The best places to stay on the Amalfi CoastWe feature a large choice of beautiful villas on (or very near) the coast between Sorrento in the north, down as far as the towns of Amalfi and Ravello in the south. Choosing the best places to stay on this coastal paradise can be tricky, and much depends on whether you’re travelling with family, adult friends, or just as a couple. All the destinations here have their advantages – but if you are planning on doing some day trips during high season, we suggest the towns of Positano and Amalfi which, as well as being beautiful towns, are also convenient transportation bases for arranged tours. If you’re looking forward to settling in and just relaxing during your stay, Praiano, Ravello and Furore are the perfect choices. All the villas featured below currently have some high season availability.
PositanoPicture postcard Positano, with its sensational views, remains one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, and is a perfect destination for honeymoons or weddings. Throughout the years, Positano has been an inspirational retreat for film directors, film stars, artists, and writers, including John Steinbeck, who famously said “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there, and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone” – an emotion that still feels very real to visitors today. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach in Positano and is accessed via the picturesque town centre by stairs and cobbled alleyways. It can get quite crowded in high season, so some might prefer Fornillo beach, which is more peaceful and can be reached via a coastal path from the Spiaggia Grande. Positano has a sea taxi service available from Spiaggia Grande, to take you to tranquil little bays, and it’s also possible to visit the island of Capri from Positano by regular ferry or, for smaller groups, by gozzo.
Villas to rent inPositanoLa Terrazza del Giardino is a delightful two-bedroom apartment a short walk from the town, with wonderful views over the coast and sea to the Galli Islands. It’s set within a private garden complex surrounded by four acres of beautiful terraced gardens and an orchard with lemon and pomegranate trees, bougainvillea vines, jasmine, and plumbago, as well as a herb garden. There are private steps (about 200 steps) leading down to a small sandy beach.
A charming four-bedroom property,Villa Corvo is just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Positano, with wonderful views from its terraces, extending from the town to the beach and the sea. On several levels, there are terraced gardens and terraces for relaxing outdoors, as well as a swimming pool.
PraianoSituated around 7 km south of Positano, Praiano is an idyllic historic fishing village, which after the First World War started to attract artists and writers, who came here for the peace and quiet, and wonderful scenery. The village is perched on rocky cliffs, with wonderful views, and has access to some small beaches – the main one being Marina di Praia, a pebble beach, at the foot of the cliff on which stands the Torre a Mare (an ancient Saracen watchtower). At the heart of the village, you’ll find the 15th-century Church of St. Gennaro, celebrated for the beautiful hand-painted majolica tiles covering its dome, and terracotta tiled floors. The piazza next to the church is known for its Luminaria di San Domenico festival, held in late July or early August when it is lit up by thousands of candles in the evening.
Villas to rent in PraianoLying between Praiano (1 km) and Positano (7 km), the beautiful Villa Roma sits in a secluded position, high above the coastline, with magnificent sea views. This stunning five-bedroom property is just a five-minute walk down to the centre of Praiano. It’s also close to a pathway and stairs leading down to the coast and the pretty beach of La Praia. The villa has both indoor and outdoor pools.
Galli View is set in a beautiful position, perched on the cliffs just a seven-minute walk from the centre of Praiano. The nearest restaurant is just five minutes’ walk away, and the nearest beach 800m. This four-bedroom villa is built on three floors, with a terrace on each level, benefitting from spectacular sea views. From the mezzanine level, a door opens to the swimming pool terrace, and the property also has a fitness centre and sauna.
