The Amalfi Coast, on the southern shores of Italy, is one of the most picturesque places on earth. In fact, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique natural landscape and pristine beauty. And it's not a surprise that this is also known as the home of the Sirens from Homer's classic poem Odysseus.
The Amalfi Coast is a land characterised by both land and sea. The mountains here have been adapted to the demands of everyday living over the ages. And as it plunges into the sea, it created fjords, cliffs, bays, caverns, pebbled beaches, and coves - all the elements that make up this enchanting and seductive Italian coast. Quaint houses painted in warm pastel colours were built to follow the natural contours of the mountains, creating a multilevel terrace that gives the Amalfi Coast its distinctive feature.
It's the perfect place to take a break from Italy's numerous churches, museums, and Roman ruins. You can rub elbows with the rich and famous in Positano or get lost in the fragrant gardens of Ravello. So, if you're planning a trip to Italy, think of going south to the Amalfi Coast and discover beauty unlike any other. Read on to find out where you can go in this stunning locale.
Vietri sul Mare is famous for producing high-quality ceramics. If you're coming from Salerno, this is the first town of the 13 Amalfi Coast pearls. Here, you can enjoy more than just the scenic blue sea. A key destination here is the Church of St. John the Baptist. This Neapolitan-Renaissance style church features a dome covered in majolica tiles, as well as a tall bell tower. You can also visit the Museum of Ceramics of Vietri where you can view beautiful samples of the local pottery.
Situated 350 metres above sea level, Ravello enjoys a panoramic position along the Amalfi Coast, making it one of the popular destinations in the area. It is a town that is surrounded by architectural wonders such as the Cathedral of San Pantaleone, Church and the Monastery of Santa Chiara, and the Villa Rufolo. Featuring 3 floors, the villa is composed of a chapel, large dining area, and a terraced garden overlooking the sea. In July every year, the famous Wagner Symphonic Music Festival takes place here.
Occupying one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a mountain-side paradise that's also home to archaic remains from as far back as the Paleolithic period, as well as remnants from the Roman period. The centre of town is dominated by the enchanting Piazza Flavio Gioia, where the church of Santa Maria Assunta stands with its spectacular majolica dome. Positano is considered one of most exclusive resorts in Italy, as it perfectly fuses the charm of its crowded lanes and quaint shops with the beauty of its beaches and natural surroundings. In fact, many a praises have been sung about this place by writers, poets, and painters.
Scala is the Amalfi Coast's oldest own. It is situated about 400 metres above sea level and was founded in the 4th century AD by a group of Romans who were shipwrecked nearby trying to get to Constantinople. It is a town rich in history, natural beauty, and lush vegetation. Among its most famous attractions are the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its Romanesque-style architecture, Chapel of Sant'Alfonso, Palazzo Mansi-D'Amelio, Arab Bath, the Ziro Tower, which is part of the Scallela Castle, and the Cave of Scala, which features dark dolomitic limestones.
Treat your palate to a fiesta of flavours and gustatory delights courtesy of Minori. The Amalfi Coast's City of Taste certainly deserves its title. Here, the local residents have devoted themselves to producing prime quality hand-made pastas, various liqueurs (like the limoncello), and delectable pastries and cakes. To showcase the expertise of the residents and the delicacies of Minori, an annual event titled the "Gusta Minori" is held every September. However, aside from feasting on scrumptious dishes, Minori boasts a number of attractions worth a visit, these include the Maritime Archaeological Villa, Basilica of Santa Trofimena, Bell Tower of the Annunciation, and the Convent and Church of St. Nicholas, to name a few.
