The Amalfi coast (picture below) is one of the most beautiful spans of coastline in the world with beautiful turquoise seas striking landscape bound to astonish views and picturesque buildings. The coastline can be found in the Sorrentine Peninisula in the province of Salermo, Southern Italy.
Considering all its beauty it is no wonder that is a very popular tourist destination and that many Italians take a journey to visit the elegant and magnificent stretch of land.
Overview
The Amalfi coast has the classical Mediterranean climate much sought after by tourists. So hot summers and mild winters can be expected.
The Amalfi coast is well known for its production of limoncello liqueur made by the lemons which thrive in the region. Lemons are grown generally in the months between February and October and can be seen as plants in the beautiful terraced house gardens along the coast. The Municipality specialize in anchovies which are the local cuisine and the Municipality of Vietri is known for making handmade ceramics that are known for the colours.
The only route on land to the Amalfi Coast is the 25 mile long Strada Statale 163 which goes along the coastline from the eastern town of Maiori to the western town of Positano.
There are thirteen municipalities and most are centred on Tourism, these are:
- Vietri sul mare, attractions are the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
- Cetara, the big attraction is the Tower of Cetara
- Maiori, attractions include the Collegiata di Santa Maria, Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano and the Santa Maria de Olearia.
- Tramonti, the conservatory of Pucara and thee Rupestrian Church in Gete.
- Amalfi, the Amalfi Cathedral is a popular destination.
- Scala, the Scala Cathedral is the only attraction.
- Furore, the attraction is the Fjord of Furore.
- Positano, the Church of Santa Maria Assunata.
- Conca dei Marini, attractions include Saint John the Baptists main Church and the Emerald cave.
- Atrani, the places to visit in Atrani are the Churches of San Salvatore del Birecto and Santa Maria Maddalena.
- Praiano, San Gennaro and San Luca. Churches of Saint John the Baptist.
- Ravello, The villas of Cimbrone and Rufolo, San Giovanni del Toro and the Duomo Cathedral.
- Minori, Church of Santa Trofimena and the ancient Roman villa are both popular tourist attractions.
Amalfi
Amalfi is full of coastal scenery and has many dramatic cliffs. There are many cafes and shops to go to and with the superb climate it is a hugely popular resort, it is always brimming with tourists.
There are three traditional events in Amalfi:
- Byzantine New Year’s Eve which is on the 31st of August; the reason for this celebration is the beginning of New Year of the old civil calendar of the Byzantine Empire.
- The Historical Regatta held on the first Sunday of June which celebrates a traditional rowing competition between the four main Italian historical maritime republics which are Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. Each city gets to hold it so Amalfi hosts it every four years.
- The feast days on the 25-27 of June and the other on the 30th of November. The feasts celebrate the city’s patron saint.
How to get around
Many trips are available by boat to Amalfi with the most common route being from Naples but there are often regular bus services from the Sita Coach to Amalfi. Using a car, is a definite option and gives a great opportunity to see the area in all its glory. There are many tourist buses especially in summer so higher priority is given to providing a high standard of service.
Conclusion
The Amalfi coast is a beautiful stretch of land and would be a great choice for any beach loving tourist and for those who are interested in beautiful buildings and Italian history. The best time to go would be in spring time due to the fact in summer the prices become hyper inflated.
The roads become very busy with tourists in the summer too, but it’s great to hire a car to get around and see all the wonderful sites the region has to offer..
