The iconic SS163 coastal road, dramatic cliffs and pastel-coloured houses seemingly sliding into the crystal-clear water. Welcome to the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy, without a doubt one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. But with so many charming villages along the route, you may soon wonder which places you really shouldn’t miss and how to explore them in the smartest way. We explored this breathtaking region on the ultimate Italian mode of transport: a Vespa! Without getting stuck in the notorious traffic or paying a fortune for parking, we discovered the most beautiful villages along the Amalfi Coast. These are our favourite villages, best hotspots and top tips for your trip!
The 3 Most Beautiful Towns on the Amalfi Coast
While the entire coastline is dotted with picturesque towns and villages, three places stand out above the rest. Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are at the heart of the Amalfi Coast, each with its own unique atmosphere, character and highlights. Here are our three favorite towns to visit.
1. Positano: The most iconic cliffside town
One of the most famous towns on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is instantly recognizable by its colorful houses cascading down the cliffs towards the sea. Narrow streets wind their way between the pastel-colored buildings, with spectacular views of the deep blue Mediterranean around almost every corner. This is exactly what makes Positano so special, and it’s hard not to be captivated by the scenery as you explore the town. Its dramatic setting, charming boutiques, lively terraces and beautiful beach have made Positano a favorite among travelers for years.
Positano may not be a large town, but don’t let its size fool you when it comes to distances. Built against the cliffs, the town is made up of plenty of stairs and steep, winding streets. Wandering through Positano is an experience in itself, but during the summer months, it can get quite busy and hot. Be sure to allow yourself some extra time and don’t just stick to the main sights. Instead, take a stroll through some of the quieter streets and see where they lead you. Along the way, you’ll come across charming little shops, small squares and plenty of picture-perfect viewpoints.
Parking a Vespa in Positano
Are you visiting Positano by Vespa, just like we did? Parking is much easier with a scooter than with a car. At this parking lot in Positano, you can park your scooter for €4 per hour. From here, it's just a short walk into the town center.
Tip: Positano is one of the busiest places on the Amalfi Coast. Traveling by Vespa gives you much more freedom to come and go as you please, but we recommend setting off early. This way, you can avoid some of the crowds and have more time to explore the town at a relaxed pace.
Hotspot: Yummy Positano
A stop we definitely recommend adding to your Positano itinerary is Yummy Positano. This popular gelato shop has two locations in town: one by the coast and another further uphill on Viale Pasitea, the steep road leading into Positano. We chose the latter, and we can highly recommend it. You can get all kinds of delicious gelato here, but the real reason to visit is their famous Lemon Sorbet. For €10, you get a hollowed-out, frozen lemon filled with refreshing lemon sorbet. It’s a fun and unusual treat, and on a hot day on the Amalfi Coast, there’s nothing quite like enjoying an ice-cold lemon!
What makes this location even more special than the one by the coast is the view. Since the gelato shop is higher up, it’s generally much quieter here, but the real highlight is the panorama over Positano. From here, you have a fantastic view of the colorful houses cascading down the cliffs, with the bright blue sea stretching out behind them.
Hotspot: Ristorante Bruno
Another popular hotspot in Positano is Ristorante Bruno, best known for its location and spectacular views over the town and the Amalfi Coast. From the terrace, you can look out over the colorful houses built into the hillside. We stopped here towards the end of the morning for a refreshing iced coffee after wandering through Positano’s narrow streets. It’s a lovely place to take a break and, above all, enjoy the incredible view.
One thing worth knowing is that the staff are well aware that the location and the view are the main attractions. So don’t expect overly warm or personal service. That said, with a panorama like this in front of you, it’s not exactly difficult to overlook that and simply enjoy a drink or something delicious while taking in the view.
2. Amalfi: The historic and vibrant heart
After the photogenic Positano, Amalfi offers a completely different experience. This historic coastal town is the vibrant heart of the Amalfi Coast and lends its name to the entire coastline. While Positano is best known for its colorful houses clinging to the steep cliffs, Amalfi is all about lively streets, charming squares and centuries of history.
