Amalfi, Italy is a breathtaking coastal town renowned for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant pastel buildings, and centuries-old maritime history. The town’s stunning location along the famous Amalfi Coast makes it a dream destination for travelers seeking both picturesque views and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. With its lemon groves, sparkling blue waters, and charming narrow alleyways, Amalfi feels like a living postcard.
The town is home to architectural marvels like the striking Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Andrea), a blend of Moorish, Romanesque, and Gothic styles, and the lush terraced gardens of the Cloister of Paradise. Visitors can meander through Piazza del Duomo, browse artisan boutiques, or take boat trips along the rugged coastline. The nearby Valle delle Ferriere offers lush hiking trails with waterfalls and rare flora for those who want to explore beyond the shoreline.
Life in Amalfi moves at a leisurely pace. Cafés serve strong espresso and limoncello, and open-air trattorias provide the catch of the day along with fresh pasta. The small harbor welcomes ferries and private boats, while local buses and taxis help visitors reach other charming towns along the coast, such as Positano and Ravello. Accommodations range from elegant cliffside hotels to homey B&Bs tucked into quiet corners.
Come spring and early summer, Amalfi shines with mild weather and fewer crowds, while late summer and early autumn deliver perfect beach days and the best local produce. To enjoy Amalfi fully, plan for some downtime to simply wander its winding streets, savour seafood by the sea, and gaze out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian waters. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the town’s hills and steps make for plenty of walking.
The town is home to architectural marvels like the striking Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Andrea), a blend of Moorish, Romanesque, and Gothic styles, and the lush terraced gardens of the Cloister of Paradise. Visitors can meander through Piazza del Duomo, browse artisan boutiques, or take boat trips along the rugged coastline. The nearby Valle delle Ferriere offers lush hiking trails with waterfalls and rare flora for those who want to explore beyond the shoreline.
Life in Amalfi moves at a leisurely pace. Cafés serve strong espresso and limoncello, and open-air trattorias provide the catch of the day along with fresh pasta. The small harbor welcomes ferries and private boats, while local buses and taxis help visitors reach other charming towns along the coast, such as Positano and Ravello. Accommodations range from elegant cliffside hotels to homey B&Bs tucked into quiet corners.
Come spring and early summer, Amalfi shines with mild weather and fewer crowds, while late summer and early autumn deliver perfect beach days and the best local produce. To enjoy Amalfi fully, plan for some downtime to simply wander its winding streets, savour seafood by the sea, and gaze out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian waters. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the town’s hills and steps make for plenty of walking.
Expected Weekly Budget
$1200–$1700 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic center
- Visit the Amalfi Cathedral and the Cloister of Paradise
- Relax on Marina Grande beach
- Sample fresh seafood and limoncello
- Take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast
- Hike the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve
- Shop for handmade paper and ceramics
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with a sea view
Notable Sites
- Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Andrea)
- Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso)
- Valle delle Ferriere
- Marina Grande Beach
- Museum of Paper (Museo della Carta)
- Luna Convento
- Piazza del Duomo
- Torre dello Ziro
General Advice
Amalfi rewards visitors who take time to slow down and soak up the local rhythm. Base yourself in the heart of town or at a cliffside hotel for easy access to beaches, restaurants, and ferries linking you to other coastal gems. While you’ll likely walk most places, local buses and water taxis efficiently connect Amalfi with other villages on the coast. Prepare for some steps, as the town is built into steep hillsides. Cash can be useful for smaller shops, though most establishments accept cards.
Security & Safety
Amalfi is generally safe, but as in any popular tourist area, be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Use crossbody bags and avoid leaving valuables unattended at the beach. Watch your step on steep or cobbled streets, particularly after rain, as surfaces can be slippery. If hiking, carry water, check the weather, and let someone know your plans. Stick to well-marked paths and avoid exploring isolated areas alone at night.
Travel Tips
- Travel light—there are plenty of steep steps and narrow alleys.
