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Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, and the Amalfi Coast is one of its most spectacular. The picturesque Southern Italian shoreline resembles a painting set between sea and sky.
Less than 200 miles from Rome and 60 miles from Naples, the celebrated coast is known for its warm, sunny climate, salty Mediterranean breezes, and crisp air from the surrounding mountains.
The Amalfi Coast will tempt all of your senses, from inhaling the scent of fresh lemons in Sorrento to swimming in sparkling blue coves to sampling delectable seafood dishes.
The 34-mile stretch of magnificent terrain and 13 colorful towns are connected by the SS163 (Amalfitana) highway. From Sorrento to the west, the road winds down to pastel-hued Positano - a popular holiday destination for celebrities and other VIPs.
Further down the coastal road lies Amalfi, once a maritime power. Its treasures include the majestic Chiostro del Paradiso and the striking Duomo, which houses the relics of St Andrew. In the alpine town of Ravello, travelers find the best views on the coast along with the beautiful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Sorrento
Sorrento was colonized by the Greeks as early as 600 BC and later became a Roman resort. It was next controlled by Byzantium, then conquered by the French and Spanish.
After a long period of stagnation, the peninsula enjoyed an economic and cultural rebirth during the 18th century. This renaissance reached its peak during the "Grand Tour" when artists and writers like Keats, Byron, Wagner, Goethe, and Nietzsche visited Sorrento in search of rest and inspiration.
Be sure to see:
• St Francis' Cloister, dedicated to the patron saint of Sorrento
• The ancient walled historic center
• The art Museum Correale for paintings, furniture, and ceramics
• Vallone dei Mulini, where the ruins of abandoned flour mills sit in an enchanting natural setting
• The view from Sant’Agata over Sorrento and the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno
• A visit to a woodcarving workshop, one of the ancient arts still alive in Sorrento
• The Caruso Suite and terrace at Grand Hotel excelsior Vittoria, dedicated to the famous singer
Recommended:
• Visit a citrus grove to see how limoncello is made and enjoy a tasting of the liqueur and traditional lemon biscotti
• Savor Neapolitan pastries at Bar Fauno in Piazza Tasso
• Relish the delicious "gnocchi alla Sorrentina," potato gnocchi with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil baked in the oven.
• Sample fried zucchini flowers filled with mozzarella cheese
Positano
The town of Positano rises vertically from the coast, ornamenting the mountainside with a panorama of soft colors. The oldest houses sit high on the hill, decorated in faded pink or Baroque stucco.
Stroll along Via Pasitea, a pedestrian road that runs through the heart of town. Enjoy the town's narrow, stepped alleys, vaulted roofs, and tiny gardens climbing the rockface. Near the beach, you'll find the church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Be sure to see:
• Santa Maria Assunta, with its beautiful majolica ceramic tiled dome and bell tower
• Montepertuso Il Buco, a lookout point with unmatched views of the area. Montepertuso is Italian for "hole in the mountain," and this 380 foot high perch is about a 30-minute walk (or a short bus ride) from St Maria Assunta. The forested path runs alongside a winery, olive groves, and past another historic church.
• The shops! Positano is famous for designer clothing and tailored men's fashion. Ladies' shoes and accessories are also worth a look.
Amalfi
The tranquil, charming resort town of Amalfi was an important center of trade from the 9th to 13th centuries. The former capital of the Duchy of Amalfi is known for its rich medieval architecture and a dense network of narrow alleys winding through town.
The Duomo di Sant' Andrea, built in the 13th-century, houses the relics of Saint Andrew, Amalfi's patron saint. The cathedral adjoins the 9th-century Basilica of the Crucifix, which now serves as a small museum. Remodeled several times over the centuries, the striking cathedral reflects a broad range of architectural styles and contains many artifacts and works of art.
Outside, The Cloister of Paradise is one of southern Italy's architectural treasures. Built in 1268, it served as a cemetery for local nobility for centuries. The Arab-Sicilian masterpiece is constructed of 120 delicate marble columns and intertwining arches. A Mediterranean garden fills the central quadrangle, and historic works of art line the walkways.
Be sure to see:
• The Duomo di Sant’Andrea and Cloister of Paradise
• Antica Cartiera, the ancient paper factory (reservations are a must)
• The Compass Museo della Bussola dedicated to Italian Flavio Gioia, inventor of the compass
Recommended:
• Stop by Caffetteria Panza to sample candied fruit (orange and lemon peel) dipped in dark chocolate
• Taste other local sweets such as the Amalfi ricotta and pear cake or Sfogliatelle di Santa Rosa, a pastry filled with sour cherries and cream first created by the monks of Santa Rosa
Ravello
Ravello lies high in the hills above the coast, offering fantastic views up and down the rocky coastline. Former resident Gore Vidal declared the breathtaking vistas the best in the world.
Ravello's treasures include the Duomo de Ravello and Villa Cimbrone with its stunning Italian and English-style gardens and bust-filled Infinity Terrace.
Be sure to see:
• Villa Cimbrione and its scenic belvedere, the "Terrace of Infinity"
• Villa Rufolo, where Ravello Music Festival is held annually in honor of composer Richard Wagner, who found great inspiration here
• Santuario del Beato Bonaventura, where pilgrims gather each year
Recommended:
• Visiting the Museum of Coral
• Enjoying the town, visiting bars, restaurants, and shops
Capri
This beautiful isle in the glimmering Gulf of Naples has been a resort since Roman times. Some of the main features of the island include the Marina Piccola (the little harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
Be sure to see:
• Anacapri, the picture-perfect, whitewashed town at the top of the island. Be sure to see the Church of San Michele, a must-see for its incredible majolica floor mosaic
• The Grotta Azzurra ("Blue Grotto"), flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light and only accessible by boat
• The iconic faraglioni, three limestone formations just off the coast, from one of their best viewpoints: Giardini di Augusto, Monte Solaro, or Belvedere di Tragara
• Via Krupp, the winding pathway with hairpin turns cut into the rock. The pathway is closed to foot traffic but can be viewed from a scenic overlook in the Augustus Gardens
• Sunset with an aperitivo from the Punta Carena lighthouse
Recommended:
• Take a boat tour around the island to view Capri from the sea
• Attend an art or music festival in the spring or summer
• Try Torta Caprese, the typical local cake with chocolate and almond
Other Gems of the Amalfi Coast:
Conca dei Marini - visit a family-run workshop where they produce beautiful ceramics. While you're there, be sure to view the magnificent "Emerald Grotto."
Minori - tour the museum inside an ancient Roma villa dating to the first century.
Cetara - this fishing village is famous for a delectable fish sauce made with anchovies, "colatura di alici." Take a tour with local fishers to see it prepared firsthand.
Vietri - famous for its ceramics
Marina di Praia - a beautiful bay once used by pirates
Cammino degli Dei - a clifftop hiking path that connects several towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast. In the past, the only way to reach Amalfi, Positano, and other villages was by boat or from one of these paths.
Want to create the perfect Amalfi Coast experience? Set up a call with me to start planning!
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