Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best family-friendly hotels on the Amalfi Coast
Famous for its beautiful coastline and colourful hilltop towns, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most popular spots and it’s a wonderful destination for a family holiday. We’ve rounded up the best hotels from Sorrento to Positano.
By Katja Gaskell | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
With steep cliffs, narrow streets and pocket-sized beaches, the Amalfi Coast doesn’t scream family friendly but contrary to what some people might think, the Costiera Amalfitana can be a wonderful destination for families - you just need to know where to look.
Your key to a successful family holiday on the Amalfi Coast - much like anywhere you travel with kids - depends on the age of your children and where you choose to base yourself. The town of Positano is magical but it has been given the nickname of the ‘vertical city’ for a reason. Ravello offers beautiful sea views but is not near a beach. On the other hand, the towns of Minori, Maiori, Amalfi and Sorrento are all excellent places for families.
To help you plan your family holiday to the Amalfi Coast we’ve consulted the Mumsnet forums to read hundreds of reviews and recommendations from well-travelled Mumset users to find some great family-friendly places to stay.
For more European family holiday inspiration, check out our guides to the best family hotels in Rome, the best Italian lakes for families, the best family hotels in Tenerife, the best family hotels in Lanzarote, the best family family hotels in Mallorca and the best family hotels in Ibiza.
Best family hotels on the Amalfi Coast at a glance
Best overall: Hotel Palazzo Murat, Positano | Book now
Best for budget breaks: Residenza Luce, Amalfi | Book now
Best for views: Hotel Poseidon, Positano | Book now
Best for luxury: Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello | Book now
Best with a swimming pool: Convento di Amalfi, Amalfi | Book now
Best apartment: Villa Scarpariello, Ravello | Book now
Best with large rooms: Hotel Rufolo, Ravello | Book now
Best for babies and toddlers: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento | Book now
Best for teens: Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi | Book now
Best boutique hotel: Villa Magia, Positano | Book now
1. Best overall family hotel on the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Palazzo Murat, Positano
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Positano Positano Positano! We always stay at 'Palazzo Murat', the most beautiful hotel. Wonderful courtyard, amazing rooms, even a pool at the bottom of the garden. Dine at Chez Black. We get the bus from the top of the hill to Sorrento and from there take the train straight into Pompeii.” - recommended by Marthacliffscumbag
Our verdict
This brilliant family hotel is housed within a former palace owned by King Murat of Naples (who was married to Napoleon Bonaparte's sister) and offers unique accommodation in a location that makes it easy for families to discover Positano.
There are a handful of family-friendly rooms including a suite that sleeps six and even a two-bedroom apartment (unsurprisingly, this gets booked up well in advance).
Other highlights include complimentary boat tours, a swimming pool and large garden, and a beach within easy reach.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (39 miles)
Read next: Searching for the best suitcase for your next family holiday? See our top recommendations
2. Best budget family hotel on the Amalfi Coast: Residenza Luce, Amalfi
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Been a few times, to Sorrento and Amalfi. Both are very lovely, very relaxed. I really liked the food there and there are some lovely restaurants” - recommended by Mumsnet user, ClaireDeLoon
Our verdict
Accommodation along the Amalfi Coast can be expensive - particularly if you visit during the summer months - but the good news is that there are good budget hotels out there. And, if you’re prepared to travel during the shoulder seasons then you can find some good deals.
One wallet-friendly option is Residenza Luce, a boutique hotel in the town of Amalfi. The 10 rooms are spacious and breezy and while you may not see the sea, you have views over the historic town centre. There are family rooms too; the split-level suites come with a bedroom, living area and a balcony and can sleep four. Breakfast is included in the rates and you're well placed for some of the best restaurants in town.