Right in the heart of Amalfi, you’ll find the impressive Duomo di Amalfi overlooking the lively Piazza Duomo. From the square, the town’s main shopping street winds its way deeper into the historic center, lined with small boutiques, cafés, restaurants and local shops. Step away from the main street and wander through the smaller side streets, and you’ll discover a maze of narrow alleyways, charming little squares, cafés and even more shops.
Hotspot: Taverna Masaniello
For a delicious lunch, we stopped at Taverna Masaniello in Amalfi. Located right in the heart of the lively town center, it’s a great spot to sit down for a leisurely lunch while exploring Amalfi. We enjoyed a delicious lasagna on the terrace, with a great view of the steady stream of tourists passing by.
Parking a scooter in Amalfi
A scooter is also much more practical than a car in Amalfi. There are plenty of spots along the harbor where you can park on the street, but these are popular and unattended. We found a convenient parking lot at the far end of the harbor, from where it’s still only about a 10-minute walk to the town center. It’s also more affordable, and your scooter is parked in a monitored area.
3. Ravello: Panoramic views of the mountains
Of the three towns on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello might just be our favorite. While Positano and Amalfi sit right by the sea and attract plenty of visitors and activity, Ravello is perched high above the coastline. The drive up to the town is an experience in itself. As you climb higher, the views over the coastline and the sea become more and more spectacular.
Ravello has a completely different atmosphere from the better-known coastal towns. It feels smaller and more laid-back, with charming squares, inviting terraces and narrow streets lined with lovely shops. When we visited towards the end of the afternoon, there were certainly plenty of tourists around, but it never felt overwhelming. The terraces were busy, and there was a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the town.
Ravello’s biggest attraction is its elevated location and the incredible views that come with it. Perched high above the coastline, the town offers a completely different perspective of the Amalfi Coast. For some of the best views, be sure to visit Villa Rufolo. Wander through its beautiful gardens and take your time soaking up the panoramic views across the sea. Another great option is Villa Cimbrone, which is also home to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the coastline.
Parking in Ravello
Ravello is easy to explore without having to worry about finding a parking spot in the heart of town. Just outside the town center, you’ll find convenient street parking specifically for scooters. At the parking meter, simply enter your license plate number and the amount of time you expect to park, pay, and then walk straight into town.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?
One of the most important decisions when planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast is, of course, where you’ll stay. The well-known coastal towns such as Positano and Amalfi They're beautiful, but staying here overnight can be quite pricey. Plus, these places get very crowded during peak season, so you have to ask yourself if that's what you're looking for.
During our visit to the Amalfi Coast, we stayed in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a charming little village located just outside the most famous coastal towns. Here, we stayed at the four-star Hotel O Sole Mio. From here, we simply rode our Vespa toward the Amalfi Coast. A major advantage of this location is its tranquility and its setting between the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, and a few small shops, but the major tourist crowds found in the coastal towns are absent here.
Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
Hotel O Sole Mio
During our trip, we stayed at Hotel O Sole Mio and were pleasantly surprised by its lovely atmosphere. The hotel has a stylish, distinctly Italian feel and features a beautiful swimming pool, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day full of new impressions.
Our favorite towns to stay on the Amalfi Coast
You don’t have to stay right on the Amalfi Coast to experience everything it has to offer. If you’re traveling by Vespa or perhaps by car, staying just outside the best-known coastal towns can actually be a great option.
Besides Sant’Agata, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are also popular places to stay. The best location for you will mainly depend on what you’re looking for during your trip. Want to wake up to sea views and don’t mind spending a little more? Then Positano and Amalfi are fantastic options. Prefer somewhere quieter and a more affordable base from which to explore the area? In that case, Sant’Agata is definitely worth considering.
