Best Things to do in Amalfi town, Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The beautiful and historic town of which is the namesake of Italy’s famous stretch of coastline, Amalfi town is easy to fall in love with. A winding maze of narrow lanes and captivating views, tucked away in the craggy cliffs of the coastline. Here’s your ultimate guide on the best things to do in Amalfi town while exploring the Amalfi Coast.

Where is Amalfi?

Amalfi is located on the Amalfi Coast, and many people don’t actually realise that there’s in fact a town called Amalfi!

Amalfi town is a small commune in the province of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Italy. Situated along the Gulf of Salerno, the historic town lies at the foot of Monte Cerreto tucked away in the mouth of a deep ravine.

A brief history

According to legends, the Roman god Hercules fell in love with a nymph called Amalfi. When she died, Hercules wanted to bury her in the most beautiful place on earth, and thus decided on this gorgeous spot tucked away in the cliffs of the coastline, naming it after her.

Amalfi town has a deep rooted history in maritime trade, in fact thanks to it strategic position geographically it quickly became an important trading power in the Mediterranean sea, known as ‘The Duchy of Amalfi‘ it was the capital of the maritime republic.

In the Edwardian era, Amalfi town started to become a popular seaside resort, especially what with members of the British upper class spending their winters in Amalfi.

What is Amalfi known for?

A historic treasure, Amalfi town is known for its magnificent architecture, natural beauty and breathtaking views!

Wandering through you can feel the rich history that this town has lived through, once a strong trading power and now a destination hotspot for jet-setters, upon visiting it’s quite easy to see why people fall in love with Amalfi town so easily.

Also famed for its production of the sweet Italian favourite, limoncello liqueur! Similar to that of its nearby neighbour Sorrento, the stretch of the Amalfi coastline is known to be the perfect climate for citrus fruits to thrive, thus making it the idyllic spot for producing lemony delights!

Is Amalfi busy?

Amalfi is one of the busiest towns on the Amalfi Coast as it’s one of the most famous (and therefore the most popular). Indeed, it’s so busy that it can be a bit of a nightmare to find a parking space during the summer months.

When we visited, we ended up visiting as part of a guided day boat tour from Salerno. Nevertheless, since Amalfi is considered to be one of the most important towns on the Algarve, we recommend a visit during our suggested Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Best things to do in Amalfi

Amalfi town is home to historic treasures, as well as more unique visitor attractions to see when compared to those of the quieter towns situated along the Amalfi Coastline. Some of the more unusual things include:

• The Duomo and Cloister of Paradise
• Paper Museum
• Amalfi Lemon Experience
• Amalfi’s port and arsenal

Wander around town

One of the most popular things, as with most towns of the Amalfi Coast, is to simply to stroll around and soak up the marvellous architecture. Characterised by a labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes and covered passageways, it’s easy to get lost in.

Sip on a Limoncello Spritz

You’ve probably heard of an Aperol Spritz, which is a common Italian aperitivo, but have you tried a Limoncello Spritz? Made simply from three ingredients, limoncello, prosecco, and soda water, this makes for a crisp and refreshing alcoholic beverage to enjoy as you soak up the sunshine!

Alternatively, if alcohol isn’t your thing, I highly recommend enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade as there’s nothing sweeter and juicier than a sun kissed ‘sfusato Amalfitano’ (Amalfi lemon).

Shop for souvenirs

Most places along the Amalfi Coast are so dreamy that it’s hard to believe they exist, so be sure to purchase a souvenir or two so that your trip can live on back home with you!

The main street is Ruga Nova Mercatorum, here you’ll find cosy cafes, alongside various boutique shops selling treasures such as traditional homemade ceramics, lemon delights, and lightweight linen or cotton clothing which is common of Amalfi fashion.

Visit Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)

Located in the heart of historic centre on Piazza del Duomo is Amalfi’s cathedral, a stunning Roman catholic cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew (who is the patron saint of Amalfi).

Atop a steep stone staircase, the facade of the duomo is intricate in design with distinctive stripes of stone and marble, a deep porch archway and windows of which reveal delicate Arab-Moorish tracery. The interior is elaborately decorated and ornate in design, making it absolutely worth popping in to have a look around!

Open to visitors daily from 10am-6pm. Visiting the cathedral is free, but if you wish to enter the crypt or cloisters there’s a €3 entry fee.

The Cloister of Paradise

Known locally as Chiostro del Paradiso, this beautiful cloister set within the duomo, was built between 1266 and 1268. Truly a serene space, it’s an absolute must-see spot in Amalfi town!

As its name suggests, this small pocket of peace is a hidden gem of breathtaking natural beauty. A gorgeous abundance of Mediterranean vegetation which is only made brighter by the contrast of the white washed walls that surround.

Walking around you can admire the Moorish style interlaces arches, supported by several slender columns. Rich with history, in the 13th century, this was also the cemetery for many of the noble merchants of Amalfi.

Saint Andrew’s Fountain

Located on the main square just next to the duomo is the magnificent water fountain, Fontana Sant’Andrea, carved from Carrara marble. Built in 1760 AD, this impressive monument is adorned with sculptures depicting  Saint Andrew, nymphs, and cherubs.

