The Amalfi Coast from above: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

The open-air bar of Le Sirenuse, named after Franco Sersale, one of the four siblings who founded the hotel in 1951. The bar describes itself as an elegant raft suspended above the sea: a terrace in the colours of the coast, with cocktails, spirits and sparkling wines. Open daily from April to October, weather permitting. No reservations are taken: first come, first served.

A hotel built into the cliff just outside Positano. On the Grand Terrace signature cocktails come with small bites; Zass is the Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Alois Vanlangenaeker reworks Italian classics with seasonal ingredients, some from the hotel's own organic gardens; Carlino is the informal table by the sea. The cellar counts over 600 labels. The hotel's site does not say whether non-guests are admitted: ask when you book.

The Anantara Convento di Amalfi is a restored thirteenth-century monastery with its original cloister and church, on the rock above the town. Dei Cappuccini is the main restaurant, and the hotel describes restaurant and bar as sheer above the sea; La Locanda della Canonica is the informal table outdoors. The walk of the monks along the cliff is still there.

A Dominican monastery of the seventeenth century above the sea at Conca dei Marini, between Amalfi and Positano, now a hotel. Il Refettorio, with one Michelin star, is the restaurant of chef Alfonso Crescenzo, built on local fish, meat and vegetables; a poolside café serves informal meals and there is a bar in the library. The hotel's site does not say whether non-guests are admitted: ask when you book.

The hotel at the highest point of Ravello. Il Pantaleone serves the flavours of Campania facing the Amalfi coastline, with tasting, sea, earth and vegan menus; Caruso Grill does wood-fired lunches by the pool; Adagio is the cocktail bar among eighteenth-century frescoes, with drinks inspired by the botanicals and citrus of the coast. The hotel's site does not say whether non-guests are admitted: ask when you book.

Palazzo Avino is a five-star hotel in a twelfth-century villa in Ravello. Among its places the hotel lists the Terrazza Maraviglia, the Lobster & Martini Bar, the Caffè dell'Arte and Rossellinis, its Michelin-starred restaurant. Ravello is the quiet, high side of the Amalfi Coast; this is where it is at its most composed.

Villa Cimbrone is a hotel, but its gardens are open to visitors. At the far end is the Terrazza dell'Infinito: a long balcony lined with marble busts, with nothing in front but sea and sky. Entry is about €10, paid on site; sources give different closing times, so check. Early morning or late afternoon, when the tour groups thin out.