Things to Do in the Town of Amalfi, Italy (for 2024)

by Brenna Holeman

things to do in Amalfi Italy

Please note: my time on the Amalfi Coast in Italy was part of a paid campaign with Club Adventures, but all opinions are my own. For more information about my time on the tour, click here, and to see exactly which tour I took with Club Adventures, click here! (All links on this page, as always, open in a new window so you can return to them after reading this post)

Last Updated: February 17, 2024

If you know me and you know this blog, you know that I don’t write articles like this very often. “Things to do” lists are not in my usual repertoire on my personal blog. But once in a while, a place comes along that is so amazing, so instantly special to me, that I can’t wait to share it.

Most recently, that place was the town of Amalfi, Italy.

Before I get into things to do in Amalfi, I will admit two things, neither of which I’m very proud of. The first is that I didn’t even know that there was a town of Amalfi until a few months before visiting. I knew of the Amalfi Coast, of course, but I didn’t realize there was a town called Amalfi, too.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

The second is that, when I read my tour’s itinerary, I was a little bit disappointed we weren’t staying in Positano for our time on the Amalfi Coast. Positano is the town that arguably gets featured the most when it comes to coverage of the Amalfi Coast; I had long seen photos of its colourful houses branching up from a gorgeous beach.

By the end of my stay in Amalfi, however, I could definitively say this: I am SO glad we stayed in Amalfi and not Positano. And for a town I didn’t even know existed a few months ago, it has now become one of my very favourite places in Italy.

As I’ve now been to Italy 14 times, I figured it was about time to start sharing some of what I’ve learned from those visits here on the blog. While I was in Amalfi on a tour, the beauty of the Club Adventures tour I was part of was that we had tons of free time to explore on our own if we wanted. I was in Amalfi for three nights, but you could easily extend that to a full week if you wanted to.

So, without further ado, here are the best things to do in the town of Amalfi, Italy.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

Things to Do in the Town of Amalfi, Italy

1. Relax on the beach

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like a summer’s day on the beach in Italy. Thankfully, the Amalfi Coast has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, and that includes Amalfi’s beach. With stunning views of the town behind you, the blue waters of the Gulf of Salerno are the perfect way to cool off on a hot Italian day. Even if you’re visiting in low or shoulder season and don’t feel like going for a swim, the beach is still a sight to behold.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

2. Take to the water

While ferrying is the easiest way to get around the Amalfi Coast (more on that in a minute), there are also the options of taking a boat tour and/or a kayak tour from Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast is so gorgeous that you’ll want to see it from every angle: from land, yes, but there’s nothing like seeing it in all its glory from the sea.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

3. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral

Trust me… you can’t miss this cathedral. Smack dab in the middle of the town, you might see its stairs before you notice anything else, and its bell tower is sure to inspire a photo or two (or if you’re like me, 326 photos). While it has been added to and renovated many times, the cathedral’s roots stretch all the way back to the 9th century. It’s only three euros to enter, and included in that fee is access to the crypts below as well as the lovely Cloister of Paradise, an Arabic-style courtyard filled with palms and other greenery.

4. Shop on Ruga Nova Mercatorum

Amalfi’s main street, Ruga Nova Mercatorum, is impossible to miss. Leading up from the water and past the cathedral, this bustling street is filled with dozens of souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés. While it won’t take you long to walk its main tourist drag, I was able to find quite a few little shops with gifts to take home.

5. Book a wine tour

If you think I got into travel writing so that I could sample alcohol around the world and get paid for it… you’re right. Thankfully, the Amalfi Coast has an abundance of delicious wines and liquors to taste. I personally got to do a wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco winery, which is about a half-hour drive from Amalfi in Tramonti and is absolutely worth the voyage.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

6. Hike the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, doesn’t pass through the town of Amalfi. However, as it was one of the best things I did on the Amalfi Coast, I had to include it in the list; it’s also a great time to point out that the town of Amalfi is an amazing base for exploring the rest of the coast.

From the town of Amalfi, you can take the bus to Bomerano (make sure to get to the bus early, as it fills up quickly). From here, you walk/hike approximately two to three hours to Nocelle, where you can either continue walking or take the bus to Positano. The hike itself is fairly easy, although there are some steep bits; you definitely want to be wearing proper hiking shoes or running shoes (I wore my gym shoes). I want to dedicate an entire blog post to this route – it really is that unbelievably beautiful – but I highly recommend the hike for the best views of the Amalfi Coast.

For more info, I’ve written an entire guide to hiking the Path of the Gods!

