Best hotels in Amalfi Coast

Positano and Amalfi might draw the crowds, but the hilltop town of Ravello is the coast's quieter, more cultured little sister — a place that seduced Richard Wagner, Gore Vidal and Virginia Woolf into staying for a lot longer than planned. And right at its highest point sits Hotel Caruso, an 11th-century palazzo originally built by a noble family shipwrecked on their way to Constantinople. Opened as a hotel in 1893 by a local vintner named Pantaleone Caruso, it was lovingly restored by Belmond and reopened in 2005, complete with stunning (and original) 18th-century frescoes, centuries-old terraced gardens and an infinity pool so photogenic it has its own fan base.

Perched on a dramatic promontory just south of Positano, this family-owned Relais & Châteaux landmark has been seducing guests since 1970. The brainchild of local visionary Carlino Cinque, the entire hotel was, incredibly, carved into the cliff face by hand and every terrace, pathway and tumbling garden feels as though it grew naturally from the rock itself. With a Michelin-starred restaurant stocked with produce from the terraced gardens, a private beach reached by an elevator drilled through 88 metres of solid cliff, and views that stretch from Praiano to Capri, this is the Amalfi Coast at its most glamorous.

While the rest of the Amalfi Coast leans into terracotta, bougainvillea and old-world romance, Casa Angelina does something refreshingly different. Sitting on the cliffs of Praiano, the hotel's white-on-white minimalism feels more gallery than grand palazzo... And that's totally the point. Clean lines, contemporary art and a pared-back palette let the real star of the show take centre stage: the staggering Tyrrhenian Sea views that stretch from Positano to Capri. Add a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, a holistic spa and the hotel's own private boats, and you've got one of the most distinctive stays on this magnificent coastline.

Right at the heart of dreamy, pastel-coloured Positano is Le Sirenuse, a Pompeii-red palazzo that the Sersale family opened to guests back in 1951. What started as a summer abode has become one of Italy's finest and most recognised hotels, though it still feels wonderfully like someone's home, albeit one filled with Neapolitan antiques, contemporary art and the family's own fragrance line. With a Michelin-starred restaurant lit by four hundred candles and complimentary boat trips along the coast, this really is la dolce vita done properly.

Perched dramatically above the glittering Mediterranean, this 13th-century Capuchin convent has been transformed into something rather special indeed. What was once a place of quiet reflection for monks now offers a different kind of transcendental experience - though we'd argue that gazing out over the azure waters from the infinity pool is its own form of meditation. Just a ten-minute amble from the bustling Piazza del Duomo, former monastic quarters have been reimagined with sophisticated flair, while the original cloister and chapel remain as atmospheric reminders of the building's storied past.

Let's be honest - this one's a showstopper. Clinging to the cliffs above Positano's bustling Spiaggia Grande, this 19th-century marvel serves up the kind of views that Italian dreams are made of. The Li Galli islands float like mirages on the horizon, while the scent of lemon trees and salt air drifts up from the gardens below. The Savino family has perfected their craft here, creating an elegant retreat where the simple things - like sinking into a lounger by the infinity pool or demolishing a perfectly crafted pizza - become extraordinary moments.

High on a clifftop where 17th-century Dominican nuns once contemplated life's greater meanings, this reimagined monastery now offers rather more earthly pleasures. The views alone are worthy of divine praise – sweeping vistas of the glittering Gulf of Salerno that stretch from a tiny fishing village below all the way to the horizon. Inside, vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past.

Perched dramatically on the entrance to a former Maritime Republic, this 1956-born dream of Francesco Mansi has evolved into something utterly captivating. After his Mexican sojourn, Francesco returned to establish what his descendants have now transformed into a design hotel with serious personality. Mid-century magnificence reigns throughout the common areas, channeling those halcyon days of Italian design brilliance. The position is nothing short of extraordinary – hovering above the port, beach, and town, with that famous Cathedral and its colonnade commanding attention below. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a world where contemporary elegance meets Mediterranean charm, and every window frame captures that impossible blue of the Tyrrhenian.

In the pedestrianised heart of one of Italy's most photogenic coastal towns sits this hidden gem, lovingly maintained by generations of the same family. The ancient splendour of this once-private villa has been meticulously preserved through careful renovations, resulting in a residence that feels both authentic and luxurious. The property's two distinct buildings house an array of rooms – some nestled in the historic original structure, others in the more contemporary addition.

Perched high above the azure waters with unparalleled panoramic views, this elegant hideaway manages to be both wonderfully secluded and enviably central. Just a short amble from the town center and within easy striking distance of two pristine beaches, you'll discover an impeccably designed retreat where contemporary luxury meets local heritage. The brilliant white interiors provide the perfect blank canvas for carefully curated artwork and bespoke furniture, while generous windows flood each space with that legendary coastal light. From lazy afternoons by the rooftop pool to star-lit evenings on your private terrace, every moment feels utterly sublime – made all the more special by a team of staff who anticipate your every whim with genuine warmth.

Palazzo Avino is an elegant hotel located in Ravello, in the heart of the scenic Amalfi Coast. Housed within Palazzo Sasso, a former noble residence dating back to the 12th century, the property was meticulously restored and reopened in 1997 after a complete renovation. Its forty-three rooms, including ten suites, are furnished with refined antiques and exquisite details that embody authentic Italian charm.

Hotel Villa Cimbrone is one of the most prestigious Hotels de Charme in the entire Mediterranean. The splendour and ambience of yesteryear permeate this 12th-century residence. The Vuilleumier family, with its generations of experience in the hotel industry, preserves and protects the original architectural and decorative features.

Welcome to the 5-star luxury that is Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi. Renowned for its hospitality and position on the Amalfi Coast, this is a resort for those in search of excellence. Classic interiors, Mediterranean design, and the style of a typical Amalfi villa: each room at Hotel Santa Caterina, uniquely appointed, is spacious and bright, featuring hand-painted majolica floors, marble bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the sea or garden.

With its picturesque view of the sea, the hotel is located a short distance from Amalfi town centre and is perfectly positioned for visiting nearby towns such as Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and Herculaneum and Naples

Staying at Hotel Onda Verde means immersing yourself in the colours and scents of the Amalfi Coast, fascinated by the beautiful nature and getting lost in a glowing sunset over the sea.

Praiano sits roughly seven kilometres from both Positano and Amalfi, but stays mercifully out of their crowds. Hotel Onda Verde is built into the cliff here — five former villas, 25 sea-view rooms with hand-painted Vietri tiles, and a pool tucked among terraced gardens. The Milano family runs it, and it shows in the welcome. A path drops to La Praia's pebble beach below, and a small jetty makes water taxis to Positano and Capri delightfully easy.