieval architecture and colourful houses, providing the perfect spot for people-watching.

Despite its size, Atrani doesn’t have a lack of restaurants. Quite the opposite, in fact – there's a whole selection of traditional eateries and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. While you’re in Piazza Umberto I, swing by Bistrot il Birecto for some mouth-watering pasta. Afternoons are best spent on Atrani’s small but picturesque beach, backed by crystal-clear waters.

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Wondering where to stay on the Amalfi Coast for a romantic getaway? Perched high above the sea, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the historic town of Ravello. Walk hand in hand amongst the lush gardens of Villa Cimbrone. The villa’s Terrace of Infinity, with its Roman-style statues, boasts some of the very best views of the coast (and is a great spot for a proposal, too). Villa Rufolo is another of the town’s landmarks, built in the 13th century to host banquets for kings and nobility. The gardens are spectacular, with brightly-coloured flowers and magnificent sea views. During the summer, Villa Rufolo plays host to a series of concerts as part of the Ravello Festival, so be sure to check the event schedule before you visit.

Ravello’s town centre is also worth exploring, and you’ll find shops and boutiques around Piazza Centrale, as well as the Duomo di Ravello, which is home to an interesting museum and art gallery.

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Halfway between Amalfi and Positano, Praiano is another small town for those seeking a laid-back atmosphere. Most of your time will be spent down on Marina di Praia, a charming little cove wedged between towering cliffs, with white-washed houses cascading down the hillside above it.

For art enthusiasts, there’s plenty to see in Praiano – admire the stunning majolica tiled floor in Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista or Paolo Sandulli’s terracotta artworks in Torre a Mare, a medieval tower overlooking the sea. Keen hikers can take on the iconic Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) trail passing above the town. Although the trailhead is in Bomerano, there are stairs from Praiano leading upwards, where you can join the route for some breathtaking coastal views.

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Foodies searching for somewhere to stay on the Amalfi Coast should add Minori to their list. Nicknamed ‘Città del Gusto’, or City of Flavour, how could you not visit? The town has a rich pasta-making heritage which dates back to medieval times. Today, you can try speciality pasta like n’dunderi (dumplings made of ricotta) and scialatielli (fresh pasta ribbons) at the town’s many restaurants.

Better still, have a go at making it yourself at a cooking class. Set in the hills above the town, Sotto i Limoni comes highly recommended – join a local family to learn how to make dishes using fresh ingredients grown in their garden.

Back down in town, if you still have room in your belly, pop by the famous Pasticceria Sal De Riso for a Delizie Al Limone, or sponge cakes filled with fresh lemon cream and smothered with limoncello syrup. It’s a classic Campanian sweet treat which makes the most of the lemons growing around the coast.

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Just five minutes away from Minori is Maiori, a great choice for those travelling with the kids. It’s home to the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast – just under a kilometre of sand and plenty of space for little ones to build sandcastles and splash about in the calm waters. Switch things up by hiring a canoe or pedal boat to see the town from the sea, or take a boat trip out to the Grotta di Pandora sea cave.

There’s plenty to see and do on dry land too, with many towers, castles and ancient sites. Kids can run around St. Nicola de Thoro-Plano castle, which stands guard over the town. With half a kilometre of walls and nine towers, playgrounds don’t get any better than this. For some of the most jaw-dropping views of the town, climb the steps up to Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare church, home to the Museum of Sacred Art.

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At the very easternmost point of the Amalfi Coast is the town of Vietri sul Mare. It’s known for its handmade ceramics and has been a centre for glazed majolica pottery since Roman times. The whole town is like an open-air museum, with these colourful pieces of art everywhere you look – make sure to spot the 18th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista’s majolica-tiled dome. Learn more about the history and culture of this art form in the numerous workshops and at the Museo della Ceramica in Raito. A visit to the boutiques to pick up a few objets d’art to take home is a must.

Once you’ve bagged some souvenirs, take a breather on Spiaggia della Crestarella. This is a private beach, so you’ll need to pay to use it, but it’s worth it as the views are breathtaking, and it’s never too overrun with holiday-makers.

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While it’s not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri is still considered an important part of the area – it’s one of the most happening places, and is just a thirty-minute ferry ride from Positano.

Capri is a popular holiday spot for A-listers (George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio are known to frequent the island), so you can expect a certain level of glamour. Having said that, the island maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of swimming spots like Lido del Faro. The views from Capri are unrivalled, and two of our favourite viewpoints are the beautiful botanic gardens of Giardini di Augusto, as well as the island’s summit of Monte Solaro. Alternatively, take a leisurely boat tour to admire the vistas from the water. Sail around the island and stop at some of Capri’s best sights, like the famed Faraglioni rock and Grotta Azzurra with its glowing blue waters.

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