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20 best things to do in Amalfi Town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Here are all the best things to do in Amalfi Town, Italy! This land of lemons and legendary sailors is the most iconic town on Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast — and even gave the coastline its name!
We spent a couple of days exploring Amalfi from its majestic Duomo di Amalfi, the unique Paper Museum, and lemon liqueur factory to its charming cafés along bustling streets. And let’s not forget the breathtaking coastline views!
There is no place like Amalfi, and I hope you get to enjoy at least a couple of the experiences I’ve curated for you in this list.
1. Walk through the historic Porta della Marina
First things first! You will probably arrive in Amalfi town by bus or by boat, or by taxi, which means you will arrive somewhere by the seafront.
To find your way inside the town, I recommend that you walk through Amalfi’s iconic and historic gateways – Porta della Marina. There has been a city gate to Amalfi right here since the 12th century!
I decided to mention this place because there might be a crowd of people around, and you may not even notice this medieval entrance to the town.
On the left side of the doorway to Amalfi is a large ceramic map that illustrates the Republic of Amalfi’s dominance as a maritime power player in the Mediterranean Sea back in the 10th and 12th centuries.
Now that you’ve seen this, you’re ready to enter the doorway to Amalfi. The tunnel will lead you right into the heart of the town – Piazza Duomo with its iconic fountain, charming cafés, and the town’s main attraction, the Amalfi Cathedral.
Location : Porta Marina
2. Stop for breakfast at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi
Welcome to Pasticceria Pansa, the most iconic pastry shop in Amalfi! If you’re anything like me, you probably tried to arrive in Amalfi as early as possible to beat the crowds and skipped breakfast in the process…
But don’t worry! Savoring delicious pastries at this historic, family-run pasticceria next to the Amalfi Cathedral in the heart of Piazza del Duomo is actually one of the best things to do in Amalfi.
The pastry shop is beautiful and has that old-world charm because it’s been around since the 19th century! An Italian coffee or cappuccino with a pastry here is the best way to start the day!
For me, it’s always hard to choose which pastries to try, especially in a place like this, where everything looks delicious and beautiful. We ended up going with a sfogliatella Santa Rosa, a delizia al limone, and a pistachio croissant.
If you haven’t yet tried them, sfogliatella Santa Rosa and delizia al limone pastries are Amalfi Coast’s must-dos. They both originated in the Amalfi Coast and are must-try foods in this region.
Pasticceria Pansa is definitely on the pricier side, so I’d suggest sharing a few pastries to get a taste of it all and just start exploring Amalfi town (we shared three pastries as a couple), because there are plenty of other foods you have to try in this town!
Location: Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi - Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi
3. Climb the stairs of the iconic Duomo di Amalfi
The majestic Duomo di Amalfi, or Cathedral of Saint Andrew, located in Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi town, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Amalfi Coast and a must-see attraction in the town.
The cathedral boasts an imposing staircase that leads to the entrance to the cathedral. Climbing these stairs is one of the must-do things to do in Amalfi town! From the top, you get a great overview of the whole Piazza Duomo square!
However, the most striking thing about this cathedral is its architecture — the striped façade, arches, and mosaics perfectly reflect Amalfi’s rich and diverse history.
As a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi traded with many nations, and the cathedral showcases that cultural blend – its architecture features a unique mix of Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
The Amalfi Cathedral dates back to the 9th century and was dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose bones are buried in a crypt inside the cathedral.
One more interesting thing I found out about this cathedral is its entrance doors. The massive bronze doors were made in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and date back to the 11th century.
That makes them the oldest bronze church doors in Italy! How cool is that? That just shows how influential and well-connected Amalfitans were during the Medieval times.
Knowing all this, I just had to visit the interior of the cathedral! You can visit the inside if you purchase a ticket through the adjacent Paradise Cloister. You can find the entrance to the cloister at the top of the cathedral’s stairs.
I was truly amazed by the lavish interior—gilded ornaments, ceiling frescoes, and ornate columns. It is definitely worth the entrance fee!
Location: Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo
4. Try water from the Saint Andrew’s Fountain
Saint Andrew’s Fountain, or Fontana di Sant’Andrea, is another famous landmark in the middle of Amalfi’s Piazza Duomo.
Just like the cathedral, this 18th-century fountain is also dedicated to Saint Andrew, who is the patron saint of Amalfi.
Sitting at this artistic masterpiece while eating a gelato? Sounds like a plan. But the coolest part? You can actually drink water from this fountain (at least, we saw signs on the fountain that it is indeed drinkable )!
Location: Saint Andrew’s Fountain
5. Have a lemon sorbet inside an Amalfi Coast lemon
Talking about gelatos…everybody knows about the famous Italian gelatos. However, once you set foot on the Amalfi Coast, it suddenly becomes all about the lemons.
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its large lemons known as Sfusato Amalfitano — they are the color, the flavor, and the scent of the entire coast.
