When you daydream of the Amalfi Coast in Italy, you’re thinking of pristine blue waters, colourful seaside towns and beautiful lemon groves, right? Maybe there’s even a couple of Aperol Spitzes on ice? But in your daydreaming, the actual researching and planning often take a back seat. So, to help you plan your ultimate Italian vacation, we’ve rounded up 10 of the prettiest Amalfi Coast towns to visit during your Italian getaway.
1. Positano
This picture-perfect Italian town deserves the top spot on our list due to its iconic – and colourful – cliffside. Pastel buildings are nestled amongst the greenery of the hills, with artisanal shops, museums and world-famous restaurants along the steep streets and alleyways.
Drop in for a bite to eat, or a local drink of Limoncello or Fragoline, at spots like Casa e Bottega, Buca di Bacco and Ristorante Donna Rosa. And, of course, the town boasts beautiful beaches and swimming spots for you to enjoy, including Positano Spiaggia, Fornillo, Arienzo and San Pietro.
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2. Atrani
A short drive from the town of Amalfi, Atrani holds the title of Italy’s ‘smallest town’ at just 0.12 km². But what Atrani lacks in size, it makes up for in delicious food, friendly locals and charming architecture.
Sample local seafood at trattorias like Ristorante Savo, A’Paranza, Le Arcate or Le Palme. Check out the historic town centre, the Church of St. Salvatore and Spiaggia di Atrani (the town’s beach, pictured below).
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3. Capri
Okay, though technically not a town on the Amalfi coast, this Island in the Bay of Naples is often considered to be part of the collection. And it’s so beautiful; we just had to include it on the list.
Capri is home to the picturesque Blue Grotto, where the Tyrrhenian Sea glows electric blue within the dark cave thanks to sunlight streaming through. But this beautiful Island is more than just one tourist hot spot. There are plenty of hiking trails to take on, including the walks on Monte Solaro, The Pizzolungo and Via Krupp. There are lots of beautiful ports to stroll along, like the main Marina Grande or the smaller Marina Piccola (pictured below). And, of course, there’s no shortage of places to swim, with La Fontelina and Lido Il Faro among the best.
Image source:Contiki
4. Ravello
One of the few towns not set directly along the shores of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello sits above the coastline with the cliffside town elevated at 365m. This means the town is beloved for its incredible views, especially those from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Villa Rufolo.
Some of the other must-see sights include the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro, Piazza del Vescovado and the traditional ceramics store, Ceramiche D’Arte Carmela.
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5. Amalfi
In contrast to towns like Positano, the postcard-worthy shoreline of Amalfi is dotted with bright white buildings at the foot of the Monte Cerreto Mountain.
The breathtaking coastal town is known for its laid-back vibes, with Spiaggia Grande among the most popular beaches to relax on. Sample the local drink, Limoncello, at one of the many local stores along the village streets – like La Valle dei Mulini or Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi.
Experience the rich culture of the town with a visit to the Museum of Paper, Cloister del Paradiso with stunning Moorish architecture and lush gardens or the medieval Cathedral of Sant’Andrea.
Image source:Contiki
6. Furore
In Furore, you can relax along the water, sample local wines in Cantine Marisa Cuomo and dine in a number of drool-worthy restaurants and cafes. Though, the most iconic sight to add to your bucket list is the Fiordo Di Furore, the only fjord in Italy and a staple of any traveller’s Instagram feed.
The relatively quiet beach is the perfect spot for a dip when cruising between towns on the Amalfi Drive, with the bridge itself jutting out above the emerald waters.
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7. Praiano
Another one for those seeking relaxation, Praiano is known for its artsy community and chill vibes. Check out the Torre a Mare, an artist’s studio created in an old medieval guard tower, or visit the golden Church of San Gennaro.
Take a dip or explore the restaurants of Marina di Praia, a sheltered cove with beautiful blue waters to enjoy. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, the town also acts as a gateway to the Sentiero Degli Dei or “Path of the Gods” with a long, long staircase to the top.
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8. Maiori
Relax on the town’s namesake beach, Mare a Maiori, check out the beautiful church Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare or simply wander through the Palazzo Mezzacapo Gardens. You can also hike your way from Maiori to nearby Minori on The Path of Lemons, a panoramic walk winding among the lemon groves of the coastline. Aromatic and adventurous!
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9. Minori
This enchanting village is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the incredible sights like the Basilica di Santa Trofimena and Villa Marittima Romana under their protection.
Most importantly – for your tastebuds – the town is also renowned for serving up some of the best pasta in Italy. Yes, that’s the best pasta in the land of pasta. Grab a napkin, fork, and dig in at eateries like Midnight Sun, La Locanda Del Pescatore, Giardiniello and Ristorante ‘a Ricetta.
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10. Vietri sul Mare
Gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare is your first taste of the coastline. Though the town doesn’t have quite the dramatic effect of a steep cliffside, like Positano, it does still boast incredible colourful buildings and winding streets waiting to be explored.
It’s also the ceramics centre of the region, with countless stores to peruse. Check out Ceramica Artistica Falcone, Artemika Ceramica, Ceramica D’Urso Cosimo, or the most famous, Ceramica Artistica Solimene Vincenzo.
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