Amalfi Town, Italy
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20 best things to do in Amalfi Town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast

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Here are all the best things to do in Amalfi Town, Italy! This land of lemons and legendary sailors is the most iconic town on Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast — and even gave the coastline its name!

We spent a couple of days exploring Amalfi from its majestic Duomo di Amalfi, the unique Paper Museum, and lemon liqueur factory to its charming cafés along bustling streets. And let’s not forget the breathtaking coastline views!

There is no place like Amalfi, and I hope you get to enjoy at least a couple of the experiences I’ve curated for you in this list. Read on to find the ultimate things to do in Amalfi Town, complete with photos, descriptions, and Google Maps locations. Happy travels!

1. Walk through the historic Porta della Marina

Amalfi Town, Italy-Porta della Marina in Amalfi town
Amalfi’s medieval gateway Porta della Marina
Amalfi Town, Italy-Porta della Marina in Amalfi town
Map illustrating Amalfi’s maritime power

First things first! You will probably arrive in Amalfi town by bus or by boat, or by taxi, which means you will arrive somewhere by the seafront.

To find your way inside the town, I recommend that you walk through Amalfi’s iconic and historic gateways – Porta della Marina. There has been a city gate to Amalfi right here since the 12th century!

I decided to mention this place because there might be a crowd of people around, and you may not even notice this medieval entrance to the town.

On the left side of the doorway to Amalfi is a large ceramic map that illustrates the Republic of Amalfi’s dominance as a maritime power player in the Mediterranean Sea back in the 10th and 12th centuries.

Now that you’ve seen this, you’re ready to enter the doorway to Amalfi. The tunnel will lead you right into the heart of the town – Piazza Duomo with its iconic fountain, charming cafés, and the town’s main attraction, the Amalfi Cathedral.

Location: Porta della Marina

2. Stop for breakfast at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

Amalfi Town, Italy-traditional breakfast pastries at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi in Amalfi Town
Pasticceria is located next to the Amalfi Cathedral
Amalfi Town, Italy-traditional breakfast pastries at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi in Amalfi Town
Stopping here for a breakfast snack is a must!

Welcome to Pasticceria Pansa, the most iconic pastry shop in Amalfi! If you’re anything like me, you probably tried to arrive in Amalfi as early as possible to beat the crowds and skipped breakfast in the process…

But don’t worry! Savoring delicious pastries at this historic, family-run pasticceria next to the Amalfi Cathedral in the heart of Piazza del Duomo is actually one of the best things to do in Amalfi.

The pastry shop is beautiful and has that old-world charm because it’s been around since the 19th century! An Italian coffee or cappuccino with a pastry here is the best way to start the day!

Amalfi Town, Italy-traditional breakfast pastries at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi in Amalfi Town
Pastry shop offers premium locally made pastries
Amalfi Town, Italy-traditional breakfast pastries at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi in Amalfi Town
Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

For me, it’s always hard to choose which pastries to try, especially in a place like this, where everything looks delicious and beautiful. We ended up going with a sfogliatella Santa Rosa, a delizia al limone, and a pistachio croissant.

If you haven’t yet tried them, sfogliatella Santa Rosa and delizia al limone pastries are Amalfi Coast’s must-dos. They both originated in the Amalfi Coast and are must-try foods in this region.

Pasticceria Pansa is definitely on the pricier side, so I’d suggest sharing a few pastries to get a taste of it all and just start exploring Amalfi town (we shared three pastries as a couple), because there are plenty of other foods you have to try in this town!

Location: Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

3. Climb the stairs of the iconic Duomo di Amalfi

Amalfi Town, Italy-Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo in Amalfi
Duomo di Amalfi must be on your Amalfi Coast itinerary
Amalfi Town, Italy-Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo in Amalfi
The cathedral boasts Moorish-inspired arches

The majestic Duomo di Amalfi, or Cathedral of Saint Andrew, located in Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi town, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Amalfi Coast and a must-see attraction in the town.

The cathedral boasts an imposing staircase that leads to the entrance to the cathedral. Climbing these stairs is one of the must-do things to do in Amalfi town! From the top, you get a great overview of the whole Piazza Duomo square!

However, the most striking thing about this cathedral is its architecture — the striped façade, arches, and mosaics perfectly reflect Amalfi’s rich and diverse history.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo in Amalfi
The Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew
Amalfi Town, Italy-Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo in Amalfi
The oldest bronze church doors in Italy!

As a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi traded with many nations, and the cathedral showcases that cultural blend – its architecture features a unique mix of Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

The Amalfi Cathedral dates back to the 9th century and was dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose bones are buried in a crypt inside the cathedral.

