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The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Summer Guide: Top 5 Stays & Must-Do Activities

  • May 6
  • 3 min read

There is a reason the Amalfi Coast dominates everyone's summer travel mood boards. This jaw-dropping stretch of Italian coastline combines old-school Hollywood glamour with effortless Mediterranean beauty. If you're ready to live out your Italian summer fantasy, here is exactly where to drop your bags and what to do.


🏨 Top 5 Places to Stay on the Amalfi Coast



1. Le Sirenuse (Positano)

  • The Vibe: High-fashion luxury and pure romance.

  • Best For: Couples on a bucket-list splurge or honeymoon.

  • Why Stay Here: This is arguably the most famous hotel in Italy. Clad in signature oxblood red, this family-run property sits right in the heart of Positano. Every corner is filled with antique furniture, climbing jasmine, and unobstructed, postcard-perfect views of the town’s iconic cascading buildings.



2. Caruso, A Belmond Hotel (Ravello)

  • The Vibe: Majestic, peaceful, and historic.

  • Best For: Travelers who want to escape the coastal crowds without losing the view.

  • Why Stay Here: Located high up in the quiet mountain town of Ravello, this 11th-century palace boasts frescoes, terraced gardens, and what is widely considered the most beautiful infinity pool in the world. It looks like it is suspended directly between the sky and the sea.




3. Hotel Santa Caterina (Amalfi)

  • The Vibe: Classic Italian Riviera elegance.

  • Best For: Beach lovers who want direct water access.

  • Why Stay Here: Unlike many Amalfi hotels where you have to hike down hundreds of stairs to touch the water, Santa Caterina has a private glass elevator that takes you right down to their exclusive beach club and saltwater pool on the sea.


4. Hotel Villa Franca (Positano)

  • The Vibe: Sleek, high-concept luxury with an art-gallery soul.

  • Best For: Travelers wanting a glamorous hilltop sanctuary and world-class dining.

  • Why Stay Here: Perched high on the cliffs of Positano, this stunning boutique hotel blends crisp, white Italian marble with bold, contemporary artwork. Because it sits at one of the highest points in town, its rooftop infinity pool offers a breathtaking, uninterrupted 360-degree view of the sea and town below. It's also a major foodie destination, home to Li Galli, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. The ultimate perk: While it offers total peace away from the crowds, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to zip you up and down to the town center and beach every half hour.



5. Casa Angelina (Praiano)

  • The Vibe: Sleek, minimalist, and ultra-modern.

  • Best For: Design enthusiasts and peace seekers.

  • Why Stay Here: If antique Italian decor isn't your thing, Casa Angelina’s crisp, all-white aesthetic will be a breath of fresh air. Tucked away in the quieter fishing village of Praiano, it offers unparalleled views of Capri and a highly exclusive feel.



🍋 Top 5 Summer Activities to Do



1. Charter a Private Boat to Capri

You haven't truly seen the Amalfi Coast until you've seen it from the water. Rent a traditional wooden gozzo boat for a day trip to the island of Capri. You’ll cruise past the towering Faraglioni rock formations, swim in hidden sea caves, and feel like a movie star.



2. Sip an Aperol Spritz at Spiaggia Grande

Head down to Positano's main beach, rent a classic orange-and-blue sun lounger, and just people-watch. Order a local lemon sorbet or a cold drink, listen to the waves, and watch the world go by. It’s the ultimate way to master il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).


3. Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

If you want to work for your views, this historic cliffside trail runs from Bomerano to Nocelle. You'll hike past ancient stone huts and deep gorges, all while enjoying panoramic views of the entire coastline and Capri stretching out below you.



4. Explore the Lush Gardens of Villa Cimbrone

Take a bus or taxi up to Ravello and walk through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone. The crown jewel here is the "Terrace of Infinity," a cliffside balcony lined with marble busts that offers a view so expansive it feels like looking over the edge of the earth.


5. Get Lost in the Historic Streets of Amalfi Town

Take an afternoon to wander the maze of narrow, sun-bleached alleyways in Amalfi. Grab a pastry from the historic Pansa pasticceria, marvel at the grand, Arab-Norman architecture of the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo), and buy some authentic, locally made handmade paper.


đź’ˇ Summer Insider Tip:

Summer on the Amalfi Coast is stunning, but the main coastal road (the SS163) can get notoriously jammed with traffic. Save yourself the stress and motion sickness—skip the buses and taxis whenever possible and use the local ferry network to hop between Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. It's faster, cheaper, and comes with a built-in boat tour view!

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