Amalfi is one of the most famous towns on Italy‘s spectacular Amalfi Coast, where pastel-coloured houses cling to steep cliffs overlooking the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once one of the four great Maritime Republics of medieval Italy, Amalfi was an important trading power whose merchants sailed throughout the Mediterranean. Today, the town attracts visitors from around the world with its rich history, dramatic scenery and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Although Amalfi is smaller than many visitors expect, its narrow streets, lively piazzas and historic buildings are packed with character. The heart of the town is the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, where cafés spill onto the square beneath the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Behind the waterfront, a maze of medieval alleyways leads past traditional paper shops, family-run restaurants, artisan boutiques and hidden courtyards waiting to be discovered.
The surrounding landscape is equally impressive. Towering limestone cliffs rise almost vertically above the town, while lemon groves cling to the mountainsides on ancient terraces. The region is famous for its fragrant Amalfi lemons, used to produce everything from fresh lemonade and desserts to the local speciality, limoncello.
Amalfi also makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of the Amalfi Coast. Regular ferries connect the town with Positano, Capri, Salerno and other coastal destinations, while scenic roads wind through picturesque villages including Ravello, Atrani and Praiano. Boat excursions provide another memorable way to appreciate the coastline, revealing hidden beaches, dramatic sea caves and breathtaking views that cannot be seen from the road.
Whether you’re wandering through its historic centre, relaxing beside the harbour, visiting centuries-old churches or setting off on one of the region’s famous coastal walks, Amalfi offers an ideal combination of history, culture and unforgettable scenery.
The Best Things to Do in Amalfi
Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)
Dominating Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi Cathedral is the town’s most famous landmark. Dedicated to Saint Andrew, whose relics are preserved in the cathedral crypt, the building combines Romanesque, Arab-Norman, Gothic and Baroque influences collected over almost a thousand years of history. Visitors can admire the spectacular striped façade, impressive bronze doors cast in Constantinople, richly decorated interior and peaceful Cloister of Paradise, making it the highlight of any visit to Amalfi.
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Piazza del Duomo
The lively Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Amalfi and one of the best places to soak up the atmosphere of the town. The broad stone steps leading to the cathedral create one of the Amalfi Coast’s most recognisable views, while cafés, restaurants and gelaterias surround the square. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an espresso or aperitivo while watching visitors and locals pass through the historic centre.
Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso)
Built in the 13th century as a cemetery for Amalfi’s noble families, the Cloister of Paradise is one of the town’s architectural treasures. Delicate white arches surround a peaceful garden filled with palm trees, while Roman columns and medieval frescoes create a tranquil atmosphere. The cloister forms part of the cathedral complex and offers a welcome escape from the busy streets outside.
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Museo della Carta (Paper Museum)
Amalfi was one of Europe’s most important centres for handmade paper production during the Middle Ages. The Paper Museum occupies a restored 13th-century paper mill where visitors can see the original machinery in operation and learn how Amalfi’s famous cotton paper was produced. Live demonstrations show traditional papermaking techniques that have changed little over the centuries, making this one of the town’s most fascinating museums.
Official website: https://www.museodellacarta.it
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Valle delle Ferriere (Valley of the Mills)
Just a short walk from the town centre, Valle delle Ferriere is a beautiful nature reserve where waterfalls, streams and lush vegetation surround the ruins of old paper mills and ironworks. Several walking trails pass through the valley, offering a refreshing contrast to the busy coastline. It’s one of the best places near Amalfi for hiking while discovering the area’s industrial heritage.
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Stroll Through Amalfi’s Historic Centre
One of the greatest pleasures in Amalfi is simply wandering through its maze of medieval alleyways. Hidden staircases, vaulted passages, tiny chapels, artisan workshops and family-run cafés appear around almost every corner. Local shops sell handmade paper, ceramics, limoncello and lemon products, making the historic centre an enjoyable place to explore without any fixed itinerary.
Harbour and Marina
Amalfi’s harbour remains the centre of daily life, where colourful fishing boats share the waterfront with ferries and luxury yachts. The promenade offers beautiful views across the bay and is lined with seafood restaurants serving fresh local catch. From here visitors can also join boat trips, ferry services or simply enjoy watching the activity around the marina.
Boat Trip Along the Amalfi Coast
Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea is one of the highlights of any visit. Boat excursions reveal towering cliffs, hidden coves, secluded beaches and picturesque villages perched high above the coastline. Many tours include opportunities to swim, visit sea caves or stop at nearby destinations such as Positano, Capri or the Emerald Grotto.
Torre dello Ziro
Perched high above Amalfi and neighbouring Atrani, Torre dello Ziro is the remains of a medieval watchtower offering spectacular views across the coastline. The walk to the tower takes around an hour and passes through woodland and ancient pathways. The site is also associated with the tragic legend of Giovanna d’Aragona, adding a fascinating historical story to the visit.
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Taste Amalfi’s Famous Lemons
The Amalfi Coast’s enormous sfusato lemons are protected by PGI status and are among the finest in Italy. Throughout the town you’ll find lemon-themed cafés, pastry shops and family producers offering fresh lemonade, lemon cakes, sorbet and locally produced limoncello. Sampling these regional specialities is an essential part of visiting Amalfi.
Google map Amalfi Lemon Experience 4.7/5
Best Beaches in Amalfi
Marina Grande Beach
Located beside the harbour, Marina Grande is Amalfi’s main beach and one of the most convenient places to swim. Although relatively small, its pebble shoreline enjoys beautiful views of the colourful town and surrounding cliffs. Sunbeds, cafés and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.
Spiaggia Duoglio
Around a kilometre west of Amalfi, Duoglio Beach offers clearer water and a quieter atmosphere than the town beach. Reached by a long staircase or by boat during summer, it is popular for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
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Santa Croce Beach
Santa Croce Beach (Spiaggia Santa Croce) lies around 2 km west of Amalfi along the coast, just beyond Spiaggia Duoglio. Accessible mainly by boat from Amalfi harbour, this peaceful pebble beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water, making it one of the best spots near Amalfi for swimming and snorkelling. A couple of beachfront restaurants add to its relaxed atmosphere, while its secluded setting offers a welcome escape from the busier beaches closer to town.
Best Day Trips from Amalfi
- Ravello — Elegant hilltop gardens, historic villas and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Positano — The Amalfi Coast’s iconic cliffside village with boutiques, beaches and colourful streets.
- Atrani — Italy’s smallest municipality and one of the coast’s most authentic villages, only a short walk from Amalfi.
- Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) — A remarkable sea cave illuminated by vivid emerald-green water. Google map 4.2/5
- Capri — Easily reached by ferry, famous for the Blue Grotto, luxury shopping and dramatic coastal scenery.