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- Georgina D'Angelo
15+ Best Things to Do in Amalfi Town
Updated: Dec 12, 2023
The Amalfi Coast is a must visit while in Italy. Located on the southwestern Italian Coast, this region is known for its seafood, architecture, and lemons. Home to some of the best beaches in the world, Amalfi is a beautiful place to travel to.
While there is a lot to see and do in Amalfi, there are some things you simply cannot miss. From beaches to duomos, I’ve got you covered when it comes to the ultimate Amalfi Coast trip.
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 here so you can travel cheaply and conveniently around the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi town is a great place to stay while you’re exploring the coast; it’s centrally located and has many accommodation options. There is no shortage of sights to see, beaches to relax on, and food to eat here, so check out the best things to do in Amalfi town!
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Things to Know About Amalfi Town
The Amalfi Coast is a region located on Italy's southwestern coast. It is made up of many small towns including Atrani, Ravello, Positano, and of course Amalfi. You can visit multiple towns easily by learning how to get around the Amalfi Coast.
How to Get to & How to Get Around Amalfi
Amalfi town is a great place to stay as it is centrally located and within walking distance of a couple of other towns. It's easy to get to Amalfi from places like Rome and Naples. Take a look at these two travel guides if you're coming from either of those places.
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 walk between towns to admire all the amazing views.
Where to Stay in Amalfi
Amalfi town is a great place to base yourself while exploring the Amalfi Coast. It is centrally located and has many accommodation options, restaurants, shops, etc. Below are some hotels and rentals I recommend staying in Amalfi town.
Andrea's House - Studio Apartment
Zia Pupetta Suites - Great Location
Casa Mao - Ocean View
Amalfi Centro - Fun Decor
The Best Things to Do in Amalfi Town
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 filled with lots of plants, 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 locally crafted goods. Many of the shops are locals selling their very own handmade goods.
Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale
It might sound morbid, but the Belvedere Monumental Cemetery is a sight to see. With beautiful tombs and fresh flowers from living family members, 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.
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 a Gelato On the Beach
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 highly recommend you try them. 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:
Explore Neighboring Towns
If you have time, I highly recommend visiting other towns on the Amalfi Coast. While Amalfi town itself is a great place to stay and explore, there are neighboring towns you can walk to, catch the bus to, or hop on the ferry to. Some of the best towns to explore on the Amalfi Coast are below.
RAVELLO
Villa Rufolo
With beautifully designed gardens, charming historical buildings, and wide open views of the Tyrrhenian Sea below, Villa Rufolo is any nature lover’s dream. Located higher up the mountain in the quaint town of Ravello, this historical landmark should not be passed by.
It costs about €7 for an entrance ticket, which allows you free range of the property. There are many types of flowers to admire, views to soak in, and history to learn about at Villa Rufolo.
Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Want to see more epic views of the Amalfi Coast? Head to Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello next and get the full picture, wide view of the coast and sea below. Because Ravello is located higher up the mountain than Amalfi and Atrani, it has the best views to offer!
Piazza Centrale in Ravello
Located in the center of Ravello is Piazza Centrale. I mentioned before that Ravello is higher up the mountain compared to Atrani and Amalfi which are right on the coast. If you have the time, you should walk through Piazza Centrale in Ravello and wander down a couple of smaller side streets.
Ceramics are huge here; there is a large ceramic factory where you can even buy an entire ceramic tabletop that is beautifully handmade and painted. This is fun to walk through and admire all the hand painted details and designs that local artists create.
ATRANI
Spiaggia di Castiglione
You cannot visit the Amalfi Coast without going to the beach. If you’re visiting outside of summer, and the water is too cold to swim in, you can still take a relaxing stroll along one of Amalfi’s best beaches.
My personal favorite was Spiaggia di Castiglione, located between Atrani and Ravello. It’s a smaller beach, situated between cliff-sides, but this means it’s quieter and easy to find a spot to claim. There is also a beach club here where you can buy food and drinks and rent umbrellas. The water here is so clear, do bring your goggles to make your inner child happy!
Spiaggia di Atrani
Another of my favorite beaches was Spiaggia di Atrani. Located in Atrani, this beach is bigger than Spiaggia di Castiglione (mentioned above), but it’s more popular. However, because it’s located right in Atrani, there are multiple restaurants and cafes to grab lunch or a snack at while having a nice beach day.
Keep in mind that restaurants right next to tourist attractions, or the beach in this case, are more expensive. Just walk a few more minutes out of the way and you’ll find much better prices.
MINORI
Villa Romana e Antiquarium
This is for any history lover out there. The Villa Romana e Antiquarium, located in Minori, is an archaeological museum with ancient ruins dating back to the 1st century. There is also a central garden to walk around. This is a nice place to slow down for a few hours and stroll through while learning about some of the history of the Amalfi Coast.
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 Minori. Learn from a local how to cook local dishes and enjoy the food with great company. Take a look at this Airbnb experience and book your own cooking class.
Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
Ready for an adventure? The Amalfi caves and beaches tour is perfect for you! You’ll get to kayak and snorkel with a local guide and enjoy some hidden gems along the Amalfi Coast. This tour starts in Maiori, right next to Minori, and you’ll make your way along the coast to Amalfi town and back. This kayaking tour is about 4 hours long.
Is Amalfi Coast worth visiting?
The Amalfi Coast is worth visiting if you want to enjoy Italy's best beaches, dine on the freshest seafood and lemon dishes, admire beautiful coastal views, and visit multiple small Italian towns.
While each town on the Amalfi Coast is relatively small, they all offer plenty to do.
Is the town of Amalfi worth visiting?
Amalfi is a great town for a base while visiting the Amalfi Coast; you can easily visit neighboring towns while enjoying the best things to do in Amalfi town. Plan a beach day in Amalfi or visit the town's famous Duomo. Shop and dine in Piazza del Duomo, and find breathtaking views in the town of Amalfi.
Is it expensive in Amalfi town?
The Amalfi Coast overall is expensive, especially in summer as it's the high season. Amalfi is relatively cheaper than Positano and Sorrento, but you can find cheaper accommodation in smaller towns like Ravello and Atrani.
What is the city of Amalfi known for?
Today the town of Amalfi is known for its beach resorts, colorful architecture, seafood, all things lemons, and coastal views. You can't visit the Amalfi Coast without stopping by Amalfi town. It's centrally located so it's a great base for exploring the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
While there is so much to see and do in this region of Italy, these are the best things to do in Amalfi town and nearby towns. Now it’s your turn to enjoy these activities! If you have a day or two in Amalfi, you can easily check off a few of these sights and activities.
Relax by the beach with a limoncello or hit the ground running and check off as many things to do in Amalfi town as you can! This Italian coastal region has so much to offer, you’ll get to see for yourself why it’s so popular and loved.
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful region filled with local art, delicious food, friendly people, and amazing beaches. It’s worth spending a few days here, but even if you’re short on time, don’t miss out on what Amalfi, Atrani, Minori, and Ravello have to offer. Check out my guide on getting from Rome to Amalfi as well as my guide on how to get around while visiting the Amalfi Coast!
So now you know what to do in Amalfi town, what will you be checking off your list while you're here? Let us know in the comments!
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