Are you heading to Italy and looking for tips on what to do in Amalfi ? The town that gave its name to this entire UNESCO-listed region is famous for its stunning cathedral. It is also a very popular seaside destination in summer thanks to its beach and restaurants. That’s why we came in April to enjoy the calm that still prevails along the Amalfi Coast at this time of year.
What are the best things to do in Amalfi and the must-see sights in the village and surrounding area ? How do you get there and where can you park ? Where to stay in Amalfi ? Find all my tips in this guide.
What to do in Amalfi ?
Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo
Amalfi’s cathedral is the most beautiful on the Amalfi Coast. You absolutely must visit it, as it alone is worth the trip. To understand why such a cathedral stands in such a small village lost among the cliffs, you need to look back at history. Between the 9th and 12th centuries, Amalfi was a maritime superpower with more than 70,000 inhabitants (compared to 5,000 today). It was also one of Europe’s main ports. Sailors made their fortunes trading in particular with the East and the Byzantine Empire. The city therefore needed a cathedral worthy of its status.
The Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo was built in the 13th century and combines several architectural styles reflecting restorations over the centuries. The exterior is in the Arab-Norman style of Sicily, with a Neo-Moorish façade featuring Neo-Gothic influences (rebuilt in the 19th century). The interior, entirely clad in marble, is Baroque in style.
Access to the Duomo is free only from 7:30 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7:30 pm (notably for worship). The rest of the day, entry is via the Cloister of Paradise with a paid ticket (€4). Photography enthusiasts should visit in the afternoon to enjoy the sunlit façade.
Cloister of Paradise
The Chiostro del Paradiso is located to the left of the cathedral (at the top of the stairs). It was built between 1266 and 1268 to house the tombs of Amalfi’s noble families. Its classic rectangular shape is Romanesque in style, with Moorish-style arches supported by 120 marble columns. A palm garden lies at its center.
From the cloister, you reach the Basilica del Crocefisso (Church of the Crucifix), which houses the diocesan museum displaying religious objects. The route then continues to the cathedral’s crypt, which contains the relics of the Apostle Saint Andrew. You can then access the cathedral from inside (if the main entrance is closed).
Price : €4 (€2 for ages 6–17).
Opening hours : 9 am to 7 pm.
Historic center
To visit Amalfi, nothing beats strolling through the streets of the historic center. The main street, Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi, is lined with numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy souvenirs, enjoy a drink on a terrace, or take a lunch break. Don’t hesitate to explore the small side streets deserted by tourists to find some peace and quiet (especially in the height of summer).
Port of Amalfi
If the port once symbolized the power of the city of Amalfi, today it rather represents mass tourism. This is where many visitors arrive to visit Amalfi for a few hours from Sorrento, Positano, or even Naples. The promenade along the port is pleasant, especially at the end of the day for the passeggiata. The pier on the breakwater in front of the historic center offers beautiful photo opportunities. If you follow the road eastward, you’ll reach the village of Atrani in 10 minutes.
Pasticceria Andrea Pansa
This pastry shop, established on Piazza Duomo since 1830 (at this address), serves delicious cakes. It’s the perfect place for a sweet break or breakfast. You can sit on the terrace and watch the bustle of the street or drink your espresso at the counter like Italians.
Spiaggia Grande
This is Amalfi’s main beach, located directly in front of the historic center. In summer it is entirely covered with sun loungers and umbrellas from private beach clubs, but at the beginning of April the season has not yet started. Expect to pay €35 per day for two loungers and one umbrella. There is still a small strip of sand barely 10 meters wide that remains free if you’re unwilling to pay to enjoy the sea.
Torre dello Ziro
Hiking enthusiasts and those wanting to escape the crowds can climb up to Torre dello Ziro. Be warned, it’s quite physically demanding—bring plenty of water, especially in summer. You’ll need to climb about 900 steps to reach this former 15th-century watchtower, which offers a superb panorama over the village, the sea, and the Amalfi Coast. We didn’t go there ourselves, but if you’re looking for hiking options in Amalfi, don’t hesitate, your efforts will be rewarded.
