Top

Amalfi Coast Italy, outstanding!

Amalfi Coast Italy, an outstanding mediterranean landscape

Amalfi Coast has fabled cliffs, jaw-dropping views and heart-stopping drive! The steep coast has suggestive ports and hidden bays. Also, limpid fiords and crystalline waters. It will definitely give you a moment when you’ll ask yourself if it is for real.

Scenic stretches of coastline with picturesque towns perched on cliffs. This stunning landscapes are a nominated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Amalfi Coast connects the mountains and the sea by a labyrinth of stairways and narrow alleys. And, those are passing by villages with colourful homes. Or whitewashed houses and brilliant colored domes.

The scent of lemon blossoms combined with the aroma of saltiness of the sea. This is what complete one of Italy’s most memorable destinations.
It’s the perfect blend of natural and cultural wonders.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is one of the most beautiful itineraries in Italy. Driving along the coastline is a unique experience.

The views down to the Tyrrhenian Sea are stunning. You get to see it from this road carved out of the side of the coastal cliffs. No less impressive are the views on the other side, up to the cliffs above. Along the Amalfi Coast, the Amalfi Drive (S S 163) goes from Salerno to Positano. It follows the coast for about 31 miles / 50 km.

amalfi-coast road 2

Each one of the townes spread along the Amalfi Coast has its own unique character and appeal. Find out which one fits your style of travel. For example:

Vietri sul Mare

is the first town when you enter the Amalfi Coast from Salerno. It feels like an open-air museum. Stunning seashore, charming colourful houses and bright colored handmade ceramics everywhere you look. It even has a Museum of the Ceramics. It is perfect if you want to experience an authentic slice of life on Amalfi Coast.

Moreover, here you can see:

  • Tower of Marina di Albori, currently transformed into a private home.
  • Chiatamone (or Crestarella)Tower, a fortified building of strategic importance for defense.
  • Tower of Bassano at Cala di Fuenti, one of the many watchtowers along the Amalfi Coast.

Also, the beaches:

  • Marina di Vietri a long, wide swath of sandy beach tucked in between two rocky “walls”.
  • La Lucertola (“the lizard”) is a small, nicely equipped beach.
  • Marina di Albori, a small beach with clean water.
amalfi-coast Vietri sul mare

Cetara

a quintessential Mediterranean fishing village. It’s definitely fitted for a seaside holiday enjoying good food and wine.

amalfi-coast Cetara 2

Than, you can visit:

  • Cetara Tower that is now taken by the Cetara public administration. It was transformed into a museum of fishing.

Also, the beaches:

  • Spiaggia Lannio with amazing, bright, sandy shore with stunningly blue and transparent water.
  • Baia beach a small pebbly beach.

Maiori

a peaceful little bathing resort. This fishing town was once known as Reghinna Maior.

Next, you can see:

  • Tower of Marina di Erchie. It is one of the best preserved towers of the coastline.
  • Tower of Lama del Cane now in ruins.
  • Capo Tummolo Tower now almost totally destroyed.
  • Badia Tower now a private house.
  • Cesare Tower also used as a private residence.
  • Norman Tower, or tower of Salicerchio. It dominates the landscape of Maiori. Is currently used as a restaurant and nightclub.
  • Mezzacapo tower, also well preserved in its original construction.

Also, the beaches:

  • Maiori beach is the longest and the most family-friendly beach on the entire Amalfi Coast. So, this one may be perfect for vacation, especially if you are traveling with kids.
amalfi-coast Maiori

Minori

a small town that is home to one of the most important monuments on the whole Amalfi Coast. It’s an ancient roman villa called Villa Marittima Romana.

amalfi-coast Minori 2

Further, visit:

  • Paradiso Tower. It is now used as private residence but there are still there the outer walls.

Also, the beaches:

  • Minori beach, a sandy beach faces south and bathed in sunshine for most of the day.

Amalfi

wonderful views, history, monuments and natural setting. A beautiful coastal town that has it all! Is the town that gives its name to the whole coast . And also is a town which traveling to, is an unforgettable experience. It opens like a fan towards the sea, sheltered from behind by the steep slopes of the Monti Lattari.

