Best Beaches on the Amalfi Coast: 10 Beautiful Beaches to Visit

A practical guide to 10 of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Maiori and Erchie, with tips on swimming, beach clubs, public access and which beach to choose.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Italy, but choosing the right beach can be harder than it looks. Many beaches here are small, pebbly and tucked below cliffs, steep roads or long staircases. Some are perfect for beach clubs and long lunches, while others are better for swimming, photos or a quick stop during a coastal itinerary. This guide covers 10 of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. It includes famous Positano beaches, clear-water coves near Amalfi, scenic Praiano beaches and easier options for families or longer beach days. Whether you want the classic Positano view, a quieter beach near Amalfi, a beach club day or a more local village feel, these are some of the best Amalfi Coast beaches to add to your trip.

Marina Grande, Positano

Marina Grande, also known as Spiaggia Grande, is the main beach in Positano and one of the most famous beaches on the Amalfi Coast. This is the beach most people picture when they think of Positano, with colourful houses rising steeply above the shoreline and boats floating in the water. The beach is a mix of dark sand and pebbles, with beach clubs, restaurants, boat departures and a free public area. It is not the quietest beach on the coast, especially in July and August, but it is the best place to start if you want the full Positano experience. Marina Grande works well for first-time visitors, beach clubs, lunch by the sea and boat trips. It is also very convenient if you are staying in central Positano or arriving by ferry. - Best for: iconic views, beach clubs, restaurants and boat trips. - Good to know: Marina Grande gets very busy in summer, and sunbeds can be expensive in high season.

Fornillo Beach, Positano

Fornillo Beach is one of the best beaches near Positano if you want something calmer than Marina Grande but still easy to reach. It sits just around the corner from the main beach and can be reached by a scenic coastal path in around 10 to 15 minutes. The beach is pebbly, with clear water, beach clubs and restaurants along the shore. It still gets busy in high season, but the atmosphere is usually more relaxed than Positano’s main beach. Fornillo is a good choice if you want a proper beach day in Positano without being right in the busiest part of town. It works well for swimming, couples, lunch by the sea and a slower afternoon. - Best for: a quieter Positano beach, swimming, beach clubs and relaxed lunches. - Good to know: access involves walking and some steps, so pack lightly if you are carrying beach bags.

Arienzo Beach, Positano

Arienzo Beach is a small scenic beach just outside the centre of Positano, known for its clear water, beach clubs and dramatic cliffside setting. It is often called the “300 steps beach” because of the long staircase that leads down from the road. The setting is beautiful, with steep cliffs behind the beach and bright blue water in front. Most visitors come here for the beach clubs, so it is a good option if you want a more polished Amalfi Coast beach day with sunbeds, lunch and swimming. There is usually a free public section, but space is limited. In high season, it is worth booking ahead or checking whether your beach club offers a boat shuttle from Positano. - Best for: beach clubs, clear water, couples and scenic views. - Good to know: the walk back up the steps can feel hard in the heat, especially after a full beach day.

Marina di Praia, Praiano

Marina di Praia is one of the most atmospheric beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Set in a narrow cove between steep cliffs, this small pebbly beach has fishing boats, clear water and restaurants built into the rocks around the marina. It is more of a scenic cove than a classic beach-club beach. The beach is small, so it can feel crowded quickly, but the setting is beautiful and full of character. It is a great place to come for a swim followed by a long seafood lunch or an early evening drink by the water. Marina di Praia is also a useful starting point for boat trips and water taxis around Praiano and the surrounding coastline. - Best for: restaurants, seafood, boat trips and dramatic cliffs. - Good to know: the beach is tiny, so arrive early if you want space by the water.

Gavitella Beach, Praiano

Gavitella Beach is one of the best beaches in Praiano, especially if you want afternoon sun and sunset views. Because it faces west, it gets sunlight later in the day than many other beaches on the Amalfi Coast, making it a lovely choice for a later swim or aperitivo. The beach is small and rocky, with clear water, bathing platforms, beach clubs and views towards Positano, Capri and the Li Galli islands. It is less practical than some town beaches, but the setting is one of the most memorable on the coast. To reach Gavitella on foot, you need to walk down a long staircase from Praiano. Some beach clubs may also offer boat transfers in season. - Best for: sunset views, beach clubs, clear water and couples. - Good to know: the steps back up to Praiano are steep, so avoid climbing back during the hottest part of the day.

