Southern Italy’s glamorous coastline is renowned for its impossibly beautiful beaches and azure waters. Some beaches are more popular than others, peppered with glitzy beach clubs and sumptuous seafood restaurants.
Beyond the luxury yachts and glitzy beach clubs, the Amalfi Coast remains a land of sun-drenched lemon groves and ancient olive trees. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover an authentic side, where local fishermen go about their day just as they did several decades ago, providing the fresh catch of the day.
We have a selection of Amalfi Coast villa rentals that are ideally positioned for exploring the coastline. Enjoy full access to our award-winning Concierge Service, which can arrange private boat charters to Capri and a beach-hopping itinerary. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly beach or a cove-hopping itinerary, these are seven top beaches to bookmark for your next visit.
Fornillo Beach, Positano
John Steinbeck once described Positano in his 1953 essay as “a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”
The beaches are no less captivating, especially Fornillo Beach. Venture past the old Torre Trasìta watchtower in Positano to find a peaceful spot. The coastal path known as Via Positanesi d’America leads you to the beach away from the town’s busiest streets.
Locals like to hang out here to avoid the tourist crowds of Positano’s main beaches. All you need is a towel, swimming costume and a lightweight beach bag for storing your SPF, a hat and a good book. Fraloga is ideally positioned for exploring Positano’s coastline, with Fornillo Beach directly below the villa and Spiaggia Grande around a 25-minute walk away.
Read our travel guide to Positano for more tips and local recommendations.
Spiaggia Santa Teresa
Salerno in southern Italy is an under-the-radar getaway to the Amalfi Coast framed by excellent beaches. Head into Salerno’s charismatic old town for the closest beach, Spiaggia Santa Teresa, which is a short walk from the main promenade, shops and pavement cafés.
After a few laps in the sea, explore the town’s gelato shops and spectacular seafood restaurants. Our travel guide to Salerno offers more local recommendations, from historic sights and gardens to some of the city’s best places to eat.
Gavitella Beach
Gavitella Beach in Praiano is trickier to get to, but its beautiful waters make it worth the journey. There are two main ways to get there – by boat or on foot. Arriving by boat offers the easiest option, while those braving the walk will need to descend 400 steep steps to reach the small, pebbled beach.
Its west-facing position makes Gavitella one of the few beaches on the Amalfi Coast to enjoy sunlight well into the late afternoon. From the shore, you can take in sweeping views towards Positano, Capri and the Li Galli islands, making it an especially rewarding spot to linger before the climb back up.
Vietri Beach
Neighbouring Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is a hidden pearl on the Amalfi Coast that’s worth exploring. Venture to Vietri Beach for a beach experience away from the crowds that flock to Positano and Capri.
Known as the capital of ceramics, this part of the coast is easily accessible from Torre Onda Vetra, a design-forward villa cut into the cliffside in Vietri sul Mare. Stay here for easy access to this spectacular beach and the village’s variety of shops, restaurants and lively weekly market.
Maiori Beach
For more of an authentic local atmosphere, Maiori Beach is another standout beach along the coast. As the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast – offering almost 1 km of unbroken sand – this superb spot offers visitors plenty of room to spread out, even during the height of summer.
Families are more than welcome and will appreciate the beach’s calm, shallow waters. For a break from the heat, the lively seafront is lined with cafés, exquisite seafood restaurants and tantalising gelaterias.
Looking for a luxurious base? Perched just above Maiori, Limoni Sul Mare offers easy access to some of the Amalfi Coast's best beaches, while simultaneously offering the utmost privacy in an outstanding setting.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande is Amalfi’s main beach, with direct views of the heart of the town. Easily accessible on foot from the historic centre, it sits just moments from the Duomo and lively Piazza Flavio Gioia. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to swim in the waters of the Amalfi Coast without venturing beyond the town centre.
Looking for a base? Browse our collection of luxury villa rentals on the Amalfi Coast, combining privacy, spectacular swimming pools and seamless access to the coast's most beautiful beaches.
Fiordo di Furore
One of the coast’s most dramatic beaches, Fiordo di Furore is tucked away in a narrow inlet between Praiano and Conca dei Marini. Reaching the beach involves walking down around 200 steps, but the setting is well worth the effort. Top tip: bring a towel and arrive early during the summer months to secure the best spot and make the most of the limited hours of direct sunlight.
If you’d prefer to arrive in style by boat, our Concierge Service can arrange a private charter or bespoke beach-hopping itinerary during your stay at one of our luxury villas on the Amalfi Coast.
FAQs
01. What is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast beaches?
For warm waters, your best bet is to visit in September or early October. The sea has warmed up all summer, making it ideal for swimming. You can’t go wrong with April, May and early June either, although the water may be cooler. In the summer months, the beaches are just as spectacular, though they’re likely to get busy. Our advice would be to get to the beach as early as possible to secure your spot.
02. Which Amalfi Coast beach is best for families?
Marina Grande is a great option for families thanks to its accessibility. Head to Maiori Beach for its shallow waters, allowing the little ones to splash around safely.
03. How do I avoid crowds at Amalfi Coast beaches?
Refer to our guide above for the best local spots. Though they can sometimes be a little out of the way, these smaller beaches are favoured by locals for a reason. Another great way to avoid crowds is to travel during the shoulder seasons, from April to June or September to October.
Connect with our Villa Specialists
Looking for a private villa on the Amalfi Coast? Our Villa Specialists are here to help you find a luxury rental that’s within close proximity to Italy’s best beaches. Let our Concierge Service organise a bespoke beach-hopping itinerary, so you don’t have to lift a finger.