Amalfi Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Amalfi’s port is straightforward. Naples International (NAP) is the closest airport, about 75 km away. You’ll want to grab a taxi or shuttle from there to either Naples train station or straight to Amalfi.

For the train route, make your way to Naples Central Station and catch a train to Salerno. Once in Salerno, hop on a SITA bus or take a ferry to reach Amalfi’s port. The whole trip usually lasts around 2 hours.

Port Parking Options

If you’re driving to Amalfi, you’ll find two main car parks near the port. The Luna Rossa Car Park is just 200 metres from the pier, with covered spaces at £25 per day. The bigger Municipal Car Park is 400 metres away and costs £20 daily for outdoor parking.

When using either car park, remember to:

• Book ahead in busy season (June-September)
• Get there early – spaces are usually gone by mid-morning
• Don’t lose your parking ticket – you’ll need it when leaving
• Take photos of your car before you go
• Write down the car park’s phone number for emergencies

Both places have round-the-clock security staff and take credit cards.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Amalfi and the area is quite straightforward. Water taxis run from the pier – it’s €5 per person for a quick 5-minute hop to the marina. SITA buses stop near the port and can take you to Positano, Ravello and Sorrento. Pop into any tobacco shop for tickets, which cost between €2-8.

Need to get to Naples Airport or train station? You can book private shuttles ahead online or through your cruise company. Regular taxis wait at the port’s main gate, but remember to settle the price before you hop in – trips to nearby towns usually cost €50-80. If you’re just heading into Amalfi’s centre, it’s an easy 10-minute stroll along the waterfront.

Port Terminal Facilities

Amalfi’s tender port keeps things simple with basic facilities for cruise passengers. You’ll find a modest welcome centre where friendly staff can sort you out with maps and tourist info. The port has:

• Loos next to the tender dock
• A sheltered waiting spot with benches
• Free Wi-Fi in the terminal building
• Cash machines and places to exchange money
• Tourist help desk with English-speaking staff

The port terminal isn’t massive, so don’t expect loads of shops or places to eat inside, but you’re only a quick walk from Amalfi’s town centre. There’s a first aid station if you need medical help. While it’s not as fancy as bigger cruise ports, everything’s kept tidy and works well for boats bringing passengers ashore.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Landing at Amalfi’s tender port puts you moments from brilliant things to do. Head straight to the stunning Duomo di Sant’Andrea, where you’ll see beautiful Arab-Norman architecture and impressive bronze doors spanning 62 steps. You’ll find it in Piazza del Duomo, the lively town square.

Wander through the tight medieval streets to find shops selling local limoncello and handmade paper, two things Amalfi is famous for. Pop into Valle dei Mulini, an old paper mill valley that’s just a short walk from the centre. For lunch, try the fresh seafood at Marina Grande or grab proper Italian pizza from one of the cafes by the water. If you’ve got time, take a quick boat ride to see Amalfi’s dramatic coastline from the sea.

Walks near the port

Right by the port, there are loads of brilliant walking routes that show off Amalfi’s stunning coastline. Whether you fancy an easy walk along the water or a proper uphill trek, you’ll get amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous houses perched on the cliffs.

• Valle delle Ferriere path takes you through lovely lemon gardens and waterfalls, just a 10-minute walk from the port
• The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) links Amalfi to Positano with jaw-dropping sea views
• The old Amalfi Scale staircases weave through narrow streets and medieval buildings
• The walk up to Torre dello Ziro leads to a 15th-century watchtower with brilliant views across the coast
• Marina Grande walkway makes for an easy waterside wander past fishing boats and seafront cafes

Dining and Shopping

After walking around Amalfi’s lovely trails, you’ll be ready for food – and the port area is full of brilliant places to eat and shop that show off proper Italian coastal life. The local spots serve seafood straight from the sea that morning, and you must try their spaghetti with clams and grilled sea bass. Pop into one of the outdoor cafes along Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi for a taste of the area’s famous limoncello.

For a bit of shopping, wander down the busy main street where family-run shops sell handmade leather sandals, bright ceramics, and local fabrics. Around Piazza Duomo, you’ll spot shops selling Amalfi’s special handmade paper and loads of lemon products. There’s everything from lemon soaps to fancy paper goods. During cruise season, most shops keep their doors open late for tourists.

Accommodation near the port

The port area has loads of places to stay, from fancy hotels to lovely B&Bs. Most rooms look out over the Mediterranean, and you’ll be right next to the cruise terminal. It’s dead easy to get to your accommodation – most places are just a 5-10 minute walk from the port.