Marina Grande, Amalfi

Marina Grande is the main beach in Amalfi town and one of the easiest beaches to visit on the coast. It sits directly in front of the historic centre, close to the cathedral, ferry pier, restaurants and shops. The beach is pebbly, with clear water, beach clubs and a free public area. It gets busy in summer, but it is very convenient if you are staying in Amalfi or arriving by ferry for the day. Marina Grande is a good choice if you want a simple beach day with everything close by. It is not the quietest or most natural beach on the coast, but it is practical, central and easy to include in an Amalfi itinerary. - Best for: convenience, families, ferry access and restaurants. - Good to know: Marina Grande is very central, so expect crowds in peak season.

Duoglio Beach, Amalfi

Duoglio Beach is one of the best beaches near Amalfi for clear water. It sits just outside the town, below the coastal road, and is reached by a long staircase or by boat in season. The beach has pebbles, deep blue water and a more scenic, natural feel than Amalfi’s main beach. There are beach clubs and usually a free public section, although space is limited. Duoglio is a good choice if you are staying in Amalfi but want somewhere prettier and a little less central. The water is great for swimming, but the stairs make it less practical if you are carrying lots of beach gear. - Best for: clear water, swimming, beach clubs and scenic views. - Good to know: access involves a long staircase unless you arrive by boat.

Maiori Beach

Maiori Beach is one of the longest and most practical beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Unlike many small coves in the area, Maiori has a wide seafront, more space and easy access from town. The beach is a mix of pebbles, small stones and coarse sand, with beach clubs, restaurants and free public sections. It is especially good for families, groups and anyone who wants an easier beach day without lots of steps. Maiori does not have the same dramatic glamour as Positano, but it is one of the best choices if you want comfort, space and facilities. - Best for: families, easy access, longer beach days and beach clubs. - Good to know: Maiori is more practical than dramatic, but very useful for a relaxed beach day

Erchie Beach

Erchie Beach is a small village beach between Maiori and Cetara. It has clear water, a pebbly shore, beach clubs, restaurants and a more local atmosphere than the famous beaches around Positano and Amalfi. The village setting is part of the charm. Fishing boats, colourful houses and cliffs frame the beach, making it feel relaxed and authentic. It is not completely hidden in summer, especially at weekends, but it usually feels more low-key than the bigger destinations. Erchie is a lovely option if you are staying near Maiori, Minori, Cetara or Salerno and want a quieter Amalfi Coast beach. There is also a beautiful free public beach nearby, which is worth using if you prefer a simpler beach setup. - Best for: local atmosphere, swimming, families and clear water. - Good to know: Erchie is small, so go early in summer, especially at weekends.

Atrani Beach

Atrani Beach is a small town beach just next to Amalfi, making it one of the easiest alternatives to Amalfi’s busy Marina Grande. It sits below the village of Atrani, with colourful houses, arches and cliffs behind the shoreline. The beach is pebbly, with clear water, a mix of free public space and organised beach areas. It is not large, so it can still get busy in summer, but it usually feels more local and less hectic than Amalfi’s main beach. Atrani works well if you are staying in Amalfi and want a change of scene without taking a bus, ferry or car. You can walk between Amalfi and Atrani in around 10 minutes, which makes it one of the most convenient beaches on the Amalfi Coast. - Best for: easy access from Amalfi, swimming, village atmosphere and a relaxed beach stop. - Good to know: the beach is small and pebbly, arrive early in summer and bring water shoes.

Tips for visiting Amalfi Coast beaches

Most beaches on the Amalfi Coast are pebbly, so water shoes are useful almost everywhere. Even beaches that look sandy in photos often have small stones or coarse dark sand. In July and August, arrive early if you want space on the free public beach. Many beaches are small, and the free sections can fill quickly. If you want sunbeds and umbrellas, book beach clubs ahead during peak season. This is especially important in Positano, Praiano and Amalfi. Do not rely on parking. Driving on the Amalfi Coast can be beautiful, but parking near beaches is often limited, expensive or difficult. Ferries, buses, scooters and walking are often easier depending on where you are staying. Check access before visiting smaller coves. Beaches such as Duoglio, Gavitella and Arienzo may involve steps, boat shuttles or occasional access restrictions.