A stretch of coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, just south of Naples, emblematic of breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear sea, nature and artistic and cultural beauty. The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Thirteen towns and villages, with beaches nestled between secluded bays and imposing cliffs, framed by the Lattari Mountains in the background.
The most popular resorts are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, but there are many breathtaking locations worth a visit.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
The easiest way to reach the Amalfi Coast is from Naples, by bus, train, car or ferry. Alternatively, you can reach the Coast by boat from Sorrento. The high season on the Amalfi Coast runs from April to October, with July and August as peak periods with more frequent transport, while the low season runs from November to March. You can also reach the Amalfi Coast by train thanks to the Circumvesuviana train service from Naples to Sorrento.
Probably the most convenient way is by car: there are numerous private services offering transfers to the Coast. Finally, an idea might also be to get there by sea, with regular ferries available from Naples and Sorrento.
There are so many experiences to be had and places to see that leave visitors from all over the world breathless.
The starting point, however, can only be an excursion to the three most famous locations: Amalfi, Ravello and Positano.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a beautiful town that gives its name to the coastal region. Situated on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, along the vast rocky coastline, this charming destination boasts the rich history of one of Italy's most powerful maritime republics. In Amalfi, tourists can relax in the sun on the beautiful local beaches (Spiaggia Grande and Duoglio) and explore the town's history-rich attractions. In particular the spectacular Duomo di Sant'Andrea, also known as the Amalfi Cathedral, which houses a hidden cloister, many frescoes and the Museo della Carta.
Ravello
Ravello is one of the most charming towns on the Amalfi Coast. At 1,500 metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is a small jewel of a town with the most scenic views in the area. Absolutely not to be missed are the dream gardens that Ravello is rich in and that are among the most beautiful in Italy. Among them, the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, extensively renovated by a British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, in the early 20th century, and Villa Rufolo, rich in rare and exotic plants, deserve a separate mention.
Positano
Considered by many to be the most picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano owes its charm to breathtaking views of the cliffs, narrow streets lined with pretty cafés and artisan boutiques, and pastel-coloured houses. The spectacular church of Santa Maria Assunta, which boasts a splendid majolica dome and a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, is worth a visit. The shopping proposal is equally satisfying: many local shops offer the so-called 'Positano fashion', made up of loose dresses and palazzo trousers, caftans and cover-ups, with suggestive prints and elaborate embroidery, with a vague bohemian flavour.
Nature, trails and spectacular views
A great way to experience the Amalfi Coast is to join a boat tour, to enjoy the beauty of hidden grottos, take a swim in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and savour spectacular views - a truly unique experience.
For a breathtaking view of the coastline combined with some physical activity, a hike on the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), an idyllic walk through the Monti Lattari, is ideal. The hike takes about two hours and covers about 6.5 km, but is not overly strenuous.
No trip to the Amalfi Coast, however, is complete without visiting the wonderful beaches to soak up some sun and swim in the calm, clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Spiaggia Grande, in Positano, is one of the most popular and often quite crowded during high season. Just outside Positano, Arienzo and Fornillo are quieter, more discreet alternatives. If you want to escape the crowds, there is the long, wide, sandy beach of Maiori.
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