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The 9 Best Amalfi Coast Beaches [Including 3 Secluded Options]
Not only does the Amalfi Coast have an abundance of cultural and historical attractions, but the Amalfi Coast beaches are also some of Italy’s finest.
Positano, Amalfi, Atrani - you name it - and just about every town along the coast has a lovely little beach of its own.
The beaches themselves are mostly rocky, but their location, visual attractiveness, and overall atmosphere is unbeatable.
And remember, there are many beaches dotted along the entire coastline, so broaden your horizons beyond just the main towns, and you’ll find some exquisitely tranquil beaches that you can have almost all to yourself.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast, including those that are more well-known, as well as some hidden spots.
Amalfi Coast Beaches Map
A map of the best beaches on the Amalfi CoastOur Tip: Most beaches in Italy and the Amalfi Coast are divided into two areas: one with free access and no amenities, and another with paid access including sunbeds and umbrellas. The free section (spiaggia libera) is generally sufficient in most cases, especially if you're not staying at the beach for long. But, because almost all Amalfi Coast beaches are rocky and not sandy, lying on a towel on the uneven stony shore can be uncomfortable, and so opting for a sunbed might be best.
Positano’s Main Beach - Marina Grande
Positano's Marina Grande in MayPositano’s most famous beach, Marina Grande, is not just a place to swim - it’s an experience. With its dramatic backdrop of pastel-colored buildings tumbling down the cliff sides, this lively beach is one of the most iconic spots on the Amalfi Coast.
Marina Grande is lined with private beach clubs, sunbeds, and colorful umbrellas. Most of the beach is reserved for paying guests, with daily rentals costing around €25 or more. There is a small free section (spiaggia libera) on the right-hand side, though it fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars, making it a great spot to enjoy a seafood lunch or a sunset aperitivo. Marina Grande is not the best beach for solitude, but it is the perfect place for taking in Positano’s energy, people-watching, and enjoying views of the coastline.
Fornillo Beach - Positano’s More Secluded Beach
Fornillo beach, PositanoAlso in Positano, but tucked away from the busy main beach, Fornillo beach offers a more relaxed alternative while still being just a short walk from the heart of Positano.
Though I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a “hidden gem,” it does see fewer crowds than Marina Grande, so it is a good option for those in search of a more laid-back experience. Throughout the peak summer months, on weekends in particular, it can get busy, so as with most beaches in this guide, visiting early is generally recommended.
To reach Fornillo, take the scenic coastal path that begins near the Positano harbor—a short, picturesque walk that winds along the cliffside, with stunning sea views.
It is a partially private beach with a small free section.
Read our full guide to Positano for more.
Amalfi’s Main Beach - Marina Grande
Marina Grande, AmalfiThe main beach in the town of Amalfi is also known as Marina Grande. It’s located right in front of the historic old town and is mostly occupied by colorful beach umbrellas and sunbeds, like its counterpart in Positano.
Thanks to its convenient location, you're just steps away from Amalfi’s charming streets, coffee shops, gelaterias, and shops. The beach also offers gorgeous views of the coastline.
Since Amalfi is one of the most popular towns along the coast, you can imagine this beach gets packed in the summer months, but there are also free spots at each end of the beach where you can set up your own beach umbrella. These tend to fill up quickly though.
Lido delle Sirene - Amalfi’s Quieter Alternative
Amalfi Coast map with the best towns to visit
A simple graphical map often helps me plan out my trip and get a “feel” for the lay of the land before digging into more specific details. In this Amalfi Coast map, I’ve also marked out the top Amalfi Coast towns to visit as well as some lesser-known gems I’m sure you’ll enjoy!
If Marina Grande feels a little too hectic, take a short stroll along the harbor to the quieter Lido delle Sirene (Mermaid Beach), located just past Amalfi’s port.
Lido delle Sirene is entirely private, meaning there’s no free section. It does offer a well-run beach club though, with comfortable sunbeds, showers, and changing rooms.
The water here is crystal-clear and thanks to the natural curve of the coastline, it’s a sheltered spot ideal for swimming.
At the beachfront restaurant you can enjoy a light lunch or sip on a refreshing spritz while gazing out at the water.
Atrani Beach
Atrani beachAtrani boasts a lovely little beach that's great during the day and ever so romantic at night; which is when the fisherman go out in their little boats with their lamps lit to attract the fish.
The beach is right in front of Atrani’s main piazza, framed by colorful buildings and dramatic cliffs. Since it’s right by the town, you’ll have no difficulties getting to it or finding it. It’s a charming alternative to nearby Marina Grande in Amalfi.
