The Amalfi Coast, the beautiful coastal area in Italy
The Amalfi or Amalfi coast, with its natural and architectural landscape of great beauty, has attracted poets, artists and travelers from all over the world.
In fact, it has been a place of exchange between the Islamic world and the West, rich in contrasts, the Mediterranean sun and steep cliffs, lush vegetation and caves in the sea.
Where it is located?
It is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, exactly in the Gulf of Salerno, in the Campania region.
Surrounded still today by an aura of mystery linked to the ancient local culture, the Amalfi Coast has been considered a Natural Heritage by UNESCO since 1997.
The cataloging of universal heritage rewards the beauty of the coast, but also the architecture of cities such as Amalfi and Ravello.
The balance with nature is remarkable, and the respect of the cultivation areas, from the vineyards and terraced gardens on the low slopes, to the grazing lands in the highlands.
It makes the Amalfi Coast live up to other natural areas recognized as Tuscany.
History of the Amalfi Coast
The foundation of the Amalfi Republic, one of the Italian seafaring republics that dominated the Mediterranean around the 12th century, gave Amalfi the historic capital of the republic.
The Amalfi Coast has been a tourist destination since Roman times. The international jet set together with numerous artists and public personalities has historically chosen the Amalfi coast.
We can highlight:
Giovanni Boccaccio (citing the coast in his summit work the Decameron)
Richard Wagner (who was inspired by Ravello to create the Parsifal scenery)
The actress Greta Garbo or John Steinbeck (who in 1953 wrote Positano)
Roberto Rossellini, one of the most representative Italian directors of neorealism, directed Paisà or Viaggio in Italy (Travel in Italy) with Ingrid Bergman.
Essential places on the Amalfi Coast
You have to take advantage of spring temperatures to escape to one of the most beautiful areas of the Mediterranean.
Let’s know some places you should visit
Amalfi Harbor
It houses an imposing 10th-century cathedral and its streets are full of entertainment with many restaurants and shops
Villa Ruffolo
Built in the 18th century, it has been the residence of nobles and kings. It is essential visit in Ravello.
Ravello
It is one of the jewels of the route along the Amalfi Coast because of its privileged location and the beauty of its center and surrounding villas.
Positano
Its painted terracotta, pink and peach houses contrast with the brightness of the Cathedral’s majolica tiles.
Salerno
Sixty kilometers separate it from Naples. It is the largest population in the area and is located in the south of the Amalfi coast.
Vietri sul Mare
This population is closely linked to the manufacture of the tiles that decorate many of the domes of the churches in the area.
Minori
Next to the nearby Cetara, there are two resorts of great importance in the area. They house two churches decorated with majolica.
Smeraldo Grotto
The clear waters and the geological formations are allied in this place located very close to Amalfi.
Amalfi
The importance of this town in the Middle Ages can be seen as soon as you step on it, with its imposing 10th-century cathedral and the bell tower dating from 1200.
Furore
Boosted in the foothills of the Lattari Mountains, a small fjord at its feet forms one of the most picturesque beaches in the area.
Praiano
The white houses of this town of great canning tradition are focused on the sea. At its feet extends Marina di Praia, a fabulous beach that is reached by a steep road; The old fishermen’s houses have been refurbished and today they are bars and restaurants where the most delicious fish are served.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
By Train: If you wish to reach the Amalfi Coast with trains you can take a train from the railway company “Vesuviana” that connects Naples with Sorrento in just over 1 hour.
By Bus: From Sorrento numerous and frequent buses leave to all the towns of the Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast.
Ferries: There are ferries that connect Sorrento with many other nearby towns such as Naples, Amalfi or Positano. The frequency of these ferries is low, maybe a couple a day, at defined but variable schedules.
By Car: Although you can get here by car, sometimes it is not a good option, as it is a very trafficked area, the roads are narrow, many queues are caused and places where parking in the villages are scarce and expensive.
Have it only as an alternative if you are going to spend many days here.