Amalfi Coast
By Go Travelling , Public Domain
By Go Travelling , Public Domain
Facing the Tyrhennian Sea, in the Campania region of Southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a rugged stretch of sparkling coastline winding its way between Gulf of Naples to the Gulf of Salerno. Towering cliffs dotted with citrus and olive groves, terraced vineyards, pastures and small idyllic villages perching on the craggy cliffsides, the vista is magnificent!
This beautiful stretch of dramatic coastline comprising 13 splendid towns : Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, and Vietri sul Mare.
Each town features a different atmosphere, has its very own unique charm, preserved their centuries-old tradition and flair. However, there’s something in common; the spectacular beaches lapped by crystal-clear water, balmy weather, charming old town surrounded by twisting narrow streets, packed with medieval architectural treasures, gorgeous churches graced by large majolica dome and the hospitable locals ready to welcome visitors from afar.
The dazzling Amalfi Coast can be crowded, but its allure is irresistible! There are also some off -the -track hidden gems, with lesser tourists but equally amazing beaches for laid back by the sea.
Landscape of enormous beauty, this jewel of Mediterranean has continued to lure visitors for many centuries.
The Amalfi Coast was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Amalfi
A graceful city, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and azure sea, Amalfi is the heart of this magnificent Italian coastline and a must-see town on your Amalfi Coast adventure. Amalfi was the capital of the Maritime Republic known as the Duchy of Amalfi, an important trading power in the Mediterranean between 839 and around 1200. Thus, the town gives its name to the coast. At the center of the main square is the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew, features a marvelous stairway, cloister and the Arab-Norman style bell tower . The Handmade Paper Museum and the Ancients Arsenals of the Republic Musuem also worth a visit. The stunning multi-coloured houses and labyrinthine alleyways are wonderful to behold. A good place to relax and soak up the sun !
Atrani
The Medieval village of Atrani is marked by small alleys, arches, courts, tiny piazzas and characteristic stairs. The monumental complex of Santa Maria Maddalenais, with its Baroque façade, lively dome tiled with majolica, and elegant bell tower, is the symbol of the village. Atrani offers visitors picturesque views as well as the pleasure to spend relaxing moments in the main square, away from the mass tourism. If you go, be sure to see the stupendous piazzetta on the sea.
Cetara
Cetara is a quaint fishermen's village on the Amalfi Coast. It's one of Italy's main centres for tuna fishing and known as food lovers' hotspot. The Tower of Cetara, built in 1576 on an old tower basis, is now a museum of fishing.
By Fiore Silvestro Barbato -flickr
By Gianfranco Vitolo-flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Tower of Cetara
By Gianfranco Vitolo-flickr.com
Conca dei Marini
The village has preserved the old charm of a fishing village, characterized by its white vaulted roofs houses from the 16th Century. The Emerald Grotto, a marvelous karst cave, is one of the most beautiful in the world!
Furore
Furore, a village clinged to the sides of the Lattari Mountains, sloping down to the sea. A unique village with many mural paintings around public buildings, small piazzas and sculptures created by artists from around the world that has turned Furore in a ‘painted village', known as an authentic open-air contemporary art gallery, The main attraction is the dramatic 'Fiordo' or fiord, where a cluster of old fishermen's houses clinging to the side of the rocky gorge. It’s a hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast, and a perfect place to relax and unwind on a laid-back vacation.
Maiori
Maiori was destroyed by a disastrous flood in 1954, and was rebuilt with modern edifices. The wide seaside promenade is a pleasant place to enjoy excellent views all the way to the rocky harbor.
Dominating the village from atop is the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, rebuilt in the 15th century. It served as a fortress, a bastion, a place of refuge for the local against Longobard. Next, the Church of Santa Maria a Mare, built in the 12th century, this church is graced by a large majolica dome, a richly carved wooden ceiling dating from the 16th century, and a statue of the Virgin which, according to the local legend, was found floating in the water, just off the town's shores. The Norman Tower, biggest and oldest of the Amalfi Coast Towers, built between 1250 and 1300, used to sight and fight the enemies from the sea. Today it has become a famous panoramic restaurant.