It’s one of the few beaches on the coast with a good amount of free space, meaning you don’t necessarily have to rent a sunbed. That said, there are also a few beach clubs where you can enjoy extra comfort, food, and drinks.
Capri’s Main Beach - Marina Grande
The main harbor in CapriBeing the main beach of Capri, Marina Grande is the first glimpse of the island’s stunning coastline for many visitors, just steps from the ferry port. Marina Grande may not have the secluded atmosphere of Capri’s other beaches, but it’s easily accessible and is one of the island’s liveliest beaches.
Unlike most of the beaches along the coast, Marina Grande has a mix of sand and small pebbles, making it a little more pleasant to relax on. Even though it’s close to the port, the water here is really clear and a beautiful turquoise color. It’s shallow too, which is great for families with kids or for a refreshing dip before venturing further afield.
Most of the beach is free to access, unlike many other beaches on the island, which are known for their “exclusive beach clubs.”
Speaking of exclusive spots, if you find Marina Grande a bit too crowded, you could always take a boat taxi to one of the island’s hidden coves, like Marina Piccola or Bagni di Tiberio.
Discover more about Capri in our guide.
3 Lesser-Known Amalfi Coast Beaches
The Amalfi Coast may be one of the busiest tourist destinations in Italy. That is true, and yes, if you visit in peak season, you’ll no doubt find the place swarming with international tourists.
That doesn’t mean, however, that it doesn’t have quieter areas. It does. In the case of Amalfi Coast beaches - there are many alternative spots both near the main towns and further out - that get very few tourists.
Below, I’ve listed just 3 such beaches. If you’d like a more comprehensive list of secluded or hidden beaches on the Amalfi Coast, just leave a comment at the bottom of this article. If enough people comment, I’ll create a guide just on this topic.
Fiordo di Furore Beach - Furore Fjord
Fiordo di Furore beachI used to think you only found fjords in Norway or Iceland. On visiting Furore for the first time, you can imagine the look on my face when I saw a spectacular fjord under the blazing Southern Italian sun, with a spectacular beach to boot.
The fjord is tucked between Amalfi and Praiano, and it’s one of the most unique beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Set inside a dramatic fjord, the tiny pebble beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and a striking stone bridge. It almost feels like you’re in a secret hideaway.
Unlike many other Amalfi Coast beaches, Fiordo di Furore is completely wild - no sunbeds, no bars, and definitely no facilities - so make sure to bring your beach essentials. The water is refreshingly cool, mostly due to the shade from the cliffs.
To get here, you need to follow a steep stairway from the main coastal road (SS163). Arriving by boat is another option. Not too long ago, before the Amalfi Coast became popular, Furore beach was practically empty.
But these days, because of its small area and growing popularity, it has started filling up. Get there in the morning or late in the afternoon if you’re visiting in the busy months.
La Gavitella Beach - Praiano
Photo courtesy of La Gavitella Restaurant and Beach ClubLa Gavitella beach is located below the cliffs of Praiano, and is unique due to its incredible sunset views. Sunset views from the beach are rare along the Amalfi Coast because the cliffs often block the evening light. La Gavitella, on the other hand, enjoys direct sunlight until late in the evening, so you get to soak up the sun all day and watch the sun go down!
The beach is made up of pebbles and rocky platforms, with clear waters perfect for swimming. There’s a beach club (La Gavitella), offering sunbed rentals, food, and drinks, with a lively atmosphere in the summer.
Although there’s no free section at La Gavitella, you can relax on the nearby rocks. There’s a good seafood restaurant, also named after the beach, and located right by it.
Reaching La Gavitella beach requires a steep descent of about 400 steps from the town of Praiano.
And if you haven't considered visiting Praiano yet, you really should!
Recommone Beach – Near Nerano
Now we’re getting really secluded. Between Marina del Cantone and Crapolla Fjord, lies the small Recommone beach, a peaceful cove that feels (and is) far removed from the busier beaches of the Amalfi Coast. Its crystal-clear waters and rocky seabed make it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding cliffs offer a sense of seclusion.
The beach is accessible by boat or via a scenic coastal footpath from Marina del Cantone, taking about 15–20 minutes on foot. Despite it being a hidden beach free from crowds, Recommone has a small beach club. There’s no free section, but the experience is worth it for a quiet, upscale beach escape.
And that concludes this article about the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. As I mentioned above, if you’d like to see a complete guide to secluded Amalfi Coast beaches, be sure to comment below!
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