The Amalfi Coast, located along southern Italy's craggy coastline, is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, attractive coastal towns, and rich cultural legacy. With its towering cliffs falling into the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and lovely villages pouring down the hillsides, the Amalfi Coast provides a breathtaking background for travellers looking for an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday.

In this gorgeous location, the region has a number of outstanding hotels that embody luxury and sophistication. From historic palazzos converted into boutique retreats to cliffside resorts with beautiful sea views, the Amalfi Coast's best hotels promise an incomparable blend of luxury and coastal charm.

Best Hotels in the Amalfi Coast:

Borgo Santandrea

The stone house, which is clinging to a precipitous cliffside and has an entrance 90 metres above sea level, appears to have been glued on. The hotel is located precisely on the SS 163 'Amalfi Coast Drive', one of Europe's most gorgeous highways, just across a peaceful inlet from the tiny fishing town of Conca dei Marini.

It is located 4 kilometres east of Amalfi and around 15 kilometres west of Positano; the nearest rail station and airport is Naples, which is an hour and a half drive away. Amalfi is accessible by boat from Naples and Sorrento during the high season. Ravello, a hilltop village, is 12 kilometres away and makes for an easy day trip.

Borgo Santandrea, which occupies the shell of the faded old Gran Hotel Saraceno, was erected in the 1960s and is a dream for admirers of mid-century modern style. One of the owners is just such a person, and the large selection of furnishings includes items from his own collection, such as the 1930s English telescope standing next to the registration desk.

Look for priceless original pieces by Gio Ponti, rare vintage design treasures by Englander & Bonta and Hans Wegner (such as Wishbone chairs), and re-editions by Molteni&C.

The backdrop is pared-back, classic Amalfi Coast style - picture cool, tiled, whitewashed spaces with wide arches, ceiling vaults, and large windows - but with a sophisticated blue and white colour scheme that fits in with the surrounding ocean.

Borgo Santandrea

The floor tiles, like many of the design features, are custom-made by artisans in nearby Salerno and put out in 31 various geometrical patterns inspired by Ponti's iconic Parco dei Principi hotel in Sorrento.

The attention to detail is incredible, and there are magnificent textiles (by Rubelli and Dedar) and beautiful artefacts everywhere, ranging from specially commissioned pottery and vintage radios to massive arty tomes and fabulous lights. You would gladly take each piece home.

Exceptional amenities include a lovely pebbly beach (unheard of in these areas) and a beach club with a bar and restaurant situated in a former boathouse.

Pathways wind through the terraced Mediterranean gardens, where daybeds are tucked into private corners, and lead to a large pool, a gym, and a modest spa that is about to be extended; at the time of my visit, there was a sauna with a view of the sea, as well as treatment rooms and al fresco massage tables.

Borgo Santandrea

The Swiss-trained general manager (also the co-owner) oversees legions of charming, youthful, primarily local personnel (around 200 for only 45 rooms). For individuals who want to explore off-site, there is a free shuttle service into Amalfi by road or water.

The attention to detail extends to the 45 magnificent rooms and suites, all of which offer sea views (not often a certainty in this area). The Premium Pool suites are the top of the line, with large grassy patios, private plunge pools, and day beds.

All rooms have marble-topped bar counters equipped with the tools for making DIY drinks (including fresh orange and lemon juice and shakers), Smeg kettles and espresso machines. Soft drinks are provided complimentary in minibars.

Borgo Santandrea

Armchairs, even baths in a few rooms, are strategically placed in front of large windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views. The mattresses are dreamily comfortable, with white sheets and stylish blue piping. Sleek bathrooms with pale stone from Trani in Puglia have superfluffy robes and towels, as well as bespoke Acqua di Parma orange-flower bath items.

Three restaurants and two bars provide plenty of dining and drinking options. Alici is a buzzy, informal restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features an open kitchen and a large, shady terrace with views of the sea. Even in cooler weather, the views from the windows are breathtaking.

