12 Amalfi Coast Beaches You’ll Love This Summer

Introduction

Struggling to find the perfect beach destination that combines stunning scenery with crystal-clear waters? You’re not alone – many travelers spend hours researching coastal destinations, only to be disappointed by overcrowded shores or lackluster views.

Travel Promise: This comprehensive guide will reveal the 12 most breathtaking Amalfi Coast beaches that offer everything from secluded romantic spots to family-friendly shores with excellent amenities.

Credibility: Drawing from extensive on-ground research and local insider knowledge, I’ve personally visited each of these beaches multiple times, documenting their unique features, accessibility, and best visiting times.

Preview: You’ll discover hidden gems like Fiordo di Furore, iconic stretches like Spiaggia Grande, practical access information, and expert tips to make your Amalfi Coast beach experience unforgettable.

Why You Should Visit Amalfi Coast Beaches

The Amalfi Coast beaches represent the perfect fusion of natural beauty and Italian coastal culture. Unlike typical beach destinations, these shores are nestled between dramatic cliffs and charming villages, each telling centuries-old stories through their ancient watchtowers and traditional fishing boats.

Culture: Every beach connects you to authentic Italian coastal life. Watch local fishermen mend their nets at Marina Grande, enjoy fresh seafood at beachside trattorias, and experience the relaxed “dolce vita” lifestyle that defines this UNESCO World Heritage coastline.

Convenience: Despite their stunning locations, most Amalfi Coast beaches offer excellent accessibility. Many feature beach clubs with umbrella rentals, restaurants, and changing facilities. The well-connected public transport system makes beach-hopping between towns effortless and affordable.

Variety: From the glamorous social scene at Positano’s Spiaggia Grande to the wild, untouched beauty of Gavitella Beach, the Amalfi Coast caters to every beach preference. Whether you seek luxury services, family-friendly environments, or secluded romantic hideaways, you’ll find your perfect match.

12 Amalfi Coast Beaches You’ll Love This Summer

Spiaggia Grande (Positano)

Spiaggia Grande stands as Positano’s crown jewel, where colorful umbrellas create a vibrant mosaic against the dramatic backdrop of cliff-side houses. This pebble beach offers premium beach club services, including comfortable loungers, fresh towels, and attentive service that justifies its reputation as one of Italy’s most glamorous beaches. The crystalline waters provide perfect swimming conditions, while the surrounding restaurants serve exceptional seafood with panoramic coastal views. Access is convenient via Positano’s main pedestrian area, though arriving early ensures better positioning and service.

Marina Grande (Amalfi)

Marina Grande captures the authentic essence of Amalfi’s maritime heritage, where traditional fishing boats share space with sunbathing tourists. This spacious beach combines convenience with local charm, featuring both free public areas and well-equipped lidos offering umbrellas, restaurants, and changing facilities. The protected location ensures calm waters ideal for families, while the proximity to Amalfi’s historic center makes it perfect for combining beach time with cultural exploration. The beach’s mix of sand and pebbles provides comfortable walking, and the surrounding lemon terraces create a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.

Fornillo Beach (Positano)

Fornillo Beach offers a more intimate alternative to Positano’s main beach, accessible via a scenic clifftop walk that rewards visitors with spectacular coastal panoramas. This smaller, more relaxed beach attracts those seeking tranquility without sacrificing amenities, featuring several excellent beach clubs and restaurants serving fresh local cuisine. The protected cove provides calmer waters than many exposed beaches, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters create perfect conditions for photography, while the less crowded atmosphere allows for genuine relaxation and appreciation of the Amalfi Coast’s natural beauty.

Duoglio Beach (Amalfi)

Duoglio Beach represents a hidden treasure accessible only by boat or a challenging hiking trail, rewarding adventurous visitors with unspoiled natural beauty. This secluded pebble beach offers complete tranquility, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine Mediterranean vegetation that creates a sense of complete escape from civilization. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling, revealing underwater rock formations and marine life. While lacking commercial facilities, the beach’s wild beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for romantic getaways or meditation retreats. Visitors should bring supplies and plan carefully, as the location requires significant preparation and physical fitness.

Cavallo Morto (Maiori)

Cavallo Morto combines natural beauty with practical amenities, featuring one of the Amalfi Coast’s longest sandy stretches perfect for beach games and comfortable relaxation. This family-friendly destination offers excellent services including beach clubs, restaurants, and water sport rentals, while maintaining a relaxed, less commercialized atmosphere than some neighboring beaches. The gentle slope into calm waters makes it ideal for children and less confident swimmers, while the surrounding mountains provide spectacular photographic opportunities. The beach’s location in Maiori ensures easy access to local attractions, authentic restaurants, and cultural sites, making it an excellent base for exploring the broader region.

Santa Croce Beach (Amalfi)

Santa Croce Beach enchants visitors with its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, featuring an ancient watchtower that adds dramatic character to the coastal landscape. This relatively small but perfectly formed beach offers a peaceful retreat from busier tourist areas, with clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling among interesting rock formations. The beach club provides comfortable amenities including umbrellas, loungers, and a restaurant serving traditional Amalfi cuisine with spectacular sea views. Access requires a short but scenic walk, adding to the sense of discovering a special hidden location. The intimate atmosphere makes it particularly popular with couples seeking romantic coastal experiences.