Symbolising the historical and cultural heritage of Amalfi, the fountain stands as an iconic attraction, embodying the true essence of the town. Surrounded by an array of shops and eateries, as well as being a picture perfect spot amongst tourists it’s an important gathering place of Amalfi town.

Also, thanks to the refreshing spring water, it’s the idyllic spot to quench your thirst on a sweltering hot day!

Paper Museum

One of the more unusual spots to visit while exploring Amalfi town is the Paper Museum (Museo della Carta). Home to centuries-old machinery, some historians have even claimed that the way in which Amalfi produced paper was the first of its kind!

As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the history and production of handmade paper where visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of stepping back in time and directly see for themselves the ancient techniques of paper production at this still fully functioning paper mill.

Open daily from 10am-7pm, you can only purchase tickets 48 hours in advance online, but walk ins are welcomed so you are best to just purchase your ticket on arrival.

Amalfi Lemon Experience

The Amalfi Lemon Experience was created by the Aceto family, who have been cultivating these sun kissed lemons on the Amalfi Coast for six generations!

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Amalfi town is to immserse yourself in all things lemon and take a tour around the fabulous lemon groves. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous why not opt for one of the many classes offered at the experience. Find out more information on the official site here.

Hike to Atrani

This tiny village is attached to that of Amalfi, so many people often think of it as the same place. Situated just a ten minute walk away from the bustling centre of Amalfi, if you walk through the pedestrian tunnel (as if walking through a secret passageway) you’ll find the charming fishing village, Atrani.

A hidden gem of the coastline, this quaint destination offers a quieter more authentic feel of Italy. Filled with historic churches, narrow cobbled lanes and a beautiful beach, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean.

Relax on the beach

The beaches of the Amalfi Coast are characterised by either soft stretches of sand or small pebbles, but one thing that remains a constant on each is the blue azure of the Mediterranean lapping up at the shore, inviting you in for a dip!

Marina Grande is the main beach of Amalfi, a pebble beach filled with the bright and vibrant colours of an abundance of beach umbrellas. In peak season this beach gets really busy, so I recommend visiting one of the quieter ones surrounding, like Lido delle Sirene or Spiaggia di atrani (located in Atrani village).

Arsenal of the Maritime Republic

Just a few steps away from the main beach is the town’s Arsenal, this is where many of the trading ships of the Amalfi Coast were built in the Middle Ages. A remarkable piece of architecture that now houses a museum which stands as a testament and reminder of Amalfi’s significant power and importance of its maritime heritage.

The architecture alone makes this spot worth visiting! Composed of two large stone halls, built with vaulting and the support of repeated pointed arches, it’s truly an impressive sight. Visitors are welcomed to explore the fascinating variety of exhibits and works of visual arts.

Hike the Path of the Gods

Widely regarded as the most famous hiking trail of the Amalfi Coast, it boasts of the best views of the coastline and beyond that are sure to leave you completely spellbound!

The mountain trail is about 7km (4.34 miles) and goes up to a height of 630 meters above sea level. If you’re feeling adventurous and choose to walk most of it, you’ll pass through some gorgeous towns, including as fas as Positano. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

• Difficulty: considered to be a moderately challenging route (be prepared for lots of stairs!)
• What to bring: comfy walking shoes, a snack anf plenty of water, you are in the mediterranean climate after all
• Duration: allow for 4 hours if you are doing the full route
• Best time to go: either early morning or later in the evening, you just want to avoid the peak heat of day for your comfort

Although this trail doesn’t actually run through Amalfi town, it’s possible to get to the clifftop trail via a bus from the town centre.

Walk to Ravello

As long as you have comfortable shoes and love hiking, it’s very possible to hike from Amalfi to the beautiful town of Ravello, walking along paths rich with history as you admire the captivating views! Although the route is quite challenging with quite a few steep inclines at points, it only takes around 50 minutes to get from town to town.

Hike the Path of the Lemons

If you haven’t got enough of a fix from the lemon activities available in Amalfi, you could either take a short drive of 15 minutes or walk 1 hour to hike the Path of Lemons.

A scenic trail that connects the towns of Minori and Maiori, leading you through an abundance of lemon groves that overlook the sea, it’s an enchanting walk full of the fragrant sweet smell of Amalfi lemons.

Where to stay

To be honest, if there’s one thing you should know about visiting the Amalfi Coast, it is certainly on the pricier side of things, especially if visiting in high season (July and August). Amalfi town is one of the more costly of the coastline towns due to it’s location and the abundance of things to see and visit there.

That being said, Amalfi town makes for a gorgeous place to stay and a great base for exploring the wider area of the Amalfi Coast. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ravello (based on location and web-reviews):

• Donna Giulia – Offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, you’re also just minutes walk away from the beach and a 5 minute walk from Amalfi centre. Some of the rooms have a balcony which is a plus! Check prices and availability here.
• Hotel Marina Riviera – A beautiful 4-star hotel which is just a 3 minute walk from the cathedral, offering beach access, free breakfast and amenities such as a pool, restaurant and wi-fi. Check prices and availability here.
• Hotel Santa Caterina – For those looking for an upscale hotel for their getaway, this 5-star hotel exudes luxury! Set on the hillside a bit further from the hustle and bustle of the town, it’s home to two different restaurants with coastal views to die for. Check prices and availability here.

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