The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and, of course, its…
Positano vs Amalfi | A Comprehensive Comparison
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Planning a dream trip to Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, but can’t decide between staying in Positano or Amalfi? These two iconic coastal towns are the most popular destinations along the Amalfi Coast, but they offer completely different experiences. After spending time in both towns and exploring every corner of this magical coastline, I’m going to break down everything you need to know when comparing Positano vs Amalfi, to ensure that you have the best experience on your Amalfi Coast vacation!
Whether you’re dreaming of Instagram-worthy cliff-side views, authentic Italian culture, or the perfect romantic getaway, this guide will help you decide which town best aligns with your travel style and budget.
What You Need to Know About Visiting the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast isn’t the easiest destination to navigate, but it’s 100% worth it. The coast stretches about 50 kilometers along southern Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, and is made up of 13 picturesque villages, each with its own unique character. The two most famous towns are Positano and Amalfi, and they make excellent bases depending on what you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that, no matter where you stay, this region is expensive, the roads are narrow and crowded, and everything involves a lot of walking up and down steep stairs and hills. But trust me, the views and experiences make every euro and every step worth it! Just pack comfortable shoes and maybe consider some time on a stair-climber before your trip!
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in shoulder season, so pack layers and a light rain jacket. The coastal location means sudden weather changes, and you don’t want to be caught in a downpour while wearing only a sundress.
Transportation Between the Towns
If you’re torn between the two, consider that they’re not too far away from each other, making it easy to experience both during your stay. The SITA bus runs regularly throughout the day (every 30-40 minutes in peak season), and a one-way ticket costs around €2. The bus can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour each way, depending on traffic conditions. The ferry connection during the summer months is even more scenic and only takes 10-30 minutes, depending on the ferry line, starting at €10 per person each way. The ferry is definitely faster and more comfortable, but obviously the more expensive option. However, the ferry is sort of an experience in and of itself, so it’s personally what I would recommend.
Which is More Budget-Friendly: Positano or Amalfi?
To be honest, neither town is a particularly “budget-friendly” destination, but when it comes to affordability, Amalfi wins hands down. Positano is notoriously expensive, with luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and expensive designer boutiques. A simple lunch with a view can easily cost €30-40 per person, and that’s excluding drinks or dessert. Hotel rooms during peak season can run €300-500+ per night for anything decent, and if you want one of those famous cliff-side terraces, you’re looking at €700+ per night. Even a basic cappuccino can cost €5-7 if you’re sitting somewhere with a view! In Positano, you’re paying for the location and the experience, not just the food. The question is whether that premium is worth it for your specific trip.
Amalfi is still quite pricey by Italian standards, but it offers more variety in accommodation and dining options. You’ll find family-run trattorias serving tasty meals for €20-25 per person, and you can snag decent hotel rooms for €150-300 per night depending on the season and your location within the town. The difference might not sound huge at first, but over a week-long stay, you’re talking about saving potentially thousands of euros.
Plus, Amalfi has more practical amenities like actual supermarkets and pharmacies, which can help you save money on essentials. Positano does have small markets, but the prices are quite a bit more inflated.
For budget travelers, consider that Amalfi also has more mid-range accommodation options, including family-run B&Bs and guesthouses that offer authentic experiences without the luxury price tag. Many of these places include breakfast, which can save you €15-20 per person, per day, compared to pay-to-eat hotel breakfast buffets or an even more expensive breakfast at a local cafe.
If your heart is absolutely set on Positano, but you’re on a tight budget, there is one hostel in Positano that is the most affordable option in town (you’re still looking at over €100 a night for a bunk bed in a shared dorm, though). It books out quickly and is a popular spot for backpackers, so if you want to reserve a bunk, make sure to reserve far in advance – especially if you are visiting in the peak summer months!
💡 Key Takeaway: Amalfi is by far the more affordable of the two towns
Overall Comparison: Vibes, Food, Lodging, and More
The Vibes in Positano vs Amalfi
The atmosphere in Positano vs Amalfi is quite different, and this might be the most important factor in your decision for where to stay.
Positano
Positano is ritzy, glamorous, and romantic, with its pastel-colored houses staggered along the dramatic cliffside, forming a truly one-of-a-kind view. The atmosphere is polished and feels like you are literally inside of a postcard, with perfectly manicured gardens, designer boutiques, and hotels and restaurants that look like they belong in Architectural Digest. But it can feel a bit artificial at times, like you’re staying in a beautiful theme park rather than a real Italian town.
