This coastal Italian town rises from the Mediterranean, with medieval streets leading to a grand 11th-century cathedral, traditional paper mills, and a harbor where fishing boats bring in fresh catches daily.
Amalfi spreads across the slopes of southern Italy's Mediterranean coast. You can explore medieval streets leading to cafes and shops, climb the 62 steps to the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, or watch artisans make traditional bambagina paper at the 13th-century Paper Museum. From the harbor, boats connect you to nearby coastal towns while waterfront restaurants serve fresh catches from local fishing boats.
Getting to Amalfi
The closest airports are Naples (74 km) and Salerno-Pontecagnano (45 km). From Naples, take a train to Salerno and then catch a ferry or bus to Amalfi. The SITA buses run every 30 minutes along the coast, connecting Amalfi to Salerno, Positano, and Sorrento. During summer months (April-October), ferries depart every hour, giving you a sea route between coastal towns that bypasses road traffic.
Walking Through the Town Center
The main square centers around the Duomo di Sant'Andrea. The cathedral's bronze doors, created in Constantinople in the 11th century, stand at the top of a 62-step staircase. Walk inside to see Arab-Norman arches, Byzantine mosaics, and Baroque chapels. The crypt holds the relics of Saint Andrew. In the evening, local families gather at the cafes surrounding the square's fountain.
Traditional Paper Making
The Museum of Handmade Paper operates from a 13th-century mill in the northern part of town. You'll see wooden mallets, presses, and water-powered machinery used to create bambagina, a thick handmade paper that merchants exported throughout Europe. Watch paper-making demonstrations at 11:00 and 15:00 daily, and purchase sheets made using traditional methods.
Local Events and Festivals
Three annual events bring the town's past into the present. During Saint Andrew's feast days (June 25-27 and November 30), silver statues move through the streets. The Historical Regatta in June features teams from Amalfi, Venice, Pisa, and Genoa competing in traditional rowing races. On August 31st, the Byzantine New Year celebration fills the streets with medieval music and historical reenactments.
Swimming and Beaches
Marina Grande beach extends 200 meters along the town center. The pebbly shore includes both public areas and beach clubs with changing rooms, showers, and beachfront restaurants. The water is typically calm in the morning and clear enough to see the bottom. For a quieter swim, walk 15 minutes east to Atrani's beach, where local families gather and the water remains equally clear.
Day Trips from Amalfi
From Amalfi's port, take ferries to Positano (40 minutes), Capri (1 hour), or other coastal towns. Buses run every 30 minutes to Ravello, where Villa Rufolo's gardens host summer concerts. The village of Atrani lies a 10-minute walk east along the coast. During summer months (June-September), plan morning departures to avoid midday crowds and heat.
