Things to do in  Amalfi

The main town on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is known for its atmospheric old town that stretches from the waterfront up to the lush inland hills. Artisan shops and sidewalk cafés line the narrow lanes, and the towering cathedral is a reminder of the town’s powerful maritime republic past.

Amalfi’s old town is compact and easy to cover in a single day. The town is also well-placed to use as a base for exploring the surrounding towns along the Amalfi Coast, islands in the Bay of Naples, and ancient ruins of Pompeii on a longer stay.

Amalfi’s magnificent Duomo di Sant’Andrea, its ninth-century cathedral, is the star of the show. Perched above the town’s main square, this complex captivates with its sweeping staircase, mix of architectural styles, and medieval Cloister of Paradise—it’s one of the top cultural attractions on the Amalfi Coast.

You can reach the island of Capri by high-speed ferry in summer (April to October) or by private boat transfer all year long. Both ferries and speed boats take about 50 minutes to make the crossing, departing from Amalfi’s port and docking at Marina Grande on Capri.

Positano is the epicenter of the Amalfi Coast’s “la dolce vita” vibe, so it’s better for chic restaurants and hotels. Amalfi is the coastline’s transport hub, so it’s a better base for exploring the rest of the coast. Hotels and restaurants in Amalfi are generally less expensive than in Positano.

Positano is home to the most famous club on the Amalfi Coast, Music on the Rocks. Amalfi has cocktail bars in the old town for drinks and live music in summer. Otherwise, head to Praiano (about halfway between Amalfi and Positano) to dance the night away at the Africana.