One more interesting thing I found out about this cathedral is its entrance doors. The massive bronze doors were made in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and date back to the 11th century.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo in Amalfi
Amalfi Cathedral is an architectural marvel
Amalfi Town, Italy-interior of Duomo di Sant Andrea Apostolo or Duomo di Amalfi
The interior of the Amalfi Cathedral

That makes them the oldest bronze church doors in Italy! How cool is that? That just shows how influential and well-connected Amalfitans were during the Medieval times.

Knowing all this, I just had to visit the interior of the cathedral! You can visit the inside if you purchase a ticket through the adjacent Paradise Cloister. You can find the entrance to the cloister at the top of the cathedral’s stairs.

I was truly amazed by the lavish interior—gilded ornaments, ceiling frescoes, and ornate columns. It is definitely worth the entrance fee!

Location: Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo

4. Try water from the Saint Andrew’s Fountain

Amalfi Town, Italy-Saint Andrew's Fountain Amalfi or Fontana di Sant Andrea
The iconic fountain depicts Saint Andrew surrounded by cherubs and mythical creatures

Saint Andrew’s Fountain, or Fontana di Sant’Andrea, is another famous landmark in the middle of Amalfi’s Piazza Duomo.

Just like the cathedral, this 18th-century fountain is also dedicated to Saint Andrew, who is the patron saint of Amalfi.

Sitting at this artistic masterpiece while eating a gelato? Sounds like a plan. But the coolest part? You can actually drink water from this fountain (at least, we saw signs on the fountain that it is indeed drinkable, but we didn’t try, haha!)!

Location: Saint Andrew’s Fountain

5. Have a lemon sorbet inside an Amalfi Coast lemon

Amalfi Town, Italy-lemon sorbet inside an Amalfi Coast lemon
One of the best things to do in Amalfi – try this iconic lemon sorbet inside a lemon!

Talking about gelatos…everybody knows about the famous Italian gelatos. However, once you set foot on the Amalfi Coast, it suddenly becomes all about the lemons.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its large lemons known as Sfusato Amalfitano — they are the color, the flavor, and the scent of the entire coast.

One of the best ways to enjoy them is by trying the iconic lemon sorbet served inside a real (hollowed-out) Amalfi lemon. You’ll see little stores selling them all around the Amalfi town.

Amalfi Town, Italy-lemon sorbet inside an Amalfi Coast lemon
This is one of the first things to do in Amalfi Town, haha
Amalfi Town, Italy-lemon sorbet inside an Amalfi Coast lemon
Little lemon shop in Piazza dei Dogi in Amalfi Town

My husband insisted that we skip all the places in the main square. He was convinced they were too touristy and overpriced, so we went to the nearby Piazza dei Dogi, where we had spotted a lemon gelato shop the other day.

Uff, the sorbet was deliciously zesty and flavorful. The taste was perfectly balanced — sweet and citrusy flavors blending together. The perfect refreshment on a hot summer day! This flavor is the essence of Amalfi!

And I think we got it for about 2 EUR cheaper than the ones in the main square, haha! It is quite pricey, but the experience is definitely worth it!

Location: Piazza dei Dogi

6. Admire the 13th-century Paradise Cloister

Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
The photo-perfect Paradise Cloister in Amalfi
Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
The Cloister is located steps away from the main piazza

Chiostro del Paradiso, or Cloister of Paradise, is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, and a must-visit place in Amalfi town.

The cloister dates back to the 13th century, when it was built and served as a burial place for noble families in the town. Today, you can stroll through and admire the cloister for an entrance fee.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
Painted walls inside the Paradise Cloister
Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
It is definitely worth seeing the Paradise Cloister

The Cloister of Paradise sits right next to the cathedral. You can access it by climbing up the Duomo di Amalfi stairs and, once you’re at the top, turning left to the entrance of the cloister.

For an entrance fee, you can stroll through a fairytale-like courtyard lined with white Moorish-style arches and columns (my favorite place), as well as a stunning crypt, and have access to the interior of the cathedral, too.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
One of the most beautiful places in this historic town
Amalfi Town, Italy-Moorish style Paradise Cloister or Chiostro del Paradiso in Amalfi town
Crypt inside Chiostro del Paradiso

Overall, it is a rather short visit, however, it is a wonderful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle in the square at the feet of the cathedral’s stairs.

Strolling the cloister was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi. Architecture lovers, history buffs, and art lovers will absolutely love this place.

The cloister is super photogenic, and you can take some beautiful photos here, especially in the courtyard. However, the crypt will take your breath away with its painted ceilings and gilded columns. I liked this place – it’s serene, it’s beautiful, and a bit otherworldly.