7. Take the ferry to Positano

As I mentioned at the start of this post, I thought I’d be disappointed that I wasn’t spending three nights in Positano. Every time I researched the Amalfi Coast, the image of Positano and its gorgeous beach popped up. It was all over Instagram. I stupidly believed I needed to stay in Positano to have the full Amalfi Coast experience.

Well.

As you can tell by this post, I was wrong. I personally much preferred the town of Amalfi over Positano – at least to stay in – as I felt that Positano was quite busy and touristy. That’s the cycle of travel destinations, of course… a place becomes popular on social media, so then even more people visit, meaning even more people post about it on social media… and so on.

That being said, Positano is absolutely worth visiting for a day. Whether you first spot the town from the road above or from the water, it makes for an unbelievable view. My recommendation is to take the ferry from Amalfi to Positano (7 euros one way) so that you get to take in the views from the water, or to incorporate an afternoon in Positano with a hike of the Path of the Gods (see above) and then take the ferry back to Amalfi.

In terms of what to do in Positano, it really does include more of la dolce vita… relax on the beach, eat some delicious seafood, drink a lemon spritz or two, and splurge at a few shops. Just don’t forget to post about it on Instagram, of course. Hah.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

8. Take the bus to Ravello

This is something that I didn’t have time to do while I was in Amalfi, but I so wish that I had done. I’ve heard the views from Ravello are absolutely incredible and that it’s a lovely little town to boot. I’ll have to return to Amalfi so that I can add my recommendations here!

9. Walk the Path of the Lemons

Another thing I absolutely would do on my next visit to Amalfi would be the Path of the Lemons, which connects the town of Maiori to nearby Minori (or vice versa). After taking the bus to Maiori, this path is the perfect way to spend a morning, and it apparently provides stunning views to the sea. You’ll also get your fill of all the lemon trees you can possibly imagine.

Something that may affect which route you take: if you start in Maiori, you’ll spend most of your time climbing down stairs to Minori. If you start in Minori, well… be prepared to climb up for those views!

10. Try a lemon spritz

For all the times I’ve been to Italy, I had no idea that lemon spritzes existed. As I’m a huge fan of the Aperol spritz, I would almost always just order that as my aperitivo drink of choice. It makes sense, though, seeing as limoncello is so popular on the Amalfi Coast, that there would be more than one way to drink it (limoncello is usually served chilled after dinner as a digestivo).

A lemon spritz is essentially Prosecco and limoncello served over ice, and it is absolutely delicious. And while I am all for being active on holidays, and trying to see as much of a place as I can, there’s something about spending a few hours sitting in a little square, enjoying a good drink, and just letting the world go by. I can highly recommend doing that in Amalfi; the main square overlooks the Amalfi Cathedral, and while the lemon spritzes are expensive (approximately 10 euros), you get a fantastic view and a chance to soak up all of that dolce vita.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

11. Eat

Um, yeah, you best believe you’re going to have some of the best meals of your life while in Italy. I may be biased – Italian food is my very favourite cuisine – but I had some incredible meals in Amalfi. As you’re beside the sea, expect lots of fresh seafood, but there are also many Italian staples on the menus.

My favourite restaurant was La Taverna di Masaniello, where I was able to try freshly made pasta, but there are tons of amazing restaurants in Amalfi. Just make sure to end the night with a lemon gelato!

things to do in Amalfi Italy things to do in Amalfi Italy

12. Enjoy the view over Amalfi

While Positano may get a lot of love on Instagram, I personally believe the very best view on the Amalfi Coast is looking down over Amalfi. 10-15 minutes of stairs (or a public elevator, if you’re so inclined) takes you up to the Amalfi Cemetery. From there, you have the town of Amalfi to yourself: the colourful houses and cathedrals, the glistening sea, the smatterings of lemon trees. If you happen to be there at noon on a Sunday, you’ll experience the magic of all of the church bells ringing around the town at once.

Either way, I can promise you: this view will make you fall in love with the town of Amalfi. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll begin planning your next visit back immediately.

things to do in Amalfi Italy

Have you been to Amalfi? What would you add to the list?

Once again, thank you to Club Adventures for this magnificent tour of the Amalfi Coast! 

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20 comments

Katie July 15, 2019 - 3:01 pm

I loved Amalfi too! I actually stayed in the small neighboring town of Atrani but it is a quick walk between the two. My favorite thing I did from Amalfi was hike from town up to Ravello then down to Minori – one of the most stunning day hikes I have ever done and I pretty much had the path to myself the whole time.

