Maiori, Amalfi Coast
The verdict
- Best for: Families and anyone who wants real space on the sand, gentle access to the water and a full run of lidos, cafes and bars behind.
- Best spot: The free public stretches between the lidos, with the long promenade and its gelato and bars a few steps back.
- Know this: Maiori was largely rebuilt after a flood in 1954, so it looks more modern than its neighbours, but the beach is the best on the coast for a proper sandy day.
Published 27 January 2026. Last reviewed 21 April 2026
Maiori has the simplest claim on the Amalfi Coast: it owns the longest beach. While most towns here make do with a pocket of sand wedged under the cliffs, Maiori spreads out along a broad bay with room for crowds, deckchairs and games, which is rarer than it sounds on this vertical coastline.
The honest read is that Maiori trades some postcard charm for usefulness. A flood in 1954 swept through the valley and the town was rebuilt in plainer, more modern style, so it lacks the tumbling pastel romance of Positano or Atrani. What it gives back is space, easy flat access to the sand, a long promenade of cafes and bars, and a mix of free beach and lidos that makes a full day with a family genuinely easy.
Come to Maiori when you want a proper beach day rather than a scenic photo stop, and use it as a practical base for the eastern coast. For prettier villages walk to Minori or visit Atrani, for a quiet cove head to Erchie, and for fishing village character and seafood go on to Cetara.
Clubs on this beach
Maiori mixes free public sand with a run of lidos along the bay. For sunbed hire and full service, see our Amalfi Coast beach clubs directory.
Free public sand
Maiori keeps free public stretches between the lidos, where you can lay a towel at no charge along the longest beach on the coast. There is far more room here than at the smaller Amalfi coves, though peak weekends still fill, so arrive early.
Beach lidos
A series of lidos line the bay, hiring sunbeds and umbrellas with cafe and bar service in season. Names, opening dates and rates are to be confirmed, so check locally; the long promenade behind keeps food and drink close.
Maiori sits on the coast road east of Amalfi, just beyond Minori. The SITA coast buses stop in the town, and summer ferries call at the jetty, which is often the easiest arrival in peak season when the coast road is slow.
Maiori has more parking than most Amalfi towns, though it still fills in August, so arrive early or come by bus or boat. The flat, wide seafront makes it one of the more accessible beaches on the coast, and the long promenade keeps shade, food and water close at hand.
Reserve a day at Maiori
Maiori blends free sand with lidos. Tell us your date and party and we will point you to sunbed hire here and full beach clubs along the coast. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Maiori beach the longest on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. Maiori has the longest beach on the coast, a wide band of dark sand running the length of the bay, with both free public stretches and paid lidos, which is why it suits families wanting space.
Is Maiori beach free?
Partly. Maiori keeps free public sand between the lidos, where you can lay a towel at no charge, alongside paid sunbed hire at lidos along the bay, so you can choose either on the day.
Is Maiori good for families?
Very. It has the most space and the easiest flat access of the eastern coast, gently shelving water and a long promenade of cafes and gelato right behind the sand.
Why does Maiori look more modern than other Amalfi towns?
A flood in 1954 swept through the valley and much of the town was rebuilt afterwards in a plainer style, so Maiori lacks some of the old pastel charm but gained a wide, usable seafront.
When is the best time to visit Maiori?
May, June and September bring warm, settled sea and room on the long beach, before and after the July and August peak when even this large bay grows busy.
