The best beaches on the Amalfi Coast are waiting for you with open arms. Is your ideal summer holiday full of boat tours, local cooking lessons, wine tastings, and walks along white, sandy shores? If so, this is a coastline that is sure to leave you satisfied.
Amalfi Coast’s beaches are so picturesque, they almost seem fake. Surrounded by clear, glinting waters and green cliffs sprinkled with ancient architecture, you won’t want to miss this Italian shoreline. Taste local wines, traditional dishes, and the salty air that envelops Amalfi’s boat tours. There is plenty to see nearby, with adjacent towns and islands including the iconic Naples, Pompei, Salerno, and Capri.
In this article, we will inform you of all the best beaches, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and activities to enjoy on Amalfi Coast. Sit back, relax, and enjoy imagining yourself amongst some of the most jaw-dropping environments in the world.
The 9 Best Beaches on The Amalfi Coast
The Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy’s southern coast has some of the most picturesque sights the country has to offer. It’s finally your turn to experience dramatic cliffs, colorful coastal towns, and sparkling blue waters.
1. Tordigliano Beach, Positano
In Positano, you will find Tordigliano Beach, a hidden gem that is not visible from the street, but accessible through a 15-minute walk. Immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, this uncontaminated spot is perfect for travelers who enjoy smaller, less crowded beaches. This area also boasts amazing views of the archipelago of Li Galli, “an oasis of peace” for the famous Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev.
2. Marina Grande, Amalfi
Marina Grande is one of the main attractions of Amalfi, located a short walk away from the town center. This is one of the most colorful, cosmopolitan areas to unwind in, featuring delicious cuisine, several beach resorts, and rentable parasols and lounge chairs. Because of its popularity, Marina Grande Beach can get quite overcrowded on weekends, especially during the months of July and August.
Read more: How Many Days in Amalfi Coast – A Mediterranean Escape
3. Gavitella Beach, Praiano
For a more tranquil yet luxurious adventure, stop by Gavitella Beach in the town of Praiano. Although Gavitella Beach is relatively small, it offers a relaxing escape from the crowds on some of the more well-known beaches along the Amalfi Coast. The path to the beach can get a little steep, so make sure to bring your best hiking shoes.
4. Marina di Vietri, Vietri sul Mare
The town of Vietri sul Mare, famous for its vibrant ceramics, is home to the Marina di Vietri. The first beach along the Amalfi coast, this shoreline hosts a plethora of ancient churches, towers, and monasteries that are sure to take your breath away. The chapel of the Madonna dell’Arco was inhabited for years by a hermit who used to inform the population of returning fishermen and impending dangers by ringing its bells.
Read more: What is Amalfi Coast Famous For – 9 Extraordinary Reasons
5. Duoglio and Santa Croce Beaches, Amalfi
The beaches of Santa Croce are located just a short boat ride west of Amalfi. This coast is known for its bright orange umbrellas, contrasting beautifully against the vibrant blue sky. If you’re planning on wandering through the public section only, beware of large rocks and make sure to bring supportive shoes.
6. Minori Beach
Stretching through the province of Salerno in the Campania region, this beach’s quaint scenery attracts flocks of tourists. Right by the town center, you can enjoy a lovely promenade along the sea and a lemon-tree-filled hike connecting Minori to Maiori. Three bathing establishments lie in the middle of the beach, to either side of which the beach is free. After a relaxing dip, you should pop into Salvatore De Riso’s pastry shop to taste mouthwatering delights from Amalfi’s most famous pastry chef.
7. Marina di Praia, Praiano
Marina di Praia is considered one of the best beaches in Amalfi for its seaside cliffs in the town of Praiano, right between Positano and Amalfi. Known for its characteristic harbor full of bobbing boats, visitors can watch fishermen haul back their daily catch here. There is a public section as well as a private side in which guests can rent beds for €15 each. Crowds do tend to gather here during hotter months, so try to visit in May or June if you’d like a calmer atmosphere.
