Where To Stay On The Amalfi Coast Without A Car
Wondering where to stay on the Amalfi Coast without a car? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car as well as the best places to stay in each town.
Explore The Amalfi Coast Without A Car
Exploring the Amalfi Coast without a car is entirely possible and can be a delightful experience. While having a car offers more flexibility, there are alternative transportation options available to navigate the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the Campania region, just south of Naples. To get to the Amalfi Coast, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point.
How To Get To The Amalfi Coast
The nearest international airport is Naples International Airport (Capodichino), but many travellers fly into Rome because it is more popular and has cheaper flights. From Rome and Naples, you can take a private transfer, or public transportation to reach the Amalfi Coast.
Traveling to the Amalfi Coast Options:
If you choose to stay in Positano and travel by public transport from Naples airport you can take a bus (curreriviaggi.it) to Sorrento station and get the Sita Bus to Positano. If arrive at the train station in Naples you can take Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento and then the SITA Bus. If you plan to stay in Amalfi or Maiori, you can follow the route as per Positano above, or you could get take the train to Salerno. From Salerno, during high season (April to October) a ferry (travelmar.it) to different towns along the Amalfi Coast.
During the summer season, there are ferry and boat services available from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno to different towns in the region, including Amalfi and Positano. This option allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline while traveling. In depth guide on how to get to the Amalfi Coast here.
Once you reach the Amalfi Coast, you can explore the various towns and villages by local buses, taxis, or by walking, depending on the distance.
If you prefer a more personalised experience, you can hire private drivers or taxis to take you around the Amalfi Coast. Private drivers offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to visit different towns at your own pace. They can also provide local insights and recommendations. If you opt for a private transfer you should book well in advance. We have offer you can contact us here
Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, as the Amalfi Coast can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Also, be prepared for narrow roads, crowded buses, and steep terrain while exploring the area.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast without a car?
The best areas to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car are Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, and Maiori. These areas are well-connected to public transportation, easily explored on foot, and offers plenty of things to do and see for visitors.
Each of these towns has its unique charm and attractions, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. Consider your preferences for atmosphere, proximity to transportation, and nearby attractions when choosing the best area to stay on the Amalfi Coast without a car.
Overviews of the best towns to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car
Here is an overview of recommended areas:
Amalfi is a great base for exploring the region because it is located in the middle of the coast and is well-connected to public transportation. It offers a central location, beautiful beaches, and a charming historic center. From Amalfi, you can easily take ferries or buses to other towns along the coast.
Positano is one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast, known for its colourful cliffside buildings and breathtaking views. It has a romantic atmosphere, lovely beaches, and a pedestrian-friendly center with many shops and restaurants.
Sorrento: While technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, but is a popular base for exploring the region. It has excellent transportation connections, including ferries and trains, making it easy to reach other towns. Sorrento itself is a charming town with a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful views, and a variety of accommodations.
Maiori: if you’re looking for a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, Maiori is a good choice. It has one of the longest beaches on the Amalfi Coast and offers a peaceful setting with a mix of local culture and tourist amenities. You can easily reach other towns by boat or bus. It is also known as a budget-friendly and family-friendly area.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Amalfi Coast have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. We also have more Amalfi Coast Hotels suggestions here
Best Areas To Stay In Amalfi Coast Without A Car
- More about Amalfi
Amalfi is one of the best areas to stay in on the Amalfi Coast, especially if you don’t have a car due to its central location and excellent transportation connections.
Located in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, it is a great base to explore other towns and villages in the region. Without a car, the town can be easily reachable from Naples or Salerno by direct ferry, SITA bus, or private transfer.
To visit other towns along the coast, you can rely on the SITA buses that run between towns. There are frequent bus services connecting Amalfi with places like Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento. Timetables and routes are available at the local bus station.
Taking a boat or ferry is another enjoyable way to travel along the coast. From Amalfi, you can catch ferries and hydrofoils to destinations like Positano, Salerno, Capri, and Sorrento. This mode of transportation offers beautiful views of the coastline.
The town center itself is a relatively small town and flat, and most of the attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. Exploring the town on foot is a great way to soak in the charm of the area.
