Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
European Union funding to refurbish its original paper presses dating back to the
14th century. Amalfi is believed to be the first European city to produce paper
rather than import it. The museum is a great place to buy lovely handmade paper
as a gift or souvenir. The guided tours are worthwhile.
Closer to the waterfront is the
Museo Civico
(Piazza del Municipio, 6;
%
089-
8710107; free admission; daily 8am-2pm and 3-8pm),
which has revolving exhibits
that include many fine local artists.
For private apartments and rooms,
which is a great way to spend an
extended stay here, the ultimate choice is
www.amalfiaccommodation.com
.
They seem to have the cream of the crop, and if what you're looking for is not
listed on their website, the proprietors of this agency will find it for you. You may
have to pay cash, as you often do when you rent an apartment along the coast,
but this also gives you a little room to haggle. Sometimes owners will knock off
half a day's board if you do pay in cash, and if they don't suggest this, don't be shy
about asking. Private apartments are rarely licensed and fees are therefore up to
the owner's discretion. The above website also handles
agriturismo
(farm stay)
options on the coast, but these aren't recommended here because almost all are far
from the sea view. Stick to the towns when you're visiting the Amalfi coast—that's
where the appeal is and that's why you're here. Save the
agriturismo
stays for
Tuscany and Umbria—no one in Italy does it better than they do.
€€
Hotel Amalfi
(Vico dei Pastai, 3;
%
089-872440),
run by the Lucibello
family, is clean and reliable. Rooms, which start at
€
55, are modest, but they
come in a variety of configurations and the owners will move beds in and out as
needed. If you've got a big group, they also rent out guest apartments nearby start-
ing at
140 a night, with eat-in kitchens, two bedrooms apiece, a pull-out bed in
the living room, and balconies overlooking a quiet street. Either the hotel or the
apartments are a perfect option for those traveling in groups, and there's even a
parking lot (around
€
10 a day). Owners will usually refer you to similar hotels if
they're booked, and almost invariably do whatever they can to make sure you
come back.
€
9
Down on the waterfront inside an old pasta factory is
La Bussola
€€
(Lungomare dei Cavalieri, 16;
%
089-871533; www.labussolahotel.it).
Rooms
here, starting at
95, are comfortably large with balconies right on the water-
front. This is perfect for the elderly, and for those traveling with young kids,
because you won't have to navigate steps and alleyways to find your way home at
night when the streetlights are dim. From here you're a few minutes from the ferry
port and bus terminal, making it an excellent hotel from which to explore the
entire coastline.
€
5
(Via
Annunziatella, 46;
%
089-871877; www.hotelcappuccini.it),
set in a 12th-century
Franciscan monastery high on the hill. This is a memorable place to stay, wonder-
fully isolated, with sweeping views, especially if you stroll along the cliff-side
monk's walk. Some aspects of the service could be improved (the towels, for exam-
ple, could all use replacing) and there's the feel of dampness in the walls, mainly
because of the age and location (it's literally blasted into the cliff ). But rooms start
A worthy splurge in Amalfi is the
Cappuccini Convento
€€€
