Amalfi

40° 38' 6.8" N 14° 36' 13.11" E [40.6352, 14.6036] (KML)

Amalfi [M] is the heart of this magnificent Italian coastline and a must-see town on your Amalfi Coast adventure.

The SITA local bus network travels all over the Amalfi [M] Coast. To and from Sorrento [M] via Positano [M] and Praiano [M] and onwards to Furore [S] Fjord, Conca and its Emerald Grotto. Buses also travel to and from Salerno [S] from Amalfi via Minori [S], Minori, Cetara and Vietri. Local buses also link Amalfi to Ravello [S] and the upper reaches of Furore, Pogerola, Agerola and Napoli.

Positano [M] is approx. 40 minutes from Amalfi [M] (depending on traffic). The trip to Amalfi from Sorrento [M] is approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes (depending on traffic) otherwise this can blow out to two hours. July and August are prime months for people-moving so the buses can become very crowded so make sure you are at the front of the pushy crowd when the bus pulls up otherwise it is a long wait for the next one...

It is a comfortable way to travel along the Amalfi [M] Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula on the bus, however if you are prone to motion sickness the hairpins on these roads will certainly induce symptoms very quickly! SITA [1] offers a very efficient public transportation service in the area, with expert drivers who breeze along the winding roads like they were driving on a highway (you will be happy to know that they are experienced). Here is something that you might need to know to know before you board your bus.

1. You have to buy your tickets in advance, before you get on the bus. Tickets can be bought at caffe bars, some have a black and white sign 'Tabacchi' hanging out the front while some stores selling lotto tickets also sell bus tickets so look out for these too. Shops also which display the SITA logo as well as at the SITA ticket office at the Salerno [S] train stations. If a bar does not sell SITA tickets, you can always ask where you can find them as they are generally helpful.

2. As you get on the bus you have to clip your ticket in the yellow/orange machine that you will see in front of you as you climb the steps. If you are not able to get the machine to clip your ticket, ask the driver to do it for you. Do not forget to clip the ticket: during your trip an agent will board the bus and ask to check the ticket. If the ticket is not clipped you will have to pay a fine

The ferry season opens from Easter weekend and runs until mid to late October with connections from Amalfi [M] to Positano [M], Salerno [S], Capri [M], Naples [M] and Sorrento [M]. Headquartered in Naples, the Metro del Mare is an extension of urban public transport -- by sea. Operating since 2002, it connects the northern ports of Bacoli and Pozzuoli to Naples and from there goes to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. The service runs from Easter through to October, with several boats a day between Naples and Positano. Check the local papers (Il Mattino or La Repubblica) for timetables or with Metro del Mare [2].

Headquartered in Amalfi [M], ferries are operated by Coop Sant'Andrea (a consorzio which includes Travelmar, Alicost and Linee Marittime Partenopee). Coop Sant'Andrea run the ferry service from Salerno [S] to Amalfi, Amalfi to Salerno, Amalfi to Positano [M], Positano to Amalfi, Positano to Salerno, Salerno to Positano and connections in summer between Amalfi-Minori-Maiori. Schedule 2009 online [3]

• Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth located on the main pier in Amalfi [M] called Molo Pennello or at Divina Costiera, an information point in Amalfi opposite the SITA bus terminal.

There are also private boat charters offered at the ticket kiosks on the Molo Pennello pier.

Boat and Ferry Information: Travelmar 089/871483. Alicost (PHONE: 089/871483). Alilauro (PHONE: 081/8073024). Alilauro-Gruson (PHONE: 081/8071430). Caremar (PHONE: 081/8073077). Linee Maritime Salernitane (PHONE: 089/873301 in Amalfi [M]; 089/811164 in Postiano; 081/8073024 in Sorrento [M]). Positano [M] ferry and hydrofoil ticket office (Via del Brigantino, Italy. PHONE: 089/811986). Travelmar (PHONE: 089/872950).

The two main train stations serving the Amalfi [M] Coast are Salerno [S] which has direct Eurostar and inter-regional trains [4] connections to Naples [M] and Rome [M] and the local Circumvesuviana over in Sorrento [M] which is the main train line which connects Sorrento to Naples and importantly, Sorrento to Pompeii [M] ruins. Conveniently, both stations are also hubs for cheap, efficient bus and ferry services radiating toward the major tourist destinations along the Amalfi Coast and inland.

It is simple to hire a car for your stay - but driving in southern Italy is not for the faint-hearted! The Amalfi [M] Coast roads are very narrow and cliff-hanging, and will either provide a challenging drive. But there are many spots to stop along the coastal roads and small towns that are only easily accessible if you have your own car.

For those who are truly adventurous, scooters can be a practical form of transport, however precision driving is key.

