Official Language:
Italian
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 50,000 people call Amalfi home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Amalfi Coast Italy: Amalfi has a temperate climate. The winter is cold and foggy and the summers are hot and dry.from mid April to mid June or mid September to the end of October, when the days are usually in the 70-80s °F/20-32 °C, with nights in the 50-60s °F/10-20 °C. July, August and the first half of September are generally quite hot (high 90s °F/34-37
°C ), humid and very crowded with tourists. The winters in the north are chilly 50s °F/10-15 °C or colder in the day and much colder at night (often below freezing). In the south, winters are milder, but you'll still find it too cool to lie on the beach or too drizzly to tour happily. The best time to drive the Amalfi Coast is May to mid June and mid September to mid October
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Amalfi was once a major center of European culture and commerce. The mighty Republic of Amalfi thrived from the 9th Century through the 11th Century. Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the ancient city of Pompeii. The island of Capri is just offshore. Naples, the region's largest city, lies northwest of Amalfi. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Amalfi, along the Amalfi Coast. There is road access to the rest of the city from the port. Buses arrive and depart from P.F. Gioia, right on the waterfront. Buses leave approximately every hour and connect to Salerno to the east and Sorrento to the west. Ferries and hydrofoils also depart from the dock, with trips to Capri and Positano, among other places. For exploring Amalfi itself, taxis (tel. 089/872-239) are a fairly inexpensive way to get around.
Amalfi, located on Italy’s western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea is a superb setting with plenty of charm. In the past it was a major center of European culture. Amalfi thrived from the 9th Century through the 11th Century. The art of paper making was centered here. But over time, Amalfi lost its influence and with frequent attacks from Pisa, the city eventually became powerless. The maritime code created here, the Tavole Amalfitane, was adopted as the code of the entire Mediterranean for centuries. In the 1100's, Amalfi's very own Flavio Gioia invented the compass. The art of paper-making was centered here, with the Republic bringing the craft with it on journeys to the rest of Europe and the Arab world. But over time, Amalfi's influence eroded, and attacks from Pisa to the north left the town deserted and powerless. Only recently has the city reinvented itself as a tourist attraction, with people drawn here by its small-town Italian charm, and the beautiful stretch of land known as the Amalfi Coast.
The city has just recently reinvented itself as a tourist attraction. More and more people are visiting, because of the small town Italian feel and the beautiful coast. This has become a favorite port amongst cruise ship passengers.
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Attractions |
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There is plenty to see here on your cruise vacation. A good place to start is the tourist office (Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare 19-21, tel. 089/871-107). They'll provide you with maps and other basic information to help you plan your day. Take the most scenic drive between Salerno and Sorrento. Watch the waves pound against the steep shoreline and challenging bends.Around every hair raising turn spectacular scenery is awaiting you.
Take a stroll from Piazza del Duomo and walk to the Molini Valley (Valley of the Mills) where paper mills were established in the early times. From the Piazza, alleys lead under white arches where little shops display ceramics, all glowing with the appealing colors and designs of the region.
Emerald Grotto
The most famous attraction, which is close by and can be reached by steps or via lift and then by rowing through exceptionally clear water in this marine cave is illuminated indirectly by rays of sunlight giving it a beautiful emerald color of extraordinary depth. You will see stalagmites that are unique in that some are underwater. You can visit daily 10 am to 4pm.Another main point of interest is the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, which began in the 11th century and is now a hotel. A sight worth seeing.
Cathedral which was built in the eleventh century, rebuilt in the Arab-Norman style in the twelfth and further altered in the eighteenth. The bell tower was built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The thirteenth century “Paradise” cloisters, surrounded by an elegant portico with pointed, interwoven arches and supporting columns, was built by Archbishop Filippo Augustariccio as a sepulchre for illustrious people of the town. You can also visit the arsenal of the Republic which is a grandiose Gothic construction, the Cappuccini Hotel which was a thirteenth century convent with cloisters and a loggia, the Civic Museum containing the Tabula Amalphitana which is the oldest navigational manual in the world, and the map museum.
Beaches:
Amalfi's beaches are decent at best. Most of the coast around this town is rocky, so laying out can be painful if you aren't careful. For better beaches, take a short trip to the neighboring towns of Minori or Maiori. Both towns can be reached easily by bus. Both have little industry outside of tourism, and the locals are happy to be of assistance in pointing out the best beach spots in town.
Emerald Grotto:
Through a unique refraction of light, this cavern casts a green light across stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for millions of years. Boats leave from Amalfi's dock twice an hour. Don't miss this eerie natural wonder
La Grotta di Mansaniello:
(Piazzetta degli Arsenale della Antica Repubblica, tel. 089/871-929) sells amazing sculptures made from stalagmites and stalactites from the grottoes nearby. The Amalfi Coast has long been known as a home for ceramics. In the nearby town of Vietri, you can still find authentic Amalfitani ceramics. A good place to visit is La Taverna Paradiso (Vai Diego Taiani 1, tel. 089/212-509). If you find yourself in Positano, try Ceramica Assunta (Via C. Colombo, tel. 089/875-008).
If you don't have time to make it out to Vietri or Positano, there are still plenty of great places to shop in Amalfi itself. The Luigi Aceto factory (Salita Chiarito 9, tel. 089/873-288) sells a local favorite, Limoncello, a lemony liquor. And hearkening back to Amalfi's days as a paper mill town, Antonio Cavaliere (Via Fume, tel. 089/871-954) sells beautiful high quality paper. Near the Duomo, Amalfi nelle Stampe Antiche (Piazza Duomo 10, tel. 089/872-368) sells various souvenirs for the shopper on the go. For your most scenic walk in Amalfi, start at Piazza del Duomo and head up Via Genova. The classic stroll will take you to the Valley of the Mills (Valle dei Mulini), so called because of the paper mills along its rocky reaches . You'll pass by fragrant gardens and scented citrus groves. If it is of your interests you can learn more details about the industry at the Museum of Paper (Museo della Carta), Via delle Cartiere 23 (tel. 089-8304561). It's open daily 10am to 7pm. Admission is 3.40€.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Amalfi Coast Italy:
Amalfi Coast Travel Information
Amalfi Coast Web Guide
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