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Amalfi Coast hotel-area guideWritten and reviewed by Leon Chinner, founder and editor
Cliffside towns and sea on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

Choose the coast base that fits the journey

Compare ferry access, road transfers, stairs and total hotel cost before deciding between Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Quick recommendation

Start with what matters most

Positano prioritises scenery and special occasions. Amalfi is the practical transport hub. Ravello suits quieter stays where views and gardens matter more than immediate sea access.

01

Positano

Best for cliffside scenery and a special-occasion stay

Positano suits couples and first-time coast visitors who want the recognisable vertical setting and are prepared to pay more for it.

First-day consideration: The ferry pier is at sea level while many hotels sit far above it; confirm porter service, road access and the number of steps before booking.

SITA route 5070 links Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. In normal traffic, Positano to Amalfi is roughly 35–60 minutes by road, but summer congestion can extend it. Seasonal ferries connect Positano with Amalfi, Salerno, Sorrento and Capri and can avoid road traffic when seas permit. From Naples Airport, allow about 1½–2½ hours by pre-booked road transfer; public transport usually means travelling via Sorrento or Salerno and changing. Double rooms commonly start around €250 and can exceed €900, especially for sea views. Avoid Positano if stairs, premium rates, crowded lanes or dependence on seasonal transport would undermine the trip.

CouplesSpecial occasionsSea views

Hotels to compare in Positano

Hotel names are starting points, not endorsements. Compare location, road access, porter arrangements, room type, taxes and cancellation terms.
02

Amalfi town

Best for ferry connections and practical coast exploration

Amalfi is the strongest all-round base for travellers who want to visit several towns without committing to Positano’s prices or Ravello’s hilltop isolation.

First-day consideration: The bus terminal and ferry pier are close together, but hotels beyond the compact centre may still involve slopes, steps or a road transfer.

SITA route 5070 runs west towards Positano and Sorrento, while eastbound services connect Amalfi with Minori, Maiori, Vietri and Salerno. Route 5110 links Amalfi with Ravello and Scala. Driving to Ravello normally takes about 20–30 minutes and to Positano about 35–60 minutes. Seasonal ferries connect Amalfi with Positano, Salerno, Capri and other coastal stops. From Naples Airport, allow roughly 1½–2½ hours by road; train or coach to Salerno followed by ferry is often the clearest public alternative in season. Double rooms are commonly about €180–€500+. Avoid Amalfi if your priority is the dramatic vertical setting of Positano or the quiet garden atmosphere of Ravello.

First-time coast tripsFerry connectionsMulti-town stays

Hotels to compare in Amalfi town

Hotel Santa Caterina

A full-service cliffside hotel outside the compact centre for travellers seeking privacy, sea access and resort facilities.

View rooms & prices on Trip.com ↗

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel

A converted historic convent above town for travellers who value views and a high-end retreat within reach of the transport hub.

View rooms & prices on Trip.com ↗
Hotel names are starting points, not endorsements. Compare location, road access, porter arrangements, room type, taxes and cancellation terms.
03

Ravello

Best for quiet gardens, views and slower stays

Ravello suits travellers who prefer calm evenings, landscaped grounds and elevated views over immediate beach and ferry access.

First-day consideration: Ravello has no ferry pier or rail station; the final leg is always by road from Amalfi or another coastal connection.

SITA route 5110 runs between Amalfi, Ravello and Scala. The climb from Amalfi usually takes about 20–30 minutes by bus or taxi; Positano to Ravello generally takes 60–90 minutes by road or requires a change at Amalfi. Ferries reach Amalfi, not Ravello, so allow for the uphill transfer after disembarking. From Naples Airport, a direct road transfer commonly takes around 1½–2½ hours depending on traffic. Double rooms typically range from about €180 to €650+, with famous palace hotels far higher. Avoid Ravello if you want beach access, late-night transport flexibility or frequent spontaneous ferry trips without an extra road connection.

Quiet luxuryGardensLonger stays

Hotels to compare in Ravello

Hotel names are starting points, not endorsements. Compare location, road access, porter arrangements, room type, taxes and cancellation terms.

The DayOneFlyer difference

Connect Naples, the coast and the hotel entrance

  1. 01

    Plan the complete transfer

    A train or ferry ticket may cover only part of the journey. Include every change and the final hotel approach.

  2. 02

    Check stairs and porter access

    Confirm where the vehicle or ferry stops and how luggage reaches reception before paying for a room.

  3. 03

    Keep arrival day flexible

    Road traffic, queues and sea conditions can affect the first day, so keep the first meal or walk close to the hotel.

Arrival & Day One logistics

Plan the journey from airport to hotel

These planning ranges are a starting point—not a live quote. Confirm current transport prices, operating hours and hotel arrangements before booking.

01

Distance & transfer cost from the main airport

Naples International Airport (NAP / Capodichino)

Roughly 60–70 km by road to Positano, Amalfi or Ravello, but narrow coastal roads and seasonal congestion make journey time more important than distance.

Transfer: Compare a confirmed private transfer with public routes via Naples or Salerno. Rail to Salerno plus a seasonal ferry can suit Amalfi or Positano; Ravello requires a final bus, taxi or road transfer from Amalfi.

Cost guidance: Public rail, coach and ferry combinations are cheaper but involve luggage changes. Private-transfer prices vary materially by town, vehicle size, arrival time and traffic, so obtain a complete written quote.

02

Early check-in & luggage hold options

Amalfi Coast arrival check

Confirm the vehicle drop-off point, porter arrangements and the number of steps to reception. In cliffside towns, a hotel can be close on a map but far above or below the road or ferry pier.

Request written confirmation from the accommodation when early access or luggage storage is essential to the trip.

Amalfi Coast hotel questions

Practical answers before you book

A coastal view framed by an arched terrace on the Amalfi Coast
Is Positano, Amalfi or Ravello best without a car?

Amalfi is usually the most practical because its bus terminal and ferry pier connect several coast routes. Positano works well when ferries operate; Ravello always needs a final road connection.

Can I reach the Amalfi Coast directly from Naples Airport?

A pre-booked transfer is the simplest direct option. Public journeys normally involve Naples or Salerno, then a train, coach, ferry or SITA connection depending on the town and season.

Are ferries better than buses on the Amalfi Coast?

Ferries avoid road congestion and are often more comfortable, but they are seasonal and weather-dependent. Buses reach Ravello and operate on land routes ferries cannot serve.

Which town has the fewest stairs?

Central Amalfi is generally easier than Positano or a cliffside property, but individual hotels can still sit above the road. Ask each hotel for the exact route from the pier or drop-off point.

Do I need a car for a first Amalfi Coast visit?

Usually not. Parking is scarce and the coastal road is demanding. Ferries, SITA buses and selected taxi or transfer journeys are often simpler, although timetables and crowding require planning.

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