Summary
- 1st Cathedral/ Duomo di Sant'Andrea
- 2. The cloister of Paradise
- 3. The historic centre and the port
- 4. Beaches and nautical activities
- 5. La Torre dello Ziro
- 6. Museums
- 7. Ferriere & Mulini Valleys
- 8. Culinary specialities
- How to get to Amalfi?
- - Plane
- - Car
- - Bus
- - Boat
- Where to stay in Amalfi?
Are you going on holiday to Italy on the Amalfi Coast? Take the opportunity to make a stopover and visit Amalfi!
Amalfi gave its name to the Amalfi Coast, a jewel of the Italian landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small village is nestled between steep cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea, all dominated by Mount Cerreto (1315 metres). Visiting Amalfi is therefore discovering one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Salerno.
This small fishing village, once one of the most powerful harbours in the country, is nowadays very touristic. The houses clinging to the side of the cliff, the historical monuments, the Mediterranean vegetation, the dazzling landscapes on the sea and the culinary specialities will enchant your stay!
So, let yourself be lulled by the Dolce Vita and discover the unforgettable things not to be missed when visiting Amalfi!
Also read :
The 12 most beautiful places to visit on the Amalfi Coast
The 10 must-do things to do in Campania
1. Cathedral/ Duomo di Sant'Andrea
The Cathedral of Sant'Andrea or Duomo is an emblematic monument to visit in Amalfi. Its construction began in 987 and was not completed until the 12th century. It is dedicated to Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi, sailors and fishermen. This architectural masterpiece, from the top of its imposing staircase, dominates Piazza del Duomo.
Also, its polychrome façade, in Byzantine style, dates back to the 19th century. The richly decorated Baroque interior is decorated with beautiful paintings, statues, resplendent marble and a beautiful painting of Saint Andrew. Visitors will also be able to admire the campanile and the bronze door of Constantinople.
And to complete the visit, admire the crypt with its relics of Saint Andrew, the cloister of Paradise and the diocesan museum.
2. The cloister of Paradise
A must-see religious site when visiting Amalfi. To do in addition to the cathedral and the diocesan museum. The cloister of Paradise, dating from the 13th century and dominated by the Campanile, is adjacent to the cathedral. It was originally the cemetery of the city's nobles.
Chapels and sarcophagi can still be seen there. The white cloister is built in an oriental style and is enlivened in its centre by an oasis of Mediterranean plants such as giant palm trees and yuccas. Visitors will also be able to contemplate the crossed arches supported by columns.
3. The historic centre and the port
The historic centre of Amalfi is a must, especially the Vagliendola district. Vagliendola is emblematic of the city with its ancient houses built one above the other facing the sea.
Amalfi is a small village with a crazy charm, one of the most beautiful of the Amalfi Coast. In its centre, the cathedral, the cloister and the bell tower dominate the Piazza del Duomo, bubbling with life and enlivened by the beautiful Sant'Andrea fountain.
This fountain represents Saint Andrew, the Patron Saint of Amalfi, but also fishermen and sailors. Visitors will enjoy the charm of the village as they wander through the maze of alleys, stairs, vaulted passages and admire the facades and their balconies.
Afterwards, the visit can continue on to the port, pride of the town and testimony to its marine history, the town having been, in the 10th century, the first maritime republic of the country. The port is active and provides many trips with taxi boats. It is also the starting point for excursions in the surrounding area.
4. Beaches and nautical activities
After visiting the historical centre and the main monuments, if you are looking for what to do in Amalfi to enjoy the sun and the sea here are some ideas! To sunbathe and try a swim, head for the Grande d'Amalfi beach. Otherwise, in the surrounding area, the beaches of Atrani and Duoglio "Lido degli artisti" are also pleasant.
Why not rent a kayak? It's a really nice activity, which will allow you to admire all the corners of the coast. You can also take advantage of it to go diving or make excursions in the surrounding area, such as the emerald cave or the other villages of the Amalfi Coast.
And if you have time, why not take a day trip to the beautiful and romantic Capri?