Location: Chiostro del Paradiso

7. Stroll along the Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi shopping street

Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
We bought three risotto packages!
Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi Street in Amalfi

Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi is the best street to go shopping in Amalfi town. And shopping is one of the best things you can do in Amalfi town. So here we go!

This bustling street starts right at the main square, Piazza Duomo, and winds uphill until the shops disappear. If you’re looking for a little stroll after lunch, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and browse some local gems.

Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
This street is the perfect place to buy souvenirs
Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
There are many cafés offering local delicacies

The street is lined with local restaurants, gelato shops, souvenir stores, workshops, and gourmet boutiques. Your head will spin from all the colors and smells!

Besides lots of window shopping, we did some actual shopping too! I really liked these pre-packaged risotto mixes — we ended up buying three of them. I made them at home and just added a spoonful of pesto, some cream cheese, and grated parmesan. Yum!

Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Scialatielli is Amalfi’s signature pasta
Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Amalfi Coast towns are known for their ceramics

Aside from that, you can find all sorts of things along this street. Just make sure to check where the items are made — I did spot a few “Made in China” products. That said, most of the shops do sell locally made goods.

If you’re looking for souvenir ideas, I definitely recommend going for something lemon-themed! Think limoncello, lemon soap, lemon chocolate or candies, handmade lemon ceramics, or even lemon-print dresses and aprons. Totally Amalfi!

Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
There are lots of souvenirs you can get for a great price
Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Make sure to buy souvenirs that are made in Italy

Another great idea is to buy pasta — you’ll find all kinds of packages, from small to large. Scialatielli would be the number one choice. It’s Amalfi’s signature pasta, as it was actually invented in this town. We even bought a pack of lemon-flavored Scialatielli!

If you’re ready to splurge a little, I recommend checking out the ceramic shops. They sell the most beautiful, colorful hand-painted ceramics, and most of them offer worldwide shipping, so no need to stress about fitting everything in your luggage.

Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Nativity Scene fountain
Amalfi Town, Italy-strolling along and shopping on Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town
Waterfall along Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi

If you walk far enough, you might even stumble upon a few hidden gems. We found a cute Nativity Scene fountain and a charming little waterfall. Keep going, and you’ll eventually reach one of the town’s main attractions — the Paper Museum.

Overall, exploring this street was such a fun thing to do in Amalfi! So grab a gelato by the main square and just start walking! We ate so much delicious stuff in Amalfi that we gladly burned some of those calories by walking up and down the streets, haha!

Location: Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi

8. Try Amalfi’s iconic cuoppo di mare

Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's iconic cuoppo di mare
Cuoppo di mare is the perfect snack to eat when visiting Amalfi town

One of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town is…eating. Do you know what is the perfect snack to eat in Amalfi town? It is cuoppo di mare – a mix of freshly fried seafood that is lightly battered and fried until golden and crispy.

Listen to me — I am in no shape or form a lover of seafood, but traveling is all about trying and eating new things, so I ordered this paper cone of local goodness. And let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious!

Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's iconic cuoppo di mare
Cuoppo di mare is a mix of freshly fried seafood covered with golden batter

The cuoppo had deep-fried squid rings, anchovies, baby octopus, fish balls, and bigger chunks of white fish, all fried in a flavorful batter. It might’ve had a few too many octopuses for me, but I didn’t regret ordering it for a second!

My husband decided to continue staying far away from sea creatures and got himself a cone full of potato, meat, and cheesy goodness, haha. If you’re like him, don’t worry — there are plenty of other combos for meat lovers too.

You can get these iconic cones in different places around Amalfi town. We got them at Pescheria CICA fish store, but there is also Cuoppo d’Amalfi shop and other spots where you can get this iconic snack.

Then sit down on the cathedral’s stairs or go to the beachside to enjoy it!

Location: Pescheria CICACuoppo d’Amalfi

9. Tour a traditional limoncello factory in Amalfi

Amalfi Town, Italy-Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi family-run limoncello factory in the heart of Amalfi town
We bought these limoncello bottles for our family
Amalfi Town, Italy-Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi family-run limoncello factory in the heart of Amalfi town
This is how limoncello is made

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur, especially famous along the Amalfi Coast and the whole peninsula. If there are any foods and drinks you should try when traveling along the coast, then limoncello is one of them!

Limoncello was created by the monks who used it for medicinal purposes, but later people started making it at home (and still do!), and mostly used it to help with digestion after meals. Some restaurants will serve it to you!