Some brilliant places to stay near Amalfi’s port:

• Hotel Marina Riviera, with gorgeous terraces and a boutique feel
• NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, in what used to be a 13th-century monastery
• Hotel Luna Convento, full of history and with a seawater pool
• Residenza Luce, a small B&B known for its cracking breakfast
• Hotel Floridiana, with up-to-date facilities in the heart of things

Best to sort your booking a few months ahead, especially from May to October when it gets really busy with cruise ships.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Amalfi Port is pretty straightforward. It’s best to get there a day early so you don’t risk missing the ship because of delayed flights or trains. Since Amalfi’s roads are quite steep and tricky with suitcases, booking a private car to the port is a smart move.

Keep a small bag with you that has the basics – suncream, swimming gear and such – as your main bags might not show up in your cabin until later. Remember to bring your passport, cruise papers and some euros for spending in town. You’ll need to sort out your boarding at least two hours before the ship leaves. If you’re sailing during the busy months (June-September), come even earlier to skip the long queues. Before you set off, grab your cruise line’s app – it’s handy for finding your way around the ship, seeing what’s on each day, and getting important updates.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

The customs and immigration bit at Amalfi Port moves along nicely when you know the score. Being a Schengen Area port, you’ll want your passport and cruise card handy for checking. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes when it’s busy.

• Keep your passport and cruise card out where they can be seen
• Sort out your immigration paperwork before you get to the checkpoint
• Stay with your bags throughout
• Let them know if you’ve got anything over the duty-free limit
• Look for the signs showing EU and non-EU queues

Coming back to the ship means a quick security once-over. Italian customs might do random checks, so always carry your cruise ID and photo ID with you. The port workers speak both Italian and English, which makes things easy if you’re travelling from abroad.

Local Currency & Payment Options

The Euro (€) is what you’ll need for spending in Amalfi. Whilst bigger shops, hotels and restaurants take credit cards, it’s wise to keep some cash handy for little purchases, taxis and market shopping. Many small and family-run shops only work with cash.

You can spot ATMs (they’re called “Bancomat” in Italy) around Amalfi’s centre, mainly near Piazza Duomo. These machines give out Euros when you use international debit cards, but do ring your bank before you travel. The exchange rates at local banks tend to be better than those at currency exchange shops or on cruise ships. It’s smart to carry smaller notes, as some shopkeepers might find it tricky to give change for big notes, particularly in the morning.

Emergency Contacts

Important numbers you’ll need in Amalfi: ring 112 for general emergencies, 113 for police, 118 for medical help, and 115 if there’s a fire.

Keep these numbers saved on your phone whilst visiting:

• Amalfi Port Authority: +39 089 871 204
• Amalfi Coast Guard: +39 089 871 366
• Nearest Hospital (Castiglione di Ravello): +39 089 4455 111
• Tourist Police Office: +39 089 871 585
• U.S. Consulate in Naples: +39 081 583 8111

The main police station is in Piazza Municipio, and you’ll find the tourist police office near the port entrance. If you’re travelling by cruise ship, remember to follow your ship’s emergency procedures and use their contact numbers when you’re on board.

History of The Port

While modern safety systems keep today’s visitors secure, Amalfi’s port has been looking after ships and traders since the 6th century. Back in the Middle Ages, you’d have found one of Europe’s mightiest maritime republics here, with Amalfi’s fleet ruling Mediterranean trade routes between 839 and 1200.

You can still see bits of the port’s glory days in the old stone quays and historic warehouses. The port was crucial in connecting Western Europe with the Byzantine Empire, as merchants brought exotic spices, fancy textiles, and paper through here. In the 11th century, you would’ve seen hundreds of trading ships packed into the harbour, while Amalfi’s clever shipwrights came up with new boat designs in the local shipyards. Things went downhill for the port in 1343 when a massive tsunami wrecked much of the original harbour.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since going green in 2018, Amalfi’s port has brought in quite a few eco-friendly schemes to look after its clean waters and coastal surroundings. You’ll spot these environmental touches all over the port area, from recycling points to electric shuttle buses.

The port’s main green programmes include:

• All docked boats must use low-sulphur fuel
• Solar lights on terminal buildings and paths
• Modern water treatment plants to keep sea pollution down
• Electric charging points for port vehicles and public cars
• Waste sorting and recycling areas with special spots for cruise ships

The port team works hand-in-hand with local wildlife groups to keep an eye on water quality and sea life, so cruise tourism doesn’t harm the local Mediterranean environment.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

Getting around the port area is straightforward if you use a wheelchair or have trouble walking. You’ll find flat paths, ramps and lifts to help you move between different levels. The terminal has accessible loos, wide doors and lower-height counters.

