A breathtaking landscape that preserves centuries of art, history, and culture to the point that the Amalfi Coast has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Amalfi is, geographically and historically, the central nucleus of the Amalfi Coast, around which a series of villages branch out, each with its own character and traditions. Positano, Maiori, Minori, and Ravello are just some of the towns that you can visit to immerse yourself in the beauty of a unique and unforgettable place.
A complete and detailed guide to the 10 things to do and see on the Amalfi Coast.
1. Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast
The origins of Amalfi can be traced back to the fights between the Romans and the barbarian populations, even if, according to a legend, it seems that Amalfi is a gift that Hercules, son of Jupiter, gave to the beloved girl whose eyes were the color of the sea.
Whether you want to believe the story or the legend, the fact is that the geographical position of Amalfi has favored the development of a strong source of income around the maritime activity. The glorious past and the beauty of the landscape have made the town an important pole of attraction for tourists from all over Europe. After a must visit to the Duomo, you can stroll through the streets of the center delighting in the souvenir shops or letting yourself be captured by the scents and flavors of the many delicacies of the Amalfi Coast.
2. Ravello, Amalfi Coast
The most famous travelers of all time elected Ravello “Homeland of the spirit”. The charm of the landscapes, the value of the monuments and villas have kidnapped and seduced many European artists who came here in search of inspiration.
The history of Ravello is linked to the events of Amalfi, it was under the Maritime Republic that Ravello reached its maximum splendor, excelling in trade. After the devastation caused by the wars, in the 19th century, its rise began again when the artists and intellectuals of the time rediscovered it as a destination for culturally elitist tourism. Do not just enjoy the fantastic landscape, because there is so much to see: Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, the Duomo and many other churches are the places not to be missed during a visit to the city.
3. Vietri Sul Mare, Amalfi Coast
Vietri Sul Mare is defined as the “first pearl” of the Amalfi Coast, as well as the city of ceramics.
That of the master potters is a tradition that still continues and is scrupulously handed down to new generations. The masterpieces of this art can be seen in the characteristic Ceramic Museum of Villa Guariglia in Raito or in the Cargaleiro Museum. But you only have to walk through the narrow streets of the historic center to realize that the art of pottery is the master: beautiful tiles are set in the walls of the houses and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which overlooks the center, is surmounted by a fabulous majolica dome. To take home a few pieces of traditional Vietri craftsmanship, all you have to do is choose which shop to shop in.
4. Positano, Amalfi Coast
Nestled in the mountains and overlooking the crystal clear sea, Positano, with its fabulous beaches, including those of Marina Grande and Fornillo, is crowded every year by many tourists who come here to spend a relaxing holiday, immersed in a dreamy atmosphere.
The sea, the sun, the beaches, and the fabulous landscape are not the only reasons to choose Positano as your holiday destination. The Church of Santa Maria Teresa dell’Assunta, with its beautiful majolica dome, the Saracen towers, the small villages of Nocelle, and Montepertuso are some of the many things you can visit. Not to be underestimated, then, the fashion, which here offers many opportunities for shopping, and the gastronomy: the lemon delights, the Positanese cake, and the many seafood specialties will cheer your palates.
5. Atrani, Amalfi Coast
The authenticity of Atrani lies in the fact that it has kept intact the appearance of a small fishing village.
It is the second smallest town in Italy and has its center in the small square with the Church of San Salvatore and the modest stone fountain. The square overlooks the sea, and the first houses are concentrated around it, then climb up towards the valley and climb along the walls of the hill. As you move to the upper part of the village, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire Amalfi Coast. Atrani is an example of balanced tourist development, and here you can breathe a young but respectful air of its original inclination. Far from the noise of traffic, Atrani is ideal for those who want to enjoy a masterpiece of nature in peace.
6.Conca Dei Marini, Amalfi Coast
Conca Dei Marini is another jewel of the Amalfi Coast, home, until recently, of many famous people on the national and international scene and custodian of the fabulous Emerald Grotto.
