Make the Most of the Amalfi Coast

It’s hard enough choosing a destination, let alone what town, beach or view you want as well. So, let us take you through the best places to make the most of your trip to the Amalfi Coast.

What many people don’t realise is that the Amalfi Coast is not just one seaside town, but a string of charming coastal towns that together make up this popular tourist destination. In order to make the most out of your visit, why not learn a little more about this unique stretch of coastline.

Listed as a world heritage site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast features steep cliffs which drop off into the sea below limiting rural and agricultural activities. Despite this, the pretty coastline receives thousands of visitors every year, overloading its villas, roads and restaurants with excitable tourists ready to relax in the glistening blue sea and take pictures atop the stunning cliff faces. It’s hard to choose the best base to make the most of your southern Italian getaway, so let us talk you through them.

• Amalfi

  

  The name the coastline is known for. The town of Amalfi was an important area of trading power during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, trading grain and salt with its neighbour Sardinia and further afield to Egypt and Syria. This, and its position at the mouth of the ravine, has made it the main town area along the coast, with a population of 5,102 residents. Holiday makers have been frequent and steady since the early twentieth century, making it the most developed town on this list.

  The Amalfi Cathedral owes its construction to its large settlement. Dedicated to the Apostle St Andrew, the Cathedral is a beautiful addition to the town and a great ode to its history. Standing in contrast to the red roofs which surround it, the cathedral’s tower is decorated in a colourful European style featuring blue and yellow tiles, complementing the scenery it belongs to. As the biggest town of them all, take advantage of the many alleyways and winding streets by ditching the map and getting lost. Follow your nose to taste the best authentic food served straight from the shop windows, and lets your eyes be awed by every nook and cranny. Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs to take home with you before heading down to the beach for sunset, with a gelato in hand.

• Ravello

  Usually paired together with Amalfi, Ravello is the next town along from Amalfi, famed for its cliffside gardens and far-reaching views. In this article we like to keep them separate as we believe they both give off very different vibes. Whilst Amalfi is right by the coast with houses falling on top of each other, Ravello is 1000 feet up, tucked away in the cliffside, making it a quiet spot in comparison to its neighbour. With only a few hotels, prices can soar during high season, but with incredible views of Amalfi and the sea below, it’s worth it.

  Although there’s no beach to go to, you can still enjoy the wonder of the outdoors by strolling through the magnificent Villa Rufolo. Built by the wealthy Rufolo family during the thirteenth century, the villa has since undergone a breathtaking restoration by Scotsman Francis Neville Reid, who transformed the overgrown and ruined gardens into a tranquil space of colour and symmetry. With expansive views overlooking the sea below, the garden possesses a magical quality, communicated by its profusion of flowers which are set in contrast to the sky, sea and buildings below.

• Positano

  If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more buzz, head to Positano which promises equally beautiful views with bursts of colour from the bright orange and lemon groves dotted around the town, and the blue umbrellas covering the beach. A favourite with many tourists for its mix of beaches, winding roads and cliffside view tops, Positano is unique for its idyllic buildings situated in the hills running down to the coast. A beautiful mess of colourful building blocks, Positano has a wholesome atmosphere that’s hard not to love.

  To get a better view, why not challenge yourself to a clifftop hike along the mountain ridge which connects the small hilltop towns of Agerola and Nocelle. The trail is known as the Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei in Italian, for its spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Arm yourself with a camera and you’re most comfortable shoes to make the most of this three-hour hike. Afterwards head to the far less crowded Fornillo beach to cool off in the sea or order some delicious seafood from the nearby restaurants.

• Capri

  Once used as Emperor Augustus’s private resort, Capri is an island and town located just off the Amalfi Coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Although not part of the mainland, Capri cannot be missed. Its luxurious beauty makes up for its small scale and allows for beautiful views of the mainland and iconic Faraglioni rocks. These timeless rugged rock formations jut out of the sea creating a statement of power and endurance as they stand the test of time. Watch as the water crashes and sprays against the stacked rocks highlighting the natural beauty of Capri and the ancient tales which swirl around it, seeping their way into the tiny island’s history.

The beauty of the natural world continues when you take a ferry to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that allows sunlight to pass through the underwater cavity illuminating the water and the rest of the cavern with its dazzling light. The narrow opening to the cave is only accessible by rowboat, which you must lower your body into in order to enter the cave. Once inside, your eyes will adjust to the enchanting sight within. The blue water is something else and will leave you more in love with the Amalfi Coast than ever.

Related article: Can you swim in the Amalfi Coast?