Is Amalfi or Positano Better? + More Answers to Amalfi Coast FAQ
Planning a visit to Positano or Amalfi on Italy’s Amalfi Coast? Our answers to your FAQ are essential reading before you go!
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most enchanting scenic drives in Italy with colorful towns and houses stacked up so high on the cliff they have coastal views that go on forever.
It’s easy to see why tourists fall in love with this part of the country — no one seems immune to the alluring call of the Siren.
If you’re planning a first trip to Italy or the Amalfi Coast, you probably have a ton of questions as with any destination that’s new to you.
Especially on the Amalfi Coast, I totally get why some travelers would be completely stumped as to which are the best towns for them on the Amalfi Coast.
I was too when we were planning our first trip to Naples and Capri and then down the Amalfi Coast. Should we stay in Amalfi or Positano? Which is better, cheaper, quieter?
It’s hard to imagine it in your mind’s eye — coastal roads so narrow that cars and tunnels carved into rock. And when you see the colorful photos of Positano from the sea with those pastel houses that looked stacked on top of each other (they really aren’t) it’s hard to imagine any cars are there at all because you can’t even see the streets!
So, let’s talk about the pros and cons of Amalfi vs Positano and other questions you have and help you “see” things more clearly as you plan your ultimate Amalfi Coast trip!
Amalfi or Positano? Which town is right for your stay?
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Where is the Amalfi Coast?
You may be wondering where exactly the Amalfi Coast is… the iconic rocky coastline in Italy’s Campania region that’s known in Italian as the Costiera Amalfitana.
The famous drive includes the small Italian towns of Positano, Arienzo, Laurito, Vettica Maggiore, Praiano, Conca dei Marini, Amalfi, Atrani, Maiori, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare, and Salerno.
Where does the Amalfi Coast begin and end?
Technically, the Amalfi Coast begins south of Sorrento where the road meets the Mediterranean sea near Positano and continues south for the 45-mile stretch to Salerno.
Sorrento is sometimes mistakenly considered part of the Amalfi Coast. Though it does make a good base from which to explore the coast, it isn’t located on the Mediterranean Sea and therefore not part of the drive. Rather, Sorrento sits on the southern shore of the Bay of Naples and faces north to Naples and Mt.Vesuvius.
Also important to note is that the City of Naples (Napoli) and the islands of Ischia, Procida, and Capri ARE NOT part of the Amalfi Coast!
Love Campania? We think you’ll love these day trip guides:
Ultimate Travel Guide to Capri
Day Trip Guide From Sorrento to Capri
Where is Positano?
Positano is the first (and most popular) town you’ll come to when driving south on the Amalfi Coast from the Sorrentine peninsula. It is located just a short bus ride over the mountain from Sorrento, if you’re looking for a quick and economical way to get from Sorrento to Positano or vice versa.
Where should we go… Positano or Amalfi Coast?
So before we get into questions we can actually answer, let’s address one in particular that involves geography.
I admit I was confused the first time someone asked me this question — like, ‘deer in the headlights’ confused when a question is about a thing or two that don’t belong in the same sentence.
Positano is a part of the Amalfi Coast, so it’s not an either/or question. The Amalfi Coast is simply named after the town of Amalfi, like the Road to Hana on Maui, Hawaii (named after the town of Hana) and other regional destinations named after one particular place.
If you visit Positano, you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast!
Amalfi or Positano: An Overview
Now let’s get into what you really want to know. Which place is better for your trip — Amalfi or Positano?
Many of the questions we receive are about the unique differences between the towns that comprise the Amalfi Coast — namely Positano and Amalfi.
Positano or Amalfi… Which is better?
We’re asked this question a lot — it’s honestly the reason we decided to write an entire blog post answering it. And it’s a good question, though the honest answer is — it depends. Sorry — you didn’t think I was going to make the decision for you, did you!
No, deciding between the two places will be your decision, and after we’re done answering your questions, one thing is certain — it’ll be the right decision for you!