Museo della Carta
This Paper Museum is a good option if you’re looking for things to do in Amalfi when it rains. It is housed in a former 13th-century paper mill. To get there from the city center (coordinates), take the main street of the historic center and continue for about 800 meters (10 minutes on foot). The guided tour in English (€7) explains the paper-making process using the original press, which still operates.
What to do in the surrounding area ?
Ravello
Perched at 350 meters above sea level, Ravello is one of the rare villages on the Amalfi Coast that is not by the sea. It was founded in the 5th century as a refuge against barbarian invasions. Ravello has been frequented by many writers, actors, and artists from around the world seeking inspiration. Witnesses to this era, the sumptuous villas Rufolo and Cimbrone, with their gardens, invite contemplation.
If you don’t have a car to visit Amalfi, the Amico Shuttle bus runs from the port (at this address) to the village of Ravello. Departures from Amalfi run hourly from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with returns from Ravello hourly from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Tickets cost €10 one way and €16 round trip, with reservations available on their website (luggage not allowed).
To discover everything there is to do in the village, I invite you to read my article on what to do in Ravello.
Positano
This postcard-perfect village of the Amalfi Coast is one of the must-sees when visiting Amalfi. Its pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliff and its sandy beach create the perfect setting for strolling through the streets and enjoying the Italian dolce vita. The downside is that Positano is a chic destination where prices are quite high. However, if you visit for the day, enjoy the free beach (only a small section), and eat takeaway pizza, you can manage even on a tight budget. You’ll find all the things to do in my guide to visiting Positano.
To reach Positano, we drove there ; at the beginning of April traffic on the coastal road is still quite manageable. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take the bus or, even better, the boat. The journey is more expensive by sea, but in high season it’s faster and offers superb panoramas. You can compare companies and prices on this website.
Atrani
To find some peace and quiet during the high season, I recommend visiting the village of Atrani, located right next door. If you park at the Luna Rossa parking lot (see below), it’s very close on foot, so don’t hesitate to stop by. Atrani is the smallest village in southern Italy (in terms of area). It is built in a narrow valley and has preserved its authenticity. During our visit, there were virtually no tourists there. It has a layout quite similar to Amalfi, with a small church and a beach.
Boat tour along the Amalfi Coast
To fully appreciate the beauty of the coastline, you need to head out to sea and admire the panorama from the sea. For this, a traditional Amalfi Gozzo boat tour is an unmissable activity. The excursion departing from Amalfi’s city center includes visits to beautiful secluded beaches and snorkeling (included), as well as drinks and snacks.
If you prefer, you can opt for a 2-hour sunset cruise for a romantic experience while enjoying an Italian aperitif.
Hike in the Valle delle Ferriere
The Amalfi Coast is also a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. Starting from the historic center, you can take this trek to the Valle delle Ferriere to discover the biodiversity of the Monti Lattari Regional Park. The highlight of this hike, besides the superb panoramas, is the Ferriere waterfall. The route passes former mills, steel factories, and terraces filled with lemon trees.
You can take this 3–4 hour hike with a English-speaking guide, which allows you not only to avoid getting lost but also to learn a great deal about the region. If you’re interested, you can book this activity on this page (free cancellation up to 12 hours in advance).
Capri
Among the islands of the Bay of Naples, Capri is one of the must-see destinations. To get there from Amalfi, the most convenient and fastest option is to book an excursion. If you prefer to go independently, you need to take a boat or bus to Sorrento, then a ferry to Capri.
Ruins of Pompeii
History lovers vacationing in Amalfi won’t want to miss visiting the ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. Traveling independently can be quite time-consuming and requires careful planning. If you don’t want to deal with multiple forms of transport, I recommend this excursion departing from Amalfi. The activity includes a guided tour and round-trip transport.
