Amalfi Tourist Information and Tourism

(Amalfi, Campania, Italy)



Beachfront photoHome to an incredible coastline which must be amongst the most spectacular in the whole of Europe, the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) stretches for around 50 km / 31 miles between Salerno and Sorrento. The town of Amalfi is a particular highlight along the coast and although this is a relatively small holiday resort, it was actually once a very important maritime superpower with a population approaching 80,000 people, until much of the old city literally disappeared beneath the waves during a devastating earthquake in 1343.

The Amalfi of today is very much geared up towards tourism and during the sunny, summer season, the town's meagre population quickly swells as tourists arrive to sightsee around the historic archways, weaving back streets and central piazza, enjoy day trips to the island of Capri, or to simply relax on the sun-drenched beaches. For tourist information, check out Amalfi's tourist office on the Corso Repubbliche Marinare and pick up some pocket-size brochures.





Coastal view

Amalfi Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

The tourist attractions of Amalfi tend to fall into two main categories, those along the coastline and those within the town itself. The Piazza del Duomo is in the heart of Amalfi and in the summer, this spacious public square is also busy, being surrounded by cafes offering al fresco dining at its best. Around the coast, the nearby Spiaggia Fornillo is a particularly fine beach, while scuba divers tend to favour the shore around the neighbouring Villagio Nettuno. Also popular are the numerous boat trips along the Amalfi Coast, and the nearby Emerald Grotto, an enchanting sea cavern known locally as the 'Grotto dello Smeraldo'. More information about Amalfi Tourist Attractions.

Image of the central plaza and cathedral stairsAway from the coastline, Amalfi boasts some very impressive and historical landmarks. Tourists always chose to visit the Duomo (St. Andrew's Cathedral), which has its origins more than 900 years ago and features distinctive black and white architecture. The 9th-century waterfront Arsenal offers an insight into Amalfi's military past, when it had to defend itself against coastal attacks, while adjoining the cathedral, the Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise) is famous for its Arabic-style facade and endless number of carved stone columns, which number more than 100 in total. More information about Amalfi Tourist Landmarks and Monuments.

Picture of the glorious beachfrontTourists certainly don't come to Amalfi for its museums, although there are a number of interesting museums on offer should you wish to explore the town's past. One such attraction is the Paper Museum, which features a wealth of information about the town's very famous paper making heritage. Situated within the magnificent Town Hall (Palazzo Municipio), the Civic Museum (Museo Civico) contains many important artefacts, such as the 'Tavole Amalfitane', an important historical manuscript. Art lovers will find paintings displayed in all manner of places, such as cafes and also gift shops, although serious art lovers should really consider heading outside of Amalfi and paying a trip to Naples. More information about Amalfi Museums and Amalfi Art Galleries.

Photo of sunbathers and beach-goersThe Amalfi Coast is home to many treasures near to the town itself, which are reached by ferry or hydrofoil. Tourists really will discover that this part of Italy has so much to offer, that you really should try to explore as much as you possibly can. Positano, Ravello, Salerno and Sorrento are extremely close by and all these very popular coastal resorts are worth a day trip or longer excursions. The city of Naples is also within easy reach of Amalfi, although for the ultimate in Roman history, head to Pompeii, where the ancient Roman ruins are almost guaranteed to be the high point of any holiday. More information about Amalfi Attractions Nearby.

More Amalfi Information / Fast Facts and Orientation