4.5 and rounded up…read more
Why not 5? Like some other reviews mention, the central part of town closer to the pier is pretty touristy nowadays, can get crowded and a disproportionate number of the shops along the path closer are clearly only geared towards tourists. Some people might like this though even as a tourist myself it can be a bit much.
I will say--good thing it's less crowded than Sorrento and comparable to Positano, but still has a little more going on than the smaller villages like Atrani, Conca dei Marini, Maiori, or Minori. Though of course it depends what you're looking for, if it's more your thing to relax at a quiet beach town where you can hang on the terrace or lay on a beach, I can see why Amalfi might not do it for you.
But let's get to Amalfi's appeal, of which there are many components:
- views: why do people come if not for the views? Like most towns along this coast, when I arrived via ferry my eyes widened as we approached the colorful, cascading buildings layered on the hills. It's hard to find a bad view.
- location: notated by multiple sources--Amalfi is a well-positioned transportation hub for exploring the coastline, with buses and ferries conveniently accessible.
- food: while it didn't seem to have the breadth of sweet options as some of the larger towns, there are plenty of savory options, including many featuring local and regional ingredients.
- beaches: the waterfront is quite long and there are several different beaches both private and public. The private beach clubs require day tickets which can be pricey though have more amenities. There are also beautiful grottos and caves that can be visited with individually arranged transportation or private tours.
Would certainly return if I have the chance!