Minori
Minori is the delightful and uncrowded seaside resort in the Amalfi coast, known for its long tradition in the production of handmade pasta as well as in the processing of the famous Amalfi coast lemon PGI. Surrounded by lush terraced gardens, the small town hides architectural treasures of great value, such as the ruins of the Roman villa from 1st century AD, the Basilica of Santa Trofimena and the Arab-Norman style bell tower of Annunziata. Sunsets are spectacular here!
Positano
Arguably the most photogenic village. Perched atop a steep rocky hill and its pretty narrow streets wind all the way down to the harbor. In the town center is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta that shows up with its large dome, covered in majolica and sheltering some precious works like polychrome marble altars.
Praiano
Praiano is an ancient and tranquil fishing village that that has retained its atmosphere as a quiet fishing town throughout the centuries. It offers visitors a rich artisan variety linked to the traditional silk-spinning and manufacturing.
Church of San Gennaro, Praiano
By Gianfranco Vitolo-flickr
By Gianfranco Vitolo-flickr
Ravello
Ravello is one of the Coastal gems, with its villas, gardens and panamoric views that denote absolute charm and elegance – first among them, the sweeping seascapes and breathtaking scenery from Moorish-style Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbroneri. Ravello is home to the fascinating little Coral Museum , a showcase of craftsmanship in the art of the coral jewelry and decoration. The town is noted for its devotional chapels and painted walls all over the city. Look for them as you wander the streets.
Scala
The oldest and highest town on the Amalfi Coast. It was founded in the the 4th century BC by Romans shipwrecked while going to Constantinople. Along the stone steps between the sleepy villages of Minuta and Pontone, sits the remarkable ruins of the Basilica of Sant'Eustachio, the largest church in the Duchy of Amalfi. Located in panoramic position overlooking the village of Pontone and still shows the beautiful inlay work on the exterior side of the apses, frescoes and precious marble. The town is famous for its cultivation of chestnuts.
Basilica of Sant'Eustachio
By Renaud Camus-flickr
Tramonti
Tramonti pearched on the rugged hills above the Amalfi Coast, surrounded by the green valley of the Lattari Mountain. Here you'll find chestnut woods, olive trees, grazing sheep, scented lemon groves and vineyards producing full-bodied wines (tintore wine), all set in a bucolic landscape. The perfect place to enjoy the authentic flavors of local cuisine, , in particular mozzarella, bread and pizza prepared since the Middle Ages in rural ovens.
One of the most interesting places to visit in the town, the Castle of Santa Maria La Nova once had seven bastions and ten towers. Also worthy of mention is the Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo, in the district of Gete, you will be fascinated by the splendid rocky church of St Michele Archangel.
Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo, Gete
By Antonio Salsano ©Salsano2016 - flickr.com, CC BY-ND 2.0
Vietri sul Mare
The town is considered to be the first city of the Amalfi Coast if you are coming from Salerno. Known as 'the City of Ceramic', it is famous for the production of bright colored artistic ceramic, since the 15th century. A picturesque hilly villages where you can still enjoy an antique flavor atmosphere. Visit the delightful Museum of Ceramics in the Tower of Villa Guariglia, located on the hill top, overlooking the sea. Do not miss to visit the Church of St Giovanni Battista, with a late-Renaissance façade, surmounted by an elegant majolica cupola.
Path of the Gods
For the adventurous , hiking the Path of the Gods, (Sentiero degli Dei), is a good experience. A 7.8 km scenic trail with coastal views , along the mountain ridge high above the sea. The Path of the Gods begins in Bomerano, in the village of Agerola and ends in Nocelle, the upper part of Positano.
