Amalfi Coast – Southern Italy

Planning a perfect trip to the Amalfi Coast

Charming millions of people every year, the amalfi coast is an amazing stretch of coastline where thirteen little towns are breathtakingly connected by the Amalfi Drive.

Viewpoint along the Amalfi Drive

Not far away from other popular tourist destinations in Campania like Naples, Pompeii and Haerculaneum, this stretch of coastline has always been attractive to people.

Before the coast had a name, the ancient roman rich people used to build their gorgeous villas along it. This is witnessed by some ruins located along the coast: the “Villa Romana” in Minori, or the roman villa in Positano, located underneath the church dedicated to S. M. Assunta, as well as the ruins of the villa in Capri, where the roman emperior Tiberius lived.

Where is the Amalfi Coast in Italy?

The Amalfi Coast is located in Southern Italy, in a region named Campania. This region is famous worldwide for its history, (the romans named it “Campania Felix)… It is the region where some of the most famed cities, monuments, and tourist destinations are located: Napoli, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, Salerno, Caserta, Paestum, and – of course – the Amalfi Coast.

If you have never been to Campania, it is worth considering to pay a visit to its tourist destinations.

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast keeps on charming millions of people every year.

Even though each town enchants the visitor for a different reason, some of them have a special appeal.

What towns to visit on Amalfi Coast

Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

These three towns are definitely the most famous among the ones on the Amalfi Coast.

Positano, with its pastel houses clinging to the rocks, from the mountain to the sea, is the perfect location for la Dolce Vita. Its colourful alleys are the right place to do some shopping and get some dresses (the typical style is named Moda Positano), handmade sandals, or locally crafted goods. Once you reach the beach, turn yourself backwards, and take a look at the stunning sight of the town, the mountains and the sky.

View of Positano

Amalfi, the ancient republic, is probably the town where history, architecture, tradition, and views merge all together. The Cathedral dominates the main square, and is the main a “attraction” of the town. Pay a visit to the museum of the Ancient Arsenals, and take a walk at the Lungomare dei Cavalieri, to get the feeling of the town. Additionally, you may want to taste some good local food, so, be sure to have Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and other typical dishes from the local tradition. After lunch, will be the perfect time to have some Limoncello (typical lemon liquor).

Amalfi, The Cathedral

Ravello is a piece of heaven on earth. To find out why, you have to spend some time in the town and see its attractions: above all, the two gardens named Villa Rufolo (where, Richard Wagner found inspiration for the ending part of its opera “Parsifal”) and Villa Cimbrone. As the town is up high from the sea level (about 400 metres), the views from Ravello are spectacular! When in Villa Cimbrone, don’t miss the famous “Terrace of Infinity”… the view from that spot will take your breath away. It is definitely the right town to spend an awesome Holiday.

View from Ravello

Cetara

This little fishing village is not among the most famed towns of the Amalfi Coast. Cetara is less touristy than Positano and Amalfi, and is a village of fishermen, specialized in catching big fishes (mainly tuna). It is the birthplace of the “Colatura di Alici”, a fish sauce made from anchovies. Italians love to spend some time in Cetara, taking a walk along the pier in the little harbour, and enjoying the typical food: Spaghetti alla colatura di alici, Cuoppo fritto di pesce.

View of Cetara from the port

Conca dei Marini

Travelling along the State Road 163 (SS 163 – Amalfitana) from Positano towards Amalfi, you will pass by the village of Conca Dei Marini. Most of the town is not visible from the road. In Conca dei Marini it is worth paying a visit to the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). You will meet the entrance gates along the road. By the grotto, enjoy the fantastic view of the little bay, where the water have a fantastic emerald green color.

Conca dei Marini

Best beaches on Amalfi Coast

Travelling to the Amalfi Coast, you may want to enjoy some memorable time by the sea. What are the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast? It’s hard to say, as each one has a different view and characteristics. Some of the beaches are quite famous, some others are only reachable by boat, some by walking a steep path. One of the most famed is the Fjord of Furore. The largest beach is in Maiori. Nearby Amalfi you will find the “lido degli artisti”, and the “spiaggia del duoglio”, and “Santa Croce”. Positano has the “Spiaggia grande”, the “Spiaggia del Fornillo”, “Laurito” and “Arienzo”.

The fjord in furore

This article is intended to help you in planning your perfect trip to the Amalfi Coast. Feel free to contact us to get more information about the Amalfi Coast.

Are you looking for an escorted tour of the Amalfi Coast? Take a look at our featured Positano, Amalfi and Ravello private day-tour.

Looking for how to travel to the Amalfi Coast? Take a look here. Find out where to stay on Amalfi Coast.