Amalfi
Amalfi has a more lived-in feel than Positano. You’ll see nonnas hanging laundry from their balconies, kids playing soccer in small squares, and locals going about their daily lives alongside wandering tourists. It’s romantic too, but lacks the exclusive luxuriousness that Positano exudes. Amalfi almost has a slight grittiness to it, in a way that only a local town can, but that adds to its authentic charm. Don’t get me wrong, the area by the cathedral and promenade is very touristic, lined with cheesy souvenir shops and cheap gelato stands. However, if you venture further back into town, you’ll experience a different, more authentic vibe.
💡 Key takeaway: Positano for luxury and romance, Amalfi for more local vibes
Food in Positano vs Amalfi
Both towns offer great dining experiences, but with completely different vibes and price points. Like anywhere, you’ll find great restaurants and not-so-great restaurants in both towns, so do your research and check the reviews before deciding where to dine to ensure the best experience!
Positano’s food scene
Positano’s restaurants tend to be more upscale and focused on presentation. Many restaurants offer some of the most spectacular views in the world, but you’re definitely paying for the ambiance and location. Restaurants like La Sponda and Zass offer unforgettable dining experiences, but expect to spend €150-200 per person for dinner with wine.
The focus in Positano is often on sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with creative twists on traditional dishes. You’ll find restaurants specializing in fresh seafood with Asian influences, or traditional pasta dishes elevated with premium ingredients like truffle or high-quality buffalo mozzarella. However, you’ll also find plenty of pizza restaurants and more casual places to grab a quick bite. Just know that you’ll probably be eating some of the most expensive pizza in Italy!
Amalfi’s food scene
Amalfi’s food scene feels more authentic and varied, with options for every budget and taste. You’ll find everything from casual pizzerias where locals grab a quick bite to elegant restaurants serving traditional Amalfi Coast cuisine. Many family-run places have been serving the same recipes for generations, passed down through families who take incredible pride in their culinary heritage.
The famous sfogliatelle pastries originated in the region, and trust me, trying one fresh from a local bakery is an absolute must! The layers of crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta and candied orange peel are absolutely divine! Plus, the local limoncello in Amalfi is made from the region’s famous Sorrento lemons and tastes completely different from what you’ll find in tourist shops.
Don’t miss trying the local specialty pasta dishes like scialatielli (a fresh pasta similar to linguine) with seafood, or the region’s incredible mozzarella di bufala served simply with local tomatoes and basil. In Amalfi, you can find these dishes at family trattorias for €12-15, while the same dish in Positano might cost €25-30.
💡 Key Takeaway: Positano for fine dining/splurge meals, Amalfi for trattorias/family restaurants.
Accommodation in Positano vs Amalfi
The accommodations you’ll experience in Positano vs Amalfi are completely different, and can play a huge role in which town you decide to stay in during your time on the Amalfi Coast.
Positano is renowned for its luxurious cliff-side hotels, featuring infinity pools and jaw-dropping views that have graced numerous magazine covers. Properties like Le Sirenuse, Hotel Poseidon, and Palazzo Murat offer genuinely world-class experiences, with impeccable service, stunning design, and amenities that justify their premium prices. These properties are absolutely stunning but come with price tags that can easily exceed €500-1000 per night during peak season.
Even mid-range options in Positano can be quite expensive, and budget accommodations are extremely limited. The few budget places that exist often lack the views and charm that make the destination special, so you might feel like you’re missing out on the full Positano experience.
Amalfi offers much more variety across all price points, which I think makes it more accessible to different types of travelers. You’ll still find luxury hotels like the Hotel Santa Caterina with its famous elevator down to a private beach. Still, there are also charming family-run B&Bs, converted monasteries like the Hotel Luna Convento, and even some genuinely budget-friendly options.
Many of the mid-range places in Amalfi are run by local families who’ve been in the hospitality business for generations. They offer incredibly warm service and insider knowledge about the area that you won’t get at larger luxury properties. The trade-off is that rooms with spectacular sea views are less common than in Positano, but you can often find beautiful garden views or glimpses of the sea at much more reasonable prices.
💡 Key takeaway: Positano for luxury, Amalfi for affordability
Beaches in Positano vs Amalfi
Positano and Amalfi are both situated right on the coast, and beaches can be easily accessed from both towns. However, the beach experiences are quite different from one another, which can be a huge deciding factor for many when choosing which town to stay.
Beaches in Positano
Positano’s main beach (Spiaggia Grande) is quite crowded, and mostly covered in umbrellas and loungers that you’ll need to rent for €35 per person per day, so you are looking at €70 for two chairs every time that you want to visit. The beach itself is made up of dark volcanic sand and pebbles, and it gets incredibly crowded during peak season. But the setting is undeniably beautiful and picturesque, with colorful houses cascading down the cliff and boats bobbing in the harbor. It’s more about the scene and the experience than the actual beach quality.
