When I first started spending time on the Amalfi Coast years ago, I wondered often about where the locals bought certain things, such as plants or any number of household items from sheets to slippers. All those questions were answered the first time I visited the mercato, or market, in Amalfi. Every Wednesday morning trucks arrive in town and set up stalls selling just about everything you can imagine – shoes, clothing, kitchen supplies, fabrics, fish, fruits and vegetables, olives and, yes, even slippers!
Anyone who has ever hiked up to the market in Amalfi, which was located way at the top of the town, will remember the walk. Just when you thought you’d never get there, you’d see a truck selling mozzarella cheese and then the first stalls set up around the next curve in the road. While I was in America last month, an old building near the market area collapsed, and the market was temporarily moved to the long parking area behind Amalfi’s port where it was located many years ago. The area at the top of town has yet to be cleared for the market again, so for the time being it will be held in the parking area in Amalfi.
For visitors to the market, this is a nice change! Before the stalls were located in a narrow road where cars and scooters had to squeeze past shoppers. I’ve been bumped by a car before when I couldn’t move out of the way in the tight space fast enough. Now you can walk along the stalls peacefully, without having to worry about being run over. Always nice!
The market is now located in the part of town that the Amalfitans refer to as “dietro al porto,” which means “behind the port.” This large pier is what defines the harbor of Amalfi, and it’s also one of the favorite spots for a passeggiata, or walk, in Amalfi. So now on Wednesday mornings you can enjoy a stroll along the port while doing your weekly shopping!
Weekly markets like the one in Amalfi take place in different towns along the Amalfi Coast. On Tuesday mornings you’ll find the mercato in Ravello located in the two level parking area below Piazza Duomo. On Thursday mornings the market in Minori is set up along the waterfront. The largest weekly market on the Amalfi Coast takes place in Maiori on Friday mornings, and can be found by following the main road called the Corso Regina toward the top of town. The markets are generally set up by 8am and close down by 1pm. Even if you don’t find anything you need to take home with you, visiting the mercato is a great way to experience a bit of daily life on the Amalfi Coast.
Wonderful pictures and descriptions…I feel like I am almost there. Missing Amalfi and you! Thanks for sharing Market day. It was my most favorite thing to do on Wednesdays.
Ciao Mom! I miss my market shopping partner, too! 🙂 You’ll love the new location. I hope it stays behind the port! We’ll go shopping there more often next time you’re here!
It looks so strange to see Amalfi Market set up on the pier!
Ciao Linda! I know … I was surprised to see it there when I got back from America. I really like it though! So nice to be able to shop and not get run over. 🙂
Abd on Monday mornings its in Piano di Sorrento!
Ah …. I’ve been wondering the closest market to Positano. Thanks, Nicki! That’s still quite a drive, but it must be a pretty good sized one, right?
Looks a superb place for a market ..:-) yep love a good market too.
Ciao Anne! It’s a beautiful location and much easier for visitors in Amalfi to find. Always fun to see the different types of markets!
Laura,
Having just visited Amalfi I have to say it’s more beautiful than your pictures. We did purchase some very nice ceramics from one of the studios there, but did wonder where locals purchased everyday needs. Now we know!
I also understand now why standing where motor traffic is can be a little dangerous. 8>)
Ciao Mike! So glad you had a nice visit to the Amalfi Coast. Oh, I do agree that the photographs can only begin to capture the richness and immensity of the natural beauty here. I adore the ceramics here, and I’m so glad you were able to take some home with you! 🙂
Hi, we ( My wife, 10 year old boy and I) have enjoyed a great few days in Amalfi. But today (Saturday, April 30th) it’s raining! Any ideas what we could do? Heading home (Dublin, Ireland) tomorrow…
Mike
Ciao Mike! Yes … the weather has changed dramatically today. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed your time and some good weather days in Amalfi! You’ve just given me a great post idea … rainy weather activities for Amalfi! If you haven’t been through the Duomo of Amalfi, that is a good way to spend some time inside exploring the Cloister of Paradise, the Duomo Museum, the Crypt of Sant’ Andrea and the beautiful nave of the cathedral. If you follow the main street all the way up (when there’s a break in the rain!), the Museo della Carta is fun. And I think your son would enjoy it, too! I duck inside the Pasticceria Pansa in the main Piazza Duomo sometimes when it rains. It has a beautiful interior and some seating in the rear. Great spot to enjoy something warm to drink and some of the local desserts like the sfogliatella. Hope that helps!
Hello laura,
could you please let me know what time and day market is held in different towns in amalfi coat?
Also is there a walking tour or guide available for amalfi coast.we are going on june 10th to minori.
any advise or suggestion you can give us is very much appreciated.
many thanks.
suresh
Ciao Suresh! I listed the information for markets in other towns on the Amalfi Coast at the end of this post:
You’ll find the market in Minori set up along the sea on Thursday mornings from about 8am to 1pm. If you are staying in a hotel, they should know best about local walking tours starting in Minori, and they’ll also be able to arrange a local guide. Enjoy your visit!
This is great! A much more charming experience even when you don’t buy anything. Fighting the scooters was not fun!
Ciao Robbin! Market in Amalfi is a more leisurely experience without the tight spaces and traffic for sure. You’ll have to come back to see for yourself! 😉
Are the markets open year round? I will be in Amalfi in mid-February.
Ciao Nicole! Yes, the markets are open year round in the Amalfi Coast. They are there for the locals, and I know they would be missed in the winter if they didn’t come! 🙂
interesting events in Amalfi I am planning to visit soon with husband and niece in june as we are interested in Gregorian chanting is there such a venue that might hold something like this in one of the churches please let me know X rose
Thanks for your comment, Rosa! Sounds like you have some fun planning ahead for your June trip on the Amalfi Coast. Good question about the Gregorian chant, but I’m afraid you won’t have much luck enjoying it on the Amalfi Coast. Unless there is a concert planned (there are several venues during the summer month for concerts), it’s not the traditional here during masses. Do check with your hotel or B&B for concerts during your stay, and have a wonderful time!
Thanks for sharing information on weekly markets in various towns and places to go in Amalfi on a rainy day. I am really looking forward to my two weeks in Atrani in April.
Hi there, heading to Amalfi in May of this year and wondering if the location of the market is still on the waterfront. Thanks for your wonderful info!
Thank you so much. We are staying in Maiori in October and we want to go to the markets in the area. Awesome information. I am there for my 50th birthday- Laura what would you do on your birthday in Amalfi coast?? Lori from Canada
Hi Lori, how fabulous that you’ll be celebrating your birthday on the Amalfi Coast! Hum … that’s a good question. So many options! I would enjoy lunch by the sea since in the evening it could be a little cooler in October. Have a wonderful time!