Amalfi

Amalfi is in Campania, Italy. Amalfi is the heart of this magnificent Italian coastline and a must-see town on your Amalfi Coast adventure. It lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. Amalfi is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2017, it was home to 5,100 people.

Get in and around

By bus
  • SITA Coach, ☏ +39 89 405 145. Buses along the coast from Sorrento to Amalfi 2-3 times per hour. Buses travel from Salerno via Minori, Cetara and Vietri. Local buses link Amalfi to Ravello and the upper reaches of Furore, Pogerola, Agerola and Napoli. Choose the region "Campania" from the website to find the timetables. Tickets cannot be purchased on board but are very easy to find in bars, newsagents, etc. The Sita buses are the least expensive option, but can be slow, and are often very crowded. (updated Oct 2019)
  • City Sightseeing. Apr-Oct only. Hourly buses from Sorrento to Amalfi (1 hr 30 min up to 2 hr); €10 one stop, €6 for the return ticket. From Ravello every half-hour, €5. (updated Oct 2019)

July and August are prime months for people-moving so the buses can become very crowded so make sure you are at the front of the pushy crowd when the bus pulls up otherwise it is a long wait for the next one.

It is a comfortable way to travel along the Amalfi Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula on the bus, however if you are prone to motion sickness the hairpins on these roads will certainly induce symptoms very quickly! SITA offers a very efficient public transportation service in the area, with expert drivers who breeze along the winding roads like they were driving on a highway (you will be happy to know that they are experienced). Here is something that you might need to know to know before you board your bus.

  1. You have to buy your tickets in advance, before you get on the bus. Tickets can be bought at caffe bars, some have a black and white sign 'Tabacchi' hanging out the front while some stores selling lotto tickets also sell bus tickets so look out for these too. Shops also which display the SITA logo as well as at the SITA ticket office at the Salerno train stations. If a bar does not sell SITA tickets, you can always ask where you can find them as they are generally helpful.
  2. As you get on the bus you have to clip your ticket in the yellow/orange machine that you will see in front of you as you climb the steps. If you are not able to get the machine to clip your ticket, ask the driver to do it for you. Do not forget to clip the ticket: during your trip an agent will board the bus and ask to check the ticket. If the ticket is not clipped you will have to pay a fine

By boat

The ferry season opens from Easter weekend and runs until mid to late October with connections from Amalfi to Positano, Salerno, Capri, Naples and Sorrento.

  • Travelmar ferries, ☏ +39 89 87 27 70. Amalfi—Capri, 3 times a day, 50 min, adult €24, child €16. Amalfi—Sorrento, 5 times a day, 1 hr 15 min—1 hr 30 min, adult €16.50-18, child €8.50-13. Amalfi—Positano, 4 times a day, 15 min, adult €8, child €6.50. (updated Oct 2019)
  • Aliscafo Hydrofoil, ☏ +39 82 807 1812. Sorrento-Amalfi 8 per day. (updated Oct 2019)

There are also private boat charters offered at the ticket kiosks on the Molo Pennello pier.

Boat and ferry information:

  • Travelmar +39 89 871483.
  • Alicost (+39 89 871483).
  • Alilauro (+39 81 8073024).
  • Alilauro-Gruson (+39 81 8071430).
  • Caremar (+39 81 8073077).
  • Linee Maritime Salernitane (+39 89 873301 in Amalfi; 089 811164 in Postiano; 081/8073024 in Sorrento). Positano ferry and hydrofoil ticket office (Via del Brigantino, Italy. +39 89 811986).
  • Travelmar (+39 89 872950).
  • For ferry and bus timetables in English you can also refer to Amalficoast-Web

By train

The two main train stations serving the Amalfi Coast are Salerno which has direct Frecciarossa high-speed and inter-regional train connections to Naples and Rome and the local Circumvesuviana over in Sorrento which is the main train line which connects Sorrento to Naples and importantly, Sorrento to Pompeii ruins. Conveniently, both stations are also hubs for cheap, efficient bus and ferry services radiating toward the major tourist destinations along the Amalfi Coast and inland.

By car

It is simple to hire a car for your stay - but driving in southern Italy is not for the faint-hearted! The Amalfi Coast roads are very narrow and cliff-hanging, and will either provide a challenging drive. But there are many spots to stop along the coastal roads and small towns that are only easily accessible if you have your own car.

For those who are truly adventurous, scooters can be a practical form of transport, however precision driving is key.

The ferry and bus services on the Amalfi Coast offer excellent connections between towns and the price of parking could also put you off hiring a car.

Amalfi is 270 km from Rome, 70 km from Naples, 60 km from Avellino and 85 km from Caserta.

Understand

Amalfi is one of the bigger towns on the Amalfi coast. It has squares connected by pedestrian streets full of restaurants, souvenir shops and tourists.

