You’ll be blown away immediately by the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It’s called Divina Costiera (or the Divine Coast) for a reason. Small historic towns and some of the most charming villages in Italy are nestled among enormous cliffs, all of it against the backdrop of the gorgeous Tyrrhenian Sea. The typical Amalfi beach is pebbles, set in a photogenic cove, and absolutely beautiful.
Between the glamorous beaches attached to towns with bars and nightclubs to hidden gems in the harder-to-reach locations, you’ve got a stunning mix of places to swim, sunbathe, and lounge. These are the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast to fully feel this region’s Mediterranean charm while taking a nice dip in the sea.
Positano Beach - Positano
Looking straight out of a postcard, Positano is one of the most popular and best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. The fame brings higher prices and crowds, but coming here could still be a starting point for your coastal spiaggia exploration and an excuse to splurge on one of the Amalfi Coast’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, as Positano is home to a concentration of them. The views are magnificent, Positano is right behind you, and the mountains set the dramatic scene. The beach is a pebbled stretch, so bring your water shoes. Also, be aware that although there is a free public area, a large chunk of the beach is private, and sunbeds are about €25-30 to rent. The high season makes it really packed here, so it pays off to come as early as possible to get the best places.
Atrani Beach - Atrani
One of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast, Atrani Beach is defined by the village perched above and the magnificent views of the sea and rugged coastal panoramas. There are free stretches of beach, but it is mostly private and packed with umbrellas and sunbeds. Get one for yourself for about €40 and enjoy a whole day of leisure next to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The water is crystal-clear here, the village restaurant scene is close by, and the vibe is highly aesthetic. If you’re coming by car (and you should, as the Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most magnificent drives), parking spaces are scarce and fill up early in the morning. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
Minori Beach - Minori
For more space, fewer crowds, and the same Mediterranean perfection, head to Minori Beach, an excellent alternative to Amalfi and Positano beaches. Traditionally for the area, you’ve got a large private section and public ones on the sides. You will be enjoying the sight of iconic cascaded vineyards, a trademark of the Amalfi Coast, straight from your sunbed. Walk into the old village of Minori for a cup of gelato, pizza for lunch, or a more sophisticated ristorante experience.
Maiori Beach - Maiori
Spacious beaches on the Amalfi Coast are hard to come by, but Maiori is the exception. Occupying almost a mile of the shore, it’s among the biggest in the area. You have an excellent choice of free and private sections, it’s family-friendly, and there are several glamorous beach bars. Maiori will be more merciful to your feet since the pebble here is smaller than on other Amalfi beaches, making it the closest you can get to sand on the Amalfi Coast. The beach is bordered by the scenic lungomare boardwalk, full of restaurants and hotels. Be sure to walk the streets of old Maiori village for more Italian inspiration.
Marina di Praia - Praiano
Stunning vistas, towering rocks, and free access place Marina di Praia among the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Easily reached from the nearby village of Praiano, it is set between massive cliffs with the medieval Saracen watchtower seen in the distance. While you can throw some money on an umbrella, you can as easily do without. As with all the Amalfi beaches, come earlier to have the best spots as it can get busy. Due to the peculiarities of geography, the sun shines shorter on the beachgoers here, so keep that in mind.
Arienzo Beach - Positano
The Amalfi Coast is a cradle for jet setters full of top-notch hotels and beach clubs that are an obligatory part of the lifestyle. Visiting one works great if you’re looking for a more exclusive and hassle-free experience in Positano. Arienzo Beach is far from cheap, but you’re getting a White Lotus-like boat shuttle, a more tranquil beach time, and upscale dining. Isn’t it exactly how Amalfi is supposed to be savored? Make sure to do a reservation beforehand for things to go as smoothly as possible. You’ll be rewarded with paradise-like vistas and peace of mind for your luxury beachgoing.
Fornillo - Positano
If you can tolerate hundreds of stairs to reach Fornillo, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, there are boats from Positano that take you here. The water is deep blue, the rocks behind you are huge, and the atmosphere is a jet setter’s dream come true. There are three private sections and one free section here so you can pick the right spot for your leisure. Prices for the whole day in the private sections will be around €40-50 depending on the season and whether you want an umbrella.
Lido Degli Artisti - Amalfi
Instagrammable and chic, Lido Degli Artisti doesn’t play around when offering a luxurious beach experience on the Amalfi Coast. Located off Amalfi village, it’s a place of self-indulgence and hedonism next to the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Disco music sets the right mood, the upscale restaurant serves Italian food delights, the umbrellas bring aesthetic vibes, and the seaside party goes on until the sunset (irresistibly beautiful, of course). Does this sound like your kind of beach? Then make sure to make a reservation at Lido Degli Artisti. This place is hot during the high season.
Tonino O' Beach - Amalfi
If you like your beaches central, Tonino O’ Beach is a natural choice. A private stretch right in Amalfi village, it boasts the obligatory colorful umbrellas, fantastic views of the coast, and good infrastructure. Expect to pay around €30-40 for a full day, depending on the season. If you absolutely have to stay in the town, where there are some beautiful villas for rent, it’s a good pick. If you have the liberty to travel around the region, there are more rewarding places to go sans crowds and buzz.
Crestarella - Vietri sul Mare
This beach is a gorgeous private Amalfi Coast beach with a restaurant and a medieval watchtower-turned-event space. Crestarella is costly but worth it if your focus is a little bit exclusivity and full tranquility. The location in Vietri sul Mare ensures stunning vistas of the coastal cliffs. Head to the heart of the old town for extra-narrow streets, local trattorias, and to shop for ceramics, one of the most exclusive things to do on the Amalfi Coast. The town is famous for its distinctive polychrome technique, so purchase an object or two as a souvenir.