I am not into strong drinks and wasn’t sure I even wanted to visit this place in Amalfi, however, I was interested to find out how the limoncello was made, especially the traditional way of making it.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi family-run limoncello factory in the heart of Amalfi town
Limoncello is one of the best souvenirs
Amalfi Town, Italy-Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi family-run limoncello factory in the heart of Amalfi town
We loved visiting Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi factory

The best place to go for anything related to limoncello in Amalfi is Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi. It is a small, family-run limoncello factory and shop where you can join guided limoncello tours (this is the exact one we did!) and find out everything about this iconic drink.

We got to see how it was made, how the lemons were peeled, how they marinated in massive glass jars for two weeks, and we got to taste different kinds of liqueur — including mango, strawberry, and even pistachio!

They also sell everything made from lemons: soap, cosmetics, sweets, and more. Their factory shop is a little paradise for anyone looking to buy a local souvenir to bring home. They even gave us the traditional limoncello recipe, haha!

We ended up buying small limoncello bottles for our family back home. You only need to drink a tiny amount, so it’ll last a while. I absolutely loved this tour — it was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town!

The only downside was that they only offer tours for groups of at least three people, so we had to buy tickets for three, even though we were just two. But the tour is actually quite cheap, and since we were the only ones, it turned out to be a really nice private experience.

Location: Antichi Sapori d’AmalfiGuided tour with limoncello tasting (the one we did)

10. Make your own Amalfi paper at Museo della Carta

Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
This is how they made one sheet of paper
Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
This tour was a great way to learn the town’s history

The town of Amalfi has a centuries-old paper-making tradition, and Museo della Carta, or Paper Museum, is the best place to go to experience and learn everything about this unique industry.

The museum, as well as a gift shop, is housed inside a 13th-century paper mill where you can join guided tours through the old mill or simply buy some gifts made of Amalfi’s very own paper (like notebooks, vintage writing tools, wallpapers, paper art, and more).

Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
Paper press
Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
One sheet of paper is ready to dry

I didn’t know what to expect from this place and only went there for the sake of this blog, however, it turned out to be a very interactive and interesting visit!

We managed to be the only ones, so we got a private tour through the paper mill. They showed us all the original machines (and even turned on one of the mill machines), how the paper was dried, pressed, and even let us make a paper sheet.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
You can buy Amalfi paper souvenirs
Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
The river helped operate the water mill

Every paper had its name, and the one made in Amalfi was called carta bambagina. Amalfi town is located at the bottom of a valley with a river running through the town (today it goes under the main street!).

Thanks to the river, Amalfi’s paper industry could expand, so there were numerous paper mills operating in the town throughout the centuries. Today they only make paper ‘for fun’ – to preserve the legacy and to make unique souvenirs for tourists.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
Notebooks made of Amalfi paper
Amalfi Town, Italy-Museo della Carta or Paper Museum in Amalfi town
Visiting this museum was a unique experience

The tour lasted about 30 to 40 minutes. After that, you can explore the gift shop and buy Amalfi paper souvenirs like notebooks or paper art.

They also gave us a small piece of handmade Amalfi paper, where we could write something for ourselves using calligraphy tools and ink, and take it home.

Overall, I really enjoyed this tour around the water mill. It’s located just a short walk from Piazza Duomo, so if you have some spare time, I highly recommend it. The tour was informative, interactive, and fun!

Location: Museo della Carta

11. See Amalfi from above at Belvedere Cimitero

Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
One of the best places to see Amalfi from above
Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
Viewpoint offers great views of the surrounding area

Okay, so there are two staircases you have to climb when visiting Amalfi town. One of them is to the Cathedral of Amalfi, and the other is to the Belvedere Cimitero viewpoint overlooking the town.

I love seeing places from above, so exploring the breathtaking views this viewpoint offers was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town.

After visiting all the iconic villages along the Amalfi Coast, I realized that somehow the best viewpoints are located next to cemeteries. Amalfi town is no exception.

Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
Stunning view of the coastline
Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
Do you see the iconic tower of Duomo di Amalfi?

The Belvedere Cimitero viewpoint is located along the path leading to Amalfi’s cemetery, but don’t worry, you don’t need to go inside there! The views are right before it!

You can reach this viewpoint on foot by climbing stairs behind the cathedral, or by climbing different stairs located by the beach. Both will take you there!

Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
I always try to see places from an elevated position
Amalfi Town, Italy-panoramic views of Amalfi town of the Amalfi Coast as seen from Belvedere Cimitero
One of my favorite towns on the Amalfi Coast!

There is also another option. Located inside the pedestrian tunnel is a lift up to the cemetery. But it is a paid service, so you would have to buy a ticket for that. We did not do it, but the option exists.

The viewpoint offers amazing views of the whole town, the Amalfi port, as well as the mountains and the rugged coastline. The area is surrounded by lemon trees and plants. We really liked this place!