The menu focuses on the sunny, punchy flavours of chef Crecenzo Scotti's native Campania, with the occasional import from elsewhere, so expect tuna tartare with a hint of lemongrass, bavette pasta 'Nerano' (with provolone del Monaco cheese and courgettes), Amalfi lemon risotto, grilled octopus, and T-bone steak.

Borgo Santandrea

The gourmet restaurant La Libreria, as the name implies, is located in a library, with a bookcase sliding back to display the kitchen during service. While the dishes here are based on local cuisine, they are more sophisticated and technically advanced.

A lazy lunch on the beach is another treat, with a menu that covers all bases: sashimi and tartare of fresh fish and seafood, linguine with local clams and grilled lobster and langoustine, as well as club sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Borgo Santandrea

Every morning, an exceptional breakfast is laid out in the kitchen and served until noon (extra points for that), which includes an endless array of cakes and pastries, yoghurt (try the one made with creamy buffalo milk) and fresh fruit, six different varieties of home-baked bread, cheeses and charcuterie, salads and stewed vegetables, and eggs, pancakes, and omelettes made to order.

Le Sirenuse

It's a legend even on this coast of legends, a classic that is more than the sum of its parts. The owners offer elegance, refinement, and pedigree smarts, as they have done for legions of insiders for decades.

The primary component of the hotel was the aristocratic Sersale family's vacation residence, which has grown over time into numerous contiguous buildings. Four Sersale siblings opened the home to visitors in 1951, with only eight rooms and a big balcony overlooking the sea.

Le Sirenuse

Franco Sersale oversaw a massive renovation of the hotel in the 1990s, he was not just a devoted collector, filling the property with fine furniture and artworks, but also an avid globe traveller and photographer.

Antonio and Carla Sersale, the current owners, collect contemporary art and invite one artist each year to create a site-specific sculpture, including Martin Creed, Stanley Whitney, and Matt Connors.

Most rooms are little yet beautiful. A balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the village houses and the beach. White vaulted rooms with a classic tiled floor, sofa and chairs, and a canopy bed with a feather duvet.

Le Sirenuse

Sersale is Swiss-trained and runs a tight ship, all done with great flair. Names are remembered, and the majority of staff members are locals.

Positano is either an amazingly lovely tumble of pastel-hued houses that wrap around the coastline, or an overpriced nightmare for day-trippers.

However, having a refuge to retire to, such as the Sirenuse, makes it much more pleasant. A 10-minute stroll down Via dei Mulini from the hotel takes you to the beach, which is lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants on the black sand. Positano may serve as a base for touring the other villages along the Amalfi Coast by land or water.

Antique chests of drawers, prints on the walls. Bathrooms with grey-white Carrara marble and Eau d'Italie from Sersale's sister Marina. Beautiful tiny cloth-bound volumes (Steinbeck's piece, a colouring book with mignon pencils, and a book on Franco's Bar); a charming beach basket for your stay.

Le Sirenuse

La Sponda, with its 400 candles and bougainvillea-clad dining room, is one of the coast's best supper venues, both for the ambiance and the food—sea bass with candied lemon, chestnut ravioli with white truffles, and amberjack with grape jam. The light-as-air hot lemon soufflé is an excellent way to conclude.

Eggplant parmigiana with grilled octopus at the bar. Breakfast on Vietri's colourful pottery dishes: creamy buffalo milk yoghurt, handmade granola, and sfogliatelle pastries.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Hotel Santa Caterina

The hotel is set on a clifftop amid sharply terraced gardens that tumble to the sea, with amazing coastal views from its terraces, communal spaces, and many of the bedrooms, and is just far enough away from Amalfi to feel removed from the people.

The town is a short bus ride away, and from there you may take boats up and down the coast (and, in season, to Capri). The hotel is located on SS 163, also known as the Amalfi Coast journey, while Positano is a 30-minute journey to the west along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Ravello is 20 minutes up the mountainside.

The Santa Caterina is a winning combination of old-style hotelerie and Amalfi Coast beauty, run with great charm by the fourth generation of the hotel's original proprietors, yet it is also down-to-earth.

