Amalfi, and its stunning coastline, offer travellers breathtaking scenery and rich historical destinations. Nestled on the rugged southwest coast overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Amalfi is a stone’s throw away from the archaeological wonders of Pompei and the bustling city of Naples.
The city is famed for its dramatic cliffs dotted with picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello and boasts some of the best food in the country, as well as being a lead producer of the zesty limoncello.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers bustling streets and promises a journey full of panoramic views. There is plenty for outdoor lovers, too, with luscious hiking trails to lose yourself on, including the famous Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei).
We hope the following guide will provide plenty of inspiration for your travels in Amalfi. Before you go, be sure to check out our Tours on the Amalfi Coast.
Naples International Airport (NAP), also known as Capodichino Airport, is the primary gateway to the city, located 2 hours up the coast. From the airport, there are different options to get to the Amalfi Coast.
From the airport, public transport is the cheapest option. It’s worth noting that there are no direct routes to the Amalfi Coast. Instead, we going to Napoli Porta Nolana and taking a train to Sorrento.
The train leaves every 30 minutes and takes between 70 to 80 minutes. It costs roughly €15.
From Sorrento train station, take the SITA bus to Amalfi. It also stops at Positano en route. The bus takes roughly 90 minutes and is a popular option amongst travellers, meaning it can get crowded.
Get your ticket from the station or at local tobacconists and newsagents, which, for a single journey should cost under €5. The ticket must be stamped on board the bus’ machines to ride.
If you don’t want the hassle of multiple transport options from Naples to Amalfi, you can take a shuttle bus from the airport to Sorrento and get the bus from there. This is not a public bus and can be booked in advance, so the journey will cost around €15.
If you want to experience the views before you arrive, you can get a ferry from Naples to Sorrento and Sorrento to Amalfi. In low seasons, you can buy a direct ticket from Naples to Amalfi. This is a pricier way to get to Amalfi from Naples and can be indirect in high season.
If you want to avoid taking public transport altogether, you can arrange a private transfer from the airport to Amalfi by taxi. Do some price comparisons to ensure you get the best deal.
Again, this is another pricier option to get to Amalfi. However, the flexibility of having your own set of wheels does mean you can go on day trips easier. That said, the roads are very narrow and winding in this coastal area.
Amalfi is a popular place to stay due to its large beach, low inclines, and lower-priced accommodation, meaning there is to choose from depending on your budget and preferences!
From luxury establishments with pools overlooking the sea to more budget-friendly options in the city’s heart, Amalfi offers hotels for every preference and pocket.
Experience Amalfi’s hospitality in one of the many Bed and Breakfast accommodations, often run by locals and offering a cosy, home-like vibe.
Ideal for budget-friendly stays, renting an apartment provides space and the convenience of home amenities. Many are situated close to the centre of Amalfi and have a sea view, meaning you can wake up in the heart of things with a glistening panorama.
Young travellers or solo travellers might find hostels a great way to meet fellow adventurers. There are only a couple of hostels in Amalfi, but this is a cheap way to make some new travel buddies and save money for day trips.
The Amalfi Cathedral dominates the town’s central square and is a feast for the eyes inside. This beautiful must-visit landmark is composed of stunning Arab-Norman architecture, which you can enter and explore the interior’s intricate frescoes and mosaics.
If you don’t want to go inside, climb the grand staircase for panoramic views of the town and sea.
Home to the Cathedral and much more is the Piazza del Duomo. This vibrant hub is surrounded by cafes and shops, making it an ideal spot for people-watching, enjoying gelato, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Another architectural gem in Amalfi is the Cloister of Paradise. Built between 1266 and 1268, this quiet place of reflection is characterized by Arabic-style architecture, manicured gardens, and excellent views from the bell tower.
This medieval shipyard turned museum is a great starting point to discover Amalfi’s past. With artefacts from the 12th century, you can expect to see period clothing, antique compasses, and ancient naval law books.
This is one of the best and busiest beaches in Amalfi, which is annexed to the port and the nearby Flavio Gioia square. While most of the beach is occupied by loungers and umbrellas, you can find small patches of sand to lay your towel on!
Amalfi has a rich history of paper production and the Paper Mills Museum offers a fascinating insight into this tradition. While it may sound dry, the historic paper-making process offers the chance to see ancient machinery in a unique museum alongside interactive displays.
This beach has much less foot traffic than Spiaggia and is accessible by a short boat journey, 1km from Amalfi, which is very cheap and takes five minutes. It’s also accessible by bus, which drops you off near the 400 steps down to the beach. It’s a little tricky, but much quieter and promises beautiful views.
This park is a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, with over 500 hectares of natural beauty just a 15-minute drive away from Amalfi. Choose your route and trek the park to see waterfalls, lemon groves, or even the 3.5km Path of the Gods.
This unspoiled fishing village is just a 15-minute walk from Amalfi and is situated between two cliffs on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Experience an Amalfian village that hasn’t been changed by tourism and wander the winding streets.