AmalfiThe town of Amalfi, a 16 km drive south of Positano, is one of the most historic towns along the coast, dating back to the 11th century when it was a maritime republic. Historically, like Pisa, Venice and Genoa, it was a trade bridge between the Byzantine and western worlds for centuries, which is celebrated every year with the Regatta of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics. The focal point of the historic centre of Amalfi is the Piazza del Duomo, with its impressive cathedral with both Moorish and Byzantine features, accessed via 60 steps up from the piazza. Along the waterfront is a pretty promenade, and a marina full of colourful boats. The position of the town, in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, makes for easy sightseeing in both directions, up to Positano, or down to Ravello. It is also possible to take ferries or hydrofoils to Salerno, Positano and Capri, or you can hire a boat to enjoy local coves for swimming. Amalfi is also known for its unique variety of extra large lemons with a strong perfume, and a sweet and juicy flesh, used in local dishes and to make limoncello liqueur.
Villas to rent in AmalfiDating back to the 15th century, Villa Amalfi Centro is situated in the oldest and most central area of the town of Amalfi, and benefits from wonderful views over the coast and sea. It’s just 150m down to the famous Piazza del Duomo di Amalfi at the centre of the town. Just a few steps up from the living room, there’s a furnished terrace, with a fantastic view over the coast and town, while on a lower level, there’s a swimming pool in a wonderful position to benefit from the sea views.
RavelloSet up high on the cliffs, with breathtaking views over the Bay of Salerno, Ravello is famous as a centre of art and culture and has inspired musicians and artists for decades. With its quiet cobbled streets and the elegant Piazza del Duomo, lined with cafés and restaurants, as well as the famous Ravello Cathedral, and the Villa Rufolo, home to one of the country’s best music festivals, the town retains an atmosphere of glamour and sophistication. The annual summer concert series with a grand orchestral performance takes place on a stage overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Below the town, and built into a hill, is an auditorium, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, where classical concerts, plays and dance performances take place, as well as art exhibitions and sculpture displays. Wonderful sea views can also be enjoyed from Villa Cimbrone, with its marble-lined ‘Terrace of Infinity’ which sits on the edge of cliffs high above the sea, directly overlooking the Bay of Salerno. With its expansive gardens (open to the public) and dramatic views, Villa Cimbrone is a popular place for weddings, honeymoons, and receptions. For those who want to explore the coast by boat, or take day trips, there are also regular ferries to the islands of Capri and Ischia, as well as to Positano and Amalfi.
Villas to rent in RavelloSituated on a hilltop, just a five-minute walk from the pedestrian area of the historic town of Ravello, five-bedroom Vista Ravello benefits from spectacular views over the countryside to the coast and sea. It features beautiful terraced gardens, a swimming pool (21m long) in a wonderful position with sea views, as well as a children’s playground, and a spacious outdoor dining area with barbecue and pizza oven, where it is also possible arrange small to medium events.
Villa to rent in SorrentoPiano di Sorrento is a stunning four-bedroom villa situated in one of the most beautiful points of the Sorrento peninsula, 6 km north of Positano, and just 800m from the village of Colli di Fontanelle. It has a saltwater infinity pool perched in a stunning position, with wonderful views of the ocean and the Li Galli Islands. Outside the master suites on the bottom floor, there is also a wide terrace with a hot tub to relax in, again with amazing sea views.
Villa Furore is a historic property in a very central location, within an easy walk to the restaurants, shops, bars and other main points of interest in the town. With large terraces, a swimming pool, and wonderful sea views, this beautiful 3-4 bedroom villa dates to 16th century, with external features including original fortifications and a small lookout tower. As well as offering all modern amenities, the interiors also bear evidence of the property’s history, with vaulted ceilings and romantic fireplaces.
Villa to rent on Capri IslandLocated on a hillside with wonderful sea views over the Gulf of Naples to Vesuviusand the Sorrento peninsula, Villa Tiberio offers peace and tranquillity, yet is just a 16-minute walk from the main Piazzetta in Capri town. Surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation, including olive, lemon and fig trees, it also features a beautiful infinity swimming pool on a large terrace overlooking the sea, facing Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. There’s also a jacuzzi and a sauna. A furnished terrace on the rooftop offers magical views while enjoying a romantic dinner under the starry sky.