5. La Torre dello Ziro
What to do in Amalfi to have a panoramic view? Climb the rocky spur of the 15th century Torre dello Ziro! A path starts from Pontone to reach the remains of this tower. Another itinerary reaches the village of Atrani. From the tower you can admire the panoramic view of the Gulf of Salerno and the surrounding area.
For the historical context, this tower was a watchtower. Also, Giovanna d'Aragona, Duchess of Amalfi, is said to have been locked up and murdered with her children in the tower in 1510, for having had an affair with her butler.
6. Museums
Amalfi is full of interesting museums, which allow us to know more about the city's past. Among the best are:
- The diocesan museum, to be visited in addition to the cathedral and cloister. In the Basilica of the Crucifix you can contemplate the most beautiful objects of the cathedral (relics, paintings, statues...).
- The Museo della Carta or paper museum, to know everything about the craft of paper making. It is housed in an old paper mill from the 13th century and retraces the glorious history of this medieval tradition. You can see very old machines, still in use.
- The Museum of the Arsenal of the Republic, which is located in the 12th century shipyards. At the time, wooden ships were built there. A visit to learn more about the maritime history of the Amalfi Coast and the first maritime republic of the country.
- Museum lovers can also visit the Municipal Museum (Museo Civico). A more general visit, just as enjoyable.
7. Ferriere & Mulini Valleys
For nature lovers there is nothing like a hike! Things to do in Amalfi: the Ferriere valley and the Mulini valley. These two valleys lead to the village of Amalfi. Also, in the past, the water very present in these places was used for mills and paper mills. The Ferriere valley is a natural area of great beauty where you can discover wild, lush and green vegetation.
The path goes through old mills, river, waterfalls, to reach the famous Ferriere waterfall. A hike in an enchanting setting to be done absolutely! The visit can be continued with the Torre dello Ziro.
The Mulini valley is perhaps less appreciated by hikers but remains one of the most pleasant. The vegetation is also luxuriant, with waterfalls, ruined mills, lemon trees and magnificent viewpoints.
8. Culinary specialities
Visiting Amalfi and the Amalfi Coast is an invitation to taste the flavours of the region! Fish and seafood dishes are the order of the day. But also pasta and especially scialiatelli, from pasta to mussels.
Also, most of the restaurants offer excellent risottos and quality local charcuterie. For dessert, the ideal is to taste a lemon pastry, famous in the region. Finally, to finish off this good meal, there is nothing like limoncello, a lemon liqueur and local speciality!
How to get to Amalfi?
To go and visit Amalfi, several alternatives are possible.
Plane
The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino, about 65 kilometres away. From there it is possible to rent a car to reach Amalfi. If you want to take a road-trip in Italy, there are sometimes also good rates with low cost flights to Rome. However, it's further away and it takes about 3.5 hours by car (about 280 kilometres). So, to facilitate your research and book at the best price, using a flight comparator like Skyscanner will be very useful.
Also to be read: Transfer between Naples airport and the centre of Naples
Car
Owning a vehicle allows you to be autonomous and visit the Amalfi Coast at your own pace. If you rent a car at Naples airport, it will take you between 1h15 and 1h30 to reach Amalfi, depending on whether you take the E45 or the A30 (65/75 km).
Bus
There is a bus from Naples airport to Sorrento and from Sorrento to Amalfi. There are also lines connecting Amalfi with the other towns on the Amalfi Coast. See SITA bus timetables.
Boat
Ferries and water taxis connect the cities on the coast. For Amalfi there is a line with Salerno, Minori, Positano, Maiori, Cetara and Capri.
Where to stay in Amalfi?
You have the possibility to take accommodation in front of the sea, in the city centre or in the outskirts and in the nearby villages, such as Atrani and Ravello.
Amalfi is a very popular destination, its charm and romantic side attracting visitors. Also prices are sometimes high, especially in the summer season. So a piece of advice, book as soon as possible! A hotel comparator will allow you to find the best value for money. You also have the possibility to take an Airbnb accommodation.
You are now ready to visit Amalfi. Have a nice trip!
