Amalfi Coast, Italy
- More about your Oliver Guide: Kelly Ronquist
- Trip type: Solo, Beach, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: At least one week!
to & from
The closest airport is Naples and you should definitely schedule a ride from the airport to the coast. There are some options online but I think the best way is so reach out to your hotel (or host) and ask them for a contact because they all have people that are more reliable.
Ravello: It is busy during the day because people bus up from Amalfi, but then it is quiet in the morning and evening. It is a stunning village on a hill with views everywhere you look. The streets are cute and there is more to explore than you initially think!
Praiano: Considered the sleepy sister to Positano, which I really enjoyed! It has two beaches you can walk to easily and feels more local. You can still do a lot of the same experiences that are offered in Positano (boats, cooking classes, hiking).
Positano: Very busy! I visited at the end of September, so the end of their typical busy season, and it was still very crowded. I am not sure I would need to go back here but it was fun to see. It did have my favorite beach of the trip!
Where to Stay
I stayed in Ravello, Praiano and Positano. Ravello and Praiano are both more chill and have a broad range of options in terms of budget. Positano is expensive no matter where you are staying. Below is where I stayed as a 30-year-old on a budget. All of the places included breakfast, which looks a little different over there but I loved it (think pastries, cheese, toast, coffee). I also was not spending much time at the hotels outside of sleeping, since there is so much to explore. I felt very safe and comfortable at all three places! I will say that rooms are much smaller there than in the States, so just keep that in mind if you are someone who needs more space.
Ravello – Maera B&B – This place was in an amazing location for Ravello! I think they offer some villas but I stayed in a room. The breakfast was simple but enough for me. Coffee, croissant and fruit. The breakfast area is inside, which was the only bummer since it is so nice outside. Check-in was easy, and the room and bathroom were clean.
Praiano – Albadamare Boutique Hotel – A stunning hotel with the most amazing and helpful hosts! They offered a welcome drink, explained the village and how to get around and offered to help book any experiences. The breakfast was amazing and my favorite of the trip. The breakfast area is located outside, allowing you to enjoy the view of the water while being served omelets and coffee.
Positano – Casa Guadagno – If you want to stay away from the craziness of the heart of Positano, then I recommend staying here! It is also closer to Il Fornillo Beach (the more local and less crowded one). The staff were helpful and the breakfast had a lot of options! The building is a bit loud, meaning you can hear everything going on outside of your room, so bring ear plugs for sleeping.