Maddalena P. Chionne
Published on September 9 2024 - Updated on October 2025
Exploring the Amalfi Coast: A Dream Destination
City of Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most breathtaking travel destinations. Known for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant towns, and clear blue waters, it stretches along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi Coast offers travelers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. In this guide, we'll dive into the best cities to visit, must-see attractions, scenic restaurants, rooftop views, and beaches to relax. Plus, we'll add some special experiences you can't miss!
Sorrento: Gateway to the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento is often considered the starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast. This charming town overlooks the Bay of Naples and offers stunning views of Mount Vesuvius.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza Tasso: Sorrento’s bustling main square, full of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Marina Grande: a picturesque fishing village where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon by the water.
- Giardini di Cataldo: dive into the history and flavors of Sorrento’s famous lemons. You can tour a lemon grove, learn about traditional lemon farming, and even try fresh limoncello.
Top High-End Hotels:
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: a historic, grand hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, offering classic luxury and a private park.
- Hotel Bellevue Syrene: a beautiful, elegant cliffside villa with panoramic sea views, a private beach, and a serene, historic atmosphere.
- Maison La Minervetta: a unique, modern boutique hotel with bright, contemporary design and stunning views of the bay.
Beaches:
- Baia di Ieranto: a hidden gem, this beach can be reached by hiking, offering a secluded escape and an amazing view of the Faraglioni (rock towers) of Capri.
Top Restaurants with a View:
- Terrazza Bosquet: located in the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers unforgettable views of the Bay of Naples.
- Ristorante Bagni Delfino: a waterfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood while you take in the views of the sea and harbor.
Top Rooftop with a View:
- Grand Hotel La Favorita Rooftop Bar: enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the incredible sunset over the Mediterranean.
Positano: A Colorful Cliffside Gem
Positano is one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast, known for its colorful houses stacked up the cliffs and its laid-back yet glamorous atmosphere.
Top Attractions:
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta: a church known for its beautiful dome made of majolica tiles.
- Spiaggia Grande: the main beach, ideal for soaking in the views of the cliffs and sea.
- Path of the Gods: a hiking trail with panoramic views of the entire coastline.
Top High-End Hotels:
- Le Sirenuse: one of Positano's most famous luxury hotels, known for its stunning pool deck views, flawless service, and elegant rooms filled with antiques.
- Il San Pietro di Positano: located just outside the busy center, this luxurious retreat offers all rooms with sea views, an elevator to a private beach club, and an outdoor gym.
- Casa Angelina: a luxe, cliffside escape known for its modern, minimalist white decor and spectacular views.
Beaches:
- One Fire Beach: situated in nearby Praiano, this beach club is known for its lively atmosphere and famous sunset fire dance. Don’t miss the watermelon-cutting ritual!
- Marina Grande Beach: one of the most iconic beaches on the coast, offering great swimming and stunning views.
- Fornillo Beach: quieter than Marina Grande, Fornillo is great for those looking to relax in a more peaceful setting.
Top Restaurants with a View:
- La Sponda: set in Le Sirenuse Hotel, this romantic spot features candlelight dining with incredible views of the coastline.
- Da Adolfo: a casual, beachfront restaurant in Positano, where you can enjoy local seafood with your toes in the sand.
Top Rooftop with a View:
- Le Sirenuse Rooftop Bar: one of the best spots in Positano to watch the sunset and take in the beauty of the town and sea.
Recommended Day Experiences:
Amalfi: A Historic Seaside Town
Amalfi, the heart of the coast, has a rich history as a former maritime republic. Today, it offers visitors beautiful architecture, cultural experiences, and a bustling marina.
Top Attractions:
- Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea: this grand cathedral, with its blend of styles, dominates the town’s main square.
- Valle delle Ferriere: a lush nature reserve just a short walk from Amalfi, offering peaceful trails and waterfalls.
- Pasticceria Pansa: a must-visit spot in Amalfi, offering a taste of traditional Italian sweets since 1830. Located in the heart of Amalfi, right next to the cathedral, this historic pastry shop is renowned for its delicious local pastries, including sfogliatella, delizia al limone (a lemon cream-filled sponge cake), and rich torta Caprese.