Hotel Santa Caterina

The calm, white decor, accented with family antiques and brightened by traditional tiles and vibrant fabrics, provides a respite from the chaos of the seaside road. The falling terraced gardens, filled with exotic Mediterranean plants and trees, are delightful. The frosting on the cake? A fantastic beach club featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and access to the sea.

The first-rate facilities include a spa and one of the best 'beaches' of any hotel in the area, a lift plunges vertiginously down the cliffside to a series of concrete terraces and bathing platforms built over the rocks, where sunbeds are put out under enormous white umbrellas. There is a heated saltwater pool, a small gym, a bar and the famous Al Mare restaurant.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Many staff members have been with the hotel for decades, thus service is old school. Starting with the proprietors, everyone is always friendly and courteous, and returning guests (of which there are many) are greeted like old friends, frequently with kisses and hugs - this is southern Italy, after all.

The amazing concierge crew can arrange for drivers to take you to Pompeii or Herculaneum, excursions to local wineries, and cookery classes.

The majority of the 66 airy rooms and suites are located in the rambling main building, while others (particularly private and romantic) are concealed in the gardens across several annexes. Each has its own personality, but they are mostly white with vivid fabrics, floors made of locally sourced tiles, and a mix of antiques and new things.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Many have balconies or terraces overlooking the beautiful sea. The tiled bathrooms (some large with separate whirlpool tubs and showers) all include with towels and slippers, as well as in-house bath goods.

Chef Giuseppe Stanzione takes over Santa Caterina's gourmet Glicine restaurant at the beginning of the 2019 season. He was born in nearby Salerno but has travelled extensively, earning numerous accolades (including a Michelin star) for his inventive interpretations of both local and Mediterranean foods.

Hotel Santa Caterina

The beautifully romantic balcony overlooking Amalfi and the sea is ideal for sampling dishes such as 'tagliatelline' of cuttlefish flavoured with avocado and salted lemons, scampi with fennel, horseradish, and peanut sauce, and delectable, fresh desserts.

The oceanfront Ristorante al Mare, with its menu of pasta, salads, grilled seafood, and wood-fired pizza, is ideal for a leisurely lunch or calm dinner. In addition, the bar section serves snacks and small meals all day (burgers, club sandwiches, salads and the occasional pasta dish).

Breakfast on the main restaurant patio is a delight. The enormous buffet provides a variety of sweet and savoury treats (fresh fruit and yoghurts, cakes and local pastries, grilled vegetables and frittata, fresh mozzarella, waffles), and there is a chef available to make you an omelette to request.

Hotel Marincanto

Hotel Marincanto

Approaching through the roof-level car park is not the best introduction, but once you have descended in the lift to the principal floor and its big, airy sitting room looking on to the flowery terrace with fabulous views, the charm and the stunning position start to work.

Hotel Marincanto

The hotel clings to the cliff face on the outskirts of Positano, with the private beach about 10 minutes' walk away down steps passing several terraces. There are terrific views of both town and sea.

Palest colours or plain white, cream curtains and wooden furniture set the tone. Every detail is executed with taste and flair - the effect is fresh and elegant.

Hotel Marincanto

Occasional splashes of colour, for example acid green, or blue-striped fabrics, provide a calm contrast.

Hands-on owners ensure that their staff is always friendly and goes above and beyond for their customers. The relatively small size mean guests genuinely feel looked after, but the service is anything but intrusive.

Hotel Marincanto

There is a wellness centre, an infinity pool and gym, and, as well as the main terrace, there are several mini terraces providing peaceful corners to sit back and relax.

Hotel Marincanto

The private beach, which only a few Positano hotels can provide, is a significant advantage.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options. The bar offers light meals, salads and beverages. The Terrazza Celè restaurant serves supper with a modern twist on traditional local foods, emphasising presentation and natural tastes.

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Caruso is the best-located hotel in Ravello, sitting in magnificent terraced gardens on its own little rocky spur high above the ocean, with breathtaking views from almost every angle.

It feels separated from its surroundings and has much larger grounds. Piazza del Duomo is a leisurely five-minute walk away, and a shuttle bus service runs down to the seaside and back up.

