Amalfi ranks eighth in the world among small cities for Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2026
Amalfi is eighth in the world among small cities in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, just ahead of Venice. On 9 November, in Positano, the coast will review its season.
At a glance
- Ranking
- 8th in the world, small cities under 350,000 people
- Italians in the top 10
- Florence 3rd, Amalfi 8th, Venice 9th
- Hotels
- 6 from the coast in Italy's top 17
- Also named
- Praiano and the beach at Atrani
- Next up
- Tourism summit, Positano, 9 November
- Getting there
- SITA bus from Sorrento, all year
The ranking
- World top 10: Victoria, Puerto Vallarta, Florence, San Miguel de Allende, Lucerne, Dubrovnik, Porto, Amalfi, Venice, San Sebastián.
- Hotels: Anantara Convento di Amalfi (9th), Il San Pietro di Positano (10th), Palazzo Avino (11th), Hotel Santa Caterina (14th), Borgo Santandrea (15th) and Caruso (17th).
- Other mentions: the magazine named Praiano among the world's most beautiful towns and Atrani among Italy's best beaches.
These are votes from readers of the US edition. For Andrea Ferraioli, president of the coast's tourism district, the challenge is to turn fame into reputation, and reputation into value for the whole area.
The tourism summit and the Amalfi Charter
- 9 November, 15:00–19:00: tourism summit in Positano's council chamber, with final figures for the 2026 season.
- Amalfi Charter: launched in April 2025 with 7 towns, it now brings together over 20 Italian destinations on tourism pressure.
- A concrete effect: night-time patrols in Amalfi until 4:00 in August and September.
Capri's mayor Paolo Falco took it to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg at the end of October.
What it means for visitors
- From late autumn the coast is quieter, but direct hydrofoils from Naples run only in season.
- From Sorrento, the SITA bus goes to Positano and Amalfi.
- Allow at least one night for the coast.
- Praiano and Atrani are smaller alternatives worth adding to your plans.
Tip: off season, stay in Amalfi or Sorrento, set off in the morning and check bus times: ferries between the towns are not guaranteed.
Plan your trip
- Sorrento and the Amalfi Coasthow to get there and what to see
- Capri from Naplesthe island opposite
- When to visit Naplesweather and events month by month
Frequently asked questions
Is Amalfi one of the best small cities in the world?
In Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, US edition, it ranks eighth among small cities, meaning under 350,000 people, ahead of Venice.
Which Amalfi Coast hotels did Condé Nast rank?
In the 2026 Italy list: Anantara Convento di Amalfi, Il San Pietro di Positano, Palazzo Avino, Santa Caterina, Borgo Santandrea and Caruso.
What is the Amalfi Charter?
An agreement among Italian destinations, launched in April 2025, to manage tourism pressure better. In January 2026 it became a protocol with the Tourism and Interior ministries.
How do I get to Amalfi off season?
From Naples, go to Sorrento by Circumvesuviana or hydrofoil, then take the SITA bus to Positano and Amalfi. Direct hydrofoils from Naples run only in season.
Where to stay in Sorrento and on the Coast
25 places to stay in Sorrento on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
