You love old European architecture but let’s face it: you’d also like to eat delicious food, soak up some sun and swim in a sparkling blue sea. In today’s post, we will be heading to Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi coast.  Three of the must see towns are Amalfi, Ravello and Positano.

I’ve included what to see and do plus where to stay and eat. Enjoy!

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Italy’s Amalfi Coast

The area designated as the Amalfi Coast stretches 50 kilometers (31 miles) along the coastal southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentino Peninsula. As a very popular tourist destination, the summer months tend to be quite crowded. Narrow roads wind past splendid villas, terraced vineyards and fragrant lemon groves, all while hugging the sheer cliffs that drop straight down to a rugged coastline dotted with intimate beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages.

Amalfi

The first stop is the romantic town of Amalfi, about 40 miles south of Naples.  Named a World Heritage UNESCO Site in 1997, Amalfi was founded by the Romans.  Between the ninth and 11th centuries, Amalfi was the first of the Marine Republics and competed with Genoa, Pisa, and Venice for control of the Mediterranean Sea. Situated between Salerno and Sorrento, the town sits on the shoreline below the breathtakingly steep cliffs of Italy’s southwest coast. 

Amalfi: Where to Stay

For lodging, we stayed at the magnificent Hotel Luna Convento, perched right on Amalfi’s most iconic point. Looking to the Northwest from the balcony, the town of Amalfi stretches out from the brightly colored umbrellas on the shore by day, to the glittering lights sloping up the hill by night.

In addition to a pool carved into a rock jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, hotel guests can take their chances and jump off of a high rock plunging into the azure, sparkling sea.  The service overall was wonderful; the waiters even don tuxedos in the evenings for cocktail hour. We took our time at breakfast, savoring the strong, Italian coffee while looking out over the bejeweled coastline.

Must See in Amalfi: St. Andrew’s Cathedral

The number one stop to visit in Amalfi is St. Andrew’s Cathedral, situated in the Piazza del Duomo.  Dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, it holds the remains of the venerated Saint’s relics, which were brought from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade. Begun in the 9^th and 10^th centuries, the style is a blend of Moorish, Byzantine, and Gothic, reflecting the various cultural influences on this maritime city.  The entrance of the church is dramatic, due to the very steep steps up to the main portico and the façade in its array of stripes, arches and mosaics.  When facing the church, to the left, the bell tower is a central cupola surrounded by four turrets ornately decorated with green and yellow tiles.

The massive bronze doors were commissioned in 1060 by a wealthy merchant and were the first cast bronze doors to appear in Italy.

The “Cloister of Paradise”, just after the entry, is a lovely, palm tree filled courtyard surrounded by 120 columns and Moorish pointed arches. 

Throughout the visit, there is incredible medieval religious art painted directly onto the walls, with what I can only imagine requires constant monitoring and restoration. The colors are still vibrant, despite the wear and tear of the past millennium.

Equally beautiful is the collection of mosaics dating back to the XII century, which at one point decorated various parts of the cathedral. 

After a series of exhibits, you reach the altar of Saint Andrew, where his relics are kept, a somber and humbling experience to say the least.

Where to Eat in Amalfi?

There is no shortage of wonderful and classic Italian food all along the coast. Here are 3 excellent options:

1. La Caravella dal 1959 is quite notrorious for serving typical Amalfi Coast fare and a cast of famous personalities have dined there through its history. The food is inspired by local and family traditions, with an excellent selection of the region’s fresh fish. Other ingredients include tomatoes, Amalfi’s famous lemons, basil and Agerola bread.
2. Marina Grande is located on the beach, offering splendid sea views and a small private beach club. While it does feel a bit touristy, the traditional cuisine served here is quite delicious.
3. Sensi is a one michelin star gem just steps from the cathedral. It also focuses on regional, fresh seafood but meat options are available as well.

Ravello: Quiet Grace Above the Sea

Despite its charm and sunny energy, Amalfi is crowded and has its fair share of tacky tourist shops. Ravello, on the other hand, is surprisingly less crowded and exudes elegance and refinement.  This quiet grace could be due in part to its location as it is perched 365 meters (1,197 feet) above sea level with the requisite drive being a bit death-defying. Ravello is home to the Ravello Music Festival, an annual summer event, in which the main stage cantilevers over the cliff with a backdrop of the Amalfi coastline.  Ravello can easily be seen in a day but it is home to several very prestigious hotels, so if the budget allows, an overnight stay allows more time to devour the sights of this exquisite town. It is said that St. Francis visited Ravello on his way to venerate the remains of Saint Andrew in Amalfi.

Ravello: The Villa Rufolo

The Villa Rufolo is located within the historic center of Ravello, which overlooks the front of the cathedral square, just across from the Duomo. The entry is through a square Moorish tower.  The initial layout dates from the 13th century, with extensive remodeling in the 19th century. Built for the wealthy Rufolo family, it was also home of various popes as well as King Robert of Anjou.  The terraced gardens and the breathtaking views of the Church of the Annunziata and the waters below are the highlights here and should not be missed.

Ravello: The Villa Cimbrone

The Villa Cimbrone is now a hotel but the first construction took place in the 11th century.  Initially the home of an aristocratic family, it passed on to other noble families through the generations. However, around the time of WWII, it had fallen into serious decline. It has since been restored to its former glory and the gardens are spectacular.

After the visit, we stopped for a pizza and a delicious bottle of white wine from the Amalfi Coast.

