The Amalfi Coast – Italian blessing
How do steep cliffs above a blue sea, dotted with small villages and towns full of galleries and romantic alleys, sound to you? For many tourists, it sounds excellent, and this is exactly why the Amalfi region in southern Italy is so popular.
“The blessed land” – this is what Italians call the Campania region in the south of the boot-shaped country, perhaps because it is blessed with golden beaches, turquoise sea waters, and small picturesque settlements overlooking them.
One of the more popular coastal strips in Campania is the Amalfi Coast, attracting pleasure-seeking tourists who come to stay for a while in one of the towns and connect with the special atmosphere, even for a few days. There is a lot to do in the area: walking and riding trips to nearby villages, wandering among galleries, and relaxing on the beach.
Alleys, stairs, cathedral, and the Blue Grotto
In the town carrying the region’s name – Amalfi – there is a nice cluster of restaurants, cafes, galleries, and ceramic shops.
It has one main street ascending the hill, surrounded by many alleys full of stairs.
If you have a car, it is recommended to park in the central square near the beach and harbor and enter on foot, because cars are not allowed.
The Amalfi tourist office is not far from the parking,
on the road continuing south at Piazza Flavio Gioia 3.
The main site worth visiting is the Piazza del Duomo with the impressive cathedral, located right at the town entrance.
The nearby island of Capri is a collection of stunning cliffs dropping into the sea, and it is no wonder it became one of the most popular holiday spots in the world, always crowded with tourists.
It is worth dedicating half a day to tour Capri, admire the charming squares, stylish cafes, Roman ruins, the rocky sea view, and of course the main attraction of the island – the Blue Grotto.
From village to village on foot or by car
If you enjoy physical challenges and did not come to rest, you can take a short walking journey in the hills overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
There are many treks and daily walking routes connecting several villages, some particularly difficult, including strenuous climbs up thousands of stairs.
A map of the trails can be obtained at the Amalfi tourist office.
The villages near Amalfi offer different experiences.
In Ravello, located about five kilometers up the hill, a classical music festival takes place almost all year. Ravello also must be entered on foot, but the visit is worth it because of the view of the bay, the beautiful gardens, galleries, and cafes.
Positano is considered the more beautiful village on the coast – perhaps because it seems to descend densely to the sea on its colorful houses.
It has a pedestrian street full of places to stroll, shops, and tourists.
The town of Sorrento is a large town with an attractive beach strip, and on Sundays a huge market takes place near the center.
Fishermen, Greek temples, and a threatening volcano
Take a day and dedicate it to a driving tour along the southern coast of the peninsula, focusing on fishing villages.
It is a beautiful and less popular road winding between cliffs above the sea, and it is possible to stop at almost any small bay along the way and descend to refresh yourself.
The city of Paestum, although a little farther, is worth visiting because of the Greek temples included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The famous volcano Vesuvius and the ruined cities Pompeii and Herculaneum are not far either.
You can visit the ruins, climb the only remaining active volcano in Europe, and also see astonishing discoveries preserved over the years.
Courtesy of Augusta website – recommendations from people living abroad
For more recommendations and details regarding rental of vacation homes, villas, and apartments on the Amalfi Coast.
