Amalfi Travel Guide – 13 Best Things to Do in Amalfi Town on the Amalfi Coast

Are you searching for the top things to do in Amalfi? Then you’re in for a treat!

My first visit to the beautiful Amalfi Coast in sunny southern Italy left me speechless. I spent several days hopping from one charming town to the next, with Amalfi being an unexpected surprise. Not only because I discovered there was an actual town named Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast itself, but also because the town was a total gem!

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Although small, the town of Amalfi offers some pretty amazing experiences that every traveler should include on their itinerary. To make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights, I’ve put together a list of recommendations for the top things to do in Amalfi.

Where to stay in Amalfi

Amalfi Town is small, so wherever you end up choosing to stay, you’ll be close to the town center. This will give you easy access to the beach, shopping and restaurants.

Related: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

Best things to do in Amalfi town

1. Sail away on an Amalfi Coast boat tour

Can you actually say you’ve been to Amalfi without going on a boat tour? Well technically, you can, but it wouldn’t be the same. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its gorgeous coastline, sapphire waters, and mysterious grottos. Some of which can only be explored by boat.

There are many options for boat tours in Amalfi, ranging from private charters to group trips. Some even offer stops at secluded beaches or caves for swimming and snorkeling!

Related: Best Boat Tours of the Amalfi Coast

This Amalfi to Capri private boat tour is my top choice for a luxurious and personalized experience. If there’s one thing you should splurge on during your trip to Amalfi, it’s definitely a boat tour.

For an equally memorable day out on the water for a fraction of the price, join this small group sailing tour. You’ll get to visit Pandora’s Cave, witness the Fiordo di Furore, sip on Italian aperitifs, and have plenty of time to swim.

Book your adventure:
Amalfi to Capri private boat tour
Small group sailing tour

2. Zip around on a Vespa Tour

Dedicate one day in Amalfi to zipping around the coast on a vintage Vespa tour for the ultimate Italian adventure. Your personal guide, Francesco, will whisk you away to iconic locations and hidden corners, sharing intriguing stories and fun facts about each town along the way.

Francesco’s also got your back for capturing photos and videos during the tour – he does, after all, know the best photo spots! Trust me, this Vespa tour will have you dreaming about the Amalfi Coast long after you’ve returned home.

Book your vintage Vespa tour

3. Immerse yourself in history at the Museo della Carta

Tucked away a bit further up from the Duomo and Amalfi’s main square is a unique museum worth visiting, Museo della Carta. This Paper Museum is housed in an ancient mill that dates all the way back to the 13th century!

Since the Middle Ages, Amalfi has been one of the centers of paper production, and this museum allows you to takea closer look at the history and techniques behind this craft. Here you’ll find detailed information about the paper-making process, antique machinery used in production, and beautiful collections of hand-crafted papers.

4. Discover the miniature nativity scenes

One of the top things to see in Amalfi are permanent nativity scenes. This ancient tradition is deeply rooted in Neapolitan culture, which is why Amalfi is famous for its intricate and elaborate miniature towns and nativity scenes.

In Amalfi, you’ll find two nativity scenes. One, which is located near the Duomo and displays a nativity scene that has been integrated into a fountain. The other is located up by the elementary school and behind a gate which is usually open to the public.

5. Explore the Grotta dello Smeraldo

Make sure to carve out some time in Amalfi for a visit to the Grotta dello Smeraldo, or the Emerald Grotto. It’s located in the village of Conca dei Marini, just a quick trip from Amalfi Town.

Access to the cave is straightforward with an elevator that takes you nearly all the way there and only 15 stairs to navigate to the entrance.

Inside, a boat will guide you around the grotto to witness the fluorescent blue color of the water that lights up from within when sun filters through it. It’s a dazzling natural phenomenon that is truly one-of-a-kind.

6. Admire the Amalfi Cathedral

While strolling through Amalfi Town, you can’t miss the Duomo di Amalfi. You’ll likely notice the immense staircase leading up to the cathedral before you even realize you’re standing right in front of it!

This impressive, medieval cathedral dates back to the 9th century, complete with detailed mosaics and frescoes. The modest entrance fee of 3 EUR will grant you entry to explore the cathedral’s interior, including access to the crypts and the beautiful hidden courtyard.

7. Fill up at St. Andrew’s Fountain

Right in front of the Duomo, you’ll find one of the most famous landmarks of Amalfi Town, Fontana Sant’Andrea. This stone fountain features some pretty intricate sculptures of Saint Andrew, nymphs, and cherubs It shows the city’s ties to its patron saint and love for maritime traditions. 

Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up with the fresh, cold water that flows from the fountain.

8. Relax on the beaches in Amalfi Town

The Amalfi Coast is peppered with tons of gorgeous beaches, and that includes the one right in Amalfi town. 

You can take a dip in the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Salerno or just lounge on the sand and soak up some sun. Whichever you choose, your backdrop will be spectacular views of the colorful buildings and cliffs that make this area so famous.

9. Go shopping in Amalfi

Ruga Nova Mercatorum stretches all the way from the water, straight through town and past the cathedral. This is the main tourist drag as well as the main shopping street of Amalfi. You’ll find all sorts of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and artisanal goods here.

I actually picked up two souvenirs here. One is a hand painted ceramic Christmas ornament decorated with the emblem of Amalfi – lemons! The other memento are a pair of leather sandals that were custom made for me by a local shoemaker.

So if you’re looking for something special to bring back homefrom your trip, take some time to peruse the shops on this street and you’ll surely find something unique and special.

