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19 Best Things to Do in Amalfi + Surrounding Towns
Updated: Jul 3
The Amalfi Coast is a must-visit while in Italy. Located on the southwestern Italian coast, this region is known for its seafood, stunning architecture, and famous lemons. Home to some of the best beaches in the world, Amalfi is a beautiful place to travel to.
Amalfi town is a great place to stay while you’re exploring the coast; it’s centrally located and has many accommodation options. Whether you're wondering which town is best to stay in Amalfi or looking for the best things to do in Amalfi town, this guide covers it all. There is no shortage of sights to see, beaches to relax on, and delicious food to eat here.
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Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
For swimming and beach going, visit from June through August
To enjoy quieter towns, visit in April, May, September, or October
Plan a budget-friendly trip and visit in winter from November through March
How to Get to & Get Around Amalfi
Getting to Amalfi, Italy is pretty straightforward, with transportation options from larger cities like Naples and Rome. Plan your trip to explore the Amalfi Coast, and discover why Amalfi town is the perfect base for your adventures. Read more about using the trains in Italy here.
Another great reason to travel to the Amalfi Coast is because you don’t need a car to get around! There are local buses and ferries, making it easy and convenient to travel. Whether you plan on staying for one day in Amalfi town or are wondering what to do in Amalfi Coast in 3 days, public transport options make it accessible.
Pro Tip: Use Ferryhopper to find the cheapest tickets and fastest routes along the Amalfi Coast (i.e. Amalfi to Capri, Sorrento to Maiori, or Amalfi to Positano).
Where to Stay in Amalfi
Amalfi town is the perfect base for your Amalfi Coast adventures as it is centrally located, has a ferry port with many available routes, and offers some of the best views and dining options on the coast. Here’s where to stay in Amalfi town.
Andrea's House - Studio Apartment
Zia Pupetta Suites - Great Location
Casa Mao - Ocean View
Amalfi Centro - Unique Design
The Best Things to Do in Amalfi Town
Discover the best things to do in Amalfi town and surrounding areas with these must-see sights and activities:
Duomo di Amalfi
The Amalfi Duomo, or the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, is the main cathedral in Amalfi and it is free to enter. It is a beautiful building with lots of detail, and a must-see while in Amalfi town. There is also a museum you can visit for around €3 per person.
You can learn about the history of the cathedral, admire the beautiful courtyard, and venture down to the catacomb. The catacomb itself is worth buying the museum ticket for. It’s located underneath the cathedral and is breathtakingly detailed.
Have a Beach Day
A huge draw to the Amalfi Coast is its beautiful beaches. There are many to choose from along the coast, but if you want to stay in Amalfi town the best beach is Mandingo Beach. This beach is easy to get to, but there are more dotted along Amalfi’s coast, like Il Duoglio Spiaggia that require a little hike downstairs.
Amalfi's Main Street - Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi
Strolling through the main street is a must when in Amalfi. Walk down Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi and pop in some local shops along the way. There are clothing shops, ceramic shops, food markets, jewelry shops, and more.
There are so many different kinds of stores, and it’s fun to admire handmade goods often crafted by locals.
Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale
It might sound morbid, but the Belvedere Monumental Cemetery is a sight to see. With beautiful tombs and fresh flowers, it's moving to learn about a little personal history and respect the elders who molded the Amalfi Coast into what it is today.
This is also a great location for some incredible views of the Amalfi Coast below. Just outside the cemetery is a walkway that offers an unobstructed view of the sea and buildings below.
Torre dello Ziro
Get ready for a nice hike. You can walk up to the Torre del Ziro in Amalfi, a watchtower, that overlooks the coast below. It’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the center of Amalfi town, but it can be strenuous.
There are lots of stairs so make sure you’re physically ready for the climb. Once you reach the top, the views from Torre dello Ziro are incredible!
Grotto dello Smeraldo
Hop on a boat tour and wind your way through the Emerald Grotto of the Amalfi Coast! This tourist attraction is a natural phenomenon with emerald green water, hence the name, stalagmites, and stalactites.
You can book a tour from Amalfi at the Tabacchi, or you can get a taxi to the grotto itself, and just pay for the Emerald Grotto tour which costs about €7.
Amalfi Snorkeling Tour
If you want to get in the water and are looking for more of an adventure, book a snorkeling tour with Amalfi Coast Authentic Experiences. They leave right from Amalfi and you'll get to swim along the Amalfi Coast and explore stunning views with a captain and small group.