The Amalfi Coast, located along southern Italy's craggy coastline, is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, attractive coastal towns, and rich cultural legacy. With its towering cliffs falling into the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and lovely villages pouring down the hillsides, the Amalfi Coast provides a breathtaking background for travellers looking for an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday.

In this gorgeous location, the region has a number of outstanding hotels that embody luxury and sophistication. From historic palazzos converted into boutique retreats to cliffside resorts with beautiful sea views, the Amalfi Coast's best hotels promise an incomparable blend of luxury and coastal charm.

Best Hotels in the Amalfi Coast:

Borgo Santandrea

The stone house, which is clinging to a precipitous cliffside and has an entrance 90 metres above sea level, appears to have been glued on. The hotel is located precisely on the SS 163 'Amalfi Coast Drive', one of Europe's most gorgeous highways, just across a peaceful inlet from the tiny fishing town of Conca dei Marini.

It is located 4 kilometres east of Amalfi and around 15 kilometres west of Positano; the nearest rail station and airport is Naples, which is an hour and a half drive away. Amalfi is accessible by boat from Naples and Sorrento during the high season. Ravello, a hilltop village, is 12 kilometres away and makes for an easy day trip.

Borgo Santandrea, which occupies the shell of the faded old Gran Hotel Saraceno, was erected in the 1960s and is a dream for admirers of mid-century modern style. One of the owners is just such a person, and the large selection of furnishings includes items from his own collection, such as the 1930s English telescope standing next to the registration desk.

Look for priceless original pieces by Gio Ponti, rare vintage design treasures by Englander & Bonta and Hans Wegner (such as Wishbone chairs), and re-editions by Molteni&C.

The backdrop is pared-back, classic Amalfi Coast style - picture cool, tiled, whitewashed spaces with wide arches, ceiling vaults, and large windows - but with a sophisticated blue and white colour scheme that fits in with the surrounding ocean.

Borgo Santandrea

The floor tiles, like many of the design features, are custom-made by artisans in nearby Salerno and put out in 31 various geometrical patterns inspired by Ponti's iconic Parco dei Principi hotel in Sorrento.

The attention to detail is incredible, and there are magnificent textiles (by Rubelli and Dedar) and beautiful artefacts everywhere, ranging from specially commissioned pottery and vintage radios to massive arty tomes and fabulous lights. You would gladly take each piece home.

Exceptional amenities include a lovely pebbly beach (unheard of in these areas) and a beach club with a bar and restaurant situated in a former boathouse.

Pathways wind through the terraced Mediterranean gardens, where daybeds are tucked into private corners, and lead to a large pool, a gym, and a modest spa that is about to be extended; at the time of my visit, there was a sauna with a view of the sea, as well as treatment rooms and al fresco massage tables.

Borgo Santandrea

The Swiss-trained general manager (also the co-owner) oversees legions of charming, youthful, primarily local personnel (around 200 for only 45 rooms). For individuals who want to explore off-site, there is a free shuttle service into Amalfi by road or water.

The attention to detail extends to the 45 magnificent rooms and suites, all of which offer sea views (not often a certainty in this area). The Premium Pool suites are the top of the line, with large grassy patios, private plunge pools, and day beds.

All rooms have marble-topped bar counters equipped with the tools for making DIY drinks (including fresh orange and lemon juice and shakers), Smeg kettles and espresso machines. Soft drinks are provided complimentary in minibars.

Borgo Santandrea

Armchairs, even baths in a few rooms, are strategically placed in front of large windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views. The mattresses are dreamily comfortable, with white sheets and stylish blue piping. Sleek bathrooms with pale stone from Trani in Puglia have superfluffy robes and towels, as well as bespoke Acqua di Parma orange-flower bath items.

Three restaurants and two bars provide plenty of dining and drinking options. Alici is a buzzy, informal restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features an open kitchen and a large, shady terrace with views of the sea. Even in cooler weather, the views from the windows are breathtaking.

