The Amalfi Coast stretches for 30 miles along the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Like a beautiful necklace, this spectacular coastline sparkles with hillside vineyards, fragrant groves, and a grand sweeping history.
The Amalfi Coast
There are some places that are so famous and so legendary that even before you set foot there, it feels familiar. The Amalfi Coast with its “Road of a thousand bends” is one such place.
The Amalfi Coast has attracted society’s rich and beautiful for thousands of years and inspired some of the world’s greatest artists and writers.
The Amalfi City
The area’s largest city, Amalfi is a great place to begin this legendary journey.
This town was wealthy and powerful during medieval times, and merchants here had gold coins to spend instead of the barter system used throughout the rest of Italy.
The Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea
Visit the magnificent buildings that reflect that early wealth such as the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea.
The picturesque hillside village of Pontone
And then take the short trip to the picturesque hillside village of Pontone, where Amalfi’s elite used to escape the crowds.
The fishing village of Atrani
Although the fishing village of Atrani is only just over the hill, it maintains its own traditions and even a local dialect.
Atrani is the smallest municipality in Southern Italy and its medieval streets and alleys feel untouched by the hands of time.
Fiordo di Furore
The nearby villages of Praiano and Furore have many beautiful beaches including Fiordo di Furore, an ancient gorge that was used for many centuries as a hideout for bandits.
Positano
A little further along is the site of one of the greatest legends of all time. Just off the coast from Positano is where, according to Greek mythology, Ulysses resisted the mythical call of the sirens.
Positano is perhaps the best-known destination on the coast. A favorite of celebrities since the 1950s, this town glitters with old-world glamour.
The Santa Maria Assunta
From Marina Grande Beach, most of the paths lead right to the town center and the Santa Maria Assunta.
Hikers come from all over the world to stroll through fragrant lemon orchards on trails with names like “Gods’ Pathway.”
Ravello Village
Follow ancient trails to the hilltop town of Ravello, an elegant village known for the magnificent architecture of Villa Rufolo, once the private home of a rich and powerful family.
The Terraces of Infinity
Visit the Terraces of Infinity, at Villa Cimbrone, The famous American writer Gore Vidal called it “the most beautiful view in the world.”
The village of Minori
Before it’s medieval glory days, the Amalfi Coast’s charms drew the Roman aristocracy. The tiny fishing village of Minori was where society’s elite enjoyed their summer days.
Maiori
From Minori, the road leads to Maiori, a fishing town with one of the largest beaches on the entire coast.
The Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano
Dominated by the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano this is one of the last remnants of the area’s powerful defense system.
Conclusion
John Steinbeck once called the Amalfi Coast a “dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and beckoningly real after you have gone.” With its endless sunshine, Mediterranean colors and a landscape of gripping drama and breathtaking beauty, the Amalfi Coast truly is a legendary destination.