Positano vs Amalfi is An Impossible Question
After having made many trips to the region, I think the only wrong question is “Positano vs Amalfi” or vice versa? It’s completely subjective and unfair to compare Amalfi vs Positano as each town is unique and will appeal to a certain type of traveler.
Both towns are popular with tourists and offer plenty to see and do.
So let’s dive in and find out more about each town so you can see whether Amalfi or Positano suits you best.
Amalfi and Positano: What Each Town is Like
What is Positano Like?
When we were planning our first trip to the Amalfi Coast, I asked my friend Luigi from Naples so many questions on where we should visit and stay on the Amalfi Coast.
His answer was immediate: Positano. When I asked why, he simply said with a knowing look, “it’s Positano”.
Yes, Italians love Positano the same way many Americans love Vegas or Miami. They are happening places to see and be seen!
Positano is an exciting Italian bucket list destination that sits on the sea. It’s a place to dress up and enjoy fun nightlife in, and spend lazy days on the beach.
It’s not surprising that it draws celebrities and socialites, and influencers flock here for the endless Insta-worthy views. In fact, snapping a pic from the beach of the colorful buildings stacked up the cliff like legos is one of the best things to do in Positano!
But that dramatic cliffside setting means there are lots of steep hills to climb. The streets all have stairs that ascend and descend as you walk up and down to the beach below.
Many hotels are located near the upper streets closest to bus routes, so staying in Positano involves a lot of walking.
Positano also offers shopping galore and very good restaurants. Some say Positano has better beaches than Amalfi, but if you’re used to beautiful sandy beaches, you won’t be impressed with any beach on the Amalfi Coast.
They are black sand and very pebbly (rocky). Beaches in Amalfi are equally so.
>>> Size of Positano: The town of Positano is 3.34 square miles — a third larger than Amalfi with a smaller population of around 4,800. <<<
Positano Pros:
A great selection of restaurants
Nightlife
Good (but rocky) beaches (typical of this coast of Italy)
Iconic cliffside views
Shopaholic shopping
The views of Positano at night
Positano Cons:
Steep streets and alleyways with lots of steps
More Expensive
What is Amalfi Like?
The beautiful town of Amalfi also sits on the rocky coast and boasts incredible history and architecture around every corner. The town’s famous Duomo towers over the main piazza taking center stage with its blend of Baroque/Gothic/Byzantine architecture.
Aside from being rich in art and history, there is incredible coastal scenery to enjoy.
Legend has it that the Greek God Hercules named the town after his beloved nymph Amalfi who died young. He is said to have chosen the most beautiful place on earth in which to bury her, and it is here that she finally rests.
At one time in history around the 11th century, Amalfi was a maritime powerhouse, rivaling the great port cities of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. They had palaces filled with treasures of gold, silver, and silken fabrics.
A century later however, it was defeated by piracy, Pisan mercenaries in cahoots with the Vatican, earthquakes, and finally the plague.
With this much historical drama, it’s no wonder Amalfi charms the pants off culture and history lovers.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the abundance of nearby hiking trails and hidden grottoes will keep you busy and there is Marina Grande, a nice wide beach just in front of the main square. In between, there is enough shopping and dining choices for a week’s stay.
The setting of the town itself is very different than Positano, with an ancient city wall separating the main square and other pedestrian areas from the coastal road and parking lots near the sea.
Much of the town is flat and walkable, making it perfect for senior travelers or families with small children and strollers.
And of course, there are plenty of those charming narrow Italian streets and alleyways to get lost on, but you’re never too far away that you can’t find your way back to the Piazza Duomo.
Finally, the stunning hilltop town of Ravello is just up the mountainside from Amalfi. You can even walk to Ravello through the town of Atrani just down the road and up the cliffside stairs.
By bus or car, it’s just a 5 minute ride. There are enough things to do in Ravello for an entire day trip or two.