See
  • 🌍 Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi). Built in the 13th century. You can see its magnificent bell tower from the harbour. €3. (updated Oct 2019)
  • Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso). Next to the cathedral, was also built in the 13th century. It is home to old mosaics and paintings, and 120 columns built in the Arabic style. 
  • 🌍 Paper Mill Museum (Museo della Carta), Via delle Cartiere, 23, ☏ +39 0898304561, . 

Do
  • The beach can be crowded in summer, particularly in August when Italians are on holiday and let their kids loose for the month on the strip of pebbled beach.
  • Evening walk along the marina to where the mega-yachts dock in summer time.
  • The Amalfi Coast to Capri Boat Excursion is a full-day sightseeing tour taking in all the Amalfi Coast villages, including Ravello, Positano, Atrani, Praiano, Maiori and Minori. You visit the grottos in Capri and Amalfi, you can go swimming directly from the boat, the tour circumnavigates Capri island and you have the opportunity to disembark in Capri for three hours of your own time before you cruise back at about 6pm. Departures from Amalfi, Maiori and Minori.
  • A half-day Amalfi to Positano Cruise is also offered by Amalfi Boat Excursion and is perfect for travellers with limited time.
  • Charter La Dolce Vita, ☏ +39 3294603771. Offer private luxury daily, weekly or overnight motor-yacht charter tours, 
  • That's Amore Cycling Excursion, ☏ +39 3468471141. Offer in every season exclusive guided and customized cycling exploration of the coast : short and easier route and a longer or more demanding route for the keener cyclists. Booking Required. 
  • Hiking in the Valle delle Ferriere from the Valle dei Mulini locality upwards through the Valle delle Ferriere and back to Chiorito locality.

Buy
  • Cameo brooches
  • Limoncello
  • Fresh herb mixes for making spicy Southern Italian-style pastas
  • Angelo Fusco Jewellery, Via M.Camera, 4. Unique handcrafted fine jewels, corals and cameos. 

Eat
  • Marina Grande. Located on the main beach front of Amalfi (the stradone), it offers a restaurant, bar and private beach specialising in seafood cuisine as well as the many traditional pasta dishes Italy and indeed the Amalfi coast is renowned for. 
  • Risto (on the old square). Good local food and wine. 
  • Donna Stella. Place for homestyle pizza, set under lemon groves this small family trattoria is a great place to escape the heat of the day. 
  • Stella Maris (on the main beach front). Offers very fresh and light lunches of local foods at good prices. 
  • Eolo, Via Comite 3, ☏ +39 089 871241. closed Tu. €60-85. 
  • La Caravella, Via Matteo Camera 12, ☏ +39 089 871029. closed Tu. €60-85. 
  • Da Ciccio Cielo-Mare-Terra, Via Augustariccio 21 (in Vettica MInore Overst, 3 km west of Amalfi), ☏ +39 089 831265. €35-65. 

Drink

There are several hot spots for good cappuccino and sweet treats in Amalfi.

  • Pasticceria Pansa has overpriced coffee but excellent traditional Amalfitani cakes and a shaded morning position in the Piazza Duomo.
  • Directly opposite Pansa is Bar Francese and this is where prime aperitivo hour occurs in Amalfi for those holidaymakers and touring Italians who want to be seen.
  • Nearby is Bar Savoia for very good cakes to take away.
  • Up the main concourse from the piazza check out Pasticceria Leone which has excellent sweets, biscuits (all made on site) and espresso. There is a small bar next to a mini-mart in Piazza dei Dodgi, the little square off the Duomo, and it is very popular for locals and people watching.
  • Grand Caffe overlooking the main beach is also nice for a drink (their light lunches are very hit and miss however) with lovely relaxing views up the coast while the Marina Grande restaurant operate a bar on the beach with funky decor and candle-light, which is a very good choice on a hot summer night.
  • Bar Flavio Gioia opposite the main ferry pier and parking bay has the best gelato in town and offers a good pit stop before taking a bus from the nearby terminal or catching a ferry.
  • For dancing, you will have to take yourselves to Praiano to the famous Africana nightclub or onto Positano to an equally popular disco hub, Music on the Rocks or up to Positano's chic Next2 bar.