Read more: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast – Complete Travel Guide
8. Marina Grande, Positano
Marina Grande is Positano’s main beach, making it one of the liveliest and most bustling coastlines in the entire Amalfi Coast. The beach offers a rentable boat to Capri or the Li Galli islands. At the northern end of the beach, you will find several cafes and restaurants while the eastern edge holds the area’s famous nightclub, Music On the Rocks. It is also easily accessible by public transit, only about 700 meters away from the Sita Sud bus stop at the crossroads of Via Cristoforo Colombo and Via Guglielmo Marconi (Sponda).
9. Arienzo Beach, Positano
Arienzo Beach is home to one of the most lavish beach clubs in Positano. The Arienzo Beach Club allows you to enjoy an enchanting venue, traditional Positanese cuisine, a professional beach waiter attendant, delectable cocktails, and several cliffs to jump. Complimentary shuttle boat service is available, departing from 9:50 AM at the pier of Lucibello Company. Here, you can dance along to the rhythm of the club speakers and the translucent waves beside you.
The Best Activities to Do Near The Amalfi Coast
With so many stunning sights and serene settings to offer, Amalfi is sure to provide a variety of exciting activities to experience. On this visit, your itinerary is sure to be packed with fun. Check out the list we’ve compiled for you below.
Boat Tour in Capri
To take in the astounding surroundings of the Tyrrhenian Sea, set sail on a boat tour to Capri. Explore the most famous island of the Mediterranean by relishing in its heavenly coves, bays, and iconic Faraglioni stacks. Visit the classic cave of Blue Grotto and swim where Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius used to centuries ago. Plus, a free bar and aperitif with appetizers and prosecco are included.
Read more: Amalfi Coast Boat Tours – Discover the Mediterranean Sea
Local Cooking Lessons
If you’re interested in learning about Italy’s traditional gastronomic delicacies, take a local cooking class. This lesson will allow you to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine in a family kitchen while overlooking the Sorrentine coastline. Here, you will prepare and feast on eggplant parmesan, fresh gnocchi in tomato sauce, and a smashing tiramisù.
Wine Tasting
Explore the flavors of Sorrento with this three-four hour food tour at a local Italian farm. Here, you will sample authentic wines, olive oils, cheeses, and even a filling lunch along with dessert. Transportation from your hotel is included, taking you directly to the olive and lemon groves you ache to wander through.
Read more: Amalfi Coast Food – Indulge in the Best Italy has to Offer!
Best Beach Clubs on The Amalfi Coast
After breaking down the best beaches to relax in, we have also gathered a list of private beach clubs that are worth paying a visit to. Because many of the beaches we’ve already mentioned have both public and private areas, some of our selections may already seem familiar to you.
One Fire Beach
This vibrant and radiant beach club is sure to get your hips swaying. One Fire Beach Club is open May through October in Praiano, making sure that all guests let their hair down and party. The best way to reach the club is by taking their complimentary ferry shuttle from either Positano Marina or Priano Marina. Alternatively, its orange umbrellas and sunbeds are easily noticeable from the main road, only a short walk away.
La Gavitella
La Gavitella is a beach club that offers some of Amalfi’s most reputable dining experiences. Here, you can enjoy tasty cocktails, crisp salads, traditional sandwiches, and freshly cut fruit. You can also stop for a short coffee break at one of the terrace gazebos. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for about €90 in July and a water taxi shuttle from Positano & Praiano is included in your reservation.
Il Pirata
If you’re seeking an experience that won’t break the bank, try the Il Pirata Bar & Beach Club. Sunbeds are rentable for about €30 while umbrellas start at €15. Make sure to put down a deposit for your spot in advance as they tend to sell out quickly during summer months.
Hotels on the Amalfi Coast With Private Beach
Of course, there are plenty of hotels bordering the best beaches in Amalfi. Below you will find our top three stays, each with a private beach for you to soak up the seaside sun.
Villa Paradise
Luxury B&B on the water – If you’re looking to splurge on an enchanting vacation right on the water, book the Villa Paradise. Located a few steps from Spiaggia dei Travertini, one of the best beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the location of this bed and breakfast has been highly rated by recent guests. Each unit comes with a terrace overlooking peaceful ocean views. Spiaggia Addò Francesca is a 4-minute walk from Villa Paradise while Spiaggia della Vergola di Ferro is only 457 yards away.