If I think about it this way, we really needed this staircase exercise after all the eating we did in the town, haha! No time to rest when traveling!

Location: Belvedere Cimitero

12. Try Amalfi’s popular gourmet panini sandwiches

Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's popular gourmet panini sandwiches at Luisa gastronomia artigianale
Best panini sandwiches from Luisa gastronomia
Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's popular gourmet panini sandwiches at Luisa gastronomia artigianale
Luisa gastronomia artigianale deli shop

If you’re looking for something to eat that is made of local ingredients and will fill your stomach, then you should definitely try one of Amalfi’s popular gourmet panini sandwiches!

Nothing is pre-made. These gourmet sandwiches are made by hand right in front of you, using freshly baked panini bread and filled with fresh ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Italian cheeses, fresh pesto, and Italian deli meats.

To find these sandwich shops, you need to head to Piazza dei Dogi square and choose one of the sandwich shops. The most popular ones are Luisa gastronomia artigianale, Deli Coast and La Tramontina Amalfi all in the same square.

Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's popular gourmet panini sandwiches at Luisa gastronomia artigianale
Trying foods is one of the best things to do in Amalfi
Amalfi Town, Italy-Amalfi's popular gourmet panini sandwiches at Deli Coast
Panini sandwich for takeaway from Deli Coast

We stayed in Amalfi town for a couple of days, so we got to try two of these places – Luisa gastronomia artigianale and Deli Coast. In my opinion, both were good, but if I had to go back again, I would choose Luisa gastronomia artigianale!

There was just something about her fresh bread, which was crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, and those perfectly balanced ingredients… I was a happy traveler while sitting there and eating that panini! She really took the time to make them with extra care!

By the way, we ordered the Patriot sandwich and Sciuscià sandwich from Luisa gastronomia artigianale. Both were fantastic, but the Patriot was faultless!

Location: Luisa gastronomia artigianaleDeli CoastLa Tramontina Amalfi

13. Stroll the lungomare & soak up the sun at Amalfi Beach

Amalfi Town, Italy-sandy beach at the Amalfi town
Amalfi Beach is one of the best beaches along the coast
Amalfi Town, Italy-sandy beach at the Amalfi town
The private side is operated by a beach club

One of the must-dos in Amalfi is to enjoy its sun-soaked, lively seaside. The town has a long, beautiful promenade (lungomare) that stretches along the coast, lined with benches, trees, and cafés — perfect for a lazy stroll.

We came here to eat Amalfi’s iconic cuoppo di mare — paper cones filled with freshly fried seafood — and soaked up that Vitamin D while eating. The central square can get super busy, so the seaside is a great little escape.

Amalfi Town, Italy-sandy beach at the Amalfi town
One of the most beautiful beaches we saw there!
Amalfi Town, Italy-lungomare at Amalfi town
Lungomare is a great place for afternoon walks

If you’re staying in Amalfi, then lucky you — the town has a lovely gray-sand and pebble beach. It’s not very long, since the marina takes up a lot of space, but it’s definitely scenic and beautiful.

Just like in many places around Southern Italy, part of the beach in Amalfi is private, and part is public. You can access the private area if you pay for a sunbed and an umbrella.

Amalfi Town, Italy-sandy beach at the Amalfi town
During the summer months, the beach gets crowded
Amalfi Town, Italy-sandy beach at the Amalfi town
The natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast on display

The public side, however, is always open to anyone who wants to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was a bit too cold for us to swim, but we definitely enjoyed some leisurely strolls along the beach.

If you’re looking for some great views of the beach and the colorful houses of Amalfi, I recommend walking along the Amalfi Drive (the main road) to the east end of the beach.

From here, you get panoramic views of the sea, beach, port, townfront, and the mountains behind. The view is pretty amazing – just check out the photos above! We took them from the east side of the beach!

Location: Amalfi Beach

14. Take a photo of Amalfi from the fishing pier

Amalfi Town, Italy-postcard view of Amalfi from the fishing pier
I loved seeing postcard views of Amalfi town from the sea!

There’s another thing you should do while you are at the beachside. Amalfi has a long, beautiful fishing pier stretching into the sea.

I don’t know if anyone uses it for fishing, but people love walking here, or meeting with friends, or just sitting down by the water and watching the boats float by.

Amalfi Town, Italy-postcard view of Amalfi from the fishing pier
Beautiful views of the beautiful Amalfi town!
Amalfi Town, Italy-postcard view of Amalfi from the fishing pier
We came in the morning and skipped the crowds

However, if you walk all the way to the very end of Amalfi’s fishing pier and turn around to face the town, you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful postcard views of Amalfi.

