Amalfi

Amalfi is a town in the province of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Italy, on the Gulf of Salerno. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Amalfi is one of the larger towns on the Amalfi coast, with squares connected by pedestrian streets full of restaurants, souvenir shops and lots of tourists.

Attractions in Amalfi include St Andrew's Cathedral, the Cloister of Paradise, built in the 13th century and home to old mosaics and paintings, the Paper Mill Museum and the Arsenal of the Maritime Republic, originally used to repair ships for Amalfi's navy but now houses a museum which includes remains of ships, ship models and a Compass Museum.

Nearby places of interest include the famous ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Salerno and Sorrento.

Naples is one of the most important cultural centres in the Mediterranean basin. It's historic centre is an UNESCO World Heritage site because of its impressive collection of historic palaces, churches and fortresses.

Positano is a small seaside village west of Amalfi, built on the steep hillside that leads to the sea. It has two small beaches and a lovely church with a striking tile roof. Positano is a place for relaxation or wandering the steep and scenic streets. The church contains a Black Madonna icon which has an interesting legend.

If you have more than a day to spend here, you can take the Amalfi Coast to Capri Boat Excursion, a full-day sightseeing tour taking in all the Amalfi Coast villages, including Ravello, Positano, Atrani, Praiano, Maiori and Minori.

A half-day Amalfi to Positano Cruise is also offered for visitors here with limited time to spend.

Hiking and bike tours are also a popular way to spend your time in Amalfi.

The Amalfi coast is famed for its production of Limoncello liqueur as well as a well known maker of a hand-made thick paper called “bambagina”, which is exported to many European countries and America and is used for wedding invitations, visiting cards and elegant writing paper. Other popular buys include jewellery, especially cameo brooches and fresh herb mixes.

Typical dishes include laganelle with peppers and scampi, scialatielli all Amalfitana with cappers, black olives and clams, fusilli with shrimps and courgettes, calamari and peas, “purpetielli alla Luciana” (tiny octopus), grilled sea bass and fried mixed fish and leek marinated in vinegar.

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers ashore at Amalfi. The dock is right at the base of the town, walking time to attractions around 5-10 minutes.

Taxis are available but a bit expensive. Local buses and car hire are other options.

Private boat charters are offered at the ticket kiosks on the Molo Pennello pier.

The ferry season generally runs from Easter weekend until mid to late October, connecting Amalfi to Positano, Salerno, Capri, Naples and Sorrento.