7 Best Sights in Amalfi Coast, Italy

A medieval Norman tower provides a spectacular landmark for this beach on Cetara's picturesque marina. With blue-and-white boats lying on the sand, anchovy-fishing boats in the harbor, and children playing in the adjacent park, the beach is a hive of activity—stretch out your towel and enjoy the buzz. The water here is clean, and the lido has a cool bar and sun beds for rent. The sun shines here until late afternoon, so if you stay long enough that hunger strikes, try the fried anchovies in the Cuopperia on the marina. Served in paper cones, cuoppi are the local fast food. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

With its wonderful patches of emerald set in a blue-glass lagoon, Conca dei Marini's harbor is one of the most enchanting visions on the coast. Descend (and later ascend!) the steps past the Borgo Marinaro houses (a colony for off-duty celebrities) and down to the harbor, set with cafés and a little chapel dedicated to Santa Maria della Neve that seems to bless the picture-perfect beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

Landmarked by its giant Saracen Tower, the Capo di Conca protects bathers from the western winds. Here at this privately run beach with a bar and restaurant, it is the water that compels: infinite shades of aquamarine, lapis, and emerald shimmering in sunshine, glowing silver in moonlight, and becoming transparent in the rocky coves. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; pool; showers; toilets. Best for: diving; snorkeling; swimming.

Named for the ruins of a chapel found in the beach's grotto, the rocky beach of Santa Croce is located below the village of Vettica Minore, west of Amalfi, but is reachable only by boat from Amalfi. Paradise for swimmers, the water is crystal clear and the surrounding coast is studded with emerald grottoes—stronger swimmers can admire a natural arch in the rock, about 150 meters west (locals say that kissing your bella while swimming underneath ensures everlasting love). With a delightful restaurant and sun-bed rental available, this is a relaxing beach experience. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Positano regularly receives a Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) in recognition of its water quality, safety, and services offered. The Spiaggia Grande (large beach) has the glorious, rainbow-hue backdrop of the town, but for a more informal atmosphere and lush vegetation, follow the Via Positanesi d'America to the Fornillo beach. Almost 300 meters long and now managed by Hotel Pupetto, the beach was a favorite of Pablo Picasso because of its position between the medieval Trasita and Clavel towers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; kayak; water sports. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

The walkway from the Piazza Flavio Gioia leads down to Spiaggia Grande, Positano's main beach, bordered by an esplanade and some of the town's busiest restaurants. Surrounded by the spectacular amphitheater of houses and villas that leapfrog up the hillsides of Monte Comune and Monte Sant'Angelo, this remains one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.