There are several attractions worth exploring, including the Cathedral of St. Andrew, the Cloister of Paradise, Piazza del Duomo, and the Paper Museum, which highlights Amalfi’s historical significance as a paper-making center.
In addition to historical attractions, Amalfi has its own beautiful beach, Marina Grande, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. Other beaches like Atrani or Castiglione are also within walking distance or a short bus ride away, allowing you to experience different coastal spots.
Amalfi is an excellent base for hiking enthusiasts. The famous Path of the Gods hiking trail starts in nearby Agerola in Bomerano and offers breathtaking views of the coast. You can also hike to other towns like Ravello and Atrani from Amalfi, exploring the picturesque landscapes along the way.
Amalfi has plenty of accommodation options, including luxury hotels to budget B&Bs. Accommodations here tend to be cheaper compared to the more popular Positano.
Overall, Staying in Amalfi allows you to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, with its narrow streets, picturesque buildings, and beautiful sea views. Additionally, the town has a central bus terminal and ferry port, making it easy to access transportation for day trips.
Best Places to stay in Amalfi without a car:
Luxury Hotels: Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, 5-star cliff-top hotel located on Via Annunziatella, featuring an infinity pool with the views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is only a 5 mins walk downhill to Amalfi centre. They offer paid airport shuttle and free shuttle service from/to the harbour and the town center.
Mid-range: Hotel Marina Riviera, 4-star beachfront hotel, located on Amalfi’s seaside promenade, within walking distance from the Cathedral. It has superb breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, and paid airport shuttle services. Close to the bus station, easy access to the ferry terminal for ferry to Sorrento and Capri.
Budget: Holidays Baia D’Amalfi, great 3-star accommodation located in the center of Amalfi, very close to bus and ferry stations, featuring a terrace with sea views. The apartment is on the 3rd floor of a historic building, no elevator, though, can be a mini workout.
- More About Positano
Positano is one of the most popular and beautiful areas to stay in on the Amalfi Coast. The town is known for its picturesque cliffside location, cascading houses, beautiful beaches, and stunning views of the sea.
The town is built on a steep slope, and its narrow streets are mainly pedestrianised, so walking is the most common mode of transportation within the town. It’s a charming place to explore on foot, with its winding streets, colourful buildings, boutique shops, and local restaurants.
Positano is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach. These beaches are easily accessible from the town center, allowing you to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing without the need for a car.
Additionally, Positano has a well-connected bus system that can take you to other towns such as Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento. The buses are the most affordable option and offer stunning views along the coast. However, keep in mind that during peak tourist season, the buses can get crowded.
Taking a boat is a scenic way to travel along the Amalfi Coast. Positano has a small port where you can catch ferries or private boat tours to other coastal towns. This mode of transportation allows you to enjoy the breathtaking coastal views from the water.
It’s worth noting that parking is limited and expensive in Positano, so if you don’t have a car, you’re not missing out on much in terms of convenience. The town itself is best explored on foot, and the surrounding areas can be easily reached by public transportation or boat.
However, it’s essential to be aware that the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, can get crowded during the peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.
Additionally, Positano is known for being one of the more expensive towns on the Amalfi Coast. Accommodation, dining, and shopping prices tend to be higher compared to other areas. If you’re on a budget, you may find more affordable options in neighbouring towns.
Finally, When choosing accommodations in Positano, consider staying in the lower part of town close to the beach and the harbor to minimise walking uphill. While the upper part of town might offer fantastic views, they might be less convenient for travellers without a car.
Best Places to stay in Positano without a car:
Luxury: Le Sirenuse, great 5-star hotel, located in a prime location, offering breathtaking sunset and sunrise views, within easy reach from the beach, home to a gourmet restaurant and an oyster bar.
Mid-range: Hotel Marincanto, 4-star hotel located in the heart of Positano, on Via Cristoforo Colombo, an easy walk from some of Positano’s best restaurants and shops. It has a private beach area, very good breakfast. It is a 10 mins uphill walk from the port if you take the ferry or 5 mins walk from the Positano Sponda bus stop if you take the bus.
