There are so many fantastic places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, and many of them boast spectacular views, but Amalfi, and its incredible approach (along a corniche of road clinging to towering cliffs one side and a sheer drop into sapphire bright sea the other), is something special for many people. The town was once a maritime power, but turned seaside resort in the Edwardian era, when some of the best places to stay in Amalfi were established. Some have been converted from grand palazzos and villas built during the centre’s golden era, but there are also a number of convent conversions, which date from even earlier, plus small, traditional hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. The hotel options range in price from five star luxury to great value comfort too.

Amalfi’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the whole of the Amalfi Coast. It's also ideal for anyone looking for a sandy beach: its beach sits just along from the harbour proper, and there’s a second, much larger beach just around the headland under the little town of Atrani. Amalfi’s previous power and grandeur means it has quite a number of historic sites and sights, including a beautiful Duomo and a handful of impressive museums. But one of the great pleasures of Amalfi is losing yourself in the whitewashed-warren of alleyways and courtyards just behind the waterfront. There are lots of fantastic shops and boutiques, including a number selling extremely high quality paper produced locally, and plenty of examples of the local ceramic traditions.

As with all the towns in this region, the best places to stay in Amalfi are incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you're planning to visit in July or August, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Amalfi

For a Special Occasion

• There are so many fantastic hotel views on the Amalfi Coast, but Amalfi’s Hotel Santa Caterina is extra specially blessed. The white crescent of 66 rooms and suites is at the top — cut into the cliffside — all with white decor and either a balcony or vast windows overlooking the water. The restaurants, pool and citrus gardens run down the side of the cliff towards a private beach, which can also be reached through a glass lift that travels directly through the cliff. Luxury defined.

For the Views

• For some of the most dramatic views in town we recommend the Convento di Amalfi which is set into the rock face above town. It's a haven of minimalist design, with its neutral colour scheme, and the best rooms boast a balcony or terrace for soaking up the vistas. The spa facilities are superb, plus there's a relaxed bar and restaurant too. The infinity pool is nothing short of mesmerising.
• The Luna Convento is similarly named, and spectacularly located, but this convent was Moorish by design, and the detail and atmosphere are very different. The Luna Convento has colourful tiles in many of the 43 rooms and suites, and impressively detailed ceiling frescoes. There are also two restaurants, both with views, plus there’s a salt-water pool and direct access to the sea.

For a relaxed base

• The Hotel Marina Riviera, is a handy, relaxed base, with fantastic sea views from its terrace and rooftop pool. It’s a good size too, 32 rooms, with facilities just that bit more spacious than the room number suggests. The rooftop pool and terrace have sea views, as do the rooms, which also have tiled floors, patterned linens, domed ceilings, and archways worth looking through. Romantic to the core, but with enough space to welcome families too.

For Romantics

• La Bambagina is an intimate, four room B&B on one of Amalfi’s prettiest squares, within view of the cathedral. The rooms are small but light, airy and chic, with bold tiles and classic contemporary furnishings. All the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and some have terraces too. Laid back and stylish.

For Great Value

• The Villa Lara is a charming little property, perched on a cliff just above Amalfi, overlooking both the town and the coastline. Now a hotel, the villa has seven guest rooms, simply decorated and featuring vaulted ceilings and Majolica tiles. Breakfast is served on a lovely terrace overlooking the Bay of Amalfi, and this is a great place to relax at any time of the day.

Best B&Bs

• The Residenza Luce is ten room B&B, well positioned in the historic centre of town, close to the beach, and to some of Amalfi’s best places to eat and drink. The rooms are large, and elegantly display their original features, including patterned tiles and exposed beams; the best have a private balcony. Breakfast is served on a sunny terrace with sea views.
• Diecisedici riffs on a similar theme: a six room B&B converted from a medieval building positioned just behind the cathedral. The decor in the sea-facing rooms is Italian in style, with bold, feature fabrics against pastels, and un-fussy furniture.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Amalfi’s closest international airport is Naples Airport, which is about an hour's drive away, or just under two hours by public transport. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport might be convenient for connections, but it’s about three hours drive, or three and a half hours away by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• As with the rest of the Amalfi Coast, the most popular time to visit Amalfi is during the summer, it’s hot and sunny but busy with it. Daily maximum temperatures in July and August average at 30° C, so if you’re not so good in the heat you might want to opt for May, June or September, which are still bustling periods, with lots of sunshine. Some argue for visiting Ravello in spring, when the flowers are blooming, and many of the local towns are opening up excitedly after the winter — the Italian travel season officially begins at Easter. The Amalfi Coast hosts a couple of festivals and events during spring too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Or you could expand your search to consider some of the Amalfi Coast’s other ocean-side gems like Praiano, Conca Dei Marini, Ravello or Positano
• You might want to refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the best beach hotels on the Amalfi Coast, the best hotel views on the Amalfi Coast or the best luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.