Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy and the world, where it is located in the Gulf of Salerno in Southern Italy between Naples and Salerno. It is a well-known spot for many people, attracting a lot of tourists from all over the world and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Amalfi was a naval power that ruled many