The Divine Coast: Which Amalfi Coast Town is Right for You?
With the sea breeze drifting in and candy-colored houses stacked up steep cliffs like a rogue set of Legos, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beloved getaway destinations in the world. This storied stretch of Italian coastline runs for 31 miles, and along it, Positano, Ravello, Praiano, and Amalfi cling to the hillside, each with its own personality and delicious way of doing things. Sfusato Amalfitano lemons reign supreme here, and they’re everywhere you look: tucked among the trees, poured into the day's limoncello, or spun into a sorbet that tastes like summer itself. Choosing just one town to call home base feels impossible, so consider this your cheat sheet - a little snapshot of each town, arranged from west to east, to help you map out your next coastal Italian escape.
Positano
WHO IT’S RIGHT FOR
Photographers
First-Time Visitors
Shoppers
Easily one of the world's most recognizable destinations, Positano is the postcard embodiment of the Amalfi Coast: a cascade of terracotta rooftops clinging to a cliffside seascape. Once a tiny fishing village, it's come a long way from its humble roots and is now synonymous with luxury and indulgence. Yes, there’s a beach, but the best way to soak up the sun is to hop in a private boat and head for one of the nearby private beach clubs for plate of spaghetti and a long, lazy afternoon. Back in town, the restaurant scene is just as grand as the views sweeping out over the Tyrrhenian Sea course after course. And as one of the most popular stops on the Amalfi Coast, the shopping here is extensive (we promise, it's not all lemon-print everything). Despite its fame, Positano's wisteria-lined streets and hilltop vistas remain as beautiful as ever, drawing year-round visitors in search of their own slice of lemon-scented paradise.
Where to Stay:
Villa Treville
A 16-room property just outside Positano, Villa Treville was once owned by the famed Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli and has since been restored to the same glamour his personal guests once enjoyed. This private Eden is comprised of five villas, each detailed to perfection, all facing Positano. There are lush gardens and secluded terraces snaked with bougainvillea vines, pine trees, and ancient tropical plants. The property cascades down a rocky promontory, where hidden elevator shafts and stone steps lead to a private sundeck, jetty, and the motor launch reserved exclusively for guests.
Praiano
WHO IT’S RIGHT FOR
Sunset Catchers
Beach Lovers
Outdoor Enthusiasts
An ancient fishing village that was once the favorite summer retreat of first-century Roman emperors and medieval-era dukes, Praiano is known today for its stunning cliffside views and vibrant bougainvillea. There are the whitewashed homes and terraced gardens cascading down dramatic stone cliffs, but there are also historic sites and natural wonders peppering this hilly stretch of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and small boutiques selling locally made wares. Praiano is the quieter sister to neighboring Positano; if you hear a local describe it as "what Positano used to be," take it as a sign you're in for an authentic getaway. People come for the relaxed beaches, while the quaint streets wind past ancient watchtowers and historic churches. Piazza San Gennaro, with its bold mosaic tiles and sweeping cliffside views, is a must-see, and coastal hiking is the best way to explore, from the legendary Path of the Gods to hidden trails winding through lemon groves. After your jaunt, settle in for a local limoncello and let the cool sea breeze wash over you.
Where to Stay:
Casa Angelina
Built into the cliffs of Praiano by local architect Marco de Luca and opened in 2005, Casa Angelina is a 36-room retreat where minimalist interiors act as a quiet frame for the view. Nearly every room looks out over a 180-degree sweep of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with Positano and Capri visible on a clear day. Up top, a glass elevator carries guests to Un Piano Nel Cielo, the hotel's Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, while down below, 250 cliffside steps (or a private lift, if you're not in the mood) lead to the hotel's own beach club. It's a small, precise hotel, built for people who'd rather have one perfect view than ten good ones.
Amalfi
WHO IT’S RIGHT FOR
Walkers
Historians
Foodies
Amalfi, the town that gives this captivating coastline its name, was founded in the 4th century and went on to become one of the great medieval maritime republics. Pastel-hued houses cling to steep cliffs above the Tyrrhenian, while labyrinthine streets wind toward hidden chapels and quiet piazzas. Days here are best spent on Spiaggia Grande, ducking into artisan boutiques between swims. From there, you can chase the sunset out on the water or go looking for hidden grottos like Pandora's Cave. The streets only get narrower as you climb, but that's half the fun, and how you stumble onto the secluded pastry shops and family-run stores that have been passed down for generations. Dining in trattorias, sampling limoncello, and spotting the odd colorful vintage Fiat round out the Amalfi experience.
Where to Stay:
Santa Caterina
One of the oldest hotels in the area - it opened in 1904 and is still in the hands of the same family - Santa Caterina is a classic. The building itself is unapologetically old-fashioned in the best way, and the result is a hotel that’s completely charming, with not a trace of trying too hard. Walkways draped in colorful, fragrant flowers lead guests to the outdoor glass elevator, which glides straight down to the hotel's private beach club. It's a quintessential Italian getaway, and no matter where you are on the property, there’s a treat for the senses, whether the salty sea air and the smell of wood-fired pizza drifting up from below.
Ravello
WHO IT’S RIGHT FOR
Honeymooners
Musicians
Travelers who love a view
Ravello is a hilltop hamlet 1,000 feet above the sea, with views are every bit as sublime as you'd expect over the fishing villages that dot the sparkling coastline below. Despite the scenery, the cobblestone streets here stay less crowded than other nearby towns, making it a favorite for couples in search of a quieter, more romantic getaway. In the morning, wander the shops selling handmade pastries and local handicrafts, and once the sun starts to dip, spend the evening promenading through the town's famous gardens. The historic estates of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, both landscaped to perfection, make for excellent exploring any time of day. And for the musically inclined, Ravello is an Italian dream, with outdoor performances filling the air most weekends once the evening falls.
Where to Stay:
Palazzo Avino
Family-owned Palazzo Avino delivers old-world elegance with a distinctly Italian sense of place. Housed in a 12th-century palazzo with a pastel-pink facade, the hotel is surrounded by terraced gardens and has a 20-meter pool with panoramic views out over the coastline. The 32 rooms are undeniably atmospheric, with in oversized windows, 18th- and 19th-century furniture, and handmade tile floors. As an added bonus, guests get access to the chic beach club Clubhouse by the Sea, just a 15-minute shuttle ride from the property.
