Amalfi Coast
Amalfi
Historic capital, medieval Maritime Republic. Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and paper-making tradition.
Amalfi is more than a postcard. Between the 9th and 13th centuries it was one of the most powerful maritime republics in the Mediterranean - on a par with Venice, Genoa and Pisa. Today, 5,000 inhabitants live on the slopes of a dramatic gorge cut by the Canneto torrent, between towers, convents and a cathedral that alone justifies the journey. It's the heart of the Amalfi Coast, home to iconic destinations like Positano and Ravello.
The town also gave the world the Amalfi Tables - the oldest maritime code in the Western world, dating to around the 11th century - and a paper-making tradition that produced the first watermarked paper in Europe. With its central position and ferry connections to every other village, Amalfi is the natural base for our 4-day complete Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Did You Know?
IX
century: founding of the Maritime Republic
62
steps of the Cathedral staircase
5,000
inhabitants today
The Amalfi Tables (Tabula Amalfitana), the oldest maritime code in the Western world, governed commerce across the Mediterranean from the 11th to the 16th century.
What to See in Amalfi
Cathedral of Sant'Andrea
The Arab-Norman facade with its striking black and white mosaic and the 62 steps leading up from Piazza del Duomo are the iconic image of Amalfi. The Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso), a 13th-century Arab-Norman cloister, is included in the cathedral ticket. Open daily.
Paper Museum (Museo della Carta)
Set in a 13th-century paper mill in the Valle dei Mulini, this museum traces the history of paper-making in Amalfi. Live demonstrations show how sheets are made by hand using traditional techniques. Entrance ~€4.
Arsenal of the Maritime Republic
The only surviving medieval shipyard of the Republic, with vaulted halls where galleys were built. Today it hosts temporary exhibitions and the Museum of the Compass.
Valle delle Ferriere
A protected nature reserve above the town with a scenic waterfall and lush vegetation. The trail starts from the Paper Museum and takes about 2 hours return. Free access.
How to Get to Amalfi
Amalfi is well connected by ferry and bus. By car, the SS163 road is spectacular but congested in summer - public transport is strongly recommended.
By Ferry
Travelmar from Salerno (April–October). NLG / Alilauro from Naples Molo Beverello (seasonal). The most scenic option.
SITA Bus
From Sorrento along the SS163 (~90 min, ~€2.50). From Salerno direct (~75 min). Year-round service.
Ferry Schedules - Summer 2026
| Departs Salerno | Arrives Amalfi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:15 | 08:30 | Via Cetara, Maiori |
| 09:00 | 10:15 | - |
| 11:00 | 12:15 | - |
| 14:15 | 15:30 | - |
| 16:30 | 17:45 | - |
* Indicative schedules for 2026. Check travelmar.it to confirm.