Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Why We Chose Maiori
Before planning our Amalfi Coast trip, I spent far more time choosing our home base than I expected. Every town looked beautiful online, but once I started comparing transportation, hotel prices, walkability, and crowds, I quickly realized that where you stay can completely change your experience.
One of the biggest decisions when planning an Amalfi Coast trip is choosing your home base. Every town looks beautiful online, but once you start actually comparing transportation access, hotel pricing, walkability, and crowd levels, the differences become much more important. For our trip, I narrowed it down mainly to Amalfi and Maiori.
One of the biggest factors for me was practicality. I already knew I did not want to spend my vacation dragging suitcases uphill or constantly climbing steep staircases just to reach the water. That immediately ruled out many accommodations higher up in Positano and some of the more vertical towns. Maiori stood out because we could find more affordable hotels that were still close to street level, near the bus stop, walkable to the ferry port, and directly next to the beach.
Amalfi Coast Town Comparison at a Glance
| Town | Best For |
|---|---|
| Maiori | Families, relaxed pace, easier logistics |
| Amalfi | Transportation hub and ferry access |
| Positano | First-time visitors and iconic views |
| Ravello | Scenic views and a quieter atmosphere |
| Sorrento | Budget-conscious travelers and train access |
| Capri | Luxury travelers and short stays |
Why We Chose Maiori
We ended up booking six nights at the Reginna Palace in Maiori, paying roughly 2,500 euros total for two rooms during peak June travel season. The hotel itself wasn’t ultra-luxurious, but it ended up being exactly what we needed. We had comfortable rooms, breakfast included each morning, outdoor patio seating, and even a pool we occasionally relaxed at after long days of exploring.
More importantly, the location made the entire trip dramatically easier. We could walk to the beach, restaurants, bus stops, and ferry port without dealing with endless stairs or complicated transfers. That convenience became something we appreciated more with each passing day.
Looking back, I think Maiori also offered one of the better values on the Amalfi Coast. For roughly 208 euros per room per night during peak season, we had a beachfront hotel with a pool and plenty of space to relax. Had we stayed in Amalfi or Positano, we likely would have paid significantly more for a similar setup, or given up amenities like the pool, larger rooms, or easy access without climbing countless stairs.
What Maiori Was Actually Like
What I immediately liked about Maiori was how much more relaxed it felt compared to some of the larger tourist-heavy towns. It felt like people were actually on vacation there instead of racing around trying to check attractions off a list.
During the weekdays, transportation felt relatively easy. Amalfi was only about three miles away and roughly a 15-minute bus ride around the coastline. The ride itself became part of the experience, offering beautiful views of the sea and cliffs along the way. Ferries were accessible enough for most of our day trips, and the entire town felt centralized and manageable.
The evenings ended up becoming some of my favorite moments of the trip. While places like Positano often felt crowded and energetic, Maiori became noticeably quieter after the day-trippers left. We found plenty of restaurants to choose from, and many dinners felt surprisingly intimate. There was a quiet luxury in sitting outdoors on a warm evening, enjoying a slow meal without feeling rushed.
The Beach Experience
While we didn’t spend as much time on Maiori’s beach as I originally expected, it felt noticeably more approachable than Positano.
In Positano, going to the beach almost feels like an activity that requires planning. In Maiori, it felt more integrated into everyday life. During our walks to and from the ferry, we regularly saw people laying out towels, enjoying the water, and relaxing along the shoreline. The atmosphere felt less performative and more casual.
Comparing Maiori to Other Amalfi Coast Towns
As we explored more of the region, I became even happier with our decision.
Positano
Positano was every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, but it was also by far the most crowded destination we visited. I loved spending a day there, but I personally wouldn’t have wanted to deal with those crowds every morning and evening.
Amalfi
Amalfi was convenient and lively, especially as a ferry hub. If transportation access is your top priority, Amalfi is hard to beat. That said, it felt busier than I would personally want for a week-long stay.
Ravello
Ravello ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip. The views were incredible, and the atmosphere felt peaceful and refined. However, staying there full-time would have made transportation significantly more complicated.
Sorrento
Sorrento honestly deserved far more time than we gave it. It tends to offer more accommodation and restaurant variety because the city stretches further inland on a broader plateau rather than being tightly compressed between cliffs and the sea like many Amalfi Coast towns. That extra space makes transportation, hotel logistics, and even budgeting feel noticeably easier and more flexible.
Capri
Capri is probably best for travelers who enjoy lively energy, scenic boat views, shopping, and full-day exploring. However, I think it works much better as a day trip than a week-long home base for most travelers. Between the higher prices for ferries, hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs, along with the island’s relatively small size and dependence on ferry schedules, I would personally worry about running out of things to do after a few days unless the goal was a slower luxury-focused vacation.
Our Experience at the Reginna Palace
The Reginna Palace ended up being an excellent base for our week-long trip. The rooms were comfortable, but the location was its biggest selling point. The ferry port, bus stop, beach, and main plaza were all just minutes away.
We especially loved the included breakfast each morning. Starting the day with a freshly prepared omelet, fresh fruit, and coffee on the outdoor patio quickly became part of our routine. It was a simple experience, but one that helped set the tone for each day.
Who Should Stay in Maiori?
Maiori worked especially well for our family because we wanted to be well connected for day trips while minimizing the effort of hills and stairs. I would recommend it to travelers looking for a more relaxed pace, easier logistics, and a home base that feels less crowded than some of the Amalfi Coast’s most famous towns.
It’s particularly well suited for families, travelers planning multiple day trips, and anyone who values convenience over being in the center of the social media spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Everywhere along the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous. Choosing a home base isn’t really about finding the “best” town, it’s about finding the town that best matches your travel style.
For us, Maiori struck the perfect balance. It was beautiful without feeling overwhelming, well connected without feeling hectic, and relaxed without feeling isolated. The real magic of Maiori wasn’t any single landmark or attraction—it was how easy it made it to enjoy the rest of the Amalfi Coast while still giving us a peaceful place to return to at the end of each day.
If your ideal Amalfi Coast trip involves day trips, relaxed evenings, easy beach access, and minimizing the number of hills and stairs you need to tackle each day, Maiori deserves a place near the top of your shortlist.
Coming soon:
- Best Day Trips From the Amalfi Coast
- How to Plan an Amalfi Coast Trip Without Losing Your Mind