What to see in Amalfi in 2 days: complete itinerary

What to see in Amalfi in 2 days

Amalfi is far more than its famous seaside square. Behind the colourful facades lie medieval alleyways, ancient paper mills and trails climbing toward breathtaking panoramas. This 2-day itinerary takes you beyond the tourist routes to discover the authentic soul of the former Maritime Republic.

Day 1: The historic centre and the Valle delle Ferriere

Morning (3-4 hours)

Start at Piazza del Duomo, arriving early (by 8:30) to enjoy the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea staircase almost in solitude. Visit the cathedral with its Cloister of Paradise, a 13th-century Arab-Norman jewel featuring interlaced columns and Roman sarcophagi. The combined ticket also includes the Crypt and Diocesan Museum.

From the square, slip into Via delle Cartiere, the hidden artery climbing the valley. After a 15-minute walk you reach the Paper Museum, housed in a 14th-century mill where you can see original machinery still functioning. Amalfi was the first European city to produce rag paper, and here you understand why.

Afternoon (3-4 hours)

Continue along the Valle delle Ferriere trail, a nature path that in 45 minutes brings you to hidden waterfalls in a subtropical microclimate. Here grows the Woodwardia radicans, a prehistoric fern unique in Europe. The trail is moderately challenging but the reward is extraordinary.

On the way back, detour through the alleys of Ruga Nova Mercatorum, the ancient covered commercial axis. Stop at the fountain in Piazza dello Spirito Santo, where locals gather in the evening.

Evening

Dinner in the Vagliendola quarter, the upper part of the centre less frequented by tourists. Evening stroll along the seafront toward Torre dello Ziro for the late sunset over the coast.

Day 2: Atrani and the panoramic trails

Morning (3-4 hours)

Devote the morning to Atrani, Italy's smallest village, reachable in 5 minutes on foot through a tunnel carved in rock. Piazza Umberto I is a living room by the sea where fishermen still mend their nets. Visit the church of San Salvatore de' Birecto, where the Republic's Doges were crowned.

From Atrani, take the staircase climbing to Torre dello Ziro (about 40 minutes, 500 steps). The Saracen tower offers a 360-degree view of the coast that takes your breath away.

Afternoon (3-4 hours)

Descend and take the coastal path toward the Emerald Grotto (2 km, 30 minutes). The sea cave with its emerald-coloured waters is accessible via stairs or lift. Less crowded in the early afternoon.

Return to the centre to explore the Arsenal of the Republic, the ancient medieval shipyard with cross vaults that now hosts exhibitions. It is one of the few surviving medieval arsenals in the Mediterranean.

Evening

Aperitivo on the terrace of Hotel Luna, Amalfi's oldest hotel (a 12th-century convent), overlooking the harbour. Final walk along the fishermen's quay as lights illuminate the cliff face.