The Amalfi Coast dream
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most spectacular stretches of shoreline. It’s long been a favourite for honeymooners but choosing where to stay can be surprisingly tricky. Most couples find themselves caught between the coast’s two stars, Amalfi and Positano, but Sorrento, sitting just up the coast, quietly makes a strong case too.
Each offers something different, so here’s how they compare (with a few tips from my own travels thrown in).
Amalfi or Positano (or Sorrento)?
Amalfi
Laidback luxury and old-world charm
Amalfi feels a little more real than its glitzier neighbour, Positano, offering a quieter and more authentic slice of coastal life. It’s less polished than Positano, but that’s all part of its charm. Working boats in the harbour, church bells echoing through the town, relaxed cafes, easy ferry connections and a gentler pace that makes it ideal if you’re looking to unwind rather than be ‘seen’.
It’s one of the easier places to get around along the coast, with ferries and buses connecting you to Positano, Ravello and Capri, and prices that don’t quite hit Positano levels. It’s slower and simpler, but still beautifully romantic.
Why it’s great for a honeymoon
Amalfi feels more relaxed and less “scene-y” than Positano. It’s ideal if you’re dreaming of leisurely strolls along the seafront, gelato in hand, or a romantic boat ride to Nerano for lunch with panoramic views.
The feel
The trade-offs
Top picks for staying In Amalfi
Make the most of it
A boat trip from Amalfi is a must. The views of the coastline are spectacular from the water and Amalfi is one of the best places to set sail from. It’s also worth taking a short bus ride up to nearby Ravello to wander through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and take in those famous views. Back in Amalfi, end your day with an Aperol spritz on the terrace at Hotel Luna Convento as the sun goes down.
Positano
Glitz, glamour & iconic views
If Amalfi whispers romance, Positano shouts it from the rooftops, or should I say, from its cascade of pastel houses tumbling down towards the beach. It’s the Amalfi Coast as you’ve seen it on postcards, incredibly pretty and oh-so glamorous.
why it’s great for a honeymoon
Every view is photogenic, the hotels spectacular and the beachside and clifftop restaurants make every meal feel special. Days can be spent enjoying long lunches, browsing local boutiques or relaxing at one of the beach clubs. Nights are for cocktails at Franco’s Bar and moonlit walks along Spiaggia Grande.
The feel
The trade-offs
Top picks for staying in Positano
Make the most of it
Hire a private boat to Nerano, a quiet fishing village turned culinary hotspot where long lunches by the sea are practically a rite of passage. Or take a day trip to Capri – boats leave regularly from Positano’s marina, and it’s one of the coast’s most iconic excursions. Back in town, shop for handmade sandals and linen before a sunset dinner at La Sponda, overlooking the bay.
Sorrento
Easy access & a laid-back base for exploring
And then there’s Sorrento. Technically it’s just outside the Amalfi Coast, but close enough to be a brilliant base for exploring it.
I enjoyed a week in Sorrento when we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and found it to be the perfect mix of lazy pool days and easy adventures. The town has excellent transport links with ferries to Amalfi and Capri and trains to Pompeii and Naples, making it ideal if you like to explore without constantly changing hotels.
Why it’s great for a honeymoon
It’s not quite as dramatic as Amalfi or Positano, but it’s full of character, bustling piazzas and family-run trattorias that stay lively late into the evening.
The feel
The trade-offs
Top picks for staying in Sorrento
Make the most of it
Spend a day wandering Marina Grande, visit Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, or hop on a ferry to Capri. In the evenings, sip limoncello overlooking the sea before finding a tucked-away spot for pasta alle vongole.
Amalfi vs Positano vs Sorrento: Which is best for you?
So where should you stay on the Amalfi Coast for your honeymoon? After visiting both Amalfi and Positano, I’d say Amalfi wins on peace and understated charm, while Positano wins on glamour and wow-factor, so it depends on which suits your travel style. But, if you’d prefer a mix of relaxation and exploring, especially if you’re looking for a longer stay, Sorrento is the smart choice. It’s easier to reach, well connected, and a great starting point if you’re visiting the region for the first time.
Recommended places to stay are highlighted with a Destination Amore pin
If you’d like some more guidance on planning your Amalfi Coast honeymoon, you may also like:
Amalfi Coast honeymoon FAQs
Both are incredible, but it depends on your style as a couple. Positano is the showstopper – glamourous, lively and incredibly photogenic, and perfect if you want luxury hotels, beach clubs and a touch of buzz. Amalfi is more authentic and relaxed, ideal if you’re after slower evenings by the sea and exploring historic streets without so many of the crowds. Another option is to spend a few nights in each for the best of both worlds.
Technically, Sorrento sits just outside the official Amalfi Coast, but it’s close enough to make an excellent base for exploring it. You can reach Amalfi, Positano and Capri easily by ferry, and the train connects you to Naples and Pompeii. It’s also a little easier on the budget, which makes it great for longer honeymoons and stays.
Generally, Amalfi is a little more affordable than Positano, especially during peak summer months. You’ll find better mid-range options and more relaxed dining prices. Positano, with its boutique hotels, tends to come with a premium price tag, but it’s undeniably magical if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Yes, they’re only about 40 minutes apart by ferry or bus. It’s easy to take a day trip between the two, though the winding coastal roads can make travel slow in summer. If you’re staying in Sorrento, you can even visit both on the same day, especially by ferry when the weather’s calm.
The best months to visit the Amalfi Coast are May, June, September and early October. You’ll enjoy warm weather and long days without the peak-season crowds. July and August can be very busy (and hot), while spring and autumn offer a quieter, more local feel.