Budget: Hotel Bougainville, located in the center of Positano near Piazza dei Mulini with easy access to buses, bars and restaurants and only 10 minutes away from the port in Spiaggia Grande.
- More About Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the northern side of the Amalfi Coast, making it a convenient base for exploring the entire region. It has excellent transportation connections, including ferry services and buses that can take you to popular destinations like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri.
From Sorrento, you can also take on day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the breathtaking Mount Vesuvius. It is also relatively easy to reach from major cities like Naples and Rome by regular train and bus services.
While the Amalfi Coast is known for its stunning scenery, Sorrento itself boasts its own beauty. Perched atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, it offers panoramic views of the sea and the coastline. The town is easily explored on foot. You can take leisurely strolls along the waterfront promenade or explore the charming historic center with its narrow streets and quaint squares.
Sorrento offers a wide choice of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Accommodation here is cheaper than the towns in Amalfi Coast.
While Sorrento is a great base, it is located at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast. If your main focus is exploring towns like Positano and Amalfi, you’ll have to rely on buses or ferries to travel back and forth, which can be time-consuming.
In summary, Sorrento is an excellent choice for a base on the Amalfi Coast if you don’t have a car. Its central location, transportation options, amenities, and access to day trips make it a convenient base to explore the region.
Best places to stay in Sorrento without a car:
Luxury: Grand Hotel La Favorita, 5-star hotel located on Via Tasso, in the city center of Sorrento, easy access to major sights and Sorrento Harbour where you can catch ferries to Capri island. It has a roof deck bar and pool with exceptional views, as well as a paid airport shuttle service from Naples airport.
Mid-range: Imperial Hotel Tramontano, very popular 4-star hotel located within a short ride from Sorrento Train Station, easy access to the historic center and the beach area. Great base for day trips to Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Budget: Hotel Tasso Suites & Spa, great 3-star accommodation, located right in the centre of Sorrento, central to everything, easy access to the train station, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- More About Maiori
Maiori, like other towns along the Amalfi Coast, is famous for its coastal beauty, historic sites, and delicious local cuisine.
Maiori is well-connected to other towns on the Amalfi Coast through public transportation. Buses run regularly and provide easy access to nearby places like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Maiori has one of the longest and widest beaches on the Amalfi Coast. It offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming, making it a great destination for beach lovers and safe for families with kids.
Maiori’s town center is relatively flat and easy to navigate on foot, which is not always the case for other villages on the Amalfi Coast that are perched on cliffs. This makes it more accessible and enjoyable for pedestrians. The town has a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars. You’ll find everything you need within walking distance, making it convenient for travellers relying on public transportation.
Maiori is less crowded and touristy compared to some other popular towns like Amalfi and Positano. It has managed to retain its authentic Italian charm, allowing visitors to experience the local culture and atmosphere.
If you’re looking to experience the Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank, Maiori offers more affordable accommodation options and dining choices compared to some of the more luxurious towns in the area.
Best places to stay in Maiori without a car:
Luxury: Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro, 5-star reasonable prices beachfront hotel with a private beach, located on Via Lazzaro. It is in an amazing location accessible by glass lift and then a flight of steps.
Mid-range: Hotel Sole Splendid, popular 4-star hotel with a private beach area, offering paid airport shuttle services and private parking for those who drive. Easy access to the ferry terminal and Sita Bus station. There is a regular ferry and bus to Amalfi.
Budget: Residence Panoramic, 3-star accommodation located near the town’s little harbour where you can take the ferry to other villages on the Amalfi coast. Also close to a bus stop for service to Amalfi or Salerno
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, and Maiori are the best places to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car. Amalfi is ideal for those seeking a central location with historical charm, while Positano is perfect for romantics and luxury seekers.
Sorrento provides a convenient base for exploring the entire region, with excellent transport links. Maiori is a family-friendly option, featuring long sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Positano and Amalfi are perfect if you are looking for a more luxurious experience. Choose the area that suits your preferences and embark on a memorable Amalfi Coast adventure.
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Other helpful articles for the Amalfi Coast:
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
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