Where To Stay in Amalfi, a Small Town on the Amalfi Coast

Nestled between towering cliffs, the colourful town of Amalfi is so charming that they named the entire coast after it. Just one glance at its turquoise sea, pastel-hued houses and ancient town centre and you’ll understand why it’s one of the top destinations along this 50-kilometre stretch of coastline. But where to base yourself once you get here? Our travel experts at Plum Guide have broken down the various neighbourhoods and nearby areas of Amalfi for you. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Amalfi.

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If it’s your first time visiting Amalfi, the best place to stay is the town centre. This puts you in the heart of the action, so you won’t miss anything it has to offer. Amalfi’s history dates back to the medieval era when it was an important part of the Mediterranean trade routes. Its past is reflected in the town centre’s impressive medieval buildings and historic landmarks, and staying here means you get to appreciate them up close.

Experience a slower pace of life, wandering the tiny alleyways and relaxing in the Piazza del Duomo, home to shops, restaurants and the pretty Fontana di Sant’Andrea. A huge flight of stairs leads up to the 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral, a magnificent building boasting pristine gardens and architectural details like Roman sarcophagi and intricate frescoes.

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Take a walk down Ruga Nova Mercatorum. This is Amalfi’s main street, where you’ll come across various souvenir shops, boutiques and cafes. You’ll find everything from limoncello to ceramics and fridge magnets. One of the best reasons to stay in the centre of Amalfi, especially for foodies, is the easy access to the town’s many restaurants. There’s something for even the pickiest eater – our personal favourite is Da Maria, a rustic spot serving classic Italian dishes.

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If you can’t get enough of the seaside (this is the Amalfi Coast, after all), Amalfi’s harbour and marina area could be the best option for you. If you’re arriving by ferry, this will be your first port of call. It’s a very picturesque area, with colourful fishing boats and fantastic views of the medieval watchtowers and storybook-like houses set into the cliffside.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Amalfi with kids, the marina area is a great choice, as they can play to their heart’s content on the sun-soaked Spiaggia Grande. The clear, calm waters are perfect for splashing, and there is no shortage of amenities like restaurants, snack bars and sun loungers nearby. If none of the beachside restaurants tickle your fancy, it’s only a few minutes walk into the town centre.

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As you can imagine, the beach gets very busy during peak months. If you’re after something a little more secluded, a fun idea is to hire a private boat and set sail to the tiny cove of Santa Croce. It’s just a short ride west of Amalfi, but it has an isolated and rural feel. Although the beach here is quite rocky, the sparkling blue rock pools will entice you to take a refreshing dip. When you get hungry, Ristorante Santa Croce serves up delicious dishes with incredible views of the cove.

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If you’re searching for somewhere to stay in Amalfi to avoid the crowds, yet still want to be surrounded by the beach and amenities like restaurants and shops, Atrani is a great option. Just a three-minute drive or ten-minute walk from Amalfi, this small village is ideal for those looking to come home to quieter and more peaceful surroundings. And although it sees fewer tourists than its more famous neighbour, that’s not to say there aren’t things to do.

The centre of the village is Piazza Umberto I, a friendly square where you can catch a glimpse of local Italian life. It's surrounded by incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture and colourful houses, and the handful of cafes and restaurants with alfresco seating make for the perfect spots to people-watch. We highly recommend Bistrot il Birecto for some mouth-watering pasta.

Just a few steps away from the piazza is another of Atrani’s highlights – its beach. One of the most photographed and easily recognisable scenes on the Amalfi Coast, this picturesque beach is backed by impossibly blue waters. It’s an attractive destination for families thanks to its calm waters and facilities like umbrellas and snack bars. Its exposure means there’s sun from morning into the early afternoon. What better place to sleep off a pasta-induced food coma?

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Located within the Valle delle Ferriere State Reserve, Pogerola is a lovely little village perched high above Amalfi. Its hilly position gives you access to breathtaking views of the coast, the surrounding nature and the town below. Although Pogerola is just a few minutes' drive from Amalfi and all its attractions, it manages to feel like worlds away. Aside from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the 12th-century chapel of Santa Maria Vergine, there's not much to see here – but that's part of its appeal. It's the best place to stay for couples on a romantic getaway, older travellers, or for those who simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of Amalfi.

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Make the most of your rural surroundings by exploring more of the stunning Valle delle Ferriere. This valley takes its name from the ruins of the medieval foundries which lie here – today, it's home to lemon groves, forests, and trickling streams. There are also several waterfalls along the route, which make for an idyllic swimming spot. Keep an eye out for the ruins of water mills which used to power Amalfi’s paper industry. Interestingly, the valley has a microclimate thanks to its steep ridges, providing a welcome relief from the intense summer heat.

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Less than a twenty-minute drive inland from Amalfi is the sleepy town of Scala. It’s the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 4th century by shipwrecked Romans trying to get to Constantinople. Today, the town provides a serene escape from Amalfi’s tourist crowds, especially for those who want to spend time in nature.

Surrounded by forests and terraces sloping down towards lemon groves, Scala is a particularly delightful spot for walkers. Hike into the mountains surrounding the town for endless coastal views – keep an eye out for parts of the medieval walls that once surrounded Amalfi.

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At the heart of the town is the grand 12th-century Duomo of San Lorenzo. Its sheer size is a nod to the important role that Scala played as a defence for the Republic of Amalfi. The cathedral’s elegant Rococo interior is decorated with stunning frescoes, majolica tiles and a blue and gold marble altar.

In terms of where to stay in Amalfi and the surrounding area, Scala is spread out across the mountainside and divided into various hamlets – these include Scala Centro, Minuta, Pontone, Campidoglio, San Pietro and Santa Caterina. Each one is charming in its own way, so you’ll be pleased with whichever you choose.

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Across the valley from Scala is Ravello, one of the Amalfi Coast’s most bewitching destinations and just a fifteen-minute drive from Amalfi. We won’t blame you for thinking you’ve just stepped into a fairytale kingdom – with its quaint historic building, the town has exactly that feel to it. Piazza Centrale is the main square, where you’ll find the whitewashed Duomo, cafes, an art gallery and shops.

Built in the 13th century to host banquets for aristocrats, Villa Rufolo was once one of the most luxurious along the coast. It fell into disrepair, but was renovated in the 19th century by Scottish botanist Sir Francis Neville Reid. Today, its splendid gardens boast flowers and plants in all shades, made even more glorious with a background of sea views. If you visit during the summer, you can attend various music, dance and art performances as part of the Ravello Festival.

Ravello has no shortage of views, and no visit to the town is complete without taking a few photos from Villa Cimbrone. Its aptly named Terrace of Infinity, lined with Romanesque busts, is a truly spectacular viewpoint where you can take in the entire expanse of glittering sea and villas cascading down the verdant hillsides. It's a must-visit, no matter where you decide to stay in Amalfi.

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