Port staff will give you free help with getting on and off if you’re in a wheelchair – just ask. There are accessible shuttles available too, but ring ahead to book one. Service animals can come with you if you have the right papers. You’ll spot blue badge parking spots right by the terminal doors, and all emergency exits have both sound and light alarms. Pop by the information desk for accessibility maps and to sort out any special equipment you might need.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

The port at Amalfi keeps a well-equipped medical station near the main terminal, in line with international sailing rules. You’ll spot medical staff working whenever cruise ships are docked – they’re there to help with both urgent situations and everyday health matters.

Before sailing to Amalfi, sort out proper travel insurance that should cover:

• Medical problems and evacuations
• If you need to cancel or cut short your trip
• Luggage that’s lost or late
• Any COVID-19 issues
• Missing your ship’s departure

If you take regular medicines, bring enough for your whole trip, plus some spare just in case you’re delayed. While the port’s medical team can help with basic prescriptions, it’s best to carry paperwork from your doctor back home. For serious medical issues, port staff will get you to Amalfi’s main hospital, which is about 10 minutes away.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The Amalfi cruise port has plenty to keep the kids happy while your ship’s in dock. There’s a nice little playground by the port entrance with swings and slides that work well for children aged 3-12. Kids love watching the pizza-making shows nearby, and you can’t go wrong with a stop at the local ice cream shops.

Got a baby? You’ll find changing tables in the main terminal building. You can rent pushchairs for the day, and there are family loos dotted around. The older children might fancy joining the port’s mini-tours about making limoncello (they do alcohol-free versions) or hopping on short boat trips around the harbour. The maritime museum next to the cruise terminal is brilliant for kids – they can get stuck in with hands-on displays about local sailing history.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

The Amalfi calendar is packed with brilliant festivals and celebrations that show off centuries of local tradition. You’ll love getting stuck into proper Italian festivities that bring the area’s history, tunes and food to life.

Can’t-miss cultural events:

• Byzantine New Year Festival (August 31-September 1) – watch historical re-enactments and medieval parades
• Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (June) – see an old-style boat race that celebrates Amalfi’s sailing history
• Feast of Saint Andrew (June 27) – join the town’s big party for their patron saint with parades and fireworks
• Lemon Festival (July) – sample Amalfi’s famous sfusato lemons and see lovely displays
• Ancient Arsenals Historical Exhibition (year-round) – browse maritime bits and bobs in the restored medieval shipyard

These local celebrations give you a brilliant look at what makes Amalfi tick and why it matters in Italian history.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Peak cruise season runs from May to September along the Amalfi Coast – you’ll get lovely sunny days and perfect sailing weather. The temperature sits between 24-29°C with hardly any rain, which is brilliant for both onshore trips and lounging about on deck.

If you fancy smaller crowds and better prices, try going in April or October instead. The weather’s still quite nice, around 18-24°C, and you can find some good bargains on tickets. The sea’s warm enough for a swim, and most tourist spots are still running.

Winter sailing (November to March) is a bit limited since many cruise companies cut back their Mediterranean routes during these months. While you’ll get the cheapest deals, expect chillier weather and a higher chance of stormy seas and rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Charging Stations for Electric Devices on Amalfi’s Tender Boats?

Nah, there aren’t any charging spots on Amalfi’s tender boats – they’re just simple boats that ferry people between cruise ships and the shore. Best to bring your own portable charger if you reckon you’ll need some extra juice during the short journey.

What Is the Maximum Size of Luggage Allowed on Tender Boats?

Fancy bringing your massive trunk? Not a chance! Keep your bags small when you’re hopping on tender boats. While there’s no official size rule, it’s best to stick with a day bag or small backpack.

Is Photography Allowed at the Tender Pier Area?

Photography’s fine at the tender pier, but try not to get in anyone’s way whilst taking snaps. Keep walking as you take your photos – the staff might need you to move along to keep things flowing smoothly.

Are There Storage Lockers Available at Amalfi’s Tender Landing Area?

No storage lockers at Amalfi’s tender landing spot, I’m afraid. You’ll have to either keep your things with you or pop them back to the ship. Best to just bring what you really need for your day in town.

Can Passengers Swim at the Beaches Near the Tender Docking Point?

The beach is right next to where the tender pulls in, and you can definitely swim there! The water’s lovely and clear, though mind the rocks under your feet. Just keep in mind it can get quite packed when lots of ships are in port.