One of the best ways to enjoy them is by trying the iconic lemon sorbet served inside a real (hollowed-out) Amalfi lemon. You’ll see little stores selling them all around the Amalfi town.
My wife insisted that we skip all the places in the main square. She was convinced they were too touristy and overpriced, so we went to the nearby Piazza dei Dogi, where we had spotted a lemon gelato shop the other day.
The sorbet was deliciously zesty and flavorful. The taste was perfectly balanced — sweet and citrusy flavors blending together. The perfect refreshment on a hot summer day! This flavor is the essence of Amalfi!
And I think we got it for about 2 EUR cheaper than the ones in the main square, haha! It is quite pricey, but the experience is definitely worth it!
Location:Piazza dei Dogi
6. Admire the 13th-century Paradise Cloister
Chiostro del Paradiso, or Cloister of Paradise, is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, and a must-visit place in Amalfi town.
The cloister dates back to the 13th century, when it was built and served as a burial place for noble families in the town. Today, you can stroll through and admire the cloister for an entrance fee.
The Cloister of Paradise sits right next to the cathedral. You can access it by climbing up the Duomo di Amalfi stairs and, once you’re at the top, turning left to the entrance of the cloister.
For an entrance fee, you can stroll through a fairytale-like courtyard lined with white Moorish-style arches and columns (my favorite place), as well as a stunning crypt, and have access to the interior of the cathedral, too.
Overall, it is a rather short visit, however, it is a wonderful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle in the square at the feet of the cathedral’s stairs.
Strolling the cloister was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi. Architecture lovers, history buffs, and art lovers will absolutely love this place.
The cloister is super photogenic, and you can take some beautiful photos here, especially in the courtyard. However, the crypt will take your breath away with its painted ceilings and gilded columns. I liked this place – it’s serene, it’s beautiful, and a bit otherworldly.
Location: Chiostro del Paradiso
7. Stroll along the Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi shopping street
Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi is the best street to go shopping in Amalfi town. And shopping is one of the best things you can do in Amalfi town. So here we go!
This bustling street starts right at the main square, Piazza Duomo, and winds uphill until the shops disappear. If you’re looking for a little stroll after lunch, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and browse some local gems.
The street is lined with local restaurants, gelato shops, souvenir stores, workshops, and gourmet boutiques. Your head will spin from all the colors and smells!
Besides lots of window shopping, we did some actual shopping too! I really liked these pre-packaged risotto mixes — we ended up buying three of them. I made them at home and just added a spoonful of pesto, some cream cheese, and grated parmesan. Yum!
Aside from that, you can find all sorts of things along this street. Just make sure to check where the items are made — I did spot a few “Made in China” products. That said, most of the shops do sell locally made goods.
If you’re looking for souvenir ideas, I definitely recommend going for something lemon-themed! Think limoncello, lemon soap, lemon chocolate or candies, handmade lemon ceramics, or even lemon-print dresses and aprons. Totally Amalfi!
Another great idea is to buy pasta — you’ll find all kinds of packages, from small to large. Scialatielli would be the number one choice. It’s Amalfi’s signature pasta, as it was actually invented in this town. We even bought a pack of lemon-flavored Scialatielli!
If you’re ready to splurge a little, I recommend checking out the ceramic shops. They sell the most beautiful, colorful hand-painted ceramics, and most of them offer worldwide shipping, so no need to stress about fitting everything in your luggage.
If you walk far enough, you might even stumble upon a few hidden gems. We found a cute Nativity Scene fountain and a charming little waterfall. Keep going, and you’ll eventually reach one of the town’s main attractions — the Paper Museum.
Overall, exploring this street was such a fun thing to do in Amalfi! So grab a gelato by the main square and just start walking! We ate so much delicious stuff in Amalfi that we gladly burned some of those calories by walking up and down the streets.
Location: - Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi
8. Try Amalfi’s iconic cuoppo di mare
One of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town is…eating. Do you know what is the perfect snack to eat in Amalfi town? It is cuoppo di mare – a mix of freshly fried seafood that is lightly battered and fried until golden and crispy.
Listen to me — I am in no shape or form a lover of seafood, but traveling is all about trying and eating new things, so I ordered this paper cone of local goodness. And let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious!
The cuoppo had deep-fried squid rings, anchovies, baby octopus, fish balls, and bigger chunks of white fish, all fried in a flavorful batter. It might’ve had a few too many octopuses for me, but I didn’t regret ordering it for a second!
My wife decided to continue staying far away from sea creatures and got herself a cone full of potato, meat, and cheesy goodness, haha. If you’re like her, don’t worry — there are plenty of other combos for meat lovers too.
You can get these iconic cones in different places around Amalfi town. We got them at Pescheria CICA fish store, but there is also Cuoppo d’Amalfi shop and other spots where you can get this iconic snack.