You can also visit both ancient sites by combining an excursion to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Renting a boat in Amalfi
Renting a boat allows you to explore secret coves and hidden beaches. For this, I recommend using Click&Boat. This leading online rental company for sailboats, catamarans, or motorboats offers the best prices and a wide selection of boats from both private owners and professionals. You can choose a boat with or without a license and with or without a professional skipper—the options are numerous for spending one or more days at sea.
Where to stay in Amalfi ?
Thanks to its very central location, Amalfi is a good base for visiting the entire region. If you want to stay in Amalfi, be sure to book well in advance, especially during high season. Accommodation options are limited and demand is high. For lower prices, choose April or October. Here is a list of accommodations I recommend for staying in Amalfi.
- 116 € : Il Vicoletto, this accommodation located in the upper part of the old town is the cheapest option for staying in Amalfi while still receiving very good reviews. It can host up to 4 people, ideal for large families. Private parking available at an additional cost.
- 141 € : La Residenza del Saraceno, rooms for 2 or 4 people in this property are well located in the historic center for visiting Amalfi and the surrounding area. The beach is just 250 meters away.
- 143 € : Il Gelsomino Amalfi, located at the top of Amalfi’s main street and set back from the town for greater peace and quiet, this property offers beautiful rooms with an excellent breakfast included.
- 165 € : Casa Viggiano in the Heart of Amalfi, with a capacity of 4 people, this 64 m² apartment located in the historic center meets all the needs of a family wishing to visit Amalfi.
- 172 € : Amalfi Centro, this modern-style apartment is just 50 meters from the village’s main beach. It is ideal for a couple wanting to be close to everything during their stay in Amalfi.
- 246 € : Hotel Fontana, the village’s iconic hotel located on the main square where the Duomo stands offers double rooms with sea views and a buffet breakfast included.
Travel tips for visiting Amalfi
How to get to Amalfi ?
Amalfi is located in the middle of the Amalfi Coast between Positano (19 km) and Cetara (15 km). During our stay in Amalfi at the beginning of April, traffic was still light. We therefore chose to rent a car at Naples airport to get around. However, it is entirely possible to use public transportation.
You can reach Amalfi with the SITA Sud bus company. Punctuality is not always guaranteed and buses can get stuck in traffic, but this avoids searching for a parking space and the price is unbeatable. You can find schedules on the company’s official website.
Another option for reaching Amalfi from Naples, Sorrento, or another village is to take a ferry. In high season, traveling by boat saves time while offering a pleasant journey. You can compare companies and prices on this website.
If you don’t have much time and want to visit several villages of the Amalfi Coast in one day, it’s best to choose an excursion. You can visit Amalfi with this excursion departing from Naples or this one departing from Sorrento.
Where to park in Amalfi ?
Parking in Amalfi, as almost everywhere on the Amalfi Coast, is quite complicated and expensive. There are only two parking lots in the village. A public parking lot located at the port (at this address) and a private parking lot, Luna Rossa, at the exit of the village on the road toward Atrani (coordinates). You need quite a bit of luck to find a space in the public port parking, when we arrived at 9 am, it was already full. We therefore chose the Luna Rossa parking lot. The rate is €5 per hour from 9 am to 7 pm (€4 from 7 pm to 9 am) or €40 for 24 hours. A tunnel under the mountain provides direct access to the center of Amalfi from the parking lot. Note that only the driver is allowed to enter the Luna Rossa parking lot (you must drop off passengers beforehand), otherwise you’re likely to be told off.
How much time to spend in Amalfi ?
The village is not very large and there are few historical or cultural sites to see. Including a visit to the cathedral, a walk through the streets, some shopping, and lunch, you should plan half a day to visit Amalfi. Preferably choose the afternoon to see the cathedral façade illuminated by the sun.
However, Amalfi is also an excellent base for discovering nearby villages, enjoying the beach, and taking boat excursions. It’s easy to stay several days if you want to take your time.
These are all my recommendations for the best things to do in Amalfi in Italy. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the blog comments.