Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is unique and, for good reason, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape with exceptional cultural and natural values derived from its spectacular morphology and historical evolution, the Amalfi Coast appears as a balcony suspended between the cobalt blue sea and the slopes of the Lattari Mountains.
The towns of the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is an area of great natural beauty and diversity, with towns rich in outstanding architectural and artistic works. Between Sorrento and the city of Salerno, the towns of the Coast unfold one after another, each with its own characteristics and peculiarities; let's find out which are the 13 towns that make it up.
Vietri sul Mare
Undisputed capital of artistic and traditional ceramics on the Amalfi Coast, Campania and Italy
Cetara
The most authentic fishing village on the Amalfi Coast, famous for Colatura di alici.
The other towns on the Amalfi Coast are:
Atrani: lovely village in the neighbourhood of Amalfi, which still retains all its seafaring authenticity and is famous for its wonderful little square by the sea.
Conca dei Marini: mainly characterized by white-vaulted houses of 17th-century origin and renowned for housing the famous Emerald Cave.
Furore: village renowned for its fjord.
Scala e Tramonti: one known for being the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, the other for its high-quality product: the "Fior di Latte"
Must-see attractions of the Amalfi Coast
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has a coastline that stretches 55 kilometers in length and ranges from the town of Vietri sul Mare to Positano. So despite the fact that all the towns are about an hour apart, and therefore easily reached by bus or ferry, as well as by private means, the right choice of where to stay on the Amalfi Coast can save you time and money.
So here are the best areas to stay in on the Amalfi Coast according to your needs, itineraries and interests:
Low budget: the best areas on the Amalfi Coast where you can stay with low budget are: Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Tramonti, Scala and Salerno.
Family with children: if you are looking for a wide, sandy beach, ideal for children to play on, then Maiori is the ideal town to stay in. Obviously not recommended are towns like Positano or Praiano, which are vertical and make mobility difficult.
Trekking: ideal places for those who enjoy trekking are: Minori and Maiori for the path of the Lemons, Bomerano, Nocelle and Praiano for the path of the Gods.
Strategic areas: for those in cars or who also wish to travel to the surrounding areas to visit the main attractions, we strongly recommend Salerno or Sorrento, the only two cities well connected to the Amalfi Coast and in possession of a train station. While if you want to fully experience the atmosphere of the Coast and stay well connected with the surrounding areas, then Amalfi is the right choice.
Luxury: For those on a honeymoon or on a high budget, we absolutely recommend Positano or Ravello, among the most glamorous places on the Amalfi Coast and home to many exquisite hotels.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast stretches about 55 km, so depending on where you are headed, distances may be shortened or lengthened, so let's see how to get to its main towns-Amalfi and Positano from Naples or Salerno:
For those coming from Salerno, it is possible to exit the A3 highway at Vietri sul Mare and from there take the SS163 Amalfitana until reaching first Amalfi and then Positano.
For those coming from Naples on the A3, take the highway exit Angri, continue in the direction of Ravello, and finally reach Amalfi, while for those heading to Positano, it is more convenient to take the highway exit Castellamare di Stabia, continue in the direction of Sorrento, at Meta continue to Positano.
Why you should visit the Amalfi Coast
The unique architecture of cliff-perched houses, vertically developed towns, the scents of wisteria in the air, the mild climate almost all year round and the characteristic craft stores make the Amalfi Coast a perfect tourist destination chosen by thousands of tourists from both Italy and abroad.
If you are wondering why to visit the Amalfi Coast, know that beyond its scenic views, picturesque landscapes, unspoiled nature and luxurious hotels, there are many things to see: starting with Amalfi's famous Arab-Sicilian style cathedral dedicated to St. Andrew, the magnificent Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, the Valle delle Ferriere and the Path of the Gods, ideal places for trekking and nature lovers, and finally the numerous stores of local handicraft products, with the artistic ceramics of Vietri sul Mare.
Thanks to the mutually respectful relationship between man and nature, this extraordinary cultural landscape of exceptional value has been forged over the centuries, which is why the Amalfi Coast became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Some historical verses by H.W. Longfellow devoted to the description of the "Divine" Amalfi Coast and its complete aesthetic fulfillment that goes beyond the landscapes and the sea read, "land beyond the sea, where the waves and mountains meet" in fact, one of the first sensations that envelops the soul of visitors is that of mystical asceticism.
Visited since time immemorial for its beauty, the Amalfi Coast is not only a destination with a summer vocation but also a recommended destination in the off-season for gourmets and gluttons, suffice it to mention the limoncello made with the sfusato Amalfitan lemon, anchovies and Colatura di Alici of Cetara, fior di Latte of Agerola, provolone del Monaco, lemon spaghetti and much more.
So to sum up, the Amalfi Coast represents the perfect place to spend your next vacation in Italy, among relaxation, nature and enchanting views.
Amalfi Coast and surroundings
