Locals’ recommendations for the 10 best towns to visit on the Amalfi coast

When I first visited the Amalfi coastline, 15 years back, I laughed at its sheer absurdity. In Positano I looked up at the candy colored buildings that were stacked on each other and hewed into mountains overlooking sea. The majolica tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta was also gleaming brightly in the sun. What kind of genius could create such a landscape. It looked too good to be true.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Amalfi Coast It is not a stranger to myths or legends of all kinds, ancient and modern. According to one legend, the name of the region comes from a love story between Hercules the demigod and Amalfi the nymph. The coast has had another name in recent years. Dolce Vita In the 1960s, movie stars such as Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor graced its beaches and towns. The popularity of the country has never faded.

Every time I return, I find new things to love. To get a local perspective, I spoke to two insiders who are well-connected on the coast: Francesco Sersale runs the iconic Positano hotel Le Sirenuse and Mariella Avino is the owner and managing Director of the legendary Palazzo Avino. We’ve selected the top 10 Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit and listed what you can do in each one.

Positano

Once a small fishing village. Positano The town of Amalfi has been one of the busiest on the Amalfi coastline. The town is built into the mountains and has a maze-like layout of stairs, narrow lanes, and shops selling linen clothing, jewelry, etc. There’s also a beautiful Roman villa hidden beneath the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, covered with frescoes.

If you are staying at Le Sirenuse my best tip is to take your time. Sersale advises that you should take your time and enjoy the morning sun on your terrace. You can also have a leisurely breakfast or a swim in the pool. “For lunch, go to Da Adolfo in Positano. There, you can enjoy a cold white wine and peaches with your barefoot. Order the mozzarella cooked on lemon leaves. In the evening, head back to La Sponda for dinner by candlelight—and make sure to catch at least one sunset from Franco’s Bar with an ice-cold paloma.”

Amalfi

Amalfi, once the capital of a powerful maritime nation, is still an important hub for boats and ferries arriving from Naples or elsewhere. A lovely promenade runs along the sea and is lined by shops that sell handmade ceramics, summer clothing, and Amalfi Paper. I love stopping for an espresso or a pastry in the historic Pasticceria Andrea Pansa. It’s right under the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. It is also worth visiting the Cathedral, its ornate and peaceful crypt, as well as its peaceful cloister.

There are many options for accommodation in Amalfi. I have three favorite hotels in Amalfi: the Hotel Santa Caterina (a legendary member of the Leading Hotels of the World), Borgo Santandrea (which was featured on the It List of 2022), and Anantara Konvento diAmalfi (2024).

Ravello

Villa Cimbrone is a historic villa located in the mountains with a stunning view of the coast. It’s worth visiting. The latter is a luxury hotel but you can purchase a ticket for the famous Infinity Terrace and gardens. 

Avino suggests the Museo del Corallo for a hidden gem. The Museo del Corallo, founded by Giorgio Filocamo in 1890 and now under the passionate control of Tiffany Filocamo, is an unmissable experience. wunderkammer Treasures. “Historic coral pieces, handmade and engraved Giorgio, are combined with beautiful cameos and unique jewelry pieces,” she says.

Praiano

Praiano, the town next to Positano is smaller and less well-known. Praiano is a quiet, beautiful town. You can enjoy an aperitivo in the Bar del Sole where locals meet at sunset or take a hike to Il Pirata and swim with a drink on the rocks. Sersale recommends the Path of the Gods if you are looking for more activity.

Furore

Designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), Furore is best known for its picturesque fjord, where the sea has cleaved its way into the towering cliffs, creating a small beach. The new Furore Grand Hotel is a great place to stay and enjoy a romantic dinner at Bluh Furore, their Michelin starred restaurant. Bacco Furore, the restaurant of the Cuomo family and Cantine Marisa Cuomo is located in the town.

Conca dei Marini

Conca dei Marini, a tiny village in the north of Italy, is home to a grotto emerald and the birthplace for the sfogliatella Santa Rosa, The shell-shaped pastry is filled with ricotta and orange-scented. It can be found along the coast. La Tonnarella in Conca dei Marini is one my favorite restaurants in the Amalfi coastline. Sersale describes it as “a rustic, welcoming, and warm atmosphere that offers a family-friendly and mouthwatering dining experience.”

Atrani 

The smallest town in Italy by surface area, minuscule Atrani is just a 10-minute stroll from Amalfi—and the walk there will give you fantastic views of both towns. You might recognize it because it’s the setting for Netflix’s series. Ripley. Escher was inspired by the narrow alleys, stairs and stairways of this city. Escher. In a covered passageway, he is remembered.

Vietri sul Mare

Sersale states that “this is where the coast’s ceramic tradition continues to live on.” “Our Emporio Sirenuse ‘By the Pool’ plate collection was created in collaboration with Scotto, a wonderful artisanal ceramicist based here. “It’s worth visiting for the studios alone—many of which have been run by the same families for generations.”

Scala 

Da Lorenzo in Scala is my favourite restaurant, besides the ones at Palazzo Avino. Luca, Gerardo and their families cherish the heritage of their parents with love and devotion. Avino says, “Luca makes you feel comfortable and welcome right away; Gerardo runs the kitchen.” “My favorite dish (not always on offer as it depends on what’s caught that day) is the tubetti ai totani (squid pasa).”

Nerano

Within the Punta Campanella Marine Natural Reserve, Nerano offers hiking trails which will take you to the protected Ieranto Bay. Sersale calls this town “A quieter gem, tucked around the corner from the Amalfi Coast,” adding, “Lo Scoglio is the spot for lunch—simple, exceptional, right on the water. “The spaghetti with zucchini is legend.”