Angelina Ly
- Nov 22, 2022
- 9 min read

A Day in Amalfi: Best Things to See, Do and Eat

If you're looking for the perfect Italian getaway, look no further than the Amalfi Coast. This stunning stretch of coastline is home to some of the most beautiful towns and villages in all of Italy, not to mention some of the best food and wine. In this blog post, I'll give you a complete guide to spending a perfect day in Amalfi, from how to get there to what to see and do. I'll also recommend some great restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties like seafood pasta dishes and Neapolitan pizza. And finally, we'll share some tips on where to stay if you're planning on spending more time in this magical region.

During my few weeks exploring Italy from top to bottom, Amalfi quickly became one of my favorite destinations. From its colorful villages to breathtaking coastal views, Amalfi is truly a place like no other. But since I was only able to spend a day here, I made sure I was able to see, do, and eat all the best Amalfi has to offer! Here's how to make the most out of your Amalfi Coast experience.

How to Get to Amalfi

First things first – getting there. Amalfi is one of the main ports in the region, so it's easy to reach by ferry service. You can also get to Amalfi by bus or car. Whichever way you choose, be sure to arrive early so you can make the most of your Amalfi Coast experience. The best way to visit Amalfi

When I went, I arranged for a private driver through Rome Illuminated tours. Although our driver didn't speak much English, he was extremely nice, knew some great stops on the way for photos, and even stopped to get us lemon sorbetto from his favorite vendor. It's a bit pricier, but I definitely think that it's worth it to explore Amalfi, especially if you only have a short amount of time. From the time spent in Italy, most of the other tourists we spoke to and even the locals urged us not to drive ourselves, since the roads are extremely tight and winding roads are difficult to navigate with seasoned Italian drivers.

Must-See Amalfi Coast Sights

Once you’re in Amalfi, there are plenty of sights to take in. Amalfi is known for its picturesque old town, with medieval-style buildings and paved streets. If you're looking for something more modern, Amalfi is also home to some great shopping, restaurants, and bars.

The Amalfi Coastline

This is the most obvious must-see sight – take a walk along Amalfi's coastline and be sure to stop at one of the little beach spots. The Amalfi Coast is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs, so don't miss out on this incredible experience. If you're unsure of which beach to check out, here are some suggestions:

Maiori Beach
Erchie Beach
Marina Grande, Amalfi
Marina di Vietri, Vietri sul Mare
Marina Grande, Positano
Mandingo Beach, Amalfi
Furore
Arienzo Beach, Positano
Gavitella Beach, Praiano
Duoglio and Santa Croce Beaches, Amalfi
Marina di Praia, Priana
Fornillo Beach, Positano

While I was in Amalfi, I spent my lunch at the Stella Maris beach club on Mandingo Beach. This way, I was able to spend time at the beach while getting a bite to eat, all while enjoying great views of Amalfi. Their fruitti di mare is the best and definitely worth the price for how fresh the seafood was. And their limoncello shots were only 5 euros!

Amalfi Cathedral

The Amalfi Cathedral, also known as Amalfi Duomo, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Amalfi. It's an 11th-century Romanesque-style church dedicated to Saint Andrew, and it’s one of the largest churches in Italy! The Amalfi Duomo is a must-see for any Amalfi Coast traveler.

Museo Della Carta

If you're a history buff, Amalfi also has the Museo Della Carta. This museum showcases Amalfi's paper-making industry which dates back to the Middle Ages. It's an interesting look into Amalfi's past and how paper production changed over time.

Ruga Nova Mercatorum

Amalfi's main street, Ruga Nova Mercatorum, is the starting point for your perfect day in Amalfi. This narrow passage provides stunning views of Amalfi, its cathedral, and harbor, as you wander through winding streets and alleyways.