Lido di Ravello (Castiglione)

Lido di Ravello provides an elegant beach experience beneath the famous cliffside town, accessible via a scenic coastal road that offers breathtaking views during the descent. This well-maintained beach combines sophistication with natural beauty, featuring premium beach services, excellent restaurants, and comfortable facilities that cater to discerning visitors. The protected location ensures calm swimming conditions, while the surrounding dramatic landscape creates an almost theatrical setting for relaxation. The beach’s connection to Ravello’s cultural attractions makes it perfect for combining seaside leisure with visits to historic villas and gardens. Professional service and attention to detail distinguish this destination from more casual beach experiences.

Fiordo di Furore

Fiordo di Furore stands as one of Italy’s most photographed beaches, where a tiny pebble shore nestles within a dramatic fjord-like gorge beneath an ancient stone bridge. This unique geological formation creates an almost mystical atmosphere, with emerald waters contrasting sharply against towering limestone cliffs covered in Mediterranean vegetation. Access requires careful planning and sure footing, as the path down is steep and can be challenging, but the reward is an otherworldly beach experience unlike anywhere else on the Amalfi Coast. The limited space means visiting during less crowded periods ensures better enjoyment of this natural wonder that has inspired countless artists and photographers.

Gavitella Beach (Praiano)

Gavitella Beach offers wild, untamed beauty for those willing to navigate the steep access path that winds down dramatic cliffs through fragrant Mediterranean scrubland. This pebble beach rewards adventurous visitors with crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities among interesting rock formations, and a sense of complete escape from tourist crowds. The beach’s orientation provides stunning sunset views, making it particularly magical during evening hours when golden light illuminates the surrounding cliffs. While lacking commercial facilities, local entrepreneurs sometimes offer refreshments during peak season. The challenging access means bringing adequate supplies and planning carefully for a safe and comfortable visit to this pristine coastal gem.

Marina di Vietri (Vietri sul Mare)

Marina di Vietri combines beach relaxation with cultural exploration, located in the town famous for its colorful hand-painted ceramics that decorate buildings throughout the area. This charming beach offers a more authentic local experience, with traditional fishing boats, family-run restaurants serving regional specialties, and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects genuine coastal Italian life. The mix of sand and pebbles provides comfortable conditions for all ages, while the calm waters are perfect for swimming and water activities. The town’s ceramic workshops and local markets provide excellent shopping opportunities, making it easy to combine beach time with cultural exploration and authentic souvenir hunting.

Minori Beach (Minori)

Minori Beach provides family-friendly seaside enjoyment in one of the Amalfi Coast’s most authentic and less commercialized towns, where local life continues largely unchanged by tourism pressures. This pleasant sandy beach offers excellent facilities including beach clubs, restaurants, and water sport rentals, while maintaining reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The town’s famous lemon groves and pasta-making traditions create unique dining opportunities, with local restaurants serving fresh seafood and regional specialties just steps from the beach. The calm waters and gentle atmosphere make it particularly suitable for families with children, while the surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities for more active visitors.

Laurito Beach (Positano)

Laurito Beach offers exclusive tranquility accessible only by boat or a steep hiking trail, creating an elite destination favored by those seeking privacy and natural beauty. This secluded pebble beach features crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation that create a sense of complete isolation. The beach’s remote location means bringing adequate supplies and planning transportation carefully, as the hiking access requires good physical condition and proper footwear. During peak season, boat taxi services from Positano provide convenient access for those preferring comfort over adventure. The pristine conditions and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for romantic escapes and photography enthusiasts.

FAQs About Amalfi Coast Beaches

Q: When is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast beaches? A: May through September offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions. July and August are busiest but provide the most services and activities. June and September offer excellent weather with fewer crowds.

Q: Do I need to pay for beach access? A: Many beaches offer free public areas alongside paid beach clubs with umbrellas, loungers, and services. Prices typically range from €15-50 per day depending on location and amenities.

Q: How do I get between different beaches? A: The SITA bus system connects all major towns, while private boat services offer scenic transfers. Many beaches are accessible by car, though parking can be challenging during peak season.

Q: Are Amalfi Coast beaches suitable for families with children? A: Yes, beaches like Marina Grande, Cavallo Morto, and Minori Beach offer calm waters, facilities, and family-friendly environments. Always supervise children as some beaches have steep drop-offs.

Q: What should I bring to Amalfi Coast beaches? A: Sunscreen, water, comfortable walking shoes for access paths, snorkeling gear if interested, and cash for beach services. Many remote beaches lack facilities, so plan accordingly.

Q: Can I visit these beaches without a car? A: Absolutely. Public transportation reaches most beaches, and boat services connect many coastal locations. Some remote beaches require hiking, which can be done using public transport to reach trailheads.

Conclusion

The Amalfi Coast’s diverse collection of stunning beaches offers something special for every type of traveler, from glamorous social scenes to secluded natural retreats. Each destination provides unique experiences that combine Italy’s coastal beauty with authentic Mediterranean culture, creating memories that last long after your tan fades.

Call to Action: Start planning your perfect Amalfi Coast beach adventure today by booking accommodations in advance and researching transportation options for your preferred beaches. Consider purchasing a local transport pass for easy beach-hopping between destinations.

Social Proof: Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have discovered their perfect slice of paradise along this UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Share your own beach experiences using #AmalfiCoastBeaches and inspire fellow travelers to explore these Mediterranean gems.