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TRAVEL · October 15, 2011

A Passeggiata in Amalfi

Walking in Amalfi

The passeggiata—a leisurely walk or stroll—is one of those wonderful Italian traditions that you can enjoy across Italy. This is a time for families and friends to spend together catching up on the day’s news, for kids to play together and to just enjoy a healthy bit of fresh air. On the Amalfi Coast, where horizontal space is decidedly challenged, the passeggiata often takes on a meandering form through town. In Amalfi, however, locals take advantage of the relatively wide port with three piers for the traditional passeggiata. It can be a short and quick walk down one of the piers, or a longer walk to the end of the port to the little red lighthouse that marks the tip of Amalfi’s largest pier. Can you spot it in the photo above? I invite you to come along with me on a walk to the port in Amalfi on a beautiful October morning.

Amalfi Harbor

From the center of Amalfi, follow the small street leading to the long pier the defines the end of the town’s harbor. You’ll pass the smaller pier where the ferries depart for Capri, Positano and Salerno. You’ll leave behind you the crowds of tourists arriving or waiting for the next departure as you head toward a quieter part of town.

Traditional Architecture in Amalfi

Don’t forget to look up along the way to see how the buildings of Amalfi have been built right into the side of the mountain. It’s an amazing sight!

Walking Along the Amalfi Harbor

Along the way you’ll pass some benches that are popular year round for enjoying the sun and chatting. I was out early in the morning, so there were still plenty of spaces open. Toward the end of the port you’ll pass through a larger part of the sidewalk with benches and a beautiful view looking back toward Amalfi. During the summer, and just about every evening of the year, this is where families gather in Amalfi, and you’ll have to dodge soccer balls and kids learning how to ride their bicyles as you stroll through.

Walking Along the Port in Amalfi

The beautiful Sirene beach is located behind the port, and it’s a great spot for swimming in the summer when Amalfi’s Marina Grande beach in the center of town is crowded.

Sirene Beach on the Amalfi Coast

Climb up the small flight of stairs to walk along the top of the pier. The view is outstanding! If you want to know where locals exercise, this is the spot. Friends walk up and down the pier and talk about lunch plans and shopping while getting a bit of exercise. The morning I was out taking these photos, the harbor was busy with two cruise ships. Such an inspiring view while walking!

The Perfect Walk in Amalfi

Locals sometimes walk along the lower part of the pier as well, which is also a nice walk near the boats. On a nice day, however, I can’t resist the views from up above!

Boats in the Amalfi Harbor

There are tile covered benches along the way if you want to stop for a rest or simply enjoy the sunshine and panorama of Amalfi. Now we’ve reached the red lighthouse at the end of the pier. Are you ready for the view?

Walking to the Lighthouse in Amalfi

While it doesn’t seem like you’ve walked very far, the perspective looking back toward Amalfi is spectacular from the end of the port. It is equally stunning at night with the golden lights from town stretching across the harbor.

View of Amalfi from Port

I hope you’ll join in with the locals and enjoy this passeggiata in Amalfi on your next visit to the Amalfi Coast!

Posted In: TRAVEL · Tagged: Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Beaches, Photography, Things to Do, Walking

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Comments

  1. Denise says

    October 15, 2011 at 20:53

    It has only been a week since we left Amalfi, but I miss it so much already! 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 18, 2011 at 07:13

      Ciao Denise! That’s when it’s time to start planning the next trip! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cathy says

    October 16, 2011 at 08:59

    I’d love to come and enjoy a passeggiata on the Amalfi Coast. Something to hope for, in the future.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 18, 2011 at 07:13

      Ciao Cathy! I hope you’ll be able to visit Amalfi one day soon!

      Reply
  3. Kenny and Karen says

    October 17, 2011 at 23:33

    Beautiful just absolutely gorgeous scenery- I can see why the Italians came up with the idea of passeggiata. If I could go for a stroll at place like that every day. Just wow!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 18, 2011 at 07:23

      Ciao Kenny and Karen! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Always nice to be introduced to a new blog, too! I’m originally from Nebraska, so I look forward to following Plain Adventure. I love the passeggiata in Amalfi … it’s a wonderful idea!

      Reply
  4. Anita Chapman says

    October 23, 2011 at 11:22

    Ciao Laura, I enjoyed your walk around Amalfi. It brought back memories of first hol there with now husband in March 1999. Anita

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 23, 2011 at 11:37

      Ciao Anita! I’m so happy that I could bring back memories of your first holiday in Amalfi with your husband. 🙂 Hope you’ll be back to visit one day soon!

      Reply
  5. Barb says

    October 26, 2011 at 06:20

    Laura, How lovely this post is. Thank you for the visual treat. I write this as I’m tucked inside my home as 6 to 10 inches of snow are falling here in the Rockies tonight. And I just read a line from Thoreau the other day about the art of sauntering – sounds right down the lines of a passeggiata in Italy. Your photos are beautiful.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 29, 2011 at 08:38

      Ciao Barb! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the passeggiata in Amalfi on a snowy day in the Rockies. Aren’t blogs wonderful for that type of escape? Sometimes I dream of snowy landscapes! 🙂 I love that line from Thoreau … the art of sauntering … it’s beautiful. I think I need to work on that! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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