Equally important to see:

  • La Torre Saracena, built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Now is a traditional restaurant and cocktail bar, with an amazing seaview on the bay of Amalfi.
  • The Tower of Ziro, on a hill overlooking Amalfi. Equally important, the fortress of Pogerola and the fortress of Santa Sofia.

Also, the beaches:

  • Marina Grande, the most extensive and the busiest in the summer. Moreover, from here boats depart to reach the many bays accessible only by sea.
amalfi-coast Amalfi

Atrani

the smallest town in the whole of Southern Italy. It has views that remind visitors of something special: the traditional Nativity Scene on Christmas. Head over this beautiful town if you need a breather from all the busier towns and cities. Enjoy its art and architecture. Or just chill by the small black sand beach.

amalfi-coast Atrani 2

Likewise, may enjoy visiting:

  • Torre dello Ziro, a fortress overlooking the town. For a very nice view of Amalfi and Atrani from above, this is the best place!

Also, the beaches:

  • Atrani beach divided into two parts by the estuary of the Dragone River.

Conca dei Marini

a picturesque and charming fishing village. It is located on a promontory. Also, has a spectacular view over the sea, onto a natural inlet.

Besides, can also view:

  • Tower of Capo di Conca ( (The White Tower, or Tower of the Silence) a fortified tower, part of the defensive tower system. Is located on a picturesque promontory over the sea. Is surrounded by a thick Mediterranean vegetation.

Also, the beaches:

  • Marina di Conca Beach one of the most exclusive outposts.
amalfi-coast Conca dei marini

Praiano

a quieter and more laid-back village. Above this, it offers one of the most fascinating and romantic sunsets in the world. In additions, the beaches catch the sun from dawn ’till dusk. From the rocky beach of La Gavitella the views are amazing.

amalfi-coast Praiano

Consequently visit here:

  • The Tower of Assiola or Sciola tower. One of the the most beautiful and best preserved medieval tower of the Amalfi coast.
  • Torre di Grado. To get there will enjoy a scenic walk down from the main road. It has beautiful scenery and stunning overlook of the sea all the way.

Also, the beaches:

  • Furores beach on The Furore fiord, only catches the sun in the early hours of the morning so never gets too hot.
  • Marina di Praia catches the sun only during the central hours of the day.
  • Gavitella one of the most-loved beaches, privately owned one, with a flight of steps leading down, or may take the shuttle boat from Marina di Praia.

Positano

also called The Vertical town. Steep ledges that reflect themselves in the clear sea and a stunning panorama. In particular, this is what defines a undisputed beauty of the landscape

So, maybe take the time to see those three towers:

  • Sponda Tower now owned by Count Pattison.
  • Trasita Tower located on a spur of rock that overlooks the beach.
  • Fornillo Tower currently part of a building complex known as Castelletto. It is located in front of two rocks called Mother and Son.

Also, the beaches:

  • Laurito beach divided into a free beach and a private beach.
  • Arienzo beach need to climb down impressive number of steps to reach it. Also, is divided into private and free areas.
  • Marina Grande Beach one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan one. Has two bathing establishments and a free area.
  • Fornillo beach in vicinity to the center of Positano.
amalfi-coast Positano 2

Keep in mind that Amalfi Coast is full of historical buildings, colorful architecture and impressive churches. The entire area is brimming with culture and is rich of history, art and traditions.

Take the time to enjoy it!

Things to do

Amalfi Coast. So much to see, so much to do! Just let it inspire you!

If you want to go on tours or daytripping, then probably should start from Positano or Amalfi. Those two towns are convenient bases to explore the coast and also transportation hubs.
If you just want relaxation during your stay, maybe try villages like Conca dei Marini, Ravello or Praiano.
Visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) located in the charming bay of Conca dei Marini.
Make room for a little adventure. Explore the beautiful pathways and trails. Get up close and personal with the amazing nature and history of Amalfi Coast.
Take a hike on Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). The trail runs approximately 25 miles between Amalfi and Sorrento (4.5 hours). But, you can go hiking only on particular parts of it. Before Easter or after October you can see the trail at its most tranquil.
Enjoy the best views Amalfi by sea. Take a ferry, or a tour, or go on short cruise, a semi-private small group tour, or rent a private boat.
Visit Furore Fiordo. This is one of the most interesting geological features on the Amalfi Coast. And, of course, enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters.