Below, we’ve gathered our best tips for places to stay on the Amalfi Coast to help you choose the right location for your trip:
- Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi: for peace and quiet, Italian charm and a central base
- Positano: for the ultimate Amalfi Coast experience
- Amalfi: for a central location on the Amalfi Coast
- Ravello: for peace and quiet, stunning views and a romantic stay on the Amalfi Coast
Our Ideal Vespa Route Along the Amalfi Coast
You can visit all three towns (Positano, Amalfi and Ravello) in a single day, but we recommend allowing at least two to three days for the trip. That way, you won’t have to rush from one town to the next, and you’ll have plenty of time to make spontaneous stops along the way and enjoy the scenery.
Plan to spend a full day in Positano. Besides exploring the town itself, you can easily combine your visit with a few hours at the beach. Especially during the warm summer months, it’s wonderful to cool off in the sea after wandering through Positano’s steep streets.
The following day, you can easily combine Amalfi and Ravello. The two towns are close to each other but have completely different atmospheres, making them a great combination. Start your day in lively Amalfi, then make your way up to the more peaceful Ravello later in the afternoon.
Practical tips for exploring the Amalfi Coast by Vespa
In our opinion, exploring the Amalfi Coast by Vespa is one of the best ways to experience this region. You have the freedom to stop whenever you like along the way, and you don’t have to worry as much about the traffic on the SS163 coastal road or finding parking in the towns.
We found it especially important not to pack too much into the day. The route itself is already part of the experience. Stop at a beautiful viewpoint along the way, take a photo and simply enjoy the fact that you’re riding a scooter along the Amalfi Coast.
The time you set off can make a big difference. Especially during the high season, the coastal road can get quite busy. By setting off early, you’ll not only enjoy a more relaxed ride, but you’ll also arrive at the popular towns before they get too crowded.
Another major advantage of traveling by Vespa (or scooter) is parking. While parking options for cars can quickly become limited and expensive, scooters are much easier to park in many places. Keep in mind, however, that parking rules and rates can vary depending on the location and time of year.
Please note: yellow-marked spaces are reserved for locals, blue-marked spaces are paid parking, and white-marked spaces are free.
Get inspired for your trip to Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a destination that stays with you long after your first visit. The combination of the Italian way of life, stunning coastline, historic cities and delicious food makes southern Italy an especially appealing and diverse destination. And once you’ve caught the Italian travel bug, you’ll often find yourself wanting to discover even more (we speak from experience). Looking for some extra inspiration for your next trip to Italy? Here are a few more tips and ideas to inspire your travels.
Discover ancient Pompeii
A visit to the Amalfi Coast can easily be combined with a trip to Pompeii. Wander through the ancient streets, houses and squares of this fascinating archaeological site and discover what life was like here around 2,000 years ago. In our article, we share all our tips for visiting Pompeii..
Plan a city trip to Rome
Looking to discover a completely different side of Italy? Rome is a fantastic destination for a city break. From the Colosseum and Pantheon to charming piazzas, impressive fountains and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine, there’s plenty to discover in the Italian capital. In our in-depth guide, we share our favorite sights, hotspots and practical tips for things to do in Rome.
Winter sports in Valle d’Aosta
Italy is, of course, about much more than sunshine, beaches and summer road trips. In the north of the country, you’ll find the impressive Alps and Valle d’Aosta, a beautiful region for a winter getaway. Here, you can combine snow-covered mountain peaks and charming alpine villages with delicious Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. Read more about the best ski resorts in Valle d’Aosta!
A Tailor-Made Trip to Italy
Rather not have to research and plan everything yourself? With a tailor-made trip, you can discover Italy in a way that’s completely tailored to you. From a relaxing road trip along the most beautiful coastal towns to a combination of culture, nature, delicious food and unique places to stay, the possibilities are endless. Get inspired by our own travel experiences and discover how we can incorporate your wishes into your dream trip to Italy. Book a free travel consultation with us!