Then sit down on the cathedral’s stairs or go to the beachside to enjoy it!
Location: Pescheria CICA
Location : Cuoppo d’Amalfi
9. Tour a Traditional limoncello factory in Amalfi
Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur, especially famous along the Amalfi Coast and the whole peninsula. If there are any foods and drinks you should try when traveling along the coast, then limoncello is one of them!
Limoncello was created by the monks who used it for medicinal purposes, but later people started making it at home (and still do!), and mostly used it to help with digestion after meals. Some restaurants will serve it to you!
I am not into strong drinks and wasn’t sure I even wanted to visit this place in Amalfi, however, I was interested to find out how the limoncello was made, especially the traditional way of making it.
The best place to go for anything related to limoncello in Amalfi is Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi. It is a small, family-run limoncello factory and shop where you can join guided limoncello tours (this is the exact one we did!) and find out everything about this iconic drink.
We got to see how it was made, how the lemons were peeled, how they marinated in massive glass jars for two weeks, and we got to taste different kinds of liqueur — including mango, strawberry, and even pistachio!
They also sell everything made from lemons: soap, cosmetics, sweets, and more. Their factory shop is a little paradise for anyone looking to buy a local souvenir to bring home. They even gave us the traditional limoncello recipe!
We ended up buying small limoncello bottles for our family back home. You only need to drink a tiny amount, so it’ll last a while. I absolutely loved this tour — it was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town!
The only downside was that they only offer tours for groups of at least three people, so we had to buy tickets for three, even though we were just two. But the tour is actually quite cheap, and since we were the only ones, it turned out to be a really nice private experience.
Location: Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi
Location : Guided tour with limoncello tasting
10. Make your own Amalfi paper at Museo della Carta
The town of Amalfi has a centuries-old paper-making tradition, and Museo della Carta, or Paper Museum, is the best place to go to experience and learn everything about this unique industry.
The museum, as well as a gift shop, is housed inside a 13th-century paper mill where you can join guided tours through the old mill or simply buy some gifts made of Amalfi’s very own paper (like notebooks, vintage writing tools, wallpapers, paper art, and more).
I didn’t know what to expect from this place and only went there for the sake of this blog, however, it turned out to be a very interactive and interesting visit!
We managed to be the only ones, so we got a private tour through the paper mill. They showed us all the original machines (and even turned on one of the mill machines), how the paper was dried, pressed, and even let us make a paper sheet.
Every paper had its name, and the one made in Amalfi was called carta bambagina. Amalfi town is located at the bottom of a valley with a river running through the town (today it goes under the main street!).
Thanks to the river, Amalfi’s paper industry could expand, so there were numerous paper mills operating in the town throughout the centuries. Today they only make paper ‘for fun’ – to preserve the legacy and to make unique souvenirs for tourists.
The tour lasted about 30 to 40 minutes. After that, you can explore the gift shop and buy Amalfi paper souvenirs like notebooks or paper art.
They also gave us a small piece of handmade Amalfi paper, where we could write something for ourselves using calligraphy tools and ink, and take it home.
Overall, I really enjoyed this tour around the water mill. It’s located just a short walk from Piazza Duomo, so if you have some spare time, I highly recommend it. The tour was informative, interactive, and fun!
Location : Museo della Carta
20. Hike up to the haunted Torre dello Ziro watchtower
Sitting atop Mount Aureo, Torre dello Ziro or the Ziro Tower is one of many defense watchtowers built back in the 15th century to protect the Amalfi Coast’s villages from pirate attacks.
Today, Torre dello Ziro serves as a tourist destination for history geeks, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone hunting the best views of the Amalfi Coast. I am all of those things, so it made sense to hike up to the haunted tower!
The hike to the tower starts at Via Pisacane Street in the picturesque village of Pontone. We had a Rental Car , so we parked at the side of the street (paid parking) and went for a hike. If you don’t have a car, you can get there by taxi or by bus.
It is also possible to hike all the way from Amalfi to the starting point, but it will add a couple of hours to your hike and will turn into a half-day-long adventure. It’s up to you!
Once you get to the starting point, just follow the trail markers pointing to the tower. It was a 2-hour round-trip hike for us. We walked during the day and even got some shade from pine trees, so it was a fairly nice and easy walk.
If you check on Google Maps, there is an observation deck along the way called Veliero del Belvedere. I highly suggest paying a visit to this scenic spot! It offers panoramic views of the nearby village of Atrani.
Torre dello Ziro watchtower is partly renovated, and you can freely access it and climb to the top of it. But did you know that the legend says the tower is haunted?
They say that the Duchess of Amalfi and her child were imprisoned here because of her affair and, unfortunately, never made it out of here.
Despite the legend, these ruins are a breathtaking place overlooking the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and especially the Amalfi town. I love a good hike with a rewarding view, and this was definitely one of those hikes!
Location: Torre dello Zirro – Veliero del Belvedere
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