- Book accommodations early, especially in spring and summer.
- Try the region’s limoncello and fresh local seafood.
- Use ferries to visit nearby villages but check schedules in advance.
- Carry some cash for small purchases or markets.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
- Bring sun protection—even spring days can be quite sunny.
- Plan at least one day trip to nearby towns like Ravello or Positano.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in June 2024
Wandering through Amalfi’s twisting streets felt like walking through a painting! The seafood at a tiny trattoria by the Duomo was the best we had all trip. Only downside was that the main square got crowded by mid-afternoon.
Traveled here in May 2024
Our honeymoon here was unforgettable! We loved sipping wine with a view of the coastline and exploring the Valle delle Ferriere hike. Amalfi is romantic and peaceful in the evenings.
Visited in April 2024
Traveled solo and stayed at a cozy B&B right in the center. I enjoyed visiting the paper museum and sampling all the lemon desserts. Some of the steps were tough, so pack lightly!
Stayed in September 2023
Ferries made it so easy to hop over to Positano and back. We took a boat tour and swam off the coast—highly recommend! Restaurants can get pricey, especially right on the main street.
Traveled here in October 2023
The cathedral is stunning, and I spent hours people-watching in Piazza del Duomo. Weather was a bit rainy at times, but the town has a magical vibe year-round.
Visited in December 2023
Quieter during winter, which I liked. Some shops were closed for the season but the views were still fantastic and it felt less touristy. Wish I brought warmer clothes for the evenings!
Visited in August 2023
Family trip with two kids went smoothly. The kids loved the beach and homemade gelato. Parking was tricky, so next time we’ll skip the car and use public transport.
Visited in July 2024
The view from Torre dello Ziro at sunset is something I’ll never forget. Definitely bring good walking shoes—my legs felt the burn after all the stairs!
Traveled here in May 2024
I loved the lemon trees everywhere and the fresh scent in the air. Amalfi’s artisan paper shops were a highlight for me. It was busier than I expected even in May.
Visited in June 2023
Boat excursions were the best way to see the coastline. We also tried a cooking class for local recipes—fun and delicious! The beachfront can get crowded, but we always found a quiet spot eventually.
Stayed in March 2024
Traveling with my mom was a breeze here. She enjoyed the relaxed pace and the beautiful Duomo. Some of the hills were hard for her, but taxis are easy to arrange when needed.
Visited in October 2023
Great for foodies! Our favorite meal was grilled octopus at a tiny spot near the marina. Walking around after dark felt safe, but the town quiets down early.
Visited in July 2023
We visited during a festival, which was fun but made the town extra crowded and noisy. The scenery more than made up for it. Would definitely come back in a quieter month.
Traveled here in September 2023
Amalfi was the perfect base to explore the coast. I took buses up to Ravello and spent lazy afternoons on the beach. Prices are a bit high for drinks in the main piazza, but the atmosphere is worth it.
Visited in June 2024
Everything was just as beautiful as I hoped! I spent a long morning hiking through the Valle delle Ferriere, and the waterfalls were magical. Lots of steps, though, so a good workout!
Stayed in May 2024
Best lemon sorbet I’ve ever had! Amalfi is a photographer’s dream, from colorful houses to sparkling water. Can be a bit touristy, but never lost its charm for me.
Visited in June 2023
My partner and I kayaked along the coast at sunrise and it was incredibly peaceful. Lots of options for vegetarians, which I appreciated. Be ready for some steep hikes!
Traveled here in August 2023
Crowded in August but you can always escape to quieter corners or take a late boat ride. The Cloister of Paradise was a nice, shady break from the sun.
Visited in April 2024
Charming small town vibes. Loved shopping for ceramics and local limoncello. The public beach is small but lovely if you get there early.
Traveled here in March 2024
Came through for a weekend road trip. Parking is limited, but the scenery was worth every hassle. Best part was relaxing in a café with sea views, away from the crowd.
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