10. Savor a lemon sorbet

While walking along Ruga Nova Mercatorum, you’ll notice shop after shop serving up lemon sorbet in gigantic lemons. Now this is something you definitely don’t want to miss while in Amalfi Town!

Made from the juice and zest of the local lemons, Sorbetto di Limone is a refreshing and tangy treat on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect way to cool down after exploring the town or lounging on the beach. Don’t forget to take a photo with your giant lemon sorbet before digging in!

11. Walk the Path of the Lemons

One of the must-do activities in Amalfi is walking the Path of the Lemons. This scenic path is an easy walk connecting the town of Maiori to nearby Minori. It takes you through luscious lemon groves with jaw dropping views of the sea below.

Historically, this path was how local lemon growers got their harvest from the orchards down to the harbor to trade. Nowadays, it’s still in use but also open for visitors to enjoy.

12. Take the bus to Ravello

Ravello is a darling town on the Amalfi Coast and is actually my favorite of them all! Perched on a hilltop above the sea, this beautiful Italian village feels worlds away from the crowds that flock to Amalfi and Positano. 

While in Ravello, make sure to visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo which are filled with history and their charming gardens offer some pretty epic photo ops.

In addition to the villas, you’ll find quaint shops selling local ceramics and other handcrafted goods, as well as cafes and restaurants serving up traditional Italian dishes. Pop into Al San Domingo for a sfogliatella, a traditional flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese and lemon zest – it is mouthwateringly delicious.

To reach Ravello, take the local SITA bus that connects all the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Related: Best things to do in Ravello

13. Indulge in the regional specialties

No visit to Amalfi is complete without indulging in the regional specialties that make this area a paradise for foodies. First on your list should be the Spaghetti al Limone, a zesty dish that combines the freshness of local lemons with perfectly al dente pasta.

Then, treat your sweet tooth to the citrus-infused Pastarelle Amalfitane, a traditional soft dough cookie filled with nuts, candied orange peel, and sometimes chocolate chips.

And for a taste of something uniquely Amalfi, try the Ndunderi. This local version of gnocchi is made with ricotta for a light and satisfying meal. Pair it with a glass of local wine for the ultimate dining experience!

Getting to Amalfi town

Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP) is the closest airport to Amalfi and is about 65.3 km (40 miles), or a 1 hour and 19 minute drive away. Once you land at the airport, there are a few ways you can get to the town of Amalfi:

By Car: The drive to Amalfi Town is very picturesque, however, the coastal roads are narrow and have their fair share of bends so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Plus, parking is very difficult to find, especially during high season.

Private Transfer: Book a private transfer from the airport to Amalfi for a convenient and comfortable option. Although slightly more expensive, it eliminates the stress of navigating winding roads and finding parking, and you actually get to enjoy the views!

By Ferry: During summer, ferries run from Naples to Amalfi daily, and is about a 1 hour and 30 minute ride.

By Public Transportation: This is the cheapest option for getting to Amalfi from Naples, but it can also be the most time-consuming. The train from Naples to Sorrento takes about an hour, and then from there you will need to take a taxi or the local SITA bus to Amalfi, which is another 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Getting Around Amalfi Town

The best way to get around Amalfi Town is to walk. The town is compact enough where you can easily explore on foot. However, if you want to venture further out, there are other transportation options available.

• SITA Bus: The local SITA bus is the most affordable way to travel between towns on the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi and neighboring destinations like Positano and Ravello. You can view the full bus schedule here.
• Taxi: Taxis are plentiful on the Amalfi Coast, but they are also quite expensive. If you don’t mind the price and just want a fast and direct route, taxis could be a good option for you.
• Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is a super fun and local way to experience Amalfi and the neighboring towns! It will give you more flexibility than a car, allowing you to easily park and hop off at different viewpoints along the coast.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours are hands-down the best way to travel around the Amalfi Coast. A guided tour will take care of all the transportation and logistics for you, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy. This all-day sightseeing tour is a fantastic choice that will take you to visit the towns of Ravello, Minori and Positano. 

Where to eat and drink in Amalfi

• Da Gemma: When it comes to the best restaurants in Amalfi town, look no further than Da Gemma. You can’t make a wrong choice here, but I recommend trying thier lemon risotto with shrimp. Dining on their outdoor terrace is an experience in itself, too, and makes for an extra magical evening.
• Ristorante L’Abside: A cozy, family-run spot serving up the most delicious plates with a special emphasis on seafood. Nestled in a picturesque square, dining here feels like you’re part of the local scene, especially if you grab a table outside. Their lobster and linguine is a must-try!
• Cocktail Bar: Cocktail Bar has a laidback vibe with fabulous views and is the ideal place to unwind any time of the day. Sip on refreshing cocktails, nibble on tasty paninis, or enjoy a coffee on their gorgeous terrace. 
• Pizza Express: For those days in Amalfi when you’re craving something quick, delicious, and straightforward, Pizza Express is your spot. It’s the ultimate no-frills takeout place, offering the best pizza in Amalfi.

Best time to Visit Amalfi

May and September are the best months to explore Amalfi Town. During these periods, you’ll find fewer tourists crowding the streets and more attractive pricing on accommodations, without sacrificing any of the warm weather and spectacular scenery that the area is famous for.

Is Amalfi worth visiting?

Without a doubt, Amalfi is a must-see destination! With its piercing blue sea, colorful cascading houses built into the cliffs, incredible cuisine, and panoramic views, Amalfi perfectly captures the beauty and charm of the Italian coastline.

Given that Amalfi is a tourist hotspot, it can become quite busy, especially in the peak of summer. This means booking ahead is crucial for securing accommodations and tours.