Amalfi City Guide
Marina Grande Amalfi (Spiaggia Grande & Port)
The marina grande amalfi (Spiaggia Grande) is the main beachfront and maritime hub of Amalfi, curving along the town front between the ferry pier (Molo Pennello) and the eastern coastal headland. The beach combines dark volcanic pebble sands with bright rows of private beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari) and designated free public access zones (spiaggia libera). Ferries to Positano and Capri depart from the adjacent pier, with details on our ferry guide, while cultural sights in Piazza Duomo sit just two minutes away on the Amalfi waterfront guide homepage.
Quick answer Beach club rental costs, free beach locations, and sea conditions
Marina Grande offers both free public beach areas and organized private lidos. Two sunbeds and an umbrella cost between $29.00 and $58.00 (€25.00–€50.00) depending on the row and month. The seabed is gravelly and drops off into deep water quickly.
Key takeaways
- The public free section (spiaggia libera) sits at the far eastern and western ends of the beach; bring water shoes for the smooth volcanic pebbles.
- Consider a half-day coastal boat cruise with swim stops if you want to swim in secluded emerald grottos away from harbour boat traffic.
- Luggage storage and ferry ticket offices operate directly along the promenade behind the beach.
Key facts
Opening hours
| Daily daylight hours | 08:30–19:30 |
|---|
Closed Open year-round; beach club facilities operate May to October
Admission
- Adult
- Free public section / €25–€50 beach club set
- Reduced
- Afternoon discounts (after 15:00) at selected lidos
Planning it
- Time needed
- 2 hours to full afternoon
- Book ahead
- Recommended — a few days
- Address
- Spiaggia Grande, Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy
Beach access categories and boat excursion pricing at Amalfi's Marina Grande, verified on 10 September 2026.
| Category | Typical Price | Inclusions | Booking | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Public Beach (Spiaggia Libera) | Free | Open towel access, cold public rinse showers | Walk-up, first come basis | Official site |
| Private Beach Club Set (Front Rows) | $35–$58 (€30–€50) | 2 cushioned loungers, sun umbrella, hot showers, changing cabin | Direct at beach club desk or front desk | Official site |
| Amalfi Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming | $75.00 (€64.00) | 4-hour boat tour past Furore to Positano, swim stops, prosecco | Book online with 24h free cancellation | Check Availability |
from $75.00
Amalfi to Positano & Emerald Grotto: Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming
4-hour small-group boat cruise from Amalfi Molo Pennello past Furore Fjord to Positano with swim stops, snorkeling masks, and chilled prosecco.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Free Public Sections vs. Private Beach Clubs
Marina Grande is divided into distinct zones. The central and widest portions are managed by traditional lidos like Lido Azzurro and Silver Moon, offering manicured rows of sun loungers, boardwalks, beachside cocktail bars, and changing rooms.
Travellers who prefer not to spend €30 to €50 on beach chairs can use the designated free public zones (spiaggia libera). One free section borders the ferry pier on the west, while another lies near the tunnel entrance leading toward Atrani on the east. Because the beach consists of small grey pebbles and coarse dark sand rather than soft white powder, rubber swimming shoes make walking into the water significantly more comfortable.
Ferry Connections and Port Facilities
Immediately adjoining the western end of Marina Grande is Molo Pennello, Amalfi's active maritime terminal. Scheduled passenger ferries run by Travelmar and NLG depart continuously between April and late October, providing rapid scenic water links to Positano (20 mins), Capri (50 mins), Salerno (35 mins), and Minori (10 mins). Taking a ferry avoids the notorious traffic congestion and winding switchbacks of the coastal SS163 road.
Marina Grande & Port Map
Located along the seafront directly below Piazza Duomo.
Steps Away from the Shore
Directly accessible from the beach boardwalk.
Duomo di Amalfi
Amalfi's main cathedral and historic square, just through the arched sea gates.
2 min walk through Porta MarinaFerry Guide
Complete timetable and ticket pricing guide for ferries departing from the Amalfi pier.
Located at western end of beachFrequently Asked Questions about Marina Grande Beach
Is Marina Grande a sand or pebble beach?
Marina Grande is primarily a pebble and coarse dark volcanic sand beach. Water shoes are helpful when wading into the water.
Can I visit Marina Grande beach for free?
Yes. Designated free public sections (spiaggia libera) are open to the public without fee on either end of the beachfront.
How much does a sunbed cost at Amalfi beach?
A set of two loungers and one umbrella at private beach clubs ranges from $29 to $58 (€25 to €50) per day depending on the month and proximity to the water.
Are there public restrooms and showers at Marina Grande?
Free cold rinse showers are located at the public beach sections. Full restrooms, private changing cabins, and hot showers are provided for patrons of the private lidos.
Is the water clean for swimming near the port?
Water quality is officially monitored by regional health authorities and regularly rated excellent. Swimming is restricted directly inside the marked ferry turning channel.
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