If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on beach chairs, there is an area on the beach where you can spread out your towel and enjoy it for free; just be prepared, this is the busiest section on the beach, so you may not have the most relaxing experience. We ended up spending a lot more time swimming in the sea, rather than relaxing on the beach. We found it much more peaceful to float in the water while gazing up at the iconic views, rather than sitting on the crowded beach area packed with people.
There’s also Fornillo Beach, a smaller and slightly less crowded option that requires a short walk along a scenic path. It has a more local feel and better swimming conditions, but still requires umbrella rental if you want shade. It’s definitely worth the walk if you’re looking for a little more seclusion in one of the most popular tourist towns in all of Italy.
Beaches in Amalfi
Amalfi’s main beach is even smaller than Positano’s and has a more industrial feel, as it’s located right next to the town’s working port. You’ll see fishing boats and ferries coming and going, which adds to the authentic atmosphere but doesn’t exactly scream “relaxing beach day.” The beach is mostly pebbles and can get quite crowded with day-trippers, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Right next to Amalfi Town is Atrani, which is the smallest village in Italy. Atrani also has a small beach that is, in my opinion, much nicer than Amalfi’s main beach. So if you decide to base yourself in Amalfi, I suggest spending more time at Atrani’s beach area, rather than Amalfi’s.
Other beaches in the Amalfi Coast
For better beaches from either town, you’ll want to take a boat trip to nearby hidden gems like Fiordo di Furore, the beach at Conca dei Marini, or Marina di Praia. These day trips are actually one of the highlights of staying on the Amalfi Coast; exploring hidden coves and beaches that are only accessible by boat or hiking trails!
💡Also Read: 7 Best Beaches in the Amalfi Coast
Which town is more Romantic?
In my opinion, Positano wins for the romance factor. The romantic moments in Positano feel almost like something out of a movie, like watching the sunset from your hotel terrace with a glass of prosecco, strolling down to the beach as the lights begin to twinkle on the hillside, or taking a private sunset charter to watch the sky turn cotton candy colors as the sun sets behind the village. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in a romance movie.
Amalfi offers a more low-key, down-to-earth romantic experience. Strolling through the historic center and discovering hidden courtyards filled with lemon trees, sharing gelato while watching the sunset from the cathedral steps, or finding a tiny family restaurant tucked away in a medieval alley are the type of romantic moments you can expect in Amalfi.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Positano
Here is a quick overview of the pros & cons of staying in Positano, rather than Amalfi:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable Views: The cliff-side location means almost every hotel, restaurant, and viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever stayed anywhere else where literally every angle offers a postcard-worthy photo. The town itself is basically one giant photo opportunity, with colorful houses tumbling down the cliff face above the deep blue sea that stretches to the horizon. | Extremely Expensive: Everything costs more here – food, drinks, accommodation, even basic necessities like sunscreen, water, and public bathrooms. Your budget will take a serious hit, and it’s easy to spend twice what you planned while in Positano. A simple gelato that costs €3 elsewhere might be €7 here, and those charges add up quickly over a week-long stay. |
| Luxury Experience: If you want to be pampered and money isn’t your primary concern, Positano delivers on every level. World-class spas offering treatments with local lemon and olive oil, infinity pools that seem to blend into the sea, Michelin-starred dining with ingredients flown in daily, and impeccable service that anticipates your every need. The attention to detail in the luxury properties here is genuinely impressive. | Overcrowded: During peak season (June-August), the narrow streets become absolutely packed with tourists, cruise ship day-trippers, and tour groups. It can be difficult to move around and genuinely enjoy the atmosphere when you’re constantly navigating crowds and waiting in lines for everything from restaurants to the bus. |
| Iconic Appeal: This is the Amalfi Coast town everyone pictures when they think of this region. Staying here gives you bragging rights and those perfect Instagram shots that will make your friends incredibly jealous. There’s something special about saying you stayed in Positano – it carries a certain cachet that other coastal towns don’t quite match. | Limited Authenticity: The town caters so heavily to international tourism that it can feel artificial and theme park-like at times. You’re more likely to hear English, German, or French than Italian in many areas, and local life can feel completely separate from the tourist bubble. |
| Great Shopping: From local ceramics and handmade sandals to designer fashion and jewelry, Positano offers some of the best shopping along the coast. The boutiques are small but carry unique, high-quality items that you won’t find elsewhere. Local artisans create beautiful pieces inspired by the coastal setting, and you’ll find everything from custom-made dresses to hand-painted ceramics. | Challenging Layout: The town is built on an extremely steep cliff, meaning lots of stairs and steep walks everywhere you go. Getting around with luggage, mobility issues, or even just after a long day of sightseeing can be genuinely exhausting. Some hotels offer porter service, but navigating the town itself requires a decent level of physical fitness. |
