A Day Trip to the Town of Amalfi
The town of Amalfi lends its name to the Amalfi Coast and is one of the most captivating destinations in Italy. With its crystal-clear sea, picturesque streets, and rich historical heritage, it is definitely a fantastic day-trip destination if you’re in Naples or even Rome.
What to See in the Town of Amalfi
Amalfi is a town full of history and culture, offering many attractions to visit. Here are some of them:
The Cathedral of St. Andrew (Duomo di Sant’Andrea)
This is the most famous monument in Amalfi. It was built in the 9th century in Arab-Norman style and has undergone various changes over time, eventually taking on Baroque features.
Its majestic façade shows a large portico, a long staircase, and a detached bell tower. The interior is an example of Romanesque art, with the splendid Holy Stairs leading to the crypt, which houses the relics of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi.
The Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso)
Next to the Cathedral, this evocative 13th-century cloister shows Moorish architecture and offers a peaceful, beautiful retreat. It features a lovely garden and houses a large collection of archaeological artifacts.
The Paper Museum
Amalfi has a long tradition of handmade paper production, renowned worldwide for its quality. You can learn about the ancient techniques of papermaking by visiting the Paper Museum. The museum is housed within an old paper mill and displays the tools once used in paper production.
What to Do in Amalfi
After exploring the historic center and its monuments, relax at the beach. Amalfi offers several beaches, including the main beach, Marina Grande, and Duoglio Beach. You can enjoy the breathtaking views, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or take a boat tour. Every day, boat excursions depart from Amalfi’s harbor to the Emerald Grotto or the island of Capri. However, if you choose a private boat tour, you can go wherever you like, admire the rocky coastline, and visit hidden coves.
If you prefer hiking, there are several trails around Amalfi. The most famous is the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), which is about 9 km long and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. Another great hike is to the Valley of the Ferriere, where you can admire waterfalls, lush vegetation, and ancient medieval ironworks. The Valley of the Mills (Valle dei Mulini) is another natural area where you can find peace and explore the remains of ancient paper mills.
After all that activity, you’ll be ready for some delicious food! The local cuisine won’t disappoint: dishes made with fresh fish, pasta, gnocchi, pizza, gelato, sweets, cheeses, wines, and liqueurs like Limoncello… there’s so much to taste! If you planning to stay in the town of Amalfi for a longer vacation, you’ll surely gain a few pounds (but you’ll also be very happy)!
Attractions Near the Town of Amalfi
The town of Amalfi is an excellent base for exploring other nearby destinations.
If you decide to drive, the towns along the Amalfi Coast are connected by a scenic road, making it easy to reach Ravello, famous for its spectacular gardens, Positano with its colorful houses perched on the cliffs and fashionable boutiques, or the picturesque Fiordo di Furore. If you want to go farther, but not too far, you can quickly reach the Sorrento Peninsula, where you’ll find more charming towns and the beautiful natural area of Punta Campanella.
Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by boat, you can visit the islands of Capri, Procida, and Ischia. Be sure not to miss the stunning Faraglioni rocks in Capri—three enormous formations that rise from the sea and are one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks.