Hotel Le Terrazze
Beachfront stay with large terrace – The Hotel Le Terrazze also boasts incredible views on private beachside terraces. It is located right on the Amalfi Coast, just out of Conca dei Marini, only a 200-step staircase away from the rocky shore. The hotel is easily accessible by bus and is enjoyed by couples in particular.
Hotel Stabia
Budget-friendly hotel with private beach – Set on the seafront of Castellammare di Stabia Beach, this elegant establishment has been operating since 1876. Although not as costly as other hotels in the area, Hotel Stabia is just as luxurious. With a top-rated terrace restaurant, it is close to the archaeological sites of Stabiae, Ercolano, Pompei, and Oplonti.
The Top 3 Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast
There’s a reason why many avid travelers consider Italy’s cuisine to be some of the best in the world. Amalfi Coast not only provides fascinating scenery but also spectacular food. Below you will find the three best restaurants we recommend for you to try in this ideal coastal ambiance.
1. Da Maria
The Da Maria Trattoria Pizzeria is an absolutely mandatory destination in your culinary adventures. It is owned by a friendly Italian family that truly prioritizes its relationship with its customers. In addition to the impressive service, the restaurant’s menu offers a variety of highly revered spaghetti and pizza dishes. There are additionally a good amount of gluten-free options for customers to try.
2. Ristorante l’Abside
Nestled within Piazza dei Dogi of Amalfi, the Ristorante l’Abside presents a selection of dishes that prioritize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Additionally, its menu features sophisticated traditional desserts as well as wines and liqueurs. Indulge in fresh seafood, pasta, risotto, and various meat selections while enjoying your enchanting, historically ancient surroundings.
3. Ristorante la Caravella
Receiving its first MICHELIN Star this year, the Ristorante la Caravella doubles as a museum. This icon of the Amalfi coast features works from several local artists over the centuries and even legends such as Andy Warhol. From ancient ceramics to fine silks, its whimsical atmosphere will make you eager to dine here forever.
What to See and Do Near The Amalfi Coast
Amalfi has been a hub for rich cultural experiences within Italy. While there is a lot to see and do within Amalfi, there is also a great deal to explore beyond this coastal town’s borders.
- Pompeii – This ancient Roman city is located near modern-day Naples. It was tragically buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This site is perfect for history buffs who want to seek a unique glimpse into life in ancient Rome.
- Naples and Salerno – These cities of the southern Campania region offer prominent street life, narrow streets, ancient buildings, and ornate churches. Visit their rich museums and try their infamous pizza, known as the best in Italy.
- Capri – If you’re looking for an aquatic paradise, take a boat to the island of Capri. Here you can visit the towering Faraglioni and the iconic Blue Grotto sea cave.
- Hiking on the Amalfi Coast – The Amalfi Coast has many extraordinary hiking trails that will make you feel like you are walking through a painting. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), Valle delle Ferriere, and Monte Tre Calli are some of the most picturesque hikes in Amalfi that range in difficulty.
- Amalfi Coast Towns – Of course, Amalfi is not the only charming town along this acclaimed coast. Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Maiori and Minori, and Vietri sul Mare are also waiting to be explored.
Read more: Day Trips From Amalfi Coast – Our Top Picks
FAQs About The Beaches on the Amalfi Coast
Before embarking on your trip to Amalfi’s oceanside utopia, you probably have a few questions running through your mind. In order to prepare you as much as we can, we have answered the three most common questions about Amalfi Coast below.
Are there Sandy Beaches on the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is primarily known for its rugged and cliff-lined coastline, so sandy beaches are not as prevalent compared to other coastal regions. However, some sandy beaches can be found, including Marina Grande Beach, Duoglio Beach, and Arienzo Beach.
Are there Swimming Beaches on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, there are several beaches along the Amalfi Coast for you to dive into. Below is our list of the best beaches in Amalfi, which offer a wide selection of areas to comfortably swim in.
Can you See Dolphins in Amalfi?
Yes, it is possible to find dolphins in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region is home to several species of dolphins, often spotted jumping playfully alongside boats. To increase your chances of seeing dolphins, take a boat tour or excursion specifically designed for dolphin watching.