| Romantic Atmosphere: The combination of dramatic scenery, elegant restaurants, intimate narrow streets, and luxurious hotels makes this one of the most romantic destinations in Italy. Every sunset feels special, every dinner feels like an occasion, and the whole town seems designed for couples in love. | Limited Practical Amenities: Few supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, or other everyday services, which can be inconvenient for longer stays or if you need anything beyond basic tourist services. When you do find these services, they’re often expensive and have limited hours. |
| Better Beaches: Positano definitely wins for the town with the better beaches. There are two beaches to choose from, and the views from the beach are absolutely unreal. The water is prettier and more enjoyable for swimming, and overall, you’ll have a much better beach experience in Positano than in Amalfi, speaking from personal experience. | Parking Nightmare: If you rent a car, finding parking is extremely difficult and expensive. Many hotels don’t have parking, and public parking lots can cost €25-30 per day, if you can find a spot. |
Pros & Cons of Staying in Amalfi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More Affordable: While still expensive by general Italian standards, you’ll find significantly better value for money in accommodations, dining, and activities compared to Positano. The difference can be substantial – we’re talking about potentially saving €100-200 per day (likely even more, in all honesty) for couples, which adds up quickly over a week-long stay. | Fewer Luxury Options: While there are certainly nice hotels and some luxury properties, the ultra-luxury cliff-side hotels with infinity pools that Positano is famous for are less common here. If staying at a world-class resort is important to your experience, options are much more limited. |
| Central Location: Amalfi serves as an excellent base for exploring other coastal towns, with regular ferry and bus connections to Positano, Ravello, Capri, and smaller villages. The ferry terminal makes day trips incredibly easy, and the bus connections are more frequent than from some other towns. | Less Dramatic Scenery: The views are still absolutely beautiful, but they’re not quite as jaw-droppingly spectacular as Positano’s cliff-side panoramas. Amalfi sits closer to sea level rather than perched high on the cliffs, so the perspective is less dramatic and arguably not as good. |
| Rich History: As the former maritime republic that gave the entire coast its name, Amalfi is steeped in genuinely fascinating history. The stunning cathedral with its Arab-Norman architecture, the ancient paper mills, the maritime museum, and the medieval streets offer authentic cultural experiences beyond just beautiful views. You can spend hours exploring the historic center and learning about the town’s role as a major Mediterranean trading power. | Crowded During Cruise Ship Days: The main square and cathedral area can become absolutely packed with day-trippers when large cruise ships dock in the harbor. These crowds usually arrive mid-morning and leave by late afternoon, but during those hours, the town center can feel overwhelmingly busy. |
| Authentic Atmosphere: You’ll experience real Italian life here, with locals going about their daily routines alongside tourists. Kids play in the squares, elderly men gather for their daily card games, and women shop at the local markets for fresh ingredients. It feels like a real place where people live and work, not just a tourist destination. | Limited Nightlife: If you’re looking for evening entertainment beyond dinner and drinks, options are quite limited compared to larger cities or even some other coastal destinations. Most restaurants close by 11 PM, and there aren’t many bars or clubs for late-night socializing. |
| Better Practical Infrastructure: Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, post offices, and other amenities make longer stays much more comfortable and convenient. You can actually live like a local, shopping for fresh ingredients at the market and having a picnic, rather than eating every meal in restaurants. | Industrial Elements: Parts of the town feel more functional and less picture-perfect due to the working port, bus terminal, and more practical urban layout. While this adds to the authenticity, it’s not as consistently photogenic as Positano’s manicured perfection. |
| Easier to Navigate: The town is more spread out horizontally rather than vertically, making it much easier to get around without constant stair climbing. The main areas are relatively flat and accessible, which is especially important if you’re traveling with older family members or have any mobility concerns. | Beach Situation: The main beach is small, pebbly, and can feel cramped, especially when ferry passengers and day-trippers are coming and going. It’s not so much the relaxing beach experience many travelers hope for. Atrani’s beach is much better, in my opinion, and not far, but enjoying the beach will likely be less straightforward than in Positano. |
Best Hotels in Positano & Amalfi
Where to Stay in Positano:
- Luxury: Le Sirenuse: It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Le Sirenuse Hotel, located in the heart of Positano with some of the best views in town. With its luxury comes an incredibly high price tag, but if you are celebrating a special occasion and can afford it, it’s absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to stay here.
