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 ahead 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.
Every ounce of the hotel has been carefully thought out, from the rooms featuring stunning furniture and artworks from Franco Sersale’s collection to the outdoor pool that looks out over the Amalfi Coast.
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.
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.
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 cliffside picturesque 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.
With views out over the coast from their Michelin Star restaurant, Rossellinis, you won’t want to leave the hotel. Who could blame you when it’s this magical?
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.
Whether you’re looking for cocktails as duck at the Bar Caruso, refreshments by the pool or a true Italian dining experience at their Ristorante Belvedere, food plays a poignant role in the hotel’s ethos.
From an infinity pool that looks out over the town of Ravello to domed suites with sea-view balconies – and a complimentary boat tour thrown in, a stay at Caruso would be hard to beat.
Borgo Santandrea, Conca dei Marini
Sitting atop the old fishing village of Conca dei Marini, this hotel erupted onto the scene in 2021 but already has garnered a reputation for its unbeatable hospitality and classic Mediterranean style.
The hotel, home to 31 guestrooms and 21 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.
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 the 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.
Il San Pietro, Positano
Expect cliffside rooms overlooking the Mediterranean sea when you book in to stay at the Il San Pietro in Positano. Every detail has been thought out, from the positioning of the beds that allows guests to look out over the ocean from the moment they wake up to the blue and turquoise furnishings mixed amongst the white walls to offer that traditional Mediterranean feel.
There are plenty of dining options available too, from the Michelin-Starred Zazz restaurant, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, to the informal beachside Carlino restaurant serving up ingredients plucked from the hotel’s garden (their signature dish is the lemon spaghetti).
The semi-circle swimming pool is also charming, with orange sunbeds lining the way and cream parasols protecting guests from the billowing sun. You could easily spend your day here lazing by the pool and taking in the views, cocktail in hand.
The semi-circle swimming pool is also charming, with orange sunbeds lining the way and cream parasols protecting guests from the billowing sun.
Monastero Santa Rosa
Nestled in the fishing village of Conca dei Marini, located between Amalfi and Positano, the Monastero Santa Rosa was originally a Dominican monastery built in the 17th century. If you’re looking for some luxurious Italian hospitality, this makes a lovely spot, with rooms boasting glorious sea views and a Michelin-star kitchen that serves a mix of traditional and contemporary Campanian fare. 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.
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.
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.
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 2nd July until 30th August), 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 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 spanning 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.
