Sherry's Take
Amalfi town itself is the most practical base on the coast: ferry dock, bus hub, and flat(ish) walking. Positano is prettier in photos but you'll climb 300 stairs with luggage. Day-trip to Positano and Ravello instead.
Best For
CouplesHoneymoonFoodiesBeachScenery
Go in
MayJuneSeptember
Avoid if possible
AugustNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruary
Where to Stay
Amalfi Town
Duomo square, ferry + bus hub, restaurants, most walkable base
Atrani
10-min walk from Amalfi, tiny fishing village, half the prices
Ravello
Clifftop gardens and concerts, 350 m above the sea, romance HQ
Positano
The postcard — vertical, glamorous, most expensive
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Ferries (€8–10/hop) beat the SITA bus for views and skip the coast-road traffic entirely.
- 2Lunch trattorie one street behind the seafront run €15–20 vs €40+ on the marina.
- 3Sleep in Atrani or Minori at 40–50% less and walk/boat into Amalfi.
Getting Around
- 1Naples (NAP) → Amalfi: ferry from Salerno is the comfortable route (train to Salerno 40 min + 35 min ferry). The bus via Sorrento takes 3h in season.
- 2SITA buses connect Amalfi ↔ Positano ↔ Sorrento and Amalfi ↔ Ravello — buy tickets at tabacchi shops, not on board.
- 3Do NOT rent a car: the coast road is single-lane chaos and parking is €5–8/hour where it exists at all.
Most Common Mistake
Visiting in August — the coast road becomes a parking lot, beach clubs are sold out by 9 am, and hotels charge triple. June or September give the same sea.
Ideal Stay
3–5 nights
Combine with
- • Capri (1h ferry)
- • Pompeii (1.5h)
- • Naples (2h)
- • Ravello (25 min bus)