The ferry and bus services on the Amalfi [M] Coast offer excellent connections between towns and the price of parking could also put you off hiring a car.

Amalfi [M] is one of the bigger towns on the Amalfi coast. It has squares connected by pedestrian streets full of restaurants, souvenir shops and tourists.

• The Cathedral [S] was built in the 13th century. You can see its magnificent bell tower from the harbour.
• The Cloister of Paradise [S] Next to the cathedral, was also built in the 13th century. It is home to old mosaics and paintings, and 120 columns built in the Arabic style.
• Paper Mill Museum [S], [5].

• The beach can be crowded in summer, particularly in August when Italians are on holiday and let their kids loose for the month on the strip of pebbled beach.
• Evening walk along the marina to where the mega-yachts dock in summer time.
• The Amalfi [M] Coast to Capri [M] Boat Excursion [6] is a full-day sightseeing tour taking in all the Amalfi Coast villages, including Ravello [S], Positano [M], Atrani [S], Praiano [M], Maiori and Minori [S]. You visit the grottos in Capri and Amalfi, you can go swimming directly from the boat, the tour circumnavigates Capri island and you have the opportunity to disembark in Capri for three hours of your own time before you cruise back at about 6pm. Departures from Amalfi, Maiori and Minori.
• A half-day Amalfi to Positano Cruise [S] [7] is also offered by Amalfi Boat Excursion and is perfect for travellers with limited time.
• Charter La Dolce Vita [S] [8] offer private luxury daily, weekly or overnight motor-yacht charter tours, phone: +393294603771

• Red coral jewelry
• Cameo brooches
• Limoncello
• Fresh herb mixes for making spicy Southern Italian-style pastas
• Angelo Fusco Jewellery, Via M.Camera, 4, [9]. Unique handcrafted fine jewels, corals and cameos.  

• Marina Grande [S] [10] located on the main beach front of Amalfi [M] (the stradone), it offers a restaurant, bar and private beach specialising in seafood cuisine as well as the many traditional pasta dishes Italy and indeed the Amalfi coast is renowned for.

• Risto [S] on the old square have good local food and wine.

• Donna Stella [S] for homestyle pizza, set under lemon groves this small family trattoria is a great place to escape the heat of the day.

• Stella Maris [S] is also located on the main beach front of Amalfi [M] and offers very fresh and light lunches of local foods at good prices.

There are several hot spots for good cappuccino and sweet treats in Amalfi [M]. Pasticceria Pansa has overpriced coffee but excellent traditional Amalfitani cakes and a shaded morning position in the Piazza Duomo. Directly opposite Pansa is Bar Francese and this is where prime aperitivo hour occurs in Amalfi for those holidaymakers and touring Italians who want to be seen. Nearby is Bar Savoia for very good cakes to take away while up the main concourse from the piazza check out Pasticceria Leone which has excellent sweets, biscuits (all made on site) and espresso. There is a small bar next to a mini-mart in Piazza dei Dodgi, the little square off the Duomo, and it is very popular for locals and people watching. Grand Caffe overlooking the main beach is also nice for a drink (their light lunches are very hit and miss however) with lovely relaxing views up the coast while the Marina Grande [S] restaurant operate a bar on the beach with funky decor and candle-light, which is a very good choice on a hot summer night. Bar Flavio Gioia opposite the main ferry pier and parking bay has the best gelato in town and offers a good pit stop before taking a bus from the nearby terminal or catching a ferry. For dancing, you will have to take yourselves to Praiano [M] to the famous Africana nightclub or onto Positano [M] to an equally popular disco hub, Music on the Rocks or up to Positano's chic Next2 bar.

• Eva Rooms Amalfi [S] [M] – Via Gabriele di Benedetto, 3, postcode 84011. [11]. Telephone +39 089 872 875 • Fax +39 338 165 9882. Little guest house with two bedrooms, each of them with a beautiful view to the Amalfi Coast and the little town of Atrani [S]. Due the limited number of rooms and the affordable rates, this bed and breakfast it’s ideal for young couples willing to explore the Amalfi Coast without spending a fortune.

• Fontana Hotel Amalfi [S] [M] – Piazza Duomo. Cap: 84011, Telephone +39 089 871530 (Fax +39 0898304562), [12]. Located in the central of Amalfi, this three star hotel is a starting point to visit this town and explore the Amalfi Coast. The Fontana Hotel offers 21 rooms and great prices.

• Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi [S] [M] – Via Papa Leone X, Pogerola. Cap: 84011, Telephone +39 089 830 015 (Fax +39 089 830 085), [13]. Four star hotel with 106 rooms in Pogerola, a tiny cliffside village located ten minutes outside Amalfi.