We spent some time soaking up the sun, watching a small boat fill with people and float away, and taking a few nice photos of the town.

We came in the morning and managed to skip the crowds. It might get busier later in the day with more people strolling by, but the view of the town will definitely stay just as beautiful.

Location: Amalfi fishing pier

15. Try Amalfi’s local pasta Scialatielli ai frutti di mare

Amalfi Coast, Italy-Scialatielli ai frutti di mare dish
Trying local pasta, Scialatielli ai frutti di mare, is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town

The Amalfi Coast has its very own type of pasta: Scialatielli. It’s a short, thick, hand-cut pasta (think: very fat spaghetti) that originated right here in the town of Amalfi.

Trying Scialatielli is one of the must-do things to do in Amalfi town, so when lunchtime comes around, find a restaurant that serves pasta and try it! Check out some pasta restaurants in Amalfi town below.

Of course, you can cook pasta dishes in all sorts of ways with different ingredients, but with Amalfi being a former maritime republic, it has to come with seafood.

That’s how Scialatielli ai frutti di mare was born. It’s one of the most iconic dishes to try on the Amalfi Coast. Frutti di mare means “fruit of the sea,” so this pasta comes with a mix of seafood like shrimp, calamari, mussels, and more.

I’m no fan of seafood, but I decided to try it — and it was actually quite nice! The pasta had a good bite, the sauce was flavorful, and the seafood was seafood. I did leave a few of the creatures untouched though, haha!

Location: Da MariaRistorante L’AbsideTrattoria dei Cartari

16. Explore shipbuilding at Amalfi’s Ancient Arsenal

Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
Ancient statue inside the museum

Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi is a testament to the past. Located by the sea, just steps away from the main square, Piazza Duomo, this old shipyard is a reminder of the glory days of the Amalfi Republic.

Although this museum is quite small and you can easily visit in about 30 minutes, we liked strolling through its vaulted stone halls where they built ships back in the 10th-11th centuries.

Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
This is Amalfi Town back in the day
Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
The galley, the ship they used to build here

The maritime museum showcases many documents and artifacts like compasses, naval instruments, as well as a real-life galley, a ship they used to build here.

There is a small entrance fee to the museum, and the people welcoming us could not have been nicer, so we enjoyed our short visit to the Amalfi underground.

Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
One of the old compasses they used to navigate
Amalfi Town, Italy-exploring shipbuilding at Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi

The Amalfi Republic was known for its skilled sailors and naval experts. Although it was a small republic, it was more advanced than most other countries of that time when it came to navigating the sea.

The 10th and 11th centuries marked Amalfi’s golden age, so visiting this charming medieval museum is one of the top things to do in Amalfi town — not just for history buffs, but for anyone who loves exploring local culture and its roots.

Location: Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi

17. Hike the waterfall hike to Valle delle Ferriere

Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
The hike passes several waterfalls
Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
Trail passes multiple abandoned water mills

If you love hiking and walking in nature, then the waterfall hike from Amalfi to Valle delle Ferriere is something you should definitely consider!

Amalfi Town is surrounded by lush mountains, lemon groves, and green forests, making it the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful hike along a gurgling river and fragrant forest paths.

Valle delle Ferriere is the most popular hike you can do from Amalfi Town. You can start from the beach, the main square, or pretty much anywhere in town.

Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
More of those abandoned places along the hike
Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
I loved the waterfalls!

At first, the trail follows the main street, Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, heading deeper into the valley. Once you reach the Paper Museum, turn right and follow Via Paradiso, a smaller path that leads toward the mountains.

The path eventually turns into a forest trail, continuing alongside the river and passing several abandoned water mills and waterfalls. It’s pretty straightforward, and the surroundings are absolutely mesmerizing.

It’s such a great way to escape the buzz and noise of town!

Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
The best place to escape the tourist crowds!
Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
One of my favorite hidden gems on the Amalfi Coast!

The trail officially ends at a waterfall deep in the valley. What’s left is to go all the way back to Amalfi the same way you came or choose a different route (like we did) and walk back through Pontone village and then down the stairs from Pontone to Amalfi.

It was one of my favorite hikes we did on the Amalfi Coast, and you can tailor the hike to your needs – you can make it shorter by turning around sooner and walking back, or doing a loop like we did and passing by Pontone.

By the way, the stairway from Pontone to Amalfi was spectacular. The stairs bend around a cliff, and you have the best views over the lemon valley below!

Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
This waterfall marks the end of the trail
Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
There have been numerous water mills in Amalfi

There are a couple of signposts along the way, but I recommend downloading an offline map and following directions there.

