The Best Villages to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast has long since been a fashionable destination for tourists across the globe. Stretching 50 kilometres along the west coast of Italy, this slice of paradise has 13 coastal towns that will take your breath away. With winding roads hugging the rugged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, there’s no surprise that the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But with so many picturesque towns to visit, it can be difficult knowing where to start. Using our travel expertise, we have compiled a list of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast for your next trip.

What is the nicest village on the Amalfi Coast?

Positano

Widely considered the most beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano has come a long way since its days as a fishing village. With its colourful houses dotted along the cliffside and its serpentine streets, there is so much to admire about this iconic destination. The town’s heart is the Spiaggia Grande beach, where visitors can relax on the pebbled shore or enjoy some limoncello at the waterfront cafés.

While you are there, don’t miss the boutique shops that sell everything from local ceramics to handmade sandals. As the day draws to a close, head over to Francos Bar at Le Sirenuse for the chance to witness the most beautiful sunset.

How to get to Positano by ferry

The best way to reach Positano is by taking a flight to Naples Airport (NAP) and then catching the ferry from Naples to Positano. This is a much cheaper and scenic option than booking a private transfer from the airport. The Naples to Positano ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is available with NLG and Positano Jet. If you are arriving from elsewhere, there are also ferries from Sorrento and Salerno.

Amalfi

This medieval town was one of the first maritime republics, steeped in history dating back hundreds of years. Filled with restaurants, boutique shops and charming piazzas, Amalfi captures all the magic of Italy’s stunning coastline. Climb the 62-step staircase to Saint Andrew’s Cathedral for sweeping views of the Piazza Duomo below. If you find yourself on the Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi, head to the Amalfi Lemon Experience for the chance to visit the famous lemon groves and taste fresh limoncello.

One of the most notable places in Amalfi is Fiordo di Furore, a narrow inlet with a secluded beach flanked either side by cliffs. Although the walk down is quite steep, it’s one of the best places in the whole region to swim and sunbathe.

How to get to Amalfi by ferry

Most people travelling to Amalfi get a train from Naples to Salerno before taking a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi. This route only takes around 25 minutes and departs up to 3 times per day with 4 different operators. Alternatively, you can take the Sorrento to Amalfi ferry instead, but this route is typically much longer.

Ravello

Sitting atop the Lattari Mountains is the romantic resort town of Ravello, known for having the best views in the whole region. This quaint village dates back to the 5th century and has been tempting visitors ever since. Home to the iconic cliffside gardens, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, which come alive in the summer months, around the same time that the Ravello Music Festival gets underway.

With its terraced gardens and beautiful coastal views, Ravelo looks as though it has been plucked from a postcard. There is no better place to appreciate its beauty than the Terrace of Infinity, which overlooks the Gulf of Naples from 365 metres above.

How to get to Ravello by ferry

If you are arriving from Naples, catch a direct bus to Salerno. Once you get there, climb aboard the Salerno to Amalfi ferry. This route only takes 25 minutes and is available throughout the year with 4 operators including NLG, Alicost, Travelmar and Grassi Junior. Then you can get to Ravello via a quick bus journey from Amalfi.

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare, so named after the colourful Vietri tiles that decorate the entire Campania region, is the easternmost town on the Amalfi Coast. Separated from the port of Salerno by a harbour wall, this picturesque town is not only easy to access by ferry but is also one of the prettiest in Italy. Take a walk around the Villa Comunale, a beautiful space adorned with tile art that provides breathtaking views of the sea. It also features an amphitheatre where live performances are held throughout the year.

How to get to Vietri Sul Mare by ferry

You can easily reach Vietri Sul Mare by taking the ferry with Travelmar. Ferries to Vietri Sul Mare depart from a number of ports including Positano, Amalfi, Salerno and Minori. The fastest route is the Salerno to Vietri Sul Mare ferry, which takes only 5 minutes and sails up to 7 times per day.

Atrani

Last but not least is Atrani. Although it is the smallest municipality in Italy, do not let its size deter you from visiting. Located only 1km from Amalfi, this scenic town is set in the valley close to the River Dragone. Head down to the seafront via its iconic stairs and wander along the main throughfare known as Piazzetta, where you will find restaurants and cafes. From here, you can easily access its beautiful beach.

How to get to Atrani by ferry

As there is no direct ferry to Atrani from Naples, you can alternatively get the bus or train to Salerno and then get the ferry from Salerno to Amalfi. Once you arrive in Amalfi, you reach Atrani on foot since it is located only 1km away from the port.

Book cheap ferry tickets to Amalfi Coast

Please make sure that you book in advance to guarantee the cheapest ferry tickets to the Amalfi Coast. Ferries can get particularly busy in this region during the summer months so the sooner you book the better.