Museo della Carta
Where are my fellow museum lovers? You should add Museo della Carta, or the Paper Museum, to your Amalfi itinerary. You can learn about the history of paper production in Amalfi at this museum and see some of the original machines. The museum (old paper factory) is built into the mountain; it’s a sight to see for history lovers.
Take a Cooking Class
There are cooking classes available all around Italy and on the Amalfi Coast, but a great place to take one is in Amalfi town. Learn how to cook local dishes and enjoy the food with great company. Take a look at this Amalfi cooking class and get ready to enjoy homemade food.
Sip on a Limoncello
Lemons are everywhere in Amalfi, making it a popular flavor for many dishes and drinks. If you like a sweeter cocktail, indulge in a limoncello while relaxing in Amalfi. It’s refreshing and delicious and the perfect drink to sip on at the beach or while enjoying the ocean view.
Enjoy Gelato As Often As Possible
No matter what time of year you visit Amalfi town, you have to get some gelato! And there’s no better place to enjoy it than on the beach. It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Italy without this iconic dessert.
Remember when I said lemons were everywhere here? Well, the lemon gelato is the best you’ll find in Amalfi. Just wait until you see how huge the lemons grow here. The best place to get gelato in Amalfi is Cioccolato Andrea Pansa!
Dine With a View
If you’re a seafood lover, you will be very happy with the cuisine in Amalfi town. As it’s located right on the coast, the seafood options here are amazing. I enjoyed shrimp and swordfish, among other seafood dishes. And even if you’re not a seafood lover, you’ll still find amazing pizza and pasta in Amalfi town. The lemon pasta here is unbeatable.
You can find many restaurants with ocean views or views of the picturesque buildings in Amalfi. Avoid dining right in the square as prices will be higher and the food won't be as good. Some great places to eat in Amalfi town are:
Day Trip to Positano, Sorrento, or Capri
A popular way to enjoy more of the Amalfi Coast is by planning a day trip. You can catch the ferry from Amalfi directly to Positano, Sorrento, and Capri. Plan to spend a few hours in any of these places as they’re all worth exploring.
You can also book a guided tour if you’re a fan of having a local show you the way. If you’re short on time or aren’t sure where to go, think about booking a guided tour from Amalfi to experience more of the scenic Italian coast.
Pro Tip: Find the cheapest tickets and fastest ferry routes on Ferryhopper!
Explore Neighboring Towns
If you have more time, don't miss the chance to visit other towns along the Amalfi Coast. Each town offers its unique charm and attractions. Here are some highlights:
Ravello
Villa Rufolo: Known for its beautiful gardens and historical buildings.
Villa Cimbrone Gardens: Offers some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast.
Piazza Centrale: Wander through the central square and enjoy local shops.
Atrani
Spiaggia di Castiglione: A quieter beach with clear waters and a beach club.
Spiaggia di Atrani: Larger and more popular beach, with nearby restaurants and cafes.
Minori
Villa Romana e Antiquarium: An archaeological museum with ancient ruins and gardens.
Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour: Explore hidden gems along the Amalfi Coast on this Amalfi caves and beaches tour.
Things to Know About Visiting Amalfi, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a region made up of many small towns including Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, and Positano. It’s easy to explore these towns thanks to the public transport options. Whether you're here for a few days or just one day in Amalfi town, there's plenty to do and see.
You don't need a car to get around the Amalfi Coast. Instead, plan on using the buses and ferries to get between towns or opt to walk to truly admire all the amazing views.
Is Amalfi Coast Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Amalfi Coast is worth visiting for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, beautiful views, and charming towns. It’s a region that offers something for every traveler. But do note that visiting the Amalfi Coast will not be cheap. As a popular beach destination in Italy, hotels, food, and private transportation can get pricey here.
The Best Places to Stay in Amalfi, Italy
Amalfi town is a perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. It’s centrally located, making it easy to visit neighboring towns and enjoy all the coast has to offer. Here are some of my top picks for accommodations:
Andrea's House - Studio Apartment
Zia Pupetta Suites - Great Location
Casa Mao - Ocean View
Amalfi Centro - Fun Decor
Whether you're wondering which town is best to stay in Amalfi or seeking the best things to do in Amalfi, Amalfi town provides a wonderful base for your adventures.
Now that you know what to do in Amalfi town and where to stay, it’s time to plan your trip! Whether you have a few days to explore or just one day, the Amalfi Coast has so much to offer. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, delicious food, and stunning views, and see why this region is one of Italy’s gems.
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