In terms of location, Residenza Luce is perfectly placed for exploring the town of Amalfi as well as the nearby Grotta dello Smeraldo. The pier for catching ferries to Salerno, Positano and Capri is nearby and you can walk to the nearest beach in just a few minutes.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (40 miles)
3. Best family hotel for views on the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Poseidon, Positano
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are all great places to stay” - recommended by Mumsnet user, TizerorFizz
Our verdict
For rooms with magical views, book yourself into the family-run Hotel Poseidon. Located half-way between the top of Positano town and the beach, this once private villa is a lovely hotel and one of the few in town with a good-sized swimming pool and enough terrace space for some sun loungers too. The 48 bedrooms differ in shape, size and character and many of them feature furniture belonging to the villa’s original owners. A number of rooms can sleep three people and many of them come with a private terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean.
If travelling with toddlers, then be aware that you'll have to navigate a lot of steep steps to get to the hotel. Teens on the other hand will love the location and the easy access to fun and age-appropriate sights and activities nearby. Or they might just want to lie by the pool and make the most of the free WiFi… The restaurant is excellent, try and nab a table on the terrace if you can for dinner with a view, accompanied by live music.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (39 miles)
Read next: Keep things organised on the go with the best packing cubes
4. Best luxury family hotel on the Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Ravello. The most romantic place in the world and the bus takes you down to Amalfi. Lots of places to eat in Ravello too” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Franklin12
Our verdict
Located in the beautiful town of Ravello, Belmond Hotel Caruso is a former 11th-century palace turned luxury hotel. It's also a brilliant option for families. Despite appearances (marbled hallways, restaurant with panoramic terraces and all singing and dancing spa) this is a hotel that warmly welcomes kids.
Upon check-in, children are given a special Welcome Kit as well as a variety of children's DVDs, slippers and bathrobes, cots and high chairs. There's a children's menu in the restaurants (and on the Room Service menu), a kids' menu at the spa and professional babysitting on request. Plus there are dedicated kids' activities like pizza-making, movie-making and pottery.
As for accommodation, two-bedroom suites and residences are available for families.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (37 miles)
5. Best family hotel with a swimming pool on the Amalfi Coast: Convento di Amalfi, Amalfi
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
Our verdict
Housed within a 13th-century monastery above Amalfi's harbour, The Convento di Amalfi is full of charm. It's been a hotel since 1885 but still retains the traditional domed ceilings, cloister and church from its previous life.
The 53 rooms are not large (a legacy of the Capuchin monks and their austere lifestyle) but you'll be pleased to hear that they are modern and elegant. Plus, there are interconnecting rooms for families that sleep five.
And then there's the pool. The views out to sea and along the Amalfi coast from the infinity pool are hard to beat. Older kids and teens will love swimming here - and there are shallow steps for little ones for splashing - but be aware that the pool is not fenced off.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (41 miles)
Read next: We've rounded up THE best cabin bags for your next family escape
6. Best family apartment on the Amalfi Coast: Villa Scarpariello
Check availability on Booking.com
Our verdict
For a self-catering stay with a difference, Villa Scarpariello Relais delivers. This historic castle turned boutique hotel is built on a sea cliff with the most magnificent coastal views. The property is home to 11 sea-view apartments surrounded by fruit trees, sun-filled terraces and a salt water swimming pool tucked in among the rocks. Not all apartments come with kitchens, so if you want to be able to whip up a simple meal (the kitchens are fairly basic), check when booking.
Children of all ages are welcome although the steep stairs are not toddler-friendly in places (it's probably best for kids aged 6+). If you're travelling with a baby then cots are available on request.
One thing to be aware of, if you choose to eat at the hotel restaurant, be aware that all meals - including breakfast - are an additional cost.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (39 miles)
7. Best family hotel with large rooms on the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Rufolo, Ravello
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Definitely go to Ravello, it is fabulous!” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Elephantinacravat
Our verdict
For a central location that feels a million miles from the buzz of town, check in to Hotel Rufolo. This charming family-run hotel overlooks the Villa Rufolo and its famous gardens in the historic town of Ravello.
The hotel has been run by the same family for the last 150 years and the rooms certainly feel like it's been a while since they were last updated but what you can't fault them on is their size. The 30 bedrooms are divided into four categories; all are large and spacious, most have a balcony or terrace, and many of them can accommodate families.
The stars of the show here, however, have to be the huge terrace with wonderful ocean views and the lovely, large swimming pool.