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Brenna Holeman July 17, 2019 - 10:22 pm

Yes! I walked to Atrani and I should add it to this list. That hike sounds amazing… thanks for the tip 😀

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Natalie July 17, 2019 - 11:30 am

I loved this! So happy that you’re posting again, Brenna! I did a deep dive into your archives recently and started every day with a cup of coffee while reading about your experiences in a new country. I can’t wait to hear more about your European adventures from this spring. I’ve really been looking forward to reading about your thoughts on the Baltics as I badly want to visit that region of the world.
Hope your health journey is going well and please know that someone out in California is eagerly awaiting your next post =]

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Brenna Holeman July 17, 2019 - 10:24 pm

Oh wow, that is the best comment to receive! Thank you so much, Natalie… I have been so focused on my health that I’ve been avoiding going online at all costs, ha ha. I really do have a lot to write about, though, so it’s time to get back to it. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support and that you’re continuing to read, even the archives… it really means so much to me xo

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Nicole July 17, 2019 - 10:21 pm

I’m so happy you loved Amalfi! It is my dream trip and I know I’ll get there one day. Thanks for the recommendations 🙂

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Brenna Holeman July 17, 2019 - 10:22 pm

Aw, thanks a lot, Nicole! Hope you get there soon 😀

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Heather July 18, 2019 - 9:06 pm

Love this so much! So happy to see you posting again.

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Katie July 21, 2019 - 1:24 am

I loved Amalfi as well! It’s overall bigger and a little easier to walk than Positano. Do get to Ravello next time — the views are as fantastic as they say.

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Julia July 21, 2019 - 11:45 pm

I want to go to the Amalfi Coast SO BAD! This post isn’t helping ha ha

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Karen August 10, 2019 - 6:48 pm

My trip to the Amalfi Coast many years ago is still one of my favorites ever. Loved reading this post and seeing the pictures because it brought back so many memories!

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Mahima August 20, 2019 - 1:22 am

wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures.
Thanks for sharing this.

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Esther Harris September 10, 2019 - 9:13 am

WOW, this is just beautiful, I will love so much to go and know this place!! The beach’s very beautiful, the great landscapes that you have in your pictures are amazing! I will love to go and take a lot of pictures!

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Kalyan Panja September 15, 2019 - 12:07 am

Great pics. We spent few days in Amalfi a few years back and saw most of these views. Nice place for a walk. We spent a lot of time walking around. We were surprised by just how many tourists there were. We also did the wine tour. Lots of fun, would recommend.

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Sarah October 29, 2019 - 6:44 pm

Amalfi sure looks like a wonderful destination. The Path of the Gods has been on my bucket list for some time and I hope to enjoy those views soon. Thanks for reminding me to make it happen.

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Ravin December 18, 2019 - 4:51 am

wonderful place Amalfi! specially in summer, i went there 2 year ago and i spent great time there with my kids. Thanks for sharing old memories and beautiful photos of Amalfi.

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Shivam Dwivedi January 17, 2021 - 2:35 am

Really informative post for those who planning to visit Italy can add Amalfi Coast in the itinerary. How far it is from Milan? I will keep in mind for this beautiful place. Great post!!

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Stacey Zentz Warther July 8, 2021 - 11:35 pm

I really got alot out of your Amalfi blog Brenna! I am going to Amalfi with my husband and 22 yo daughter next month. I was going to choose Positano as our base but after reading your comments about Amalfi I am so relieved that I chose the town of Amalfi. Did you do the lemon tour of Amalfi? I will be so giddy and happy to sit on the beach with a lemon spritz. BTW, what a great life you have as a solo traveler and writer!

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Phoebe May 8, 2022 - 11:40 pm

Hi! Thanks for your post! I’m planning on visiting Amalfi and am wondering if it’s possible to do all of these fantastic activities without a car?

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Rebecca November 3, 2023 - 6:53 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this! I just returned from the Amalfi Coast a few weeks ago and really appreciated hearing your views as I’m already thinking about the next visit. I’d add a few things to try: We took a cooking class at a place called Heaven Gardens in Amalfi and it was so much fun (and informative). I’m trying to make that homemade pasta at home! We also took a really fun and relaxing day trip to Capri. I recommend! Finally, Sorrento was way more than a jumping off point for the Amalfi Coast. It is a fantastic destination itself (actually one of my favorites) and I recommend visiting! 😊🇮🇹

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Brenna Holeman December 18, 2023 - 3:33 pm

Awesome, thank you so much for the tips! I also visited Sorrento and Campri but not as day trips, that’s a good idea to add Capri as a day trip from Amalfi. I’m glad you loved it as much as I did!

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