- Midrange: Hotel Casa Albertina: If you are looking for an upscale experience but are not willing or able to spend over €1000 per night, Hotel Casa Albertina is a wonderful midrange option. Casa Albertina is just a 10-minute walk from Spiaggia Grande and has charming rooms with incredible views.
- Budget: Hotel Casa Teresa: Casa Teresa is one of the best value hotels you can find in a prime location in Positano. Even in peak season, you can find rooms for less than €300 per night, which is quite rare in Positano, especially given the central location. Rooms are clean and spacious, decorated in traditional furnishings typical of the Amalfi Coast.
- Backpacker Budget: Brikette Hostel: As I mentioned previously, there is only one hostel in Positano, and it’s Brikette Hostel. I would only recommend booking a bunk in a dormitory-style room if you are a solo traveler, as it is still over €100 per night in a dorm room. They also offer private rooms, which is a better option if you are traveling with another person, or you are willing to spend a little extra for more privacy.
Where to Stay in Amalfi:
- Luxury: Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel: If you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience in Amalfi, the Anantara Convento di Amalfi is truly unmatched. Once a 13th-century cliffside monastery, it’s now one of the most unique luxury hotels in the Amalfi Coast. With panoramic views of the coast, a cliffside infinity pool, and romantic terraces, it’s perfect for honeymoons, special occasions, or if you just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable stay.
- Midrange: Hotel Floridiana: Just steps away from Amalfi’s main square, Hotel Floridiana is a charming boutique hotel in the center of Amalfi town. The building dates back to the 12th century, and many of its original features have been beautifully preserved! The owners are very hospitable and will provide tips and suggestions to help make your stay in Amalfi as memorable as possible.
- Budget: D’Amalfi Hospitality: A hidden gem right next to the iconic Amalfi Duomo, D’Amalfi Hospitality is a boutique hotel with clean, spacious rooms and an unbeatable central location. You’ll be steps away from Amalfi’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions, while still having a comfortable place to retreat to after a long day of exploring!
- Backpacker Budget: A’Scalinata Hostel: A’Scalinata Hostel is located in Amalfi’s quaint neighboring village of Atrani, and offers basic but clean rooms in the town center, with both dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. For more affordable private rooms, check out Bed & Breakfast Il Sentiero, which offers basic private rooms for less than $120 a night during peak season.
Conclusion: Should you choose Positano or Amalfi??
After spending considerable time in both towns and seeing them in different seasons, here’s my honest recommendation based on different travel styles and priorities.
| Choose Positano If | Choose Amalfi If |
|---|---|
| ➡️ You want the ultimate luxury romantic getaway and budget isn’t a primary concern, you prioritize postcard-worthy views and experiences, you’re celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary, you prefer a more polished and resort-like atmosphere, and you don’t mind paying premium prices for the iconic Amalfi Coast experience. | ➡️ You’re looking for better value for money, you want to experience authentic Italian culture alongside stunning scenery, you prefer a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere with local interaction, you want practical amenities for a comfortable stay, you’re interested in history and culture beyond just scenic views, or you’re planning to use your base for exploring multiple towns along the coast. |
For first-time visitors with flexible budgets, I often recommend Positano for the full “Amalfi Coast bucket list” experience. For travelers who’ve been to the area before or prefer authentic experiences over luxury tourism, Amalfi offers a more genuine connection to Italian coastal life.
If your budget allows and you’re staying multiple nights, consider splitting your time between the two to get the complete Amalfi Coast experience. Start with a few nights in Amalfi to get your bearings and experience authentic Italian coastal life, then splurge on a couple of nights in Positano for the iconic views and luxury experiences.
Whatever you decide, book well in advance (especially for summer travel), pack comfortable walking shoes that can handle steep terrain, bring layers for unpredictable coastal weather, and prepare to fall head over heels for one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The Amalfi Coast has a way of capturing hearts and creating lifelong travel dreams, whether you’re sipping limoncello in a centuries-old piazza in Amalfi or watching the sunset from a cliff-side terrace in Positano.
Note that there are also plenty of other beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast that are worth visiting. My favorite was personally Praiano, which neighbors Positano but has a far more local atmosphere. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Praiano if you are interested in learning more about this must-visit town!
Planning your dream trip to the Amalfi Coast? Check out my other Amalfi Coast blog posts to help plan an unforgettable trip to the region!
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