Nearest airport: Naples (37 miles)
8. Best family hotel for babies and toddlers on the Amalfi Coast: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
Our verdict
Located in Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a great option for families travelling with babies and toddlers. Yes, there are still steps to negotiate (that comes as standard along the Amalfi Coast!) but this hotel has a lift, which takes you down to the hotel pool and playground. Handy if you've got a buggy in tow.
As well as hotel rooms, the Excelsior Vittoria has a couple of apartments - ideal for families. These come with two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen. If you don't feel like making dinner then make the most of the hotel's two restaurants, one of which is by the pool - kid-friendly meal options are readily available. There's also a shingle beach nearby, which is easily reached by the hotel shuttle bus.
For children there are additional fun activities on offer including pizza-making classes with the chef.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (33 miles)
9. Best family hotel for teens on the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
Our verdict
Positioned on the edge of Amalfi on a dazzling clifftop, the Santa Caterina is one of the most famous and glamorous hotels along the fabled coastline. It's run by the same family that founded the hotel way back in 1880 and is equally popular with celebrities as it is with folks like you and me.
For families with teens this really is a great option, not least for the incredible glass fronted lift that takes hotel guests from the rooftop restaurant to the seaside pool. Cue major TikTok envy from all their friends! The location is also a winner for families with older children as you're a quick 10-minute walk to Amalfi itself and within easy strolling distance of Ravello too.
As for accommodation there are a handful of interconnecting rooms and the larger suites can fit extra beds.
Nearest airport: Naples (41 miles)
10. Best boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast: Villa Magia, Positano
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Positano is beautiful. Really, really beautiful. It's built into the mountains so everywhere is accessed by steps” - recommended by Mumsnet user, SilverShins
Our verdict
It's easy to fall under the spell of the aptly named Villa Magia in Positano. The hotel's location overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea is simply magical. The owners used to live in the property before turning it into a luxury boutique hotel and there are lots of lovely personal touches like pre-programmed iPhones in each room with WhatsApp contacts for the entire staff in case you need anything.
The family suite sleeps four guests with two rooms and two bathrooms as well as a terrace with a sea view. There's also a two-bedroom suite and another two-bedroom suite with a private pool. The pool has two further swimming pools; the main pool overlooking the sea and a heated pool with a waterfall.
Nearest airport: Naples Airport (38 miles)
Is the Amalfi Coast good for families?
With its sheer cliffs, steep steps and narrow streets, the Amalfi Coast doesn't sound like an obvious destination for families but there's plenty for kids to enjoy. Boat trips, beach visits, thrilling coastal car journeys (and gelato!) will keep older kids entertained. And the ancient city of Pompeii is within easy reach for mini history buffs. Some of the smaller, steeper towns aren't best suited to babies and toddlers but towns like Minori, Maiori, Amalfi and Sorrento make excellent bases for a family holiday.
Where’s a good base on the Amalfi Coast?
We'd recommend Sorrento and Amalfi as good bases for family holidays. It's worth looking at the smaller towns of Minori and Maiori too. You've got more options if you have older kids (and aren't navigating narrow streets with a pram) - Positano and Ravello are particularly stunning. There are buses that run between Sorrento and Amalfi every 15 to 30 minutes or consider hiring a car to give your family flexibility (just be prepared for some hairy roads and tight bends).
How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?
There are 13 towns that make up the Amalfi Coast. You'll probably want to narrow down a hit list and focus on exploring a handful. A week-long trip will allow you to visit a few towns as well as leaving time for beach visits and a trip to Pompeii. If you're flying into Naples, you can reach most of the Amalfi Coast towns in around an hour.
What’s the best family-friendly hotel on the Amalfi Coast?
We rate the Palazzo Murat in Positano. It's a former palace with characterful rooms and family-friendly suites. Kids will love the pool, large garden and free boat trips, and there's a beach within easy reach.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out what family hotels on the Amalfi Coast were being recommended.
We then did some online research, looking at what family hotels in Amalfi Coast had won accolades or been featured in ‘best’ lists across trusted travel publications, and what guests have said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels on the Amalfi Coast right now.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.