Amalfi Travel Guide

Amalfi is the heart and soul of the magnificent coastline stretching out along the Bay of Salerno in southern Italy's Campania region. Located just south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast's mythic beauty has been luring visitors to its rocky shores since ancient times. Today it is one of Italy's top tourist destinations, and one quick glance at photographs will tell you why. For a small seaside town, Amalfi has more than its fair share of beauty. Being in Amalfi is a feast for the senses – with its awe-inspiring natural beauty, lovely beaches, colorful architecture and delectable local cuisine.

Stepping foot in Amalfi, you'll find yourself immediately a part of the town's vibrant and warm beauty. Explore the narrow streets and staircases winding through town, and you'll begin to discover Amalfi's charms. Arched walkways lead through dark twists and turns before opening up into sunny little piazzas. The scent of cooking fills the tiny streets with the warmth and sensation of home. Amalfi is a welcoming town in every sense, and it's hard not to succumb to its generous southern Italian hospitality.

Find your way to the central Piazza Duomo, where the stunning Cathedral of Sant' Andrea sits atop a grand staircase watching over the comings and goings of daily life in Amalfi. This impressive church is one of the many reminders that Amalfi was the center of the rich and powerful maritime Republic of Amalfi in the Middle Ages. When you know a bit about the town's captivating history, you'll be able to spot elements from its glorious past throughout the town.

Geographically located right in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is an ideal base for exploring nearby towns, such as Ravello and Positano, and the island of Capri. Seeing the Amalfi Coast by boat is a must, and the port of Amalfi is conveniently one of the main stops for ferries and jets to Salerno, Positano, Capri, Sorrento and Naples. Amalfi is also the transfer point for public buses, making transportation to other destinations on the Amalfi Coast a cinch.

After his visit to Amalfi in the late 19th century, the American poet Henry Longfellow described the town as an "enchanted land." There is a sense of something magical in Amalfi's beauty, a mesmerizing mix of warmth and vibrancy that begs to be seen again and again. It's a sensation to be discovered and savored in every way in Amalfi!

Where to Go in Amalfi