Amalfi Coast Beach Guide

The Amalfi Coast, a top destination in Italy's Campania region, is as famous for its picturesque landscapes as it is for its unique beaches. This guide will help you discover the best relaxation spots in this Mediterranean paradise nestled among the cliffs.

Overview and Things to Know

Most of the beaches on the Amalfi Coast are composed of a mixture of volcanic rock and pebbles, which is the primary reason for the water's clarity. Fine sand beaches are very rare. Most of the beaches are run by private clubs (Stabilimenti Balneari) where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, but there is always a small public area (Spiaggia Libera).

Warning: During the summer months, it's important to get to popular beaches early to get a spot, especially in the free areas.

Featured Beaches and Their Features
Marina Grande (Amalfi)

Located in the center of Amalfi town, it's the coast's largest and most accessible beach. The beach is made of large pebbles and surrounded by colorful houses, cafes, and restaurants. Its central location makes it a lively and social spot. Its public area offers one of the closest spots to the center, but it can get crowded. It's an ideal starting point for short boat trips from Amalfi Port.

Fornillo Beach (Positano)

It's a quieter and more peaceful alternative to Positano's larger Spiaggia Grande beach. It's accessible from the main beach via a short, scenic walk or by boat taxi. The surrounding cliffs provide shade in the early afternoon, making it a good option for those looking to avoid the extreme heat. It boasts smaller, boutique beach clubs and a romantic atmosphere.

Duoglio Beach (near Amalfi)

Located just 1 km from Amalfi, this beach is renowned for its incredibly clear water. Access is a bit challenging; you'll need to climb approximately 400 steps down a steep cliff (or take a water taxi). Despite this difficulty, the reward is fewer crowds and crystal-clear waters. It's popular for snorkeling and water sports.

Arienzo Beach – 400 Steps Beach (Positano)

This private cove, named after the approximately 400 steps leading down from Positano's center, is usually run by a luxury beach club. Arienzo's biggest draw is that it gets more sun than other parts of the coastline, making it perfect for late arrivals or those looking for a long soak. The pebble bottom is softer than the others.

Minori Beach

For those looking for a larger, family-friendly option, Minori is ideal. Its geography allows for a flatter beach and a relatively finer gravel/sand bottom than other beaches. It offers ample public spaces and shallow, safe waters for children to swim in. It's close to the town center and historical sites.

Practical Travel Tips
  • Reservations: If you plan to go to a private beach club, be sure to reserve a sunbed, especially on weekends.
  • Sea Shoes Required: It is highly recommended that you purchase sea shoes to increase your walking comfort on pebbled ground.
  • Transportation: Rather than driving to popular beaches, it's much more practical to use SITA buses or water taxis (especially in Positano).