Certainly one of the most romantic destinations in the Mediterranean world, the Amalfi Coast will enchant you with its pretty villages perched high above the sea, its pastel-colored houses and its terraced vineyards. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast is known for its luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. If you are planning to visit Italy, it should definitely be on the top of your list.
From Sorrento to Salerno
One of the most picturesque scenic routes on the Italian peninsula, the legendary Amalfi Coast stretches for about 50 kilometers between the cities of Sorrento and Salerno on the Bay of Naples. It is dotted with picturesque villages such as Amalfi, Positano or Cetara.
A maritime power that between the 10th and 12th centuries rivaled cities such as Venice or Genoa, Amalfi is without a doubt the most touristic destination on the coast, to which it gave its name. Its maze of medieval streets, its beautiful cathedral and its beautiful beach are not to be missed. Amalfi is also famous for its handmade stationery. Amalfi is the official supplier of stationery to the Vatican! Don’t miss its paper museum! Not far from Amalfi, I loved the charming village of Praiano. Stop in Praiano, it’s exactly halfway between Amalfi and Positano!
Positano is, in my opinion, the real jewel of the Amalfi Coast. The topography of the village is absolutely spectacular with its colorful houses that seem to be anchored in the mountain. Whether you overlook Positano from its heights or discover this charming seaside resort from the sea, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Cetara is a charming fishing port located between Amalfi and Salerno. Tuna and anchovies are the specialties of the village, especially tuna preserved in olive oil or colatura di alici, an anchovy-based condiment often used to spice up a dish of spaghetti. Cetara is definitely a gastronomic destination with its many restaurants offering fresh products of the day!
The Path of Gods
The Sentieri Degli Dei is a beautiful path that starts from the village of Bomerano and goes along the whole Amalfi coast to reach Positano. It was for me the most beautiful experience of my trip in the region. Three hours of unforgettable walking interspersed with breathtaking panoramas. A deep blue Mediterranean, terraces of vineyards clinging to the mountain, the scent of heather, rosemary and other aromatic plants that perfume this sublime route. Each village along the way is an opportunity to take a break, so that a three-hour hike can become a day trip. Don’t forget a hat, sun cream and water!
Ravello
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at a height of more than 350 meters, Ravello has attracted artists and writers for centuries. This charming little village of 2,500 inhabitants is home to a number of historic villas, such as the famous Villa Cimbrone, which offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salerno, its vineyards and orchards, and even further away, the Cilento mountains.
The islands of the Bay of Naples
The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is also that of the majestic bay of Naples and its islands: Ischia, the volcanic one with its thermal springs, Procida, the quiet fishing port that seems to have survived the passage of time, and the famous Capri, an already famous vacation spot under the Romans. The best way to reach these islands is to take a boat trip from Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi or Positano. Each island is worth spending at least a day on. Capri is by far the most touristic of the three. Don’t miss its rock formations like the Arco naturale or the Faraglioni di Capri, its blue grotto and its numerous villas like the Villa Jovis, the Villa Malaparte and the Villa San Michele. Capri is also known for its famous lemons, so according to your desire let yourself be tempted by a gelato al limone or a limoncello.
Other possible tours
As you can see, the Amalfi Coast is an absolutely exceptional tourist destination: the beauty of the Mediterranean, the flavors of Italy, a perfect climate almost in every season! Nevertheless, if you want to get out of this winding paradise of about 50 kilometers, there are also other very interesting attractions. The ruins of the city of Pompeii destroyed by its impressive neighbor, the volcano Vesuvius, are worth a visit. The ruins of Herculaneum and Paestum are also worth seeing if you are passionate about ancient history. Naples is also a city that will not leave you indifferent. Finally, as I am a wine lover, I recommend a visit to a vineyard. During my stay, I loved the wines of Marisa Cuomo, one of the most talented winemakers in the region, located in the heights of Furore. I can’t recommend you enough to visit her. Reservation required!
To finish, here is a Google Maps with all the places and attractions I mentioned in my article to facilitate your next visit to the Amalfi Coast. Have a nice trip!
Leave a Reply