• Hotel Dei Cavalieri Amalfi [S] [M] – Via Mauro Comite, 32 - Cap: 84011, Telephone +39 089 831 333 • Fax +39 089 831 354[14]. Three star hotel located above the coast, fifteen minutes away from the centre of Amalfi and offering a fantastic view on the Mediterranean Sea. Sixty rooms of different size for hosting any kind of clientele.

• Hotel Amalfi [S] [M], [15]. This hotel is tucked away from the old square and would seem to be away from any street noise, there are steps leading up to the entrance of the hotel. Not all rooms are air conditioned.

• Hotel Antica Repubblica Amalfi [S] [M], [16]. This hotel is situated in one of the old buildings a couple of minutes from Piazza Duomo and it hs lift access. It is tucked away just off one of the main streets and the pealing of the Duomo bells, views of Amalfi terraces and its cleanliness are key features

• Hotel Centrale Amalfi [S] [M], Largo Duchi Piccolomini 1, Piazza Duomo. Cap: 84011, Telephone +39 089 872608 (Fax +39 089 871243), [17]. Three star hotel hosted in an old building of the XIV century placed at the central square of Piazza Duomo, with an extraordinary view of the same cathedral and 17 guestrooms.

• Hotel La Bussola [S], [18]. This hotel faces the Amalfi [M] marina for sea views and offers easy access with only a few steps off street level when compared to other hotels which boast up to 80 stairs to climb before spotting their welcome mat. Possibly request a room with a sea view, this will minimise traffic noise from the main road directly behind the hotel. The hotel has wifi access and is a couple of minutes walk from the main Piazza Duomo square.

• Hotel Luna Convento [S], [19]. At the top of the main coastal road out of Amalfi [M] and in the direction of Atrani [S] this hotel set in an old convent overlooks the Amalfitan coast. There are elevators going up to the main reception and it's approx a 8 minute walk from Amalfi's Piazza Duomo square. The pool deck is across the road and set into the side of the rockface for stunning views, seaside swims and private relaxing.

• Hotel Miramalfi [S], [20]. This sea-side on a clifftop hotel is on the main Amalfi [M] coastal road and is a downhill 10 minute walk into Amalfi's Piazza Duomo square. However, it is quite a steep walk back. There is a SITA bus stop nearby this hotel.

• Hotel Residence Amalfi [S] [M], Via delle Repubbliche Marinare, 9. Cap: 84011, Telephone +39 089 871 183 (Fax +39 089 872 229), [21]. Three star hotel very close to the port with 27 rooms.

• Villa Epicuro Garden [S], [22]. Luxury Villa on the Amalfi [M] Coast for your great holidays; set in one of most attractive corners of the Amalfi Coast (only 3 Km from the centre of Amalfi) provides its guests with quiet and welcoming surroundings, luxury and exclusivity.

• Villa Sgrosso - Dimora di Mare [S], [23]. An ancient Villa overlooking the sea, just below Ravello [S], set in a place of natural beauty with private access to the sea in the heart of the Amalfi [M] Coast. Via Carusiello n° 28, 84010 Ravello (SA) Telephone +39 089 871419.

• The Emerald Grotto or La Grotta dello Smeraldo is 2 km from Amalfi [M] town on the main coastal road heaidng in the direction of Positano [M]. It is situated in the town of Conca dei Marini. There are daily boat excursions of one-hour which leave Amalfi taking guests to the Emerald Grotto. Visit the grotto and sightsee part of the striking Amalfi Coast. Ferry cruises leave daily from 9am, on the hour with the last boat at 3.30pm as the grotto closes at 4pm.

You can also arrive at the grotto by the local SITA bus network which stops above the cliff where the grotto is housed in Conca. You then descend down to the grotto by lift. Take the Positano [M] or Sorrento [M] SITA bus from Amalfi [M] and get off at Conca, about 20 minutes into the journey.

• Ravello [S], The City of Music, is thirty minutes away by public bus and offers beautiful views of the coast. Villa Cimbrone is a superb afternoon of wandering around its gardens and sculptures.
• Positano [M] is a short and scenic 25 minute ferry trip away from Amalfi [M]. Anad the best way to full appreciate this beautiful town is to arrive by sea.
• Atrani [S] is a neighbouring and pretty town and only ten minutes from Amalfi by foot.
• Furore [S] is about 25 minutes from Amalfi by SITA bus or car via the main Amalfi to Positano coastal road. This town hosts the famous Fjord of Furore, a secret cove with fisherman's houses.

Text content was last edited at 22:09, on 11 May 2010 by Ryan Holliday. Based on work by jan, Stefan Ertmann, Peter Fitzgerald, Marc Heiden and Massimo, Wikitravel user(s) Burmesedays, Inas and Amalfifrancesca, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel. This text content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0.