Where to Eat in Ravello?

There are several easy, inexpensive options in town but there are two excellent restaurants worth the splurge for that special occasion:

1. Rossellinis is a well-known fine-dining establishment at the incredible Palazzo Avino. The breath-taking terrace offers a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Amalfi Coast.
2. Il Flauto di Pan located in the Villa Cimbrone hotel is arguably one of the most romantic and exclusive spots in Italy with a view of the Gulf of Salerno. The setting is exquisite and the cuisine features local produce and traditional dishes.

Where to Stay in Ravello?

Palazzo Avino

Perched high above the Amalfi Coast in a stunning 12th-century pink palazzo, Palazzo Avino is one of Italy’s most celebrated luxury retreats. This family-run, five-star hotel blends Old World charm with modern sophistication. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean, Michelin-starred dining at Rossellinis, and access to the exclusive Clubhouse by the Sea in nearby Marmorata. The lush terraced gardens, romantic rooftop solarium, and impeccable service make this a dream stay in Ravello.

Caruso, a Belmond Hotel

Housed in an 11th-century former palace, Caruso, A Belmond Hotel offers cliffside splendor with cinematic views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is renowned for its iconic infinity pool, one of the most beautiful in the world, and its lush gardens filled with lemon trees and roses. With elegant suites, a gourmet restaurant showcasing regional flavors, and curated experiences like private boat tours or local wine tastings, Caruso epitomizes timeless Italian glamour and indulgence.

Villa Cimbrone

Steeped in history and romance, Villa Cimbrone is a refined boutique hotel set within a grand 12th-century villa surrounded by legendary gardens. The estate’s famous Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Europe. Each room is uniquely styled with antiques, frescoes, and vaulted ceilings. With its secluded atmosphere, gourmet cuisine at Il Flauto di Pan, and fairytale ambiance, Villa Cimbrone is a sanctuary for lovers of beauty, history, and elegance.

Positano: Dreamy Seaside Town

Finally, 16 kilometers from Amalfi is the dreamy seaside town of Positano, a shopper’s paradise. Seen from the sea, it is bright and cheery, with its white, pink and yellow Mediterranean houses and lovely Byzantine Church of Santa Maria Assunta.  Positano has had an up and down history, from prosperity to tsunamis to pirate attacks to finally, in the 20th century becoming a destination for artists, intellectuals and celebrities.  Positano has a wonderful beach, the Spiaggia Grande, 300 meters long and full of life. Plenty of restaurants sit on the beach, with lots of seafood dishes to choose from. From the beach, there are plenty of sea taxi services which can take visitors to smaller, more remote bays and beaches along the coast. Or, you can take a boat and visit the “Grotta dello Smeraldo”, a mysterious cave, partly inundated by the sea in which visitors can swim.

Where to Eat in Positano?

Positano may have the largest selection of dining options, with a wider range of prices. Most restaurants do focus on local produce and seafood.

La Sponda is an classy restaurant within Le Sirenuse, one of the most glamorous hotels on the Amalfi coast, with a pretty outdoor terrace with views of Positano’s colourful houses clinging to the cliffs.

Al Palazzo is the famous restaurant at the Palazzo Murat hotel.

Where to Stay in Positano?

Le Sirenuse

A jewel in the heart of Positano, Le Sirenuse is a family-owned boutique hotel that embodies the romance of the Amalfi Coast. Once a noble summer residence, this glamorous retreat is now world-renowned for its impeccable design, hand-painted tiles, and breathtaking views over Positano’s cascade of pastel houses. Guests dine at the Michelin-starred La Sponda, illuminated nightly by hundreds of candles, sip cocktails at the chic Franco’s Bar, and relax in the lemon-scented spa. Elegant, intimate, and unforgettable—Le Sirenuse is la dolce vita at its finest.

Il San Pietro di Positano

Carved into the cliffs just outside Positano, Il San Pietro is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. Every room features a private terrace with sweeping views of the sea, while the hotel’s hidden elevator leads to a private beach and beachside restaurant. With a Michelin-starred restaurant, Zass, a holistic spa, tennis court perched over the water, and service that feels like a warm Italian embrace, Il San Pietro di Positano offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and world-class refinement.

Conclusion: Three Must See Towns Along the Amalfi Coast

A lot of articles talk about which town is “best”. This is really hard to answer as each has a distinctive feel and ambience. Amalfi is bustling and spirited, with its impressive cathedral, many wonderful places to eat and its main town square which makes for wonderful people watching.  Ravello is refined and quiet, known for its terraced gardens and spectacular views.  Charming Positano has a fantastic beach and an amazing array of shops, in all price ranges.  As much as I have traveled, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most breath taking and gorgeous places I have ever been to, with the dramatic coast lines, the colorful Mediterranean painted homes, the delicious seafood and wine, the sun and the sea.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

If Italy is calling sooner, now’s the time! As a Fora Certified Travel Advisor, I can help you plan the perfect trip! Visit my Book with Me page for more details.

Need a Flight to Italy?

The best airport to fly into to access the Amalfi Coast is Naples International (NAP). Rome is a bit further a way and will require a longer connection.

Need a Car?

Driving around the Amalfi Coast is quite the adventure and parking can be difficult but it does allow for flexibility to tour the coast at your own pace.

What to Wear to the Amalfi Coast?

Head to my LTK page for European travel inspired fashion and packing tips.

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