10 Best Things to Do in Amalfi

Piazza Duomo is a bustling square that leads off Via Lorenzo, one of the main thoroughfares in Amalfi. It’s a popular meeting spot in the city, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. The elegant facade of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew is on the eastern edge of this medieval square.

Grab a seat at one of Piazza Duomo’s sidewalk cafes to enjoy a cup of Italian coffee as you watch the world go by. The middle of the square has a marble fountain dedicated to Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi.

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Duomo di Sant' Andrea) is an imposing 9th-century building with a colorful past. It was built to house the relics of St. Andrew the Apostle, which were brought to the city from Constantinople in 1208. The city's history as a maritime port can be seen in the church’s international influences, such as the Arabian-style towers and huge bronze doors from Syria.

Artifacts of interest inside the Cathedral of Saint Andrew include glorious medieval mosaics, a mother-of-pearl crucifix brought from the Holy Land, and the 13th-century sarcophagus of Archbishop Pietro Capuano. Prepare for a steep 62-step stairway that leads to the church entrance.

The Cloister of Paradise (Cloister del Paradiso) is a Moorish-style open arcade attached to Duomo di Sant' Andrea in Amalfi. Built to host the tombs of Amalfi's noble citizens, its whitewashed arches lead you into a beautiful courtyard with palm trees and sculptures.

Frescoed chapels containing sarcophagi depict famous stories from Greek and Roman myths. The Cloister of Paradise also houses the relics of St Andrew the Apostle, along with a giant bronze statue of the saint. An ancient mitre decorated with seed pearls and gems, and an 18th-century bishop's sedan chair from Macau, and 2 silver-embossed reliquary heads are highlights among a huge collection of artifacts in the Cloister of Paradise.

Villa Rufolo is one of the largest villas in Ravello, making it a worthwhile day trip from Amalfi. It was built by the powerful Rufolo family in the 13th century, with Neapolitan royalty, Renaissance poets, and the composer Richard Wagner among some of its previous visitors.

The villa's architecture shows Moorish inspirations, especially in the superb cloisters and Turkish baths. Villa Rufolo has a small museum showcasing art and archeological findings. The luxurious gardens are laid out in a series of terraces. Hundreds of flowers bloom most of the year thanks to Amalfi's mild climate. Guided tours in English and Italian are available with advanced reservation.

Lido Delle Sirene or Mermaid Beach is close to the harbor and Marina Grande beach. Not usually as crowded as the Marina Grande, this beach still has stunning ocean views and beach services with changing rooms, showers and food readily available.

Even so, this beach’s shoreline is rockier than the Marina Grande, so proper footwear is advised for strolling on the shore and swimming. A café overlooks the beach serving sandwiches, pasta, bruschetta and other Italian dishes.

Ruga Nova Mercatorum (Via dei Mercanti) is one of Amalfi’s busiest shopping streets, which stretches from the waterfront to the iconic Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The walkway has plenty of historical buildings, as well as quaint cafés and shops selling souvenirs. It’s quite easy to explore the entire street length on foot, as motorized vehicles rarely pass through Ruga Nova Mercatorum.

Papermaking has been a popular industry in Amalfi for centuries, so you’ll find many shops selling handmade paper and beautiful stationery. There are also lots of places to buy local herbs and spices, including Amalfi's ubiquitous and delicious limoncello. Street concerts or light shows occasionally take place in the evenings.

The Torre dello Ziro watchtower is a part of a stone fortress that was once used to spot pirate ships in the 15th century. It overlooks the Gulf of Salerno and down to the terracotta rooftops of Amalfi below. Locals believe that it’s haunted by the ghost of the Duchess of Amalfi, who was imprisoned for infidelity.

Hiking to the top of Torre dello Ziro from Amalfi is a scenic but steep experience, taking around 2 to 4 hours (depending on your pace). You can also catch a bus to the nearby town of Pontone, which has an easier walk that takes less than 3 hours to reach this watchtower.

The Paper Mill Museum (Museo della Carta) occupies old stone paper mill in Amalfi, where you can see original machinery and instruments dating back to 13th century. Check out restored printing machines, paper presses, and ancient wooden mauls, many of which are still functioning. The museum also displays old documents and manuscripts, along with a dedicated library.

30-minute guided tours in English demonstrate how the machines work and let you have a go at making your own handmade paper. Museo della Carta’s onsite gift shop offers gorgeous writing sets, calligraphy supplies, and flower-pressed paper at reasonable prices.

Some of the best views of Amalfi Coast’s steep cliffs and colorful buildings are from the sea. Many boat companies leave from Amalfi Harbor Marina Coppola every day, taking you out to swim in the bay of Salerno or sunbathe on the boat deck.

Tours along the Amalfi Coast stop often at caves, grottoes, waterfalls and ancient sites, as well as small villages that may be inaccessible by road. See the diverse ocean life on a diving or snorkeling trip or join a sunset cruise for dinner under the stars.

Amalfi Musical takes place in the vaults of the Museo Arsenale Amalfi, the city’s ancient city armory. The show is about the rise of the First Republic of Amalfi in the 9th century, involving young lovers, court intrigue, and pirate invasions. Be prepared for swashbuckling sword fights, a spectacular light show, and plenty of dramatic singing.

The intimate nature of armory means you can get really close to the performance, and the medieval building adds to the historic atmosphere of Amalfi Musical. The performance is in Italian with English subtitles.