Over the year

Winter

Costa-de-Amalfi winter

From December-February, Amalfi Coast still gets cold. There are temperatures like 30⁰F / -1⁰C during the night. Some of the cafes and restaurants generally are closed. Still, room rates are at their lowest and you can feel like you have the place entirely to yourself.

Spring

Costa-de-Amalfi spring

Between March-May temperatures rising to 60⁰-70⁰F / 15⁰-20⁰C during the day. Therefore, May is considered to be the best month to visit Amalfi Coast. Definitely for its lack of tourists and beautiful blooming flowers. But also for perfect temperatures and travel lower rates.

Summer

Costa-de-Amalfi summer

During June-August, in Amalfi Coast is very hot and especially crowded. But, after all, it’s nothing like a summer vacation on a dream destination. Of course, you’ll enjoy the amazing scenery, powerful sun and lovely beaches. Also, it’s the time for local festivals that are celebrating flowers, music, film, food, sport and wine. This kind of festivals are at their peak in the summer.

Fall

Costa-de-Amalfi fall

from September to November, is another recommended time to visit Amalfi Coast. It’s less crowded and the temperatures are between 70⁰-80⁰ F / 20⁰-27⁰C. Also, can benefit from discounted hotel. Still, remember to pack an umbrella.

Location

Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is located in the Province of Salerno of southern Italy.
The Strada Statale 163 runs along the coastline from Vietri sul Mare to Positano and is the only land route to the Amalfi Coast.

amalfi-coast panorama 1

How to get there

By car:

From the North: on highway A1, then the motorway A30. Exit at Salerno and then take the S.S. 163 “Amalfitana”.
To get at Vietri sul Mare, change to the A3 highway.
For Tramonti, Ravello or Scala exit Pagani-Nocera. Follow the Costiera Amalfitana and then Valico di Chiunzi.
From the South: the motorway A3 to Naples. Then follow Salerno and then take the S.S. 163 Amalfitana.

Get from

  • Rome to Sorrento in approximately 3 hours (165 miles / 265 km).
  • Naples to Sorrento in approximately 1 hour (30 miles / 49 km).

The road from Sorrento to Salerno has the most breathtaking scenery. It should take just under two hours. But, you can stop the way to visit Praiano, Ravello, Maiori and Minori. Also Positano and Amalfi.

Get from Sorrento to:

  • Salerno in approximately 1 Hour and 50 minutes (35 miles / 56 km)
  • Positano in approximately 30 minutes (9 miles / 15 km)
  • Amalfi in approximately 1 hour (19 miles / 31 km)
  • Ravello in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (24 miles / 38 km)

By train:

Italy is well connected with rail links to all of the major cities. In Sorrento and Salerno are the nearest railways stations to Amalfi Coast. Then, you can go on by ferries or taxi or by buses.

By air:

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR), also called Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport is the nearest one.

From abroad, will probably arrive on the International Airport of Naples Capodichino (NAP).
From the airport go to Stazione Centrale Naples by public transportations. Then go by ferry boat, SITA bus or train to Salerno or Sorrento.

By bus:

Various bus routes link all of the major towns and most of the smaller ones from Amalfi Coast. Some of the routes are:

  • Sorrento – Massa Lubrense – Positano – Praiano – Amalfi
  • Naples – Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi
  • Naples – Pompeii – Cetara – Maiori – Minori – Amalfi
  • Amalfi – Minori – Maiori – Cetara – Vietri sul Mare – Salerno

By ferry / boat:

From the port in Naples (Moro Beverello) it’s possible to sail by ferry or hydrofoil to Sorrento. And, from there, to Positano or Amalfi.

Useful information

Many of the beaches are only accessible by stairs or trails. Also is available a boat service to all of those beaches.
During July and August, expect seriously crowded streets and traffic delays, also clogged beaches.
Bring the proper footwear. Most of the beaches consist of pebbles, not sand.

Amalfi Coast Italy is an outstanding Mediterranean landscape!

What do you think about the article? Please rate it.

Also, you can take a look at other Journeys.

Click to rate this post!
[Total: 2 Average: 5]
0

post a comment