A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Imperia vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Imperia or Amalfi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Imperia or Amalfi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Imperia and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the dramatic coastline
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Imperia or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Imperia and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Imperia different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Imperia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Imperia or Amalfi?

Imperia
Amalfi

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Imperia or Amalfi.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Amalfi is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.


Is the Food Better in Imperia or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Amalfi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few good snorkeling spots. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Amalfi is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Amalfi?

Imperia
Amalfi

Both Imperia and Amalfi are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Imperia to go shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Families?

Imperia
Amalfi

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Imperia or Amalfi.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Amalfi is a family-friendly town. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.


Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Imperia
Amalfi

Imperia is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Imperia is a good town to visit for backpackers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Imperia or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Imperia
Amalfi

Both Imperia and Amalfi offer good public transit options.

Imperia has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Amalfi has some public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Imperia or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Imperia
Amalfi

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.


For even more information, also check out Is Imperia Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Amalfi?

Both Imperia and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Imperia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Imperia, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Families should spend more time in Amalfi than Imperia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Amalfi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Imperia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amalfi than Imperia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amalfi.


  • How many days in Imperia or Amalfi? Ideal Length of Stay
    Imperia 1-2 
    Amalfi 2-7

One day in Imperia or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Imperia or Amalfi?

Imperia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Imperia or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Imperia or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Imperia. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Amalfi or Imperia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Imperia is €108, while the average daily cost in Amalfi is €201. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Imperia and Amalfi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Imperia 51
    Amalfi 98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Imperia 102
    Amalfi 196
Compare Hotels in Imperia and Amalfi

Looking for a hotel in Imperia or Amalfi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Imperia


Hotels in Amalfi


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Imperia Hotel Prices and Amalfi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Imperia 36
    Amalfi 67

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amalfi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amalfi:


  • Bus
    4.00
  • Train to Naples
    14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amalfi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amalfi:

  • Private Transfer from Amalfi Coast Port to Naples city hotels: $49
  • Private Transfer from Amalfi Coast Port to Naples Airport (NAP): $49
  • Transfer Service: Amalfi daily trip: $53
  • Shared Transfer from Praiano to Naples Airport: $54
  • Amalfi to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Amalfi to Ravello: $81
  • Private Transfer: From Amalfi to Sorrento with hotel pick-up and drop-off: $103
  • Naples: Transfer to Amalfi one-way: $107
  • Private Transfer From Ravello or Amalfi to Naples : $109
  • Private Transfers Amalfi Coast or viceversa: $109
  • Private Transfer from Praiano to Naples, Door-to-door, English-speaking driver: $113
  • Naples: Transfer to Amalfi visit Pompeii Along the way: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Imperia or Amalfi?

Prices for flights to both Amalfi and Imperia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Imperia 35
    Amalfi 62

Typical Food Prices in Amalfi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amalfi:


  • Dinner
    35
  • Snacks
    4.00
  • Bread
    1.00
  • Dinner
    41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amalfi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amalfi.

  • OnLine Genuine Cooking Class: $74
  • Amalfi Coast: Mozzarella, Pasta, and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $80
  • Cooking Class on the Amalfi Coast with Tasting Included: $87
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Salerno with Show Cooking: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Cava de' Tirreni: $97
  • Pizza Napoletana Cooking Class and Dinner in Scafati: $104
  • Italian cooking class and lunch near the Pompeii excavations: $114
  • Amalfi Coast Home Cooking Class with Meal & Drinks Included: $133
  • Genuine Home Cooking Class + Olive Oil Tasting: $138
  • Pizza Course: $141
  • Cooking Class and Farmhouse Visit With Meal: $148
  • Amalfi Coast Home Dining & Cooking Demo: $152

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Imperia 13
    Amalfi 27

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Tours and Activities in Amalfi

Here are a few actual costs in Amalfi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Paestum Small Group tour with an Archaeologist: $27
  • Discover Salerno - walking tour with a local expert guide -: $33
  • Amalfi Lemon Experience: $37
  • Salerno Panoramic Tour: $38
  • Tour in the lemon fields on the Amalfi Coast: $43
  • Guided tour of Michelangelo's Amalfi: $43
  • Amalfi Lemon Tour in the Historical Garden!: $48
  • Amalfi Lemon Tour in the Historical Garden: $48
  • Walking tour from Minori to Maiori along the Path of the Lemons: $49
  • 4 Hour Cruise Tour of the Amalfi Coast with Aperitif: $49
  • Lemon Experience with tasting in Tramonti: $55
  • Taurasi: Tasting, vineyard tour and visit to the cellar: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Imperia 7.50
    Amalfi 20

Typical Alcohol Prices in Amalfi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Amalfi from other travelers:


  • Wine
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Amalfi

Also in Amalfi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting Cantina Basileo: $65
  • Tenuta San Francesco Wine Tasting: $71
  • Wine tasting at the Apicella winery: $71
  • Wine Tasting and excursion to the Mt. Vesuvius from Pompeii: $93
  • Positano: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with a Sommelier: $100
  • Wine Tasting Cantina Apicella with lunch: $131
  • Half-Day Irpinia Wine Tour from SALERNO: $142
  • Wine Tour (lunch included): $196
  • Exploring a Cilento village by e-bike with wine tasting: $211
  • Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour: $252
  • Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Wine Tasting Private Tour from Amalfi: $272
  • From Positano: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch: $274


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Imperia and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Imperia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Imperia Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Imperia or Amalfi?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Imperia and Amalfi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Imperia or Amalfi?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Imperia or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Imperia is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 25°C (76°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Imperia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Imperia usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Imperia 25°C (76°F) 
    Amalfi 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Imperia is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Imperia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Imperia usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Imperia 19°C (66°F) 
    Amalfi 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the winter, Imperia is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Imperia in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Imperia usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Imperia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Imperia usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Imperia 11°C (51°F) 
    Amalfi 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Imperia during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Imperia is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 15°C (58°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Imperia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Imperia 15°C (58°F) 
    Amalfi 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Imperia

Imperia Amalfi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)


Related Articles for Imperia
Related Articles for Amalfi