Attractions Nearby Amalfi, Day Trips and Excursions

(Amalfi, Campania, Italy)



View of the stunning Positano shorelineBeing located in Campania, tourists staying in Amalfi have the added advantage that they are close to many spectacular attractions and cities steeped in Italian history. Close to Amalfi and home to a population of just over one million people, Naples is a major Italian city featuring some of Campania's most noteworthy attractions.

Located some 46 km / 29 miles to the north-west of Amalfi, Pompeii can be easily reached in well under an hour. Pompeii is the famous site of the world's most well-known volcano eruption and disaster, when Mount Vesuvius covered the city with molten lava and red-hot ashes in 79 AD, and consequently preserved the ruins for tourists of today. At 282 km / 175 miles north-west of Amalfi, Rome is a little further away, but to many, the excursion is more than worth the three-hour journey.


Further image of the Positano coast

Positano

Many people would argue that Positano is the most beautiful of all Italy's many coastal towns and at just 16 km / 10 miles to the west of Amalfi, it really is close enough for you to make up your own mind. However, do bear in mind that Positano is a town of steps, with many steep stairways connecting the main streets and attractions. The main landmark here is without a shadow of a doubt the historic church named the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, which dominates the Piazza Flavio Gioia and features a dramatic ceramic dome, which always glistens when the sun is shining.

Picture of Sorrento

Sorrento

At roughly 31 km / 19 miles west of Amalfi, Sorrento is easy to get to by a number of different means, such as buses or cars. Brimming with character and cobblestone alleyways, Sorrento has grown to become a thriving beach resort, with a number of the best attractions being related to its stunning coastline. If you have arrived in Sorrento and are simply looking for a good beach, then the Marina Grande is hard to beat and just a short walk from the central square named the Piazza Tasso. However, if it is views that you crave, then take your camera and head on up to the Villa Comunale park.

Photograph of boats taken at the Isle of Capri

Isle of Capri

An idyllic island within the Bay of Naples, Capri is amongst the most popular excursions in this part of Italy. Tourists staying in Amalfi are strongly advised to consider a day trip to Capri. In the peak of summer, the island welcomes upwards of 5,000 tourists each day, who arrive on ferries and hydrofoils, and come to soak up the Mediterranean charm and sightsee within Capri Town. Attractions in the town include the 17th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano and the Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus), where the sea views are quite simply breathtaking. Capri is also a true haven for water sports, which are at their most plentiful around the Marina Grande and the Marina Piccola.

Image of ancient Pompeii

Pompeii

One of Italy's most visited of all its many tourist attractions, those holidaying in Amalfi really should make the effort to visit the ancient town of Pompeii, especially as it is so close by. The spectacular ruins of Pompeii have been carefully excavated and offer a true insight into past city life. The Porta Marina sea gate marks the entrance to the ruins, where you can find iconic landmarks, such as the Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo), the Forum (Foro) and the Temple of Jupiter (Tempio di Giove).
Open hours: April to October, daily - 08:30 to 17:30; November to March, daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Picture of Naples (Napoli) marina

Naples (Napoli)

Naples is known as 'Napoli' by local Italians and those arriving from Amalfi will find the city around 72 km / 45 miles to the north-west. The Bay of Naples is a breathtaking waterfront, while Mount Vesuvius provides a rather unique and special backdrop. Attractions in Naples are often historic and can be explored by either bus or walking tours, with highlights including the Palazzo Reale, the Palazzo Serra di Cassano, the Piazza Matteotti, the San Francesco di Paola, the Teatro San Carlo (San Carlo Theatre), and the Napoli Sotterranea, which comprises an underground series of tunnels and rooms, once used by soldiers during the 6th century.

Photo of hotel pool at Ravello

Ravello

A stylish summer resort, which has been extensively pedestrianised, Ravello is close to a number of noteworthy coastal attractions, such as the towns of Maiori and Minori. Ravello is to be found just 7 km / 4 miles to the north of Amalfi and visitors can expect to find some gorgeous views of the Amalfi Coast, along with an 11th century cathedral on the town's central Piazza Duomo, and the famous Villa Rufolo and its gorgeous 19th-century gardens. Ravello has become known as the 'City of Music', due to its extensive calendar of classical music concerts and summer Music Festival (Festival Musicale).

Aerial image of Salerno

Salerno

Salerno is extremely close to Amalfi, at a mere 24 km / 15 miles to the east. This is quite a contrast to the pretty town of Amalfi, and Salerno is actually a large city, with an interesting medieval quarter and an attractive coastal promenade. Salerno's cathedral is amongst the most historic attractions and was actually first constructed by the Normans during the 11th century, being remodelled several times over the years. Located on the Via Benedetto Croce, the walk to reach the Castello di Arechi along the Via Risorgimento may be a little steep, but the views are more than worth the effort.