>>> Size of Amalfi: Amalfi is smaller than Positano at 2.3 sq miles, with a year round population around 5,100. <<<
Amalfi Pros:
Walkable town
Vibrant rich history
Close to Ravello and Atrani
Stunning coastal scenery
Good (but rocky) beaches (typical of this coast of Italy)
Close to Path of the Gods and other hikes
Amalfi Cons:
Less expensive
Less selection of restaurants, shops, and hotels
A few small beaches
Positano or Amalfi: FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Positano on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, Positano is the northernmost town on the 45-mile scenic Amalfi Coast drive.
Are Positano and Amalfi the same place?
No, Positano and Amalfi are two different towns located on Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast.
You may hear people refer to Amalfi as Amalfi town to distinguish it from the entire Amalfi Coast.
The town of Amalfi is located 16km further east on SS163, though that short distance will take you between 30 minutes to more than an hour depending on the time of day and season.
After all, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most beautiful drives, and therefore one of the most touristed. And every tourist it seems (for reasons I can’t even fathom) thinks it’s a bucket list activity to want to drive it!
Driving to Positano and Amalfi: Good or Bad Idea?
Bad idea, unless it’s during low season. Of course, there’s also a long answer to this question as well!
Positano is the most heavily touristed town along the Amalfi Coast. Buses, taxis and other private transport vehicles are all vying to get through the narrow coastal road that was never built for heavy traffic.
There are parts of the road in fact where two cars passing each other barely scrape by.
Driving the Amalfi Coast isn’t necessarily a bad idea outside of Positano however. The coastline south of Salerno going to the ruins at Paestum isn’t nearly as bad a drive as getting around Positano.
Positano Vs Amalfi: Which Is Better?
Positano is a Good Choice For:
Honeymooners and romance
Nightlife seekers
Those in relatively good physical condition (back and knees)
People watching
Amalfi is a Good Choice For:
Families with younger children and senior travelers
A quieter setting
History and art lovers
Hikers and outdoor lovers
Amalfi vs Positano: Which Is Cheaper?
When it comes to hotels, you may think staying in Positano is more expensive. But we have visited and stayed in both towns and generally found both Positano and Amalfi to be about the same price for the same level of accommodation.
Positano has several excellent luxury hotels like Le Sirenuse which is pricey. However, there are plenty of moderate and lower-priced luxury stays that will skew the numbers down in terms of average hotel cost. Compare hotels in Positano here to get an idea of what to budget.
Amalfi does have several luxury accommodations for those seeking a pampered stay but the selection is much greater in Positano. You can find more hotels in Amalfi here.
As for the cost of food, restaurants in Positano are more expensive. We also found more street food in Amalfi than in Positano that helped keep our trip costs down.
Which is a Better Day Trip — Amalfi Or Positano?
It depends on where you base yourselves. One year we based our 2-week stay in Positano and Amalfi was an easy and excellent day trip from there.
Our third visit, we stayed in Amalfi and visited Positano on a couple of day trips. Amalfi to Positano is only a :30 minute bus ride, so cheap and easy day trips.
If you stay in Amalfi, you have more day trip options like Ravello and Atrani which are closer in proximity to Amalfi and both are even walkable from Amalfi. Grotta dello Smeraldo is also closer to Amalfi town than Positano. Fiordo di Furore is about equidistant from both Positano and Amalfi and reachable by bus.
Which Has More to Do — Amalfi Or Positano?
Both Positano and Amalfi have similar activities and things to do such as shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Positano has a greater selection of shops and restaurants. They also have far better beaches.
For art galleries and historic attractions, Amalfi has the lead here with the Duomo, the Carta (Paper) Museum, the Maritime Arsenal Museum, and more.
Should We Stay in Positano or Amalfi?
Given the unique differences between the two towns, only you can make that choice. We try to break it down above as to which town will appeal to which kind of traveler. We hope it was helpful.
Is Positano Worth Visiting? Is Amalfi Worth visiting?
Yes and Yes! Both Amalfi and Positano are worth a visit on your trip to the Amalfi Coast. They are close to each other and complement each other so don’t miss either one!
So after all that, Which Town is Right for You… Amalfi Or Positano?