Amalfi: the town that gave this famous coast it’s namesake. Filled with quaint corners, delicious restaurants, and picturesque beaches, Amalfi is the definition of Italian coastal charm and it’s definitely a must-see on your Amalfi Coast trip. We stayed along the coast for 10 days and dedicated the perfect 2 days to explore Amalfi itself.
I’ve put together this 48 Hour Guide to Amalfi with all of the best spots to make the most of your short stay!
HOW TO GET TO AMALFI
Every destination on the Amalfi Coast is a bit tricky to get to. If you’re flying internationally, you will arrive in Naples and start your journey from there. The most convenient ways to travel to Amalfi from Naples are by car or by ferry. If you’re starting your journey from another destination in Italy, you can take a train to Sorrento or Salerno and either take a car or a ferry to Amalfi.
If you’re traveling by car, you can rent a car or hire a driver directly from Naples. The roads are winding, so if you’re not comfortable driving, hire a driver. Drivers are more expensive, but you will not have to worry about the stress of driving along the narrow coastal curves or finding one of the limited parking spots. The approximate drive times from the main coastal towns are below:
- Naples to Amalfi: 1.5 hours
- Sorrento to Amalfi: 1 hour
- Positano to Amalfi: 35 minutes
If you’re traveling by the fast hydrofoil ferry, you can depart from Sorrento, Capri, Positano or Salerno to Amalfi. The approximate durations are below:
- Sorrento to Amalfi: 50 minutes
- Capri to Amalfi: 40 minutes
- Positano to Amalfi: 20 minutes
- Salerno to Amalfi: 35 minutes
Check out some of my other guides in the area: The Instagram Guide to the Amalfi Coast, The Pocket Guide to Sorrento, How to Spend 2 Days in Naples
WHAT TO DO IN AMALFI
The journey to Amalfi is the hardest part. Once you’re there, everything is centered around the small town and is within walking distance… even the day trip I’ve suggested is a walkable trip to the nearby town of Atrani.
TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE MARINA
The best views of Amalfi are always from the water. From the end of the marina, you will capture my favorite view of this pastel-hued town snugly set into the cliffside. Come here if you are looking for postcard-worthy views!
EXPLORE THE TOWN CENTER
The town of Amalfi is small, but there is enough explore here to keep you occupied for the afternoon! Take your time, find some treasures and live slowly like the Italians do!
VISIT THE AMALFI CATHEDRAL
The Amalfi Cathedral is a medieval Roman catholic masterpiece from the 12th century located in the central square of the town. The cathedral is the most well-known landmark of the Amalfi and is the most recognizable feature of the town. The interior of the Amalfi Cathedral is just as beautiful as the facade, so make sure to go inside to marvel at the intricacy of the details.
WANDER THE STREETS & SHOPS
Take your time to wander through the climbing alleyways, check out some of the stores for local foods and handmade Italian trinkets and pottery.
I loved finding small lemon groves in some of the back corners of the town and admiring architecture of the old buildings. I swear that my head is always looking up when I’m traveling in Italy!
If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, check out the spice shops for local seasonings, artisanal pasta and all things lemon- a local specialty!
CLIMB TO THE TOP OF AMALFI
If you want to see Amalfi from a different perspective, climb to the top! The Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale has some of the best views over the town and Mediterranean Sea below. The hike up to this spot is an uphill battle of 10-15 minutes with lots of stairs, but it is well-worth it! I recommend saving this trek for the early morning or towards sunset when the sun is not as direct.
SPEND SOME TIME AT THE BEACH
Amalfi has a small beach located next to the marina with a few different beach clubs that you can rent those iconic striped umbrellas and chairs from.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ATRANI
Atrani is the smallest town in southern Italy and it is only a short walk away from Amalfi. Atrani is unequivocally quaint, with only a few streets of pastel pink buildings perched on the cliffside above a small beach lined with striped umbrellas. This town was one of my favorites along the coast because it reminded me of what the Amalfi Coast must have looked like during its golden age before it became an international tourist hotspot.
HOW TO GET TO ATRANI
You will begin your journey from Amalfi to Atrani by driving, taking a vespa or walking from the town center along Amalfi Coast Drive towards the left pictured below. Atrani is just around the corner and is easily accessed in less than 15 minutes!
- Walking: 15 minutes
- Car or Vespa: 2 minutes
WHAT TO DO IN ATRANI
Once you turn the last corner of the road from Amalfi, you will approach the picturesque site of Atrani. The view walking up to the town is one of my favorites, so have your camera ready! This town is tiny, so there isn’t much to do but relax, eat some good food and take in the views.
WANDER THE SMALL TOWN
There are only a few streets to explore here, but they are incredibly charming! I loved how authentic every corner felt here, seeing Italians in their every day life instead of a mass of tourist spots like other towns along the coast.
Something about the freshly hung laundry across Italy is something that I find so romantic! It reminds of a simpler time (and it smells so good too!) It felt like I was walking through a movie set in this town, I swear!
GRAB LUNCH WITH A VIEW
Dine at one of the most instagrammable restaurants on the Amalfi Coast: Le Arcate. This hole-in-the-wall is very unassuming, but the food is fresh and delicious and it has the best views of the beach and town above! Check out more instagrammable restaurants here: The Most Instagrammable Places to Eat on the Amalfi Coast
HIT THE BEACH
The beach in Atrani is small, but it is far less crowded than some of the larger Amalfi Coast towns and the prices to rent chairs and umbrellas for the day are more reasonably priced. The beach here was one of my favorites on the trip and I would go back again just for a swim in those turquoise waters!
If you’re coming for the day and don’t want to rent a chair, you can set up your own beach towel, soak up some sun and picnic anywhere on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY
As with all of the towns on the Amalfi Coast, the options for accomodation are limited, but there are still plenty of great finds to make for a luxurious stay on this iconic coastline. I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite hotels, Airbnb and vacation homes in Amalfi to make your search a bit easier:
HOTELS
- Hotel Santa Caterina
- NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
- Hotel Marina Riviera
- Hotel Miramalfi
- Hotel Luna Convento
AIRBNB & VACATION HOMES
WHERE TO EAT
When I’m in Italy, I love to eat as the Italians do. I love finding local food and dining outdoors, taking my time with my meal and enjoying every bite of the delicious pasta and every sip of the wine! Amalfi has plenty of spots to dine from casual tavernas to fine dining, you are sure to eat well during your stay here.
- Dine al fresco in a quaint courtyard at Taverna Buonvicino, Taverna degli Apolstoli Da Gemma
- Farm to table food with views over the valley at Agricola Fore Porta
- Experience Italian fine dining at D’Eolo, Sensi or L’Abside
- Enjoy your meal with a view of the sea at Da Ciccio Cielo Mare E Terra, Baglio Amalfi Italian Bistro or Restaurant Marina Grande
Check out more spots to eat in the area in my guide to the 10 Most Instagrammable Places to Eat on the Amalfi Coast
TRAVEL TIPS
Amalfi is a small town, so parking can be tricky. Make sure to check with your accommodation before arriving to see if they have any parking available or know of the nearest parking lot that you can leave your car. Many of the accommodations are a climb from the center of town, so check with your hotel to see if they offer a portman to come pick up your bags and carry them up for you, if not you will definitely get your workout for the day!
Most restaurants will take international credit cards, but some of the shops may only take cash. If you’re wanting to shop around, be sure to have some euros on you for your purchases and any tips you may want to leave.
I hope that this guide has convinced you to spend some time in Amalfi and take a day trip to one of my favorite towns on the Amalfi Coast, Atrani! I love curating my travel tips for you and finding the best spots, so you don’t have to!
