A Passeggiata 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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?

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.

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