You heard it here first: Atrani is the Amalfi Coast’s next Positano.
This small village sits to the east of the town of Amalfi and is tanning in the limelight — thanks to its recent features in Equalizer 3 and Netflix’s Ripley. We’re willing to bet that it will be on next summer’s must-see list — but you can be the hip traveler that’s been-there, done-that before the year ends.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Atrani, Italy — and what to do while you’re there.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
How do I get to Atrani?
Italy does not have a train route running through the Amalfi Coast. You can take a bus or taxi from Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi to Atrani, both of which have train stations that serve routes to Rome, Milan, and more.
How do I get around Atrani?
Atrani is a pocket-sized hillside town that has a bus stop along the main throughway that connects all of the Amalfi Coast towns. Regardless, you’d better pack a comfortable pair of shoes — walking around Atrani isn’t a hike. As you go from the beach up to the hilltop Santuario Santa Maria del Bando shrine, your soles will appreciate more than a flimsy flip-flop’s worth of cushioning.
Top things to do in Atrani
Few experiences on the Amalfi Coast are better than dining on a seaside terrace and Atrani is no exception. Le Arcate is perfect for drinking in the views and the wine. Visit A’ Paranza, a family-owned restaurant that serves food so fresh, there’s rarely a set menu.
Besides lounging on the beach and strolling the streets looking for the perfect backdrop for a photo, we’d suggest taking a walk deep into the hills where you’ll find the Veliero del Belvedere observation deck and the Santuario Santa Maria del Bando church.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Glen_Pearson. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
How much time should I spend in Atrani?
Not long ago, many of the well-traveled would have scribbled a trip to Atrani as a great half-day activity while staying in a larger town like Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello. We agree that you could see most of this town in a single day; but with more tourists filling the daylight hours, an overnight to enjoy this quiet village isn’t a bad idea.
Where should I stay in Atrani?
Atrani isn’t filled with hotels — and that’s actually a good thing. Less beds means fewer overnighters. Most places to stay in Atrani are apartments-turned-accommodations, so look at the many B&Bs that accept limited guests. For a more formal hotel stay, Palazzo Ferraioli is a 19th-century mansion-turned-hotel that has a lovely spa and generous terrace with two seafront hot tubs.
What is Atrani, Italy known for?
Atrani, Italy, is known as a small, picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast. Go ahead and throw “hidden gem”, “best kept secret”, and other cliches at this tiny, charming town — then throw them out the window. Hollywood recently used Atrani as a filming location because it’s an authentic town that has fewer tourists. Now, Atrani is becoming increasingly known for its appearance in TV and film, which is already filling the town with groups of tourists.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
What has been filmed in Atrani?
Atrani has most recently made appearances on screen in Equalizer 3 and Netflix’s Ripley. The movie and streaming series both feature Atrani, though remember that Hollywood magic is always at play. Certain scenes may be filmed in Atrani but set elsewhere, or vice versa.
Can you walk from Ravello to Atrani?
Yes, you can walk from Ravello to Atrani, but it’s no quick shortcut. If you’re up for an hour-long walk (or a bit longer, depending on your pace and how many photos you will want to take), then you’ll be rewarded with a scenic 3 km (about 1.8 miles) stroll. Your pedometer will be pleased, especially if you cut up the staircases instead of winding around the roads. Take a mid-way break at Villa Cimbrone Gardens then a final sit in Villa Rufolo at the top of Ravello.
Is there a tunnel between Amalfi and Atrani?
Yes, there’s a pedestrian-only tunnel between Amalfi and Atrani. The tunnel connects Piazza Municipio near Dejavu Cafè & Drinks in Amalfi to just beyond Casa Massa Amalfi in Atrani.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Cultura Exclusive/Lost Horizon Images. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
Can you walk from Amalfi to Atrani?
Yes, you can walk from Amalfi to Atrani on the main road, but that’s a little too dangerous for our tastes; instead, we’d recommend taking the pedestrian tunnel. Sure, the bus ride between these towns would be roughly 7 minutes faster, but slow travel is the way we roll — or in this case, walk.
Is Atrani the smallest town in Italy?
Yes, Atrani is considered the smallest town in Italy by size, but not by population. The good news is that you can confidently explore every nook and cranny of Atrani even with a short day-trip visit. The bad news is that it’s not physically capable of supporting the flocks of tourists that visit other Amalfi Coast towns. So whenever the hordes descend on Atrani, it’ll get mighty crowded fast.
Is Atrani safe?
Atrani is generally considered safe thanks to low levels of reported crime. Obviously, don’t abandon your common sense anywhere — even in Atrani. While crime is always a possibility, we’d recommend that you take precautions at night for another reason: meandering Atrani’s hills and steep steps can be difficult in the dark.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Malcolm P Chapman. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
Does Atrani have a beach?
Yes, Atrani has a beach; but unlike many of the other pebble beaches on the Amalfi Coast, this stretch of shoreline has soft sand. Backed by the town and cliffs, this beach is a quieter place to soak up the sun on the Amalfi Coast.
Can you see dolphins on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, you can see dolphins on the Amalfi Coast. It’s only fitting that these merry mammalians make an appearance on such a stunning shoreline. You might see the odd dolphin crest from your lounger in the sand, but we’d place a safer bet on seeing one out on the water while boating.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
Are there turtles on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, you may spot some loggerhead sea turtles if you’re out boating or kayaking around the Amalfi Coast. However, don’t expect to see a sea turtle hanging ten off Atrani’s shores every day. The best place to see sea turtles on the Amalfi Coast is in the Bay of Sorrento where their populations are highest.
Does the Amalfi Coast have jellyfish?
Yes, the Amalfi Coast has jellyfish. Just as diverse people visit one of Italy’s best shorelines, so too does diverse marineline. Jellyfish come and go along the Amalfi Coast, so ask the locals, hotel staff, or the tanned tourist on the beach towel beside you if the waves are full of these creatures.
Start planning your visit to Atrani today, whether as an overnight guest or as part of a wonderful day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome, Naples, or Sorrento. Download the Trainline app and purchase tickets to the closest train stations to Atrani.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Atrani, Italy
