Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast: the guide to choosing the right town

Which town is the best base?

There is no single answer: each town has a different profile. Positano is the postcard icon, ideal for romantic trips, but with some of the highest prices in Italy and lots of stairs. Amalfi is the transport hub: buses and ferries to the whole coast leave from here, making it perfect as a car-free base. Ravello, at 350 metres above sea level, delivers the coast's most celebrated views (Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone) and quiet evenings.

Maiori and Minori, on the eastern side, are the smartest value-for-money picks: wide beaches, flat seafront promenades (rare on this coast), good restaurants and quick connections to Amalfi (10 minutes). Cetara is the fishing village for those seeking authenticity, and Vietri sul Mare is the gateway to the coast, famous for its ceramics.

When should you book and when should you travel?

The season runs from April to October. July and August are the most expensive and crowded months; May, June and September offer the best balance of weather, sea and prices. For the summer months, book 3-6 months ahead, especially for sea-view properties with pools.

In low season (November-March) many hotels close, but those that stay open cut rates by as much as 40-50%: a great opportunity to visit Amalfi and Ravello without the crowds.

How do you find the best rates?

On Scoast's hotel portal (stays.scoast.it) you compare rates from hundreds of Amalfi Coast properties in one place: hotels, B&Bs and apartments, with filters for area, price and amenities. Comparing multiple providers at once often surfaces lower rates than booking direct.

A practical tip: if you stay in Maiori or Minori, the budget for a standard room in Positano often gets you a sea-view room with breakfast — and you can still reach Positano for the day by ferry or scooter.

Hotel with parking, or no car at all?

On the Amalfi Coast a car is more of a burden than an asset: parking costs €25-50 per day and the SS163 is congested in summer. The most efficient combination is arriving by private transfer and getting around by ferry, bus or rental scooter.

Scoast offers all three services from the same platform: airport transfers, scooter rental in Maiori and hotel search. You can organise the whole trip in one place.

Where-to-stay FAQs

What is the cheapest town to stay in on the Amalfi Coast?

Maiori and Minori offer the lowest average rates among the main towns, with wide beaches and fast connections: 10 minutes from Amalfi by bus or scooter. Cetara and Vietri sul Mare are also cheaper than Positano and Amalfi.

When is it cheapest to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

From November to March rates drop by as much as 40-50%, but many properties close. The best compromise between price and weather is May, early June and the second half of September.

Is it better to stay in Positano or Amalfi?

Positano for scenery and romance, Amalfi for practicality: it is the coast's bus and ferry hub and has fewer stairs. Budget-minded travellers choose Maiori or Minori, 10 minutes from Amalfi.

Do I need a car for an Amalfi Coast stay?

No — it is often a disadvantage: parking costs €25-50 per day. The combination of private transfer + ferries + rental scooter is cheaper and more flexible.

How far in advance should I book my hotel?

For July and August, 3-6 months ahead. For May, June and September, 1-3 months is usually enough. Sea-view properties with pools sell out first.

Where can I compare Amalfi Coast hotel rates?

On Scoast's portal stays.scoast.it you compare hundreds of Amalfi Coast hotels, B&Bs and apartments with filters for town, price and amenities.