Amalfi On a Budget
Lemons in Amalfi, Italy
Traveling to the town (or the region) of Amalfi on a tight budget can lead to some challenges, as Amalfi itself is fairly expensive. From the higher-end hotels to the nice restaurants, most things in the area are a bit on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to travel costs.
But you get what you pay for, as Amalfi is not only gorgeous, but also luxurious, romantic, relaxing, and adventurous all at the same time.
This particular article will mostly refer to the specific town of Amalfi. However, the name Amalfi is also synonymous with the entire region of towns, coastline, and mountains that sit along the entire peninsula. For more information on the entire region, check out some of the other nearby towns or read our entire guide to the Amalfi Coast.
Sights
Amalfi, the town, sits at the base of a ravine that spills down from the mountain known as Monte Cerreto. The buildings in the town spill down the steep hills from the tops to the coastline below, and a main roadway runs along the shore connecting Amalfi to the other nearby towns.One of the most popular things to do in Amalfi is simply to walk around admiring the beauty which is a mix of natural scenery and man-made buildings.
Saint Andrew's Cathedral, also referred to as the Duomo di Amalfi, is the premier historical sight in the town, and was built in the 11th century. The interesting Byzantine facade is the entry point into a gorgeous work of art and architecture full of historic paintings and sculptures.
The Arsenal dates back to Amalfi's maritime trading days in the middle ages and is full of historical models of ships and art exhibits.
The Museum of Handmade Paper is also worth a visit. It lives in an old paper mill, and visitors can see the history of papermaking in the region, which was a vital part of art and trade in historic times.
Activities
One of the main things to do in Amalfi is to relax on the beach and swim in the sea. While the beaches here tend to be smaller than in other parts of Italy, the rugged coastline adds beauty and interest, and the water is generally clear, blue, and refreshing. For the same reason, boating is popular, and in some areas outside of town, kayaking and snorkeling.Hiking is also popular in the region. Get up above the town and hike along the numerous trails in the mountains for some great views, natural scenery, and relaxation.
Most of the activities around town involve getting out of town, as most visitors are interested in seeing not just Amalfi, but the rest of the Amalfi Coast, too. The Isle of Capri is a popular day trip, as is visiting Positano, Sorrento, the Emerald Cave, Pompeii, and other nearby famous destinations.
Wine tours and lemon farm tours through the region are also very popular. While Italy is famous for wine, this particular area is famous for its large lemons. You can buy them in town, or even better, grab a bottle of Lemoncello, a delicious liquor made from the lemons.
See our Amalfi Coast Guide for more details on all of these activities.
Food and Dining
Lemons and wine are perhaps the foods that Amalfi is most famous for. However, you can also expect plenty of seafood of course, as this area is surrounded by the sea.For dining out, keep in mind that many of the restaurants are fairly expensive, and also cater to the magnitudes of tourists in the town.
For some great views, check out Stella Maris or Marina Grande right on the water by the traffic circle.
Taverna Buonvicino is back down a cute alleway and has some great options.
Or check out one of the many restaurants along the main road leading up through the middle of town (away from the coast). La Perla-Nuova, Da Maria, and Il Tari are all good options, too.
Transportation
The main road (SS163) runs east-west along the coastline, and is the easiest way to reach the town and surrounding towns by car or bus. Renting a car is advisable if you plan to make many stops. Public and private buses also move through the region. Catch a public bus (route 5120) from Salerno which can take you to Amalfi and many of the other towns along the peninsula.Ferry boats also run to and from Amalfi to Capri, Positano, Salerno, and many other smaller towns in the region.
The nearest airports are in Salerno and Naples.
See our Amalfi Coast Transportation Guide for more details, ticket prices, and options for getting around.
