6 Amalfi Coast Towns That
Deserve Your Attention

1. Amalfi: Where the Coast’s Story Began

The town that gave the coast its name is more than just a scenic stop. Once a maritime superpower, Amalfi controlled trade routes, minted its own currency, and pioneered the compass’s use in navigation. Today, its grandeur lingers in the cathedral’s gold mosaics and the quiet dignity of its piazzas.

What to do in Amalfi?
🍋 Taste its legacy at Pasticceria Pansa, a family-run bakery since 1830, where the delicate sfogliatella pairs perfectly with an espresso.
🚶 Walk the Valley of the Mills, where abandoned paper mills from Amalfi’s medieval paper industry are now swallowed by lush greenery.
🌊 Take a boat to secluded Santa Croce Beach, where the only way to arrive is by sea.

2. Minori & Maiori: The Culinary Heart of the Coast

Minori and Maiori, just minutes apart, are where food takes center stage. Avoid the crowds and overpriced menus—here, meals are an art form passed down through generations.

What to do in Minori & Maiori?
🏛 Step back in time at Minori’s Villa Marittima Romana, a 1st-century AD Roman villa with remarkably preserved frescoes.
🥂 Indulge at Sal De Riso, the legendary pastry shop where lemon cream cakes and ricotta-filled delizie are pure magic.
🦑 Dine at Torre Normanna, a medieval watchtower-turned-restaurant where the seafood risotto is worth the trip.

3. Ravello: Amalfi’s Elegant Escape

Perched 365 meters above the sea, Ravello has long been a sanctuary for artists, writers, and composers. Wagner found inspiration here. Gore Vidal made it home. Today, it remains one of the coast’s most refined retreats.

What to do in Ravello?
🎻 Experience the Ravello Festival, where world-class performances take place in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, suspended between sky and sea.
🌅 Sip a sunset Spritz at Palazzo Avino, where the terrace views rival any on the coast.
🏨 Stay at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, an 11th-century palace transformed into a five-star haven.

4. Conca dei Marini: A Hidden Coastal Dream

Tiny but storied, Conca dei Marini remains blissfully under the radar. Jacqueline Kennedy once spent summers here, escaping the spotlight for quiet boat trips along the coast.

What to do in Conca dei Marini?
🍝 Savor squid ink pasta at Le Bontà del Capo, where the flavors are as rich as the history.
🚤 Visit the Emerald Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an eerie green light—one of the coast’s most overlooked natural wonders.

5. Praiano: The Sophisticated Alternative to Positano

Once a summer retreat for the doges of Amalfi, Praiano is effortlessly elegant yet refreshingly low-key.

What to do in Praiano?
🍹 Drink at Il Pirata, a bar carved into the cliffs, where cocktails come with waves crashing beneath you.
🛶 Kayak along the coast at sunset, discovering hidden caves and deserted beaches.
🏡 Stay at Casa Angelina, a boutique hotel blending minimalist design with breathtaking views.

6. Positano: The Iconic View, Without the Crowds

Positano’s beauty is undeniable, but its popularity means smart travelers do it differently.

What to do in Positano?
🏝 Escape to Li Galli Islands, a private boat ride away, once home to ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev.
🍸 Skip the crowds and drink at Franco’s Bar, where every cocktail is crafted with as much care as the scenery.
🛏 Stay at Villa Treville, the former estate of filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli, now a hidden luxury retreat.

The Amalfi Coast, Beyond the Obvious
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of living. It’s a slow lunch under lemon trees, a hidden beach with no footprints in the sand, a terrace where time stretches with each sip of wine.