The Cave is a cove on the coast, here nature seems to have enclosed all its most spectacular colors to capture and amaze the eye of those who enter it. In addition to the natural beauty, Conca Dei Marini also houses remarkable architectural works: the Convent of Santa Rosa, which has seen the birth of the famous sfogliatella, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua with its beautiful majolica bell tower or even the Coastal Tower, called Torre del Silenzio because it was once a cemetery.
7. Furore, Amalfi Coast
Among the mountains, invisible to the eyes of those who travel along the Amalfi Coast, lies the town of Furore: a village divided in two between the austerity of the rock and the fluidity of the water.
On the one hand, the Fjord, a typical element of the Nordic landscapes, on the other, the Tyrrhenian Sea, with its crystal clear waters and houses that seem to throw themselves overhanging the sea. It was probably the thunder caused by the waters wedged in the fjord that gave the place the name Terra Furoris (hence the current Furore). The quiet that envelops the streets of Furore will immerse you in a dreamy atmosphere, surrounded by the rocks that throw themselves into the water along whose walls creeps arid vegetation, the sound of the waves and the houses fighting against the impervious territory.
8, Maiori and Minori, Amalfi Coast
Uncertain is the news about the foundation of Maiori; but whether it was the Greeks, Romans, Picentines, or Etruscans, we find ourselves in front of another characteristic center of the Amalfi Coast.
Maiori can boast of the longest beach of this stretch of the peninsula, and among naturalistic, religious, and gastronomic itineraries, there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the enchantment of this land. Walking on foot, it is possible to get to know the main monuments of the city, among which the Colleggiata di S. Maria a Mare or the Castello di S. Nicola de Thoro-Plano, or dive into the crystal clear sea and visit the millenary caves, among them the Grotta Sulfurea and the Grotta di Pandora. Between an excursion and a dive, do not renounce to taste the genuine flavors that the territory offers. The Villa Marittima Romana is probably the main attraction of Minori, built around the 1st century A.D., to welcome a Roman nobleman and his family during summer stays. Minori, in fact, since ancient times, has always been the favorite tourist destination of the wealthiest Roman classes. Among the colorful streets, immersed in the scent of citrus fruits and admiring the beautiful shades of the sea, you can live moments of pure relaxation. In addition to the Villa, not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, which has kept the remains of the city’s patron saint for centuries. The remarkable artistic and cultural heritage, combined with the beautiful landscape and food and wine specialties, attracts those who love the sea and tranquility. Minors, waiting, ready to offer welcome and hospitality to its visitors. Not far from the two towns, there is Erchie, one of the most beautiful beaches of the whole Amalfi Coast.
9. Cetara, Amalfi Coast
Famous worldwide for the production of anchovies, Cetara combines the beauty of the villages of the Amalfi Coast with an exceptional gastronomic tradition.
It goes to the seaside town above all to taste the famous “colatura di alici”: in practice, the amber-colored liquid is obtained by leaving the anchovies in salt, and then it becomes an extraordinary condiment for pasta. The current colatura is very similar to the Garum of the Romans. But the anchovies, in Cetara, are the protagonists of all dishes: they are the appetizer, the second course, and the quick snack, together with the fish of “paranza” or the noblest tuna, another typical fish of the cetarese tradition. The village has two beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and small houses perched. You can walk around, but it is quite difficult to find parking in high season.
10. Where to stay in Amalfi Coast
Hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are not lacking on the Amalfi Coast. Some of the most beautiful hotels in the world can be found on this stretch of coast: what is difficult is to find them free when everyone is on holiday (spring, summer) and at an acceptable price.This doesn’t mean it’s impossible: booking well in advance you can find wonderful 3-star hotels for 80 euros per night in a double room. The real great difficulty of the place is the parking lots, practically non-existent: so if you move by car, it is advisable to check that the hotel has a parking lot and that it is included.