Morning on the Amalfi Coast: start in Amalfi town
Amalfi architecture
Start your day at the Amalfi Coast with a visit to Amalfi town itself, before the streets start to fill up too much. One thing about Amalfi is that it gets very busy, almost overwhelmingly so. That being said, it’s a must-see location on your day at the Amalfi Coast.
View from the walk up to the Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale
To enjoy a quieter moment, start with a walk up Piazza Municipale then then Salita Sopra Muro. The winding stone stairways lead towards the Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale, where you’ll find some of the best views back across Amalfi.
When I visited in summer I came across only a handful of others here, a rarity in such a popular location. Take water with you though, as this is quite the climb (there’s also a public lift from Piazza Municipio, at the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel leading to Luna Rossa parking).
The Cathedral
Don’t miss the impressive Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, on your one day in Amalfi
Afterwards, return to the main piazza in Amalfi. It’s home to the striking Cathedral, Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo.
Amalfi Cathedral
I was impressed with its candy-striped façade and steep staircase, they provide quite the backdrop.
Fontana De Cape ‘e Ciucci, Amalfi town
From here, head to La Taverna del Duca, on Salita d’Ancora, to find the Fontana De Cape ‘e Ciucci, a small 18th Century fountain featuring a nativity scene partly submerged under water. Look for the camel hidden beneath the surface. As a lover of all things Christmas, this was a key stop for me, but it does attract the crowds.
If it feels too busy here, walk a few minutes north along V. Pietro Capuano to find another, larger display with fewer people gathered around, so you can get close enough to look at the comical expressions on some of the figures’ faces.
Amalfi Museum of Paper
Paper making frames at the Amalfi Museum of Paper
For a fun activity in Amalfi, walk up V. Pietro Capuano to the Museo della Carta (Museum of Paper). This historic paper mill is one of the oldest in Europe and showcases the traditional process of making paper.
Museo della Carta, Amalfi
A guided tour is cheap, from €7, and lasts around twenty-five minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by how much information was provided. You can also try your hand at making your own sheet. It’s a cool, dark space that makes a welcome break from the Italian summer heat.
Amalfi Beach
View of the Amalfi Coast
Amalfi’s beach is worth a quick stop for photos, but I don’t recommend it as place to linger if you’re only got one day in Amalfi. It’s far too busy and not the greatest beach. Instead, reward yourself with a lemon sorbet served inside a giant lemon, from one of the cafes in town. It’s a local speciality that tastes as unique as it looks.
How to get to Amalfi
A busy Amalfi Coast ferry
The easiest way to get to Amalfi is to book a day tour with a stop here.
However, if you’re travelling independently, ferries make the trip from various towns along the coast, including Minori, Maiori, Positano, Sorrento, Salerno.
Pro tip: buy ferry tickets in advance in summer months as this is a popular route
Local SITA buses are another option, though in high season they are notoriously bad. Expect them to be slow, hugely overcrowded and significantly delayed. They’re best avoided if you only have a day in Amalfi. Instead, book a boat tour or private transfer, to make sure you don’t waste your time.
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