Amalfi Coast Luxury Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Best Hotels & How to Plan Your Trip

Positano

The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that lives up to the hype—but only if you plan it correctly. My biggest recommendation is to fly into Naples and arrange private transportation to your hotel. While renting a car may seem appealing, the coastal roads are narrow, winding, and often congested, and parking can be both difficult and expensive.

When deciding where to stay, I typically recommend choosing either Sorrento or Positano as your home base. Many travelers assume that Amalfi Town should be the center of their itinerary, but I find it less convenient and farther from many of the experiences visitors want to enjoy. Sorrento and Positano both offer excellent hotel options, beautiful scenery, great restaurants, and easy access to day trips throughout the region. I recommend spending at least one day exploring whichever town you do not choose as your base (you can travel between them by car or ferry).

Sorrento

Sorrento is ideal for travelers who want a larger, more walkable town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and activity options. Sorrento hotels can be more affordable than those in Positano, which can attract a slightly less sophisticated crowd; however, one of my favorite properties in Italy is the iconic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, perched dramatically above the cliffs with spectacular sunset views, exceptional service, beautiful gardens, and one of the best breakfasts in Italy. Nearby, Bellevue Syrene offers a more contemporary luxury experience, along with a private rocky sunbathing and swimming area overlooking the sea. While Sorrento's beaches are not its main attraction, its convenience, atmosphere, and hotel scene make it an excellent choice for many travelers.

Positano, on the other hand, delivers the quintessential Amalfi Coast postcard experience. The town is built vertically into the cliffs, meaning lots of stairs and steep walks, but the reward is breathtaking views around every corner. The shopping, restaurants, and overall atmosphere feel slightly more elevated and romantic than Sorrento, though it is also significantly more crowded and expensive. Travelers who prioritize luxury hotels, stylish dining, and that iconic Amalfi Coast aesthetic will likely prefer Positano, while those seeking more space and value may gravitate toward Sorrento.

Positano

No Amalfi Coast itinerary is complete without a visit to Capri. Depending on your schedule, Capri can be enjoyed as either a day trip or an overnight stay. Ferries from the mainland make the journey easy, and upon arrival, the funicular carries visitors up to the heart of town. Capri has a sophisticated, glamorous atmosphere filled with designer boutiques, elegant restaurants, and stunning viewpoints. For those staying overnight, Grand Hotel Quisisana remains one of the island's most iconic luxury hotels. Be sure to visit the beautiful Gardens of Augustus and, if possible, secure a dinner reservation at Da Paolino, the famous restaurant set beneath a canopy of lemon trees. While Capri's beach clubs and crystal-blue waters are beautiful, visitors should know that much of the coastline is rocky rather than sandy.

Capri

Regardless of where you stay, I highly recommend visiting a local lemon farm. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its citrus, and many farms offer tastings, cooking classes, and opportunities to sample limoncello, fresh lemon products, and locally produced olive oils. It is one of the most authentic experiences in the region and a wonderful break from the busy coastal towns. This can be done as a day trip or activity in both Positano and Sorrento.

Sorrento

For travelers with additional time, Ravello and Pompeii make excellent day trips. Ravello offers a quieter and more refined atmosphere, known for its gardens, historic villas, and sweeping coastal views. History lovers should not miss Pompeii, where a knowledgeable private guide (I have a great recommendation) can transform the ancient ruins into one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip.

If I were planning a first visit to the Amalfi Coast, I would choose either Sorrento or Positano as a home base, spend a full day exploring the other, dedicate at least one day to Capri, and leave room for a lemon farm experience and one additional excursion. This approach strikes the perfect balance between relaxation, sightseeing, and enjoying the unique character of one of Italy's most beautiful destinations.

Please reach out for additional details, especially for my favorite restaurants throughout the Amalfi Coast! I’m also able to secure exclusive partner perks at select luxury hotels, including complimentary breakfast, along with other potential VIP amenities such as upgrades, resort credits, and early check-in or late check-out when available.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Amalfi Coast page.