Valle Dei Mulini

This is one of Amalfi's most breathtaking sights. The Valle dei Mulini is a valley with old water mills located at the bottom, surrounded by lush vegetation. It was created as part of Amalfi's intricate network of waterways, and it is now a protected site where you can take in stunning scenery and history at the same time. Amalfi is known for its unique geological features, and the Valle dei Mulini is a great example.

Valle del Ferriere

A visit to Amalfi would not be complete without a detour to the Valle del Ferriere Natural Reserve. This stunning national park is situated on the Amalfi coast and is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, including lush green forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and crystal-clear rivers. With so much nature to enjoy, you can spend a day exploring the trails, stopping to admire the view, and perhaps even taking a dip in one of the rivers.

Must-Do Amalfi Coast Activities

The Amalfi Coast has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Here are some suggestions:

Go Boating

The Amalfi Coast offers the unique opportunity to explore its beautiful coastline by boat. Amalfi boasts a variety of operators that offer different packages – from leisurely cruises to day trips, so you can find the perfect experience for your Amalfi getaway.

With just a short day and a limited budget, we were able to hop on a quick ferry ride that our driver suggested - operated by the Il Timone Amalfi transportation service. It only cost us around 10 Euros and was the perfect way to enjoy Amalfi’s stunning views in a short amount of time. It was about a 20-minute ride each way, with picturesque views of the water and the shoreline. Just enough time to get some amazing photos and take in Amalfi’s majestic beauty. They also offered an additional boat ride into the Grotto del Smeraldo for an extra 8 euros, but we decided against it and went back with a different group's boat.

Hiking

The Amalfi Coast is full of charming towns and villages that are easily accessible by foot. Many trails offer breathtaking views of Amalfi's coastline, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery!

The Amalfi Path is one of the most famous trails in Amalfi. This path stretches for about 10 miles and takes you along Amalfi's beautiful coastline, offering spectacular views along the way. The Amalfi Path takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete and is a great way to take in Amalfi's stunning sights. Of course, if you only have a day to spend, you can just do a short section of the hike to get the most out of your Amalfi experience.

Shopping

Amalfi is a great place to pick up some souvenirs and unique items. Amalfi has many shops and boutiques that offer traditional Amalfi products, including handmade ceramics, jewelry, clothes, and more. Amalfi is also known for its paper-making industry which dates back to the Middle Ages. You can find some unique Amalfi paper products in Amalfi's stores.

If you're looking for something more unique, be sure to check out Amalfi's specialty food stores. Amalfi is known for its delicious lemons and limoncello, so these are items to pick up while you're in Amalfi. Amalfi is also known for its traditional Amalfitana sandals, so be sure to pick up a pair for the perfect Amalfi souvenir.

Must-Eat Amalfi Coast Foods

Amalfi is known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Here are some Amalfi dishes you must try while visiting:

Pizza Napolitana

This Amalfi specialty is a must-try for any pizza lover visiting Amalfi. The Pizza Napolitana is made with a thin and crispy crust, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and anchovies. Amalfi's Pizza Napolitana is a unique take on the classic Neapolitan pizza that is sure to delight any taste buds.

Pizza is one of the only things you can find during the breakfast hours in Amalfi, along with pastries and coffee! If you are looking to try some traditional pizza here, I recommend going to La Zagara in Positano. They have a beautiful outdoor terrace and an amazing view of the water.

Gli Scialatielli All’Amalfitana

This Amalfi pasta dish is a must-try for any Amalfi visitor. Gli scialatielli all'amalfitana is made with Amalfi's famous local seafood, such as calamari, mussels, shrimp, and clams. This dish is served with cherry tomatoes and parsley which adds the perfect touch of flavor to this Amalfi classic.

Mozzarella Di Bufala

Amalfi is known for its delicious and fresh Mozzarella di Bufala. This creamy mozzarella cheese is made from the milk of Amalfi's local water buffalo and it is truly a unique Amalfi experience. It is actually trademarked DOGC (Denominazione di Origine Garantita Controllata) which means it is a product from around the origin area of Naples and it's officially recognized as such. Whether you are eating it on its own or adding it to your favorite Amalfi dishes, you can be sure that Mozzarella di Bufala is a must-try Amalfi delicacy.