The best offline trail maps I’ve used are the Organic Maps app and MAPS.ME app. You can also check our Strava map, which I added above!

The total distance of the hike was between 7 to 8 kilometers (4.5 to 5 miles), and it took us a little over 2 hours, including plenty of photo stops. This hike is very doable at any time of day, as the trees provide lots of shade and protect you from the direct sun.

Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
Amalfi town seen from Pontone
Amalfi Town, Italy-the waterfall hike from Amalfi town to Valle delle Ferriere goes along abandoned mills and waterfalls
Stairs from Pontone to Amalfi

I should mention that the last 200 meters of the trail at the end of the valley (including the final waterfall) are in a restricted area. There may or may not be guides there controlling access to it.

That said, even if you’re not able to reach the very end, it won’t take much away from the experience. The waterfall is pretty tall, but quite dry, to be honest. I’d guess that it is almost non-existent during the summer months. But see for yourself!

Anyway, the hike is beautiful with or without it!

Location: Valle delle Ferriere

18. Eat pizza under lemon trees

Amalfi Town, Italy-pizza under lemon trees at Pizzeria Donna Stella
Eating pizzas under lemon trees
Amalfi Town, Italy-pizza under lemon trees at Pizzeria Donna Stella
Pizzas at Pizzeria Donna Stella

How does eating Italian pizza in a lemon garden with lemons hanging above your head sound? Fantastic, I know!

One of my favorite things to do on the Amalfi Coast is finding charming restaurants in lemon gardens where you can have lunch with lemon trees and lemons above your head. I have found such restaurants in Minori, in Maiori, and, of course, in Amalfi!

One of the best pizza restaurants and the one where you can sit in a charming courtyard with lemons hanging above your head is Pizzeria Donna Stella.

Amalfi Town, Italy-pizza under lemon trees at Pizzeria Donna Stella
Life on the Amalfi Coast!
Amalfi Town, Italy-pizza under lemon trees at Pizzeria Donna Stella
Pizza and lemon trees go well together

They offer tasty Neapolitan pizzas as well as other Italian dishes and desserts. We both ordered a pizza each, and then my husband also found some space for a dessert.

We really enjoyed this restaurant, and I can highly recommend it if you are craving a real Neapolitan pizza.

Talking about pizza restaurants in Amalfi, I have to mention another spot as well. It doesn’t have lemons hanging above tables, but it has some pretty amazing gourmet pizzas – Carlo Fiamma Pizza e Cantina.

Amalfi Town, Italy-gourmet pizzas in Amalfi at Carlo fiamma pizza e cantina
Gourmet pizzas at Carlo Fiamma Pizza e Cantina
Amalfi Town, Italy-gourmet pizzas in Amalfi at Carlo fiamma pizza e cantina
These pizzas were 10/10

This lovely restaurant is tucked away a few steps from the main square in Amalfi, so you can enjoy a much quieter lunch in a square hidden away from all the buzz.

We came here right after hiking the waterfall hike to Valle delle Ferriere, and this was exactly what we needed to regain energy. The pizzas were amazing! I’d say these were better than the ones back in Pizzeria Donna Stella (especially the gourmet ones!).

Location: Pizzeria Donna StellaCarlo Fiamma Pizza e Cantina

19. Walk over to Amalfi’s twin town, Atrani

Atrani, Italy-overlook of the Atrani town of Italys Amalfi Coast
Atrani is the quintessential Italian town with postcard views

Separated by a seaside mountain, Atrani and Amalfi towns both share a rich history since medieval times and have long been referred to as the twin towns of the Amalfi Coast.

Did you know that both of these towns are connected through a pedestrian tunnel carved into that seaside mountain? If you’re a first-timer, you wouldn’t know. A walk between both towns takes no more than 10 minutes!

Atrani, Italy-Piazza Umberto I
Piazza Umberto I, tha main square in Atrani
Atrani, Italy-iconic gray sand Atrani Beach
The iconic beach in Atrani

If you ever get tired of the crowds and the buzz of Amalfi town, I highly recommend walking over to its quieter counterpart, Atrani. I love Atrani, it is probably my favorite village along the Amalfi Coast!

With a population of fewer than 1,000 inhabitants and an area of 0.12 square kilometers, Atrani is said to be the smallest town in Italy. Furthermore, due to its small size, it is also often included in the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

Atrani, Italy-Church of Saint Salvador De' Birecto in Atrani
The iconic Chiesa di San Salvatore
Atrani, Italy-Atrani overlook at dawn with lights illuminating buildings and sun rising behind
Atrani in the dark is magical!

This lovely hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast boasts more than two thousand years of history, dating back to when this coastline was favored by elite Romans, who loved building their summer villas along the Amalfi Coast.