Founded in 1830, this patisserie has been a favourite in Amalfi for generations of tourists and locals alike. The hot chocolate is a delicious house special and, to eat, make sure you try the popular candied fruit covered with chocolate or the Pansa gelato, which comes in a range of flavours.
For a light lunch or food to fuel your hike, La Bottega Del Ferrari is a delicious deli that makes fantastic sandwiches and drinks for reasonable prices.
For delectable Almafian dinners, head to Trattoria Da Maria for traditional foods in a rustic setting. While the meals don’t skimp on quality, they are friendly on your bank balance! There are also vegetarian and vegan options.
For a cheap and cheerful bar, visit Masaniello Art Café. There’s a happy hour every day and the bar is a nice mix of visitors and locals. Popular by day and night, expect great music and good dining opportunities across the lunch and dinner menu.
A regional pasta speciality, Scialatielli is a flat and wide pasta similar to fettuccine. Often served with seafood, such as clams or mussels, and tossed in a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce. As you’d expect, this coastal town is well known for its fresh seafood.
Fans of muscles, shrimp, or freshly caught fish are in the right place! As we mentioned, you’ll find abundant limoncello here. This refreshing and zesty drink is often enjoyed as a digestive after meals.
Amalfi is a hub of artisanal stores that display the finest local crafts, from silk scarves and pottery to local art and limoncello.
Sample some of Amalfi’s famous limoncello, blended locally through the ages and infused with Sfusato lemon peels of lemons native to the region. You’ll find many family stores throughout the town.
Amalfi is renowned for its vibrant and intricate ceramics. Visit local ceramic shops to find beautifully crafted dishes, tiles, and decorative items, which reflect classical Mediterranean influences.
As the main street that cuts through the town, Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi is lined with local boutiques, catering to various tastes and budgets. Perfect for picking up small souvenirs or designer Italian pieces to perfect your coastal style.
The Amalfi Street Market is held every Wednesday, with vendors selling fresh locally grown produce, budget-friendly clothing, and household items. You never know what you will find!
Getting to Amalfi can be a long and winding coastal road, as we saw in our transport section. But the journey is well worth it! Here are some tips to help your trip.
Amalfi is a well-connected town, with routes to nearby towns and major cities by boat, train, and bus. This is a cost-effective wave of travelling to cultural hotspots without worrying about your budget.
Unlike most major cities, Amalfi is a small town with around 5,000 residents. However, it is a popular tourist destination with plenty of visitors. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in busier areas, and keep your belongings secure.
Like many Italian cities, Amalfi has its own traditions. As with all other Italian cities, we advise dressing modestly if you intend to visit any religious sites.
When visiting religious sites, it’s advisable to dress modestly. Also, as with any destination, Amalfi residents appreciate basic courtesies in interactions, like greetings in Italian and general politeness!
The Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi itself, has two shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October. The coldest month tends to be January, while the shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures and less crowded streets.
The most popular times to visit are in July and August, with sun-soaked days that make the beach a perfect spot to cool off.
As Amalfi is a popular destination, hotels and flights will be booked well in advance. We recommend planning the particulars of your trip in advance to avoid disappointment.
Amalfi’s prime location makes it a hub for exploring the wider Campania region along the Amalfi Coast.
Just 90 minutes away from Amalfi is the birthplace of pizza, also known as Naples. This cultural hotspot is famed for its fashion shows and UNESCO-listed districts, including its historic centre. For gastronomic delights and a wealth of places to explore, including catacombs and museums, you can’t go wrong.
A short jaunt from Amalfi will take you to Positano, another picturesque cliffside town known for its colourful buildings, narrow streets, and stunning seaside views. Enjoy a stroll through the area and relax on pebble beaches.
Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ravello is packed with panoramic vistas, beautifully landscaped gardens, and historic villas. Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage.
If you want to visit back to the town that you’ve probably passed through, Sorrento makes a wonderful day out via bus from Amalfi. Here, you can enjoy the regal house and gardens at Villa Fiorentino and Villa Comunale or people watch over an aperitivo in the piazzas. The historic centre has plenty of artisan stores to get souvenirs from.
Amalfi is famed worldwide for its beautiful vistas and small-town charm. As a gem on the Amalfi Coast, this location offers the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural activities, all with the sea at your side.
From quaint buildings to jaw-dropping hikes, Amalfi offers a peaceful escape with plenty of nearby places to explore. Stroll the historical piazzas, admire the cathedral and cloisters, and enjoy food authentic to the region in a city that will linger in your mind long after leaving.
Take a look at our Guided Tours of the Amalfi Coast if you’d like to explore the area and nearby locations with expert guidance. Looking to explore all of Italy’s beautiful south? No problem! Check out our 7-Day Tour of Southern Italy.
We also have several Multi-Day Tours in Italy for you to enjoy if you want to see even more of this cultural country. As ever, if you have any questions, please get in touch.