Amalfi is one of the most charming gems of the Amalfi Coast, a place where history, nature, and tradition intertwine against a spectacular backdrop.
A small village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, once an ancient seafaring town and now a destination for travelers from all over the world.
Amalfi’s landscape captivates, delights, and enchants. With its narrow streets, pastel-colored houses nestled into the rocky cliff overlooking the sea, fragrant lemon trees, and azure waters, it creates a unique blend of breathtaking views and medieval architecture unlike anywhere else in the world.
It is a place you absolutely must not miss if you are visiting Campania, but especially the Italian Peninsula.
But what are the must-see places when you’re in Amalfi?
Amalfi Cathedral and the Cloister of Paradise
When visiting Amalfi, amid the scent of citrus and the sound of the waves, a visit to the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, the city’s undisputed symbol is an absolute must.
It is a place that takes you back in time, to when Amalfi was a powerful maritime republic.
The Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, is a masterpiece that blends various styles, Arabic, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque, reflecting the cultural influences that have shaped Amalfi over the centuries. The façade, with its massive staircase dominating the main square and its golden mosaics glistening in the sun, seems to tell ancient stories to anyone who gazes upon it.
But as you step inside, the atmosphere changes: the buzz of the square gives way to a solemn silence. The naves are richly decorated, while the altar houses the relics of Saint Andrew, which remain a destination for pilgrims to this day.
But next to the Cathedral lies a place that seems to belong to another dimension: the Cloister of Paradise. Built in the 13th century, it was intended to house the tombs of Amalfi’s noble families, but today it appears as a quiet garden, far from the chaos of the world.
The slender white columns, arranged in elegant rows, support interlaced arches of clear Arab influence. The contrast between the light stone, the green of the plants, and the blue sky creates an almost perfect visual harmony.
A magical place where not only the eyes, but also the spirit, lose themselves.
Paper Museum
And in the hidden heart of Amalfi, far from the bustle of the main square and nestled among quiet alleyways and ancient mills, lies one of the city’s most authentic and surprising attractions: the Paper Museum.
Located just over 700 meters from Amalfi’s main square, about a 15-minute walk from the cathedral, this magnificent museum is well worth a visit.
It all began with Amalfi’s strong commercial ties to the Arab world. Thanks to these connections, Amalfi, already Europe’s leading center for paper production, refined its techniques, giving rise to the famous “carta bambagina.”
A particular type of paper that, instead of being made from wood pulp, had been produced since the Middle Ages using cotton, linen, and hemp rags, resulting in a softer, more durable, and more valuable product.
And it was right here that it was produced. Inside the museum, you can get a close-up look at its original machinery, which is still in working order. Among these, the “pile a magli” stand out, large wooden hammers that, driven by water, were used to beat the rags until a soft pulp was obtained.
The spectacular Valle delle Ferriere
And for lovers of nature, breathtaking landscapes, hiking, and adventure, Amalfi is undoubtedly the place to be.
Nature trail, so named because of the ironworks that once harnessed the power of water to work metals, connects the Lattari Mountains to the city of Amalfi.
A trail that winds past small bridges, stairways, and stretches surrounded by greenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter small waterfalls hidden among the vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and scenic overlooks overlooking the valley.
A route that connects to the Valley of the Mills, leading toward the city of Amalfi. Along the trail’s edges lie the ruins of the ancient mills of the Republic of Amalfi, now completely overgrown with vegetation. The mills, initially built for agriculture, were soon converted into paper mills for the production of Amalfi’s famous handmade paper.
But the nature trails for hiking enthusiasts don’t end there. Near Amalfi, between Bomerano (Agerola) and Nocelle/Positano, lies one of Italy’s most famous trails: the Path of the Gods.
How to get to Amalfi
Want to visit Amalfi but worried about finding no parking spots and high costs? We’re here to tell you that visiting Amalfi without a car isn’t just possible—it’s often the best choice! Here are all our tips on how to get to Amalfi by public transportation or, alternatively, by private transfer!
Getting to Amalfi from Sorrento
The most economical way to get to Amalfi from Sorrento is undoubtedly to take the SITA bus, which runs directly between the two towns.
The bus departs from a stop near the Circumvesuviana train station in Sorrento, with the following schedule: SITA SCHEDULE
If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy the full panorama of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, with its colorful houses reflected in the crystal-clear blue sea, then the ideal solution is to take the ferry. Not only will you enjoy the view, but you’ll also avoid traffic, save time, and it’s definitely more comfortable. Ferries depart daily from the port of Sorrento.
Getting to Amalfi from Naples
If, on the other hand, you’re in Naples, here are the best ways to get to Amalfi.
Take the Sita bus departing from Molo Beverello, heading toward Naples–Amalfi. By taking the bus, you won’t have to make any stops, it’s a direct trip, but it’s also very long; depending on traffic, it could take up to about 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Naples, which stops in Sorrento, and from there reach Amalfi either by another ferry or by the Sita bus.
Or take the Circumvesuviana train (Naples – Sorrento) and from there choose one of the transportation options mentioned above.
Getting to Amalfi from Pompeii
The same goes for Pompeii: to get to Amalfi, we recommend taking the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. From there, head to Amalfi by SITA bus or, alternatively, by ferry.
Alternatively, from Pompeii you can travel to Salerno and then on to Amalfi, either by ferry from the port of Salerno or by SITA bus heading toward Amalfi.
But if you don’t want the hassle of dealing with schedules, departure times, stops, and transfers, then the most practical solution is to hire a private transfer, all comforts are guaranteed.