- Museo della Carta (Paper museum): a unique attraction offering visitors a glimpse into the ancient process of making handmade paper, which has been a part of Amalfi's heritage for centuries.
Top High-End Hotels:
- Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel: a converted 13th-century monastery built into the cliffside, featuring an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean and a private beach club a short boat ride away.
- Santa Caterina Hotel: an Art Nouveau villa built on a rock that overlooks the sea, offering a private beach and beautiful terraces with sea views.
- Borgo Santandrea: a newer luxury option between Amalfi and Positano, known for its exceptional design, private beach, and stunning sea views.
Top Restaurants with a View:
- Terrazza 17: with stunning views of the sea and Amalfi harbor, this gourmet restaurant is a must-visit for a special meal.
- Ristorante Marina Grande: a beachfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and a great atmosphere.
Top Rooftop with a View:
- Hotel Santa Caterina Rooftop Bar: the perfect place to enjoy a drink while looking out over the sparkling Mediterranean waters.
Recommended Day Experiences:
La Sirenuse rooftop bar
Ravello: The Balcony of the Amalfi Coast
Ravello, perched high above the coastline, is known for its peaceful vibe and beautiful gardens. It’s a bit more off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.
Top Attractions:
- Villa Rufolo: the gardens of this villa offer one of the best views on the coast.
- Villa Cimbrone: known for the "Terrace of Infinity," where the view extends endlessly over the Mediterranean.
- Ravello Festival: a summer festival that brings classical music performances to stunning outdoor settings.
Top High-End Hotels:
- Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast: perched 1,000 feet above sea level in a former palace, it features a renowned infinity pool with breathtaking coastal views and lush gardens.
- Palazzo Avino: a historic 12th-century "pink palace" offering a Michelin-starred restaurant, a private beach club (Club House by the Sea), and stunning panoramic views.
- Villa Cimbrione: famous for its beautiful, extensive gardens (including the Terrace of the Infinite), this elegant hotel offers a tranquil pool and Michelin-starred dining in a historic setting.
Top Restaurants with a View:
- Belmond Hotel Caruso: offering breathtaking views from its terrace, this restaurant is perfect for a luxurious dining experience.
- Ristorante Rossellinis: another Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views and exceptional Italian cuisine.
Top Rooftop with a View:
- Belmond Hotel Caruso Rooftop Bar: Ideal for enjoying sunset cocktails while soaking in the view.
Capri: Island Paradise
Capri, a short boat ride from Positano or Sorrento, is one of Italy's most famous islands. Known for its luxury shopping, stunning coastline, and lively Piazzetta, Capri is a must-visit.
Top Attractions:
- Blue Grotto: a magical sea cave where the water glows a bright blue.
- Villa Jovis: explore the ruins of this ancient Roman villa, once the home of Emperor Tiberius.
- Giardini di Augusto: these gardens offer incredible views of the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
Top High-End Hotels:
- Hotel La Scalinatella: a highly-rated five-star property in Capri town, known for its elegant ambiance and excellent service.
- Jumeirah Capri Palace: located in the quieter Anacapri, this is another well-known luxury destination, famous for its medical spa and Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Grand Hotel Quisisana: a historic, iconic grand hotel centrally located near the main square, offering a classic luxury experience, pool, and beautiful gardens.
Beaches:
- Marina Piccola Beach: a pebble beach offering stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks, ideal for a swim in the warm Mediterranean waters.
- Da Luigi Beach Club: a peaceful beach club near the Faraglioni rocks, perfect for a relaxed day in the sun.
Top Restaurants with a View:
- Ristorante Il Riccio: located near the Blue Grotto, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and views that stretch out over the sea.
- Terrazza Brunella: known for its romantic setting and panoramic sea views, it’s an ideal spot for a memorable meal on Capri.
Recommended Day Experiences:
The Amalfi Coast offers a combination of historic towns, pristine beaches, and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you're exploring the colorful streets of Positano, taking in the views from Ravello, or enjoying fresh seafood in Capri, this region has something for everyone. Add in the Amalfi Lemon Experience, rooftop views, and hidden beach gems like Baia di Ieranto, and you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
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