Sleep
  • Eva Rooms Amalfi, Via Gabriele di Benedetto, 3, ☏ +39 089 872875, fax: +39 3381659882. Little guest house with two bedrooms, each of them with a beautiful view (you can see the Amalfi Coast and the little town of Atrani). Because of the limited number of rooms, the rates are affordable. 
  • Fontana Hotel Amalfi, Piazza Duomo (Located in the city centre), ☏ +39 089 871530, fax: +39 0898304562. Three-star hotel, with 21 rooms. 
  • Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi, Via Papa Leone X (Pogerola, a tiny cliffside village located ten minutes outside Amalfi centre), ☏ +39 089 830015, fax: +39 089 830085. Four-star hotel, with 106 rooms. 
  • Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, Via Annunziatella, 46, ☏ +39 089 8736711. This hotel offers stunning panoramic views. The rooms have modern decor, there is also a swimming pool, a gym and a spa available. Rooms from €260. 
  • Hotel Amalfi. This hotel is tucked away from the old square and would seem to be away from any street noise, there are steps leading up to the entrance of the hotel. Not all rooms are air conditioned. 
  • Hotel Antica Repubblica Amalfi (a couple of minutes from Piazza Duomo). This hotel is in one of the old buildings and it has lift access. It is tucked away just off one of the main streets and the pealing of the Duomo bells, views of Amalfi terraces and its cleanliness are key features. 
  • Hotel Centrale Amalfi, Largo Duchi Piccolomini, 1 (Piazza Duomo), ☏ +39 089 872608, fax: +39 089 871243. Three-star hotel, hosted in an old building of the 14th century with an extraordinary view of the cathedral and 17 guest rooms. 
  • Hotel La Bussola (a couple of minutes from Piazza Duomo). This hotel faces the Amalfi marina for sea views and offers easy access with only a few steps off street level. Possibly request a room with a sea view, this will minimise traffic noise from the main road directly behind the hotel. The hotel has wi-fi access. 
  • Hotel Luna Convento (8 minute walk from Piazza Duomo). At the top of the main coastal road out of Amalfi and in the direction of Atrani, this hotel is hosted in an old convent, which overlooks the Amalfi coast. There are elevators going up to the reception. The pool deck is across the road and set into the side of the rockface for stunning views, seaside swims and private relaxing. 
  • Hotel Miramalfi (10 minute walk from Piazza Duomo). This sea-side on a clifftop hotel is on the main Amalfi coastal road. There is a SITA bus stop near this hotel. 
  • Hotel Residence Amalfi, Via delle Repubbliche Marinare, 9, ☏ +39 089 871183, fax: +39 089 872229. Three-star hotel, very close to the port, with 27 rooms. 
  • Villa Epicuro Garden, Via Salita Baglio (3 km from the centre). Luxury villa, set in one of the most attractive corners of the Amalfi Coast. Quiet and welcoming surroundings, luxury and exclusivity. 
  • Hotel Floridiana, Via Brancia 1 (behind the Duomo), ☏ +39 089 8736373. Small family-run hotel, tucked away in the centre. Very quiet position. Excellent accommodation, service and housekeeping. 
  • Santa Catarina, Via Nazionale 9, ☏ +39 089 871012. €450-780. 
  • Hotel Marina Riviera, Via P.Comite 19, ☏ +39 089 871104. single €180, double €250-280. 
  • Hotel Aurora, Piazza dei Protonitini 7, ☏ +39 089 871209. €145-175. 
  • Hotel La Pergola, Via Augustarriccio (in Vettica Minore, 2 km West from Amalfi centre). single €40-200, double €40-160. 
  • Villa Lara, Via delle Cartiere 1bis, ☏ +39 098 736358. single €75-245, double €90 -195. 
  • Relais Villa Annalara, Via delle Cartiere 1, ☏ +39 089 871147. single €75-150, double €80-180. 

Go next
  • The Emerald Grotto (La Grotta dello Smeraldo), is 5 km West of Amalfi town on the main coastal road heading in the direction of Positano. It is situated in the town of Conca dei Marini. There are daily boat excursions of one-hour which leave Amalfi taking guests to the Emerald Grotto. Visit the grotto and sightsee part of the striking Amalfi Coast. Ferry cruises leave daily from 09:00, on the hour with the last boat at 15:30 as the grotto closes at 16:00. You can also arrive at the grotto by the local SITA bus network which stops above the cliff where the grotto is housed in Conca. You then descend down to the grotto by lift. Take the Positano or Sorrento SITA bus from Amalfi and get off at Conca, about 20 minutes into the journey.
  • Ravello, 6 km North East of Amalfi. The City of Music, is thirty minutes away by public bus and offers beautiful views of the coast. Villa Cimbrone is a superb afternoon of wandering around its gardens and sculptures.
  • Positano is a short and scenic 25 minute ferry trip away from Amalfi. And the best way to full appreciate this beautiful town is to arrive by sea.
  • Atrani, 1 km East of Amalfi, is a neighbouring and pretty town and only ten minutes from Amalfi by foot.
  • Furore is about 25 minutes from Amalfi by SITA bus or car via the main Amalfi to Positano coastal road. This town hosts the famous Fjord of Furore, a secret cove with fisherman's houses.
  • Agerola is about 45 minutes from Amalfi by SITA bus, car or by bicycle (this last solution is advised if arranged with local bike tour operators) via the main Amalfi to Agerola coastal road. This town hosts the famous cheeses named Fiordilatte (milk flower).
  • Valle delle Ferriere, 7 km west of Amalfi
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