One of the top three things to do in Amalfi is to take as many photos of colorful houses as possible.
Italy,  Travel

Amalfi Town – Everything You Need to Know About Amalfi Coast Main Town

You’ve seen it in Christopher Nolan’s Tennet, you’ve seen it in Anthony Minghella‘s The Talented Mr. Ripley, luxurious travel magazines and Instagram. So, why is everybody crazy about Southern Italy‘s Amalfi Coast?

Stunning Amalfi Coast is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life – no matter how you decide to explore it. There are numerous Amalfi Coast tours that cover terraced vineyards, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, famous villas, private and public beaches.

But, if you decided to explore it on your own, make sure you have all the information before the road trip. Check out the Amalfi Coast itinerary, and get familiar with the Amalfi Coast towns.

While everybody’s talking about Positano, my favourite towns are Amalfi and Ravello. They represent Italy at its finest!

Today’s article is all about Amalfi town. But before we dive into exploring it, let’s check out some information that can come in handy.

Amalfi Town Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Where is Amalfi located?

Amalfi is located between Atrani and Conca dei Marini, on the coastline road (Strada Statale 163).

Can you walk from Amalfi to Ravello?

Technically – yes. I didn’t do it myself, but I did see a lot of people arriving on foot in Ravello. Google map says it will take you around 45 minutes, and the distance is only 3.5km.

By car, the distance is twice that much, and ideally, it will take you around 15 minutes to reach the top of the hill, but… The traffic can be terrible (unless you rented a scooter/Vespa), and there is a ridiculously long traffic light. So, taking a walk might be a really good idea!

Is there a ferry from Positano to Amalfi?

Yes, there is. But you should research the schedules thoroughly because of the Covid 19 pandemic. The ferry normally operates from mid-May.

Positano is some 16km away from Amalfi, and you can reach it by bus, bicycle, scooter/Vespa or even by foot, so there’s no need to take the ferry.

Is Amalfi or Positano better?

This is a matter of personal taste.

First of all – they look completely different! Positano is famous for its hill of colourful houses. It’s one of the most spectacular things you’ll ever see! And Amalfi has houses that literally grow out of the steep cliffs.

Moving forward – Positano is very posh, and Amalfi is more shabby chic.

The atmosphere on the streets is completely different, the shops and restaurants offer a unique experience in both places.

So don’t rely on articles to tell you which one is better because they are both breathtaking. I personally prefer Amalfi, and I love going back to it. I would like to go back to Positano, to snap a few Instagramy photos – but that’s it. I prefer shabby-chic and street food in Amalfi.

Now that we covered these burning questions, let’s see why Amalfi town is definitely worth visiting.

Arriving in Amalfi

This is not an ordinary Amalfi coast town – Amalfi is the main town of Costiera Amalfitana. Together with the entire coast, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, and it is famous for many things – one of them are pastel houses rising proudly from the steep cliff.

A collage of three photos with Tamara Biljman in white dress leaning over a blue fence, Amalfi houses on steep cliffs and the first ceramics shop

And nothing symbolizes its glorious and powerful history better than Amalfi Cathedral – your first stop.

Duomo di Amalfi – The Amalfi Cathedral

The Medieval Roman Catholic church of St. Andrew (Amalfi town patron saint) rises proudly from the main piazza. You’ll see it on your right as soon as you walk through the passage that takes you inside of the town.

This monumental mixture of Western and Oriental elements rises majestically at the top of the steep stairs, and you can visit it for just 3€.

Amalfi town cathedral of St Andrew, Amalfi Coast, Campania, SA

The first thing you’ll see is the Cloister of Paradise which features a beautiful Mediterranean garden centrally positioned and surrounded by oriental columns.

The Basilica of Crucifix is indeed impressive, but a true jewel of Amalfi Duomo lies underneath the ground. The Crypt of St. Andrew is a hall where the saint’s relics are kept in the central altar. The entire crypt is gilded and decorated in the Baroque style which you won’t forget for a very long time.

The Main Street of Amalfi Coast Main Town

Small tip: Do not expect an easy walk up this street. There are a lot of challenges such as:

A collage of two photos showing Amalfi's main street that goes from Piazza Duomo towards hills, and a side street with shops.

Get your cameras ready, because you’ll want to capture every single corner of a dusty street, secretive passages, and steep stairs.

One of the things you should pay attention to is a fountain with Nativity scenes. I actually call it “The Donkey fountain” because it was originally made for the donkeys who pulled carts from the local villages and mountains.

Ain’t that sweet?

This fountain is filled with tiny figurines which represent not only Biblical characters, but also locals.

Where is the Donkey fountain located exactly?

Just go up the main street, and at some point, you’ll come upon a small square. Just look to the right, and you’ll see it. It will probably be surrounded by tourists, so you won’t miss it.

The Amalfi Seafood Cone

By the end of the street, and halfway back (somewhere around the Donkey fountain) you’ll get really hungry – and that’s when you’ll want to have your very first Amalfi Seafood Cone.

Talk about the best cheap seafood ever!

It’s not only the fact that the fish is always fresh but the way they serve it – in a cone!

Amalfi seafood cone made of fried seafood like shrimp, anchovy, polyp, fried small fish, and Amalfi lemon on the top.

I have to say, the seafood cone was one of the best experiences we had at the Amalfi Coast. If there is two of you, I would advise you to start with one.

Just ask for a big mix, and they’ll put everything inside – including a piece of freshly cut Amalfi lemon.

There are a few places in Amalfi where you can grab your own fish cone, but whenever we go to Amalfi, we go to Pescheria C.I.C.A. They have a big variety of fresh seafood, they are very fast, and the most important thing – the level of deliciousness is always very high!

Amalfi is full of surprises, so don’t just stick to the main street. Take a turn in one of the side allies and get lost in the secret treasures of Amalfi.

Random stands with gigantic lemons (bigger than your head) is just one of the surprises that await around the corner (literally).

Some Bonus Tips to Make Your Visit to Amalfi Even More Special

One of the things that make this town so famous are previously mentioned Amalfi lemons. They are not to be mixed with those from the Sorrento.

I would suggest that you save yourself for the Delizia al Limone – creamy, decadent, delight of Amalfi coast – in Minori. But by all means, have a glass of Limoncello in Amalfi.

Limoncello, zesty lemon liquor, is traditionally made around the Gulf of Naples, Costiera Amalfitana and Sorrentine Peninsula, but also on islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri. It is produced in other Italian regions as well, but, why would you wanna have it in any other place? This is its birthplace!

Now that you know all this, go explore the hell out of the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline and each picturesque village you can. Just remember that Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Minori (Sal de Riso) should be see-at-all-cost locations on your Amalfi Coast tour list.

Tamara Biljman home page of Walkindsky Explores content marketing practices

About Me

I’m an art historian – digital marketer – passionate traveler – addicted writer – dedicated member of a long distance relationship mashup.

I’m a materialist that has an urge to help the world. I have absurdly logical mind that helps me focus my creative hyper-energy.

It’s ok to be a crazy mixture of completely opposite ingredients.

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I am an art historian turned content strategist who spends days exploring what makes people tick on all channels of communication. I love making sense of data, exploring new AI tools and crafting compelling content that raises brand authority. This doesn’t really come as a surprise considering my background – Interwar propaganda art that earned her two MA degrees and articles in international scientific journals.

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