Alici Di Cetara

Another Amalfi classic is the alici di cetara, which are anchovies that have been marinated in olive oil and garlic. This Amalfi dish is often served as an appetizer or a side dish to seafood dishes. Its unique flavor adds a special touch to any meal. Amalfi also has many wonderful restaurants where you can enjoy this delicious dish, so make sure to try it while you're there!

Limoncello

Limoncello is Amalfi's most famous drink and is made with Amalfi's sweet, juicy lemons. Amalfi's limoncello is a smooth and refreshing treat that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a digestivo after dinner. You can find Limoncello at almost every bar and restaurant in Amalfi, so be sure to give it a try!

Lemon Sorbet

The Amalfi coast is famous for its delicious lemons, so it's only natural that one of the must-try Amalfi dishes is the Amalfi Lemon Sorbet. This light and refreshing treat are made with Amalfi lemons, sugar, and water, giving it a unique Amalfi flavor.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

I didn't get to spend as much time in Amalfi as I would have liked, but I'm already planning my next trip! With so much to explore, one day is definitely not enough to take it all in. If you're planning a longer trip, Amalfi has some beautiful and luxurious hotels that you can stay in. The Amalfi Coast is also full of charming bed and breakfasts, private apartments, and villas for those looking for a more intimate experience. Here are some options for where to stay in Amalfi (from cheapest to most expensive!):

Amalfi Centro B&B

This Bed and Breakfast is the perfect budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Amalfi on a budget. It is located in Amalfi's historic center and offers beautiful views of Amalfi's skyline.

Romantic Condo

This Unique and relaxing Airbnb is just a 10-minute walk from Marina di Conca beach and Lido del Capo di Conca. This oasis is decorated with tranquil, natural colors and has the beautiful blue sea as its backdrop. A tranquil retreat where you and your significant other can have romantic moments, enjoying the splendid view of the sea from the terrace under twinkling stars.

Terrazza Duomo

This stunning Amalfi hotel is the more luxurious option in Amalfi, which is still relatively cheap. Located on Amalfi's main square, it features a rooftop terrace with a breathtaking view of Amalfi Cathedral and the Amalfi Bay. Guests can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at the hotel's rooftop restaurant or walk down to the beach and relax.

Apartment in Amalfi near Duomo Seaview Positano

Casa Tusci is a typical Amalitan house tucked away between the steps and alleys of Amalfi, just a short walk from the Cathedral. The recent restructuring of the home has made it one of the most exclusive locations to stay in Amalfi. The two windows provide a view of one of Amalfi's most popular attractions, the Spiaggia Grande. On one side is an ancient watchtower that provides a breathtaking view of the coastline. This apartment comfortably sleeps up to four people with a double bed and sofa bed.

NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi

Getting into the high-end luxuries of Amalfi, this hotel is located in a former 13th-century monastery and offers stunning views of Amalfi's famous coastline. This grand and elegant hotel offers exclusive rooms with a private terrace, all of which are decorated in Amalfi's traditional style. The hotel also has a beautiful terrace overlooking Amalfi which is the perfect place to relax, unwind and take in Amalfi's stunning views.

Art Hotel / Hotel Pasitea

A luxurious Amalfi getaway, the Art Hotel is a hidden gem located in Positano. The hotel has been designed with Amalfi's art and culture in mind, as every room contains pieces from Amalfi's famous museums. All of the rooms have incredible views of Amalfi Bay and its coastline. On top of that, the hotel offers an array of spa treatments and services to make your Amalfi retreat even more special.

No matter where you decide to stay, Amalfi is sure to offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly experience or a luxurious escape, Amalfi has it all! So sit back and enjoy Amalfi's beauty and charm with these recommendations on where to stay in Amalfi.