Making the most of Amalfi
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
At Amalfi, tenders put passengers ashore at the foot of the town.
In the fourteenth century, Amalfi became renowned for establishing the 'rules of the sea'. Tourist shops now occupy the former shipyards where formidable galleys were constructed, while a tiled map recalls the town's past glory.
An impressive flight of steps leads to the town's grand cathedral, distinguished by a fanciful neo-Byzantine façade and an ancient bronze door brought from Constantinople.
Explore the streets with a sense of adventure, looking into their many nooks and crannies; unexpected discoveries can be found throughout.
Getting around
Local buses offer an inexpensive way to travel, whereas taxis are costly.
Hiring a car means tackling the Amalfi road, which is extraordinarily scenic but can also feel frightening.
Nearby places
The Emerald Grotto (La Grotta dello Smeraldo) lies 5 km west of Amalfi, on the principal coast road towards Positano, within Conca dei Marini. Daily one-hour boat trips depart Amalfi for the grotto and include views along part of the dramatic Amalfi Coast. Ferries leave every hour from 9am; the final sailing is at 3.30pm because the grotto shuts at 4pm.
A scenic ferry reaches Positano from Amalfi in just 25 minutes, and approaching by sea is the best way to appreciate the town fully.
Food and shopping
Among the larger settlements on the Amalfi coast, Amalfi has a series of squares joined by pedestrian streets busy with restaurants, souvenir shops and tourists.
Limoncello and handmade paper are the area's best-known products.
Money
The local currency is the euro.
Staying connected
The local language is Italian.
Numerous cafés provide customers with free Wi-Fi, particularly around the main railway station.
Call 112 in an emergency.
Opening Hours and
Across Italy, most shops and businesses trade Monday to Saturday from roughly 8am to 1pm, then reopen from about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, while southern businesses may begin and finish an hour later. Some northern firms follow a 9am-5pm schedule to support international dealings. Traditionally, only bars and restaurants open on Sundays, although most towns have a pasticceria trading in the morning and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and tourist districts.