Amalfi Travel Guide

The Italian writer Renato Fucini once said, 'The day an Amalfitan goes to heaven is just like any other day.' One visit to the namesake city of Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast and you will quickly understand why.

With its beautiful seaside location, impressive Piazza Duomo, and a welcoming feel, Amalfi is a city that makes you feel at home at once. Don't just marvel at the exquisite facade of the Duomo of Sant'Andrea, but be sure to head inside and visit the Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise), Cathedral Museum, Crypt and interior of the church. Relaxing on the beach or with a cool glass of limoncello, you will find a day in Amalfi is just like any other day in heaven!

Top 10 of what to see
1. Duomo of Sant'Andrea
2. Piazza Duomo
3. Spiaggia Grande (Big Beach)
4. Limoncello tasting
5. Museo della Carta (Paper Museum)
6. Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills)
7. Spiaggia Santa Croce (Santa Croce Beach)
8. Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto)
9. Museo Civico (Civic Museum)
10. Neighboring city of Atrani

Events at Amalfi

June & November
Amalfi's much loved patron saint and protector, Sant'Andrea, is celebrated twice every year on November 30th and June 27th. Both festivals involve an elaborate procession where a large statue of the saint is carried by a group of men down the imposing staircase of the Duomo, through the narrow city streets and down to the beach where the Saint blesses the port full of fishing boats. The procession ends with a dramatic running of the statue of Sant'Andrea up the 57 steps of the Duomo.
June
A force to be reckoned with in the Middle Age, the Maritime Republic of Amalfi rivaled in trade routes and wealth the cities of Pisa, Genoa and Venice. Today this rivalry continues in the annual Regatta of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics (Regata storica delle Repubbliche Marinare), which includes an historical parade before the race begins. The Regatta is held on the first Sunday in June and rotates between the four cities.

Amalfi's Typical Food & Drink

Spaghetti con le vongole
One of the most popular dishes along the Amalfi Coast is spaghetti con le vongole, or spaghetti with clams. This simple dish is often prepared in a white sauce with perhaps with a few fresh tomatoes added at the last moment, and is accompanied wonderfully by the local Amalfi Coast white wines.

Limoncello
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons and lemon liqueur called limoncello. High above Amalfi you will find terraces full of lemon groves, and throughout the city you can taste and purchase limoncello made locally. Many restaurants and families prepare their own limoncello every year. Served chilled in glasses direct from the freezer, it is a perfect and refreshing drink on a hot Mediterranean day.

Amalfi in the 19th century
The exquisite facade of the Duomo of Sant'Andrea, with its mosaic patterns and intricate Sicilian Arabic and Norman style details, has many stories to tell about the Amalfi's past. The most recent addition to the Duomo, the facade was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century after an earthquake in 1861 caused the earlier Baroque facade to collapse. Neapolitan architect Errico Alvino created the new design, which incorporates architectural styles from the medieval Republic of Amalfi's prestigious history.

How to Arrive at Amalfi

Amalfi is located in the heart of the famous Amalfi Coast and is accessible from nearby Naples, Sorrento and Salerno.
By Plane: Amalfi is approximately 90 minutes by car from the Naples Capodichino Airport.
By Car: Head south out of the Naples via the A3 freeway toward Salerno. Take the exit for Vietri sul Mare and follow signs to SS163 (Amalfi Coast Road). Amalfi is approximately 17km from Vietri sul Mare.
By Boat: Amalfi can be reached by ferry and bus services from Naples, Sorrento and Salerno. Please note that ferry schedules are more limited during the off season winter months.
Other: The closest train stations are in Naples, Sorrento or Salerno where you can continue to Amalfi via bus or ferry.