Atrani played an especially important role during the 10th-11th centuries when this area was an independent state called the Duchy of Amalfi or the Republic of Amalfi. All the rulers (Dukes of Amalfi) were crowned right there in Atrani.

Atrani, Italy-scenic lunch with a sea view in Atrani town, Italy
Seaside lunch at Le Arcate in Atrani
Atrani, Italy- Atrani's very own Stairway to Heaven is a street that leads up 750 steps to a white 12th-century sanctuary on a rock outcrop
We climbed lots of stairs to see Atrani from above

Today, Atrani is known for its dramatic landscape and postcard views. The tiny town was a filming location for Netflix’s series Ripley as well as The Equalizer 3, featuring Denzel Washington.

There are many fun things to do in Atrani, but I would definitely enjoy the postcard view of the beach, climb the stairs of Chiesa di San Salvatore (this is where they crowned the Dukes!), and have lunch at a beachside restaurant Le Arcate or Le Palme.

To get to Atrani, head to the entrance of the pedestrian tunnel (location below) and walk through it. The tunnel ends at the seaside road — carefully cross it, then find the path that goes through a restaurant and wraps around the car tunnel. Keep walking… and you’re in Atrani!

Location: Entrance to the tunnelSpiaggia di Atrani

20. Hike up to the haunted Torre dello Ziro watchtower

Views of the Amalfi town from above near Torre dello Ziro historic watchtower
Views of Amalfi from the Torre dello Ziro tower
Atrani, Italy-hiking to the ancient Torre dello Ziro watchtower on Monte Aureo between Atrani and Amalfi towns
The haunted Torre dello Ziro watchtower

Sitting atop Mount Aureo, Torre dello Ziro or the Ziro Tower is one of many defense watchtowers built back in the 15th century to protect the Amalfi Coast’s villages from pirate attacks.

Today, Torre dello Ziro serves as a tourist destination for history geeks, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone hunting the best views of the Amalfi Coast. I am all of those things, so it made sense to hike up to the haunted tower!

The hike to the tower starts at Via Pisacane Street in the picturesque village of Pontone. We had a rental car, so we parked at the side of the street (paid parking) and went for a hike. If you don’t have a car, you can get there by taxi or by bus.

Atrani, Italy-hiking to the ancient Torre dello Ziro watchtower on Monte Aureo between Atrani and Amalfi towns
Torre dello Ziro watchtower from above
Atrani, Italy-hiking to the ancient Torre dello Ziro watchtower on Monte Aureo between Atrani and Amalfi towns
During the hike to the Torre dello Ziro watchtower

It is also possible to hike all the way from Amalfi to the starting point, but it will add a couple of hours to your hike and will turn into a half-day-long adventure. It’s up to you!

Once you get to the starting point, just follow the trail markers pointing to the tower. It was a 2-hour round-trip hike for us. We walked during the day and even got some shade from pine trees, so it was a fairly nice and easy walk.

If you check on Google Maps, there is an observation deck along the way called Veliero del Belvedere. I highly suggest paying a visit to this scenic spot! It offers panoramic views of the nearby village of Atrani.

Atrani, Italy-Veliero del Belvedere observation deck with coastal views of the Amalfi Coast
Veliero del Belvedere viewpoint along the hike
Atrani, Italy-Atrani town seen from Veliero del Belvedere observation deck on the way to Torre dello Ziro watchtower
Atrani village seen from Veliero del Belvedere viewpoint

Torre dello Ziro watchtower is partly renovated, and you can freely access it and climb to the top of it. But did you know that the legend says the tower is haunted?

They say that the Duchess of Amalfi and her child were imprisoned here because of her affair and, unfortunately, never made it out of here. The ghosts were probably sleeping when we visited because we did not see or hear anything suspicious.

Despite the legend, these ruins are a breathtaking place overlooking the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and especially the Amalfi town. I love a good hike with a rewarding view, and this was definitely one of those hikes!

Location: Torre dello ZiroVeliero del Belvedere

Happy exploring!

Once a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi town has lived through different ages. This town that gives name to the famous Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its iconic medieval cathedral, handmade paper, lemons, and postcard views.

We spent a couple of days exploring Amalfi town during our summer-long travels around the Amalfi Coast. It is a must-visit place and the central town of the famous coastline.

I hope you find some travel inspiration from this Amalfi town travel guide. I also hope you enjoy your time on the Divine Coast of Italy as much as we did! The scenic beaches, the breathtaking views, the charming villages—it’s a place you won’t forget!

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Best things to do in Amalfi town, Italy
Best things to do in Amalfi town, Italy

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