The menu focuses on the sunny, punchy flavours of chef Crecenzo Scotti's native Campania, with the occasional import from elsewhere, so expect tuna tartare with a hint of lemongrass, bavette pasta 'Nerano' (with provolone del Monaco cheese and courgettes), Amalfi lemon risotto, grilled octopus, and T-bone steak.

Borgo Santandrea

The gourmet restaurant La Libreria, as the name implies, is located in a library, with a bookcase sliding back to display the kitchen during service. While the dishes here are based on local cuisine, they are more sophisticated and technically advanced.

A lazy lunch on the beach is another treat, with a menu that covers all bases: sashimi and tartare of fresh fish and seafood, linguine with local clams and grilled lobster and langoustine, as well as club sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Borgo Santandrea

Every morning, an exceptional breakfast is laid out in the kitchen and served until noon (extra points for that), which includes an endless array of cakes and pastries, yoghurt (try the one made with creamy buffalo milk) and fresh fruit, six different varieties of home-baked bread, cheeses and charcuterie, salads and stewed vegetables, and eggs, pancakes, and omelettes made to order.

Le Sirenuse

It's a legend even on this coast of legends, a classic that is more than the sum of its parts. The owners offer elegance, refinement, and pedigree smarts, as they have done for legions of insiders for decades.

The primary component of the hotel was the aristocratic Sersale family's vacation residence, which has grown over time into numerous contiguous buildings. Four Sersale siblings opened the home to visitors in 1951, with only eight rooms and a big balcony overlooking the sea.

Le Sirenuse

Franco Sersale oversaw a massive renovation of the hotel in the 1990s, he was not just a devoted collector, filling the property with fine furniture and artworks, but also an avid globe traveller and photographer.

Antonio and Carla Sersale, the current owners, collect contemporary art and invite one artist each year to create a site-specific sculpture, including Martin Creed, Stanley Whitney, and Matt Connors.

Most rooms are little yet beautiful. A balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the village houses and the beach. White vaulted rooms with a classic tiled floor, sofa and chairs, and a canopy bed with a feather duvet.

Le Sirenuse

Sersale is Swiss-trained and runs a tight ship, all done with great flair. Names are remembered, and the majority of staff members are locals.

Positano is either an amazingly lovely tumble of pastel-hued houses that wrap around the coastline, or an overpriced nightmare for day-trippers.

However, having a refuge to retire to, such as the Sirenuse, makes it much more pleasant. A 10-minute stroll down Via dei Mulini from the hotel takes you to the beach, which is lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants on the black sand. Positano may serve as a base for touring the other villages along the Amalfi Coast by land or water.

Antique chests of drawers, prints on the walls. Bathrooms with grey-white Carrara marble and Eau d'Italie from Sersale's sister Marina. Beautiful tiny cloth-bound volumes (Steinbeck's piece, a colouring book with mignon pencils, and a book on Franco's Bar); a charming beach basket for your stay.

Le Sirenuse

La Sponda, with its 400 candles and bougainvillea-clad dining room, is one of the coast's best supper venues, both for the ambiance and the food—sea bass with candied lemon, chestnut ravioli with white truffles, and amberjack with grape jam. The light-as-air hot lemon soufflé is an excellent way to conclude.

Eggplant parmigiana with grilled octopus at the bar. Breakfast on Vietri's colourful pottery dishes: creamy buffalo milk yoghurt, handmade granola, and sfogliatelle pastries.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Hotel Santa Caterina

The hotel is set on a clifftop amid sharply terraced gardens that tumble to the sea, with amazing coastal views from its terraces, communal spaces, and many of the bedrooms, and is just far enough away from Amalfi to feel removed from the people.

The town is a short bus ride away, and from there you may take boats up and down the coast (and, in season, to Capri). The hotel is located on SS 163, also known as the Amalfi Coast journey, while Positano is a 30-minute journey to the west along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Ravello is 20 minutes up the mountainside.

The Santa Caterina is a winning combination of old-style hotelerie and Amalfi Coast beauty, run with great charm by the fourth generation of the hotel's original proprietors, yet it is also down-to-earth.

Hotel Santa Caterina

The calm, white decor, accented with family antiques and brightened by traditional tiles and vibrant fabrics, provides a respite from the chaos of the seaside road. The falling terraced gardens, filled with exotic Mediterranean plants and trees, are delightful. The frosting on the cake? A fantastic beach club featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and access to the sea.

The first-rate facilities include a spa and one of the best 'beaches' of any hotel in the area, a lift plunges vertiginously down the cliffside to a series of concrete terraces and bathing platforms built over the rocks, where sunbeds are put out under enormous white umbrellas. There is a heated saltwater pool, a small gym, a bar and the famous Al Mare restaurant.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Many staff members have been with the hotel for decades, thus service is old school. Starting with the proprietors, everyone is always friendly and courteous, and returning guests (of which there are many) are greeted like old friends, frequently with kisses and hugs - this is southern Italy, after all.

The amazing concierge crew can arrange for drivers to take you to Pompeii or Herculaneum, excursions to local wineries, and cookery classes.

The majority of the 66 airy rooms and suites are located in the rambling main building, while others (particularly private and romantic) are concealed in the gardens across several annexes. Each has its own personality, but they are mostly white with vivid fabrics, floors made of locally sourced tiles, and a mix of antiques and new things.

Hotel Santa Caterina

Many have balconies or terraces overlooking the beautiful sea. The tiled bathrooms (some large with separate whirlpool tubs and showers) all include with towels and slippers, as well as in-house bath goods.

Chef Giuseppe Stanzione takes over Santa Caterina's gourmet Glicine restaurant at the beginning of the 2019 season. He was born in nearby Salerno but has travelled extensively, earning numerous accolades (including a Michelin star) for his inventive interpretations of both local and Mediterranean foods.

Hotel Santa Caterina

The beautifully romantic balcony overlooking Amalfi and the sea is ideal for sampling dishes such as 'tagliatelline' of cuttlefish flavoured with avocado and salted lemons, scampi with fennel, horseradish, and peanut sauce, and delectable, fresh desserts.

The oceanfront Ristorante al Mare, with its menu of pasta, salads, grilled seafood, and wood-fired pizza, is ideal for a leisurely lunch or calm dinner. In addition, the bar section serves snacks and small meals all day (burgers, club sandwiches, salads and the occasional pasta dish).

Breakfast on the main restaurant patio is a delight. The enormous buffet provides a variety of sweet and savoury treats (fresh fruit and yoghurts, cakes and local pastries, grilled vegetables and frittata, fresh mozzarella, waffles), and there is a chef available to make you an omelette to request.

Hotel Marincanto

Hotel Marincanto

Approaching through the roof-level car park is not the best introduction, but once you have descended in the lift to the principal floor and its big, airy sitting room looking on to the flowery terrace with fabulous views, the charm and the stunning position start to work.

Hotel Marincanto

The hotel clings to the cliff face on the outskirts of Positano, with the private beach about 10 minutes' walk away down steps passing several terraces. There are terrific views of both town and sea.

Palest colours or plain white, cream curtains and wooden furniture set the tone. Every detail is executed with taste and flair - the effect is fresh and elegant.

Hotel Marincanto

Occasional splashes of colour, for example acid green, or blue-striped fabrics, provide a calm contrast.

Hands-on owners ensure that their staff is always friendly and goes above and beyond for their customers. The relatively small size mean guests genuinely feel looked after, but the service is anything but intrusive.

Hotel Marincanto

There is a wellness centre, an infinity pool and gym, and, as well as the main terrace, there are several mini terraces providing peaceful corners to sit back and relax.

Hotel Marincanto

The private beach, which only a few Positano hotels can provide, is a significant advantage.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options. The bar offers light meals, salads and beverages. The Terrazza Celè restaurant serves supper with a modern twist on traditional local foods, emphasising presentation and natural tastes.

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Caruso is the best-located hotel in Ravello, sitting in magnificent terraced gardens on its own little rocky spur high above the ocean, with breathtaking views from almost every angle.

It feels separated from its surroundings and has much larger grounds. Piazza del Duomo is a leisurely five-minute walk away, and a shuttle bus service runs down to the seaside and back up.