In short: The best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast depends on your trip: Positano for the iconic views, beaches and restaurants; Amalfi for a central base with ferries and buses in every direction; Ravello for calm and romance high above the sea; Praiano for quiet sunsets and better value near Positano; Sorrento, just off the coast, for the most hotels, lower prices and easy day trips to Capri and Pompeii. Stay at least three nights, and with a week consider two bases.
Last updated: October 2026
We drive guests to hotels in every village on the coast, and we see the same thing every season: the right base makes the holiday. Too far from the beach, too many steps with a pushchair, or too quiet for a group of friends, and the trip is harder than it should be. Here is an honest comparison, with how to reach each town from Naples or Rome.
What matters most to you?
The towns at a glance
| Town | Vibe | From Naples by car |
|---|---|---|
| Positano | Iconic, lively, made of steps | 1.5–2 h |
| Amalfi | Central, historic, well connected | 1.5–2 h |
| Ravello | Quiet, romantic, elegant | 1.5–2 h |
| Praiano | Calm, local, sunsets | 1.5–2 h |
| Conca dei Marini | Small, exclusive, secluded | 1.5–2 h |
| Sorrento | Lively town, best transport, more choice | 1–1.5 h |
| Salerno | A city at the gateway to the coast | 45–60 min |
Where to stay, town by town
Positano
The most famous village on the coast: coloured houses, boutiques, Spiaggia Grande and the best choice of restaurants. Expect steps everywhere and the highest prices; book early for summer.
- Best for
- Couples, first-timers who want the postcard, beach and dinners
- Watch out
- Lots of steps, crowded in July and August, expensive
- From Naples
- 1.5–2 h by car
Amalfi
The old maritime republic, in the middle of the coast: the cathedral, the old town, the main ferry and bus hub. Easy to reach Positano, Ravello and Capri from here.
- Best for
- First trips, day trips, families, travellers without a car
- Watch out
- Busy with day-trippers in the middle of the day
- From Naples
- 1.5–2 h by car
Ravello
Up on the hill, 350 m above the sea: the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, the summer music festival and the most elegant hotels on the coast. Peaceful in the evening, once the day visitors leave.
- Best for
- Honeymoons, music lovers, travellers who want calm
- Watch out
- No beach in town, 20 minutes by road to Amalfi
- From Naples
- 1.5–2 h by car
Praiano
Ten minutes from Positano but much quieter, with west-facing sunsets, the small beach of Marina di Praia and access to the Path of the Gods. Prices are usually lower than in Positano.
- Best for
- Couples, hikers, better value close to Positano
- Watch out
- Fewer restaurants and shops, spread along the road
- From Naples
- 1.5–2 h by car
Conca dei Marini
Between Amalfi and Praiano: terraced white houses, the Emerald Grotto and a few exceptional hotels on the cliff. A place to rest rather than explore.
- Best for
- Luxury stays, peace and privacy
- Watch out
- Very little in the village itself
- From Naples
- 1.5–2 h by car
Sorrento
Just off the Amalfi Coast, on the Sorrento peninsula: a real town with shops, squares, many hotels at every price and ferries to Capri all year. Positano is 40 minutes away by road.
- Best for
- Budget and families, Pompeii and Capri day trips
- Watch out
- Not on the Amalfi Coast itself; few beaches
- From Naples
- 1–1.5 h by car
Salerno
At the eastern end of the coast, next to Vietri sul Mare: a lively city with a long seafront, a train station on the high-speed line and ferries to Amalfi and Positano in season.
- Best for
- Value, train arrivals, cruise passengers
- Watch out
- A city, not a village; longer drives to Positano
- From Naples
- 45–60 min by car
Two bases for a week
With five to seven nights, split the stay between the two ends of the coast: Positano or Praiano for the western side and the sunsets, then Amalfi or Ravello for the eastern side. You drive less every day and see each village at its best time. A transfer between the two bases is a short ride with your bags in the car.
Door to door to your hotel
Fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting at arrivals, free cancellation up to 48 hours before.
- From Naples to any town above: €200 for up to 7 passengers
- From Rome: €650, see what Rome to Positano costs
- Staying on the coast: private driver in Positano and Amalfi Coast Tour
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay on the Amalfi Coast?
It depends on your trip. Positano is the most iconic and lively; Amalfi is the most central and best connected; Ravello is quiet and romantic, high above the sea; Praiano is calm, with great sunsets and lower prices; Sorrento, just off the coast, has the most hotels and the best transport links.
Is it better to stay in Sorrento or on the Amalfi Coast?
Sorrento is better for transport, budget and day trips to Pompeii and Capri, with a lively town centre. The Amalfi Coast villages are better for views and atmosphere. Many travellers split their stay: a few nights in Sorrento and a few in Positano, Amalfi or Ravello.
Is Positano or Amalfi a better base?
Amalfi is more central, with ferries and buses in every direction and a flatter centre. Positano is more scenic and glamorous but built on steps, and the western end of the coast. For a first trip with day trips, Amalfi; for a beach-and-dinner holiday, Positano.
How many nights should I stay on the Amalfi Coast?
At least three nights, ideally five to seven. With a week, two bases work well, for example Positano or Praiano and then Amalfi or Ravello.
How do I get to my hotel from Naples airport?
By private transfer, door to door. With Positano Limo Service the price from Naples is €200 per vehicle for up to 7 passengers to Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello, Conca dei Marini, Sorrento or Salerno, and €650 from Rome.
Where should I stay on the Amalfi Coast without a car?
Amalfi or Sorrento, which have the most ferry and bus connections. Positano is also fine if you accept steps. In Ravello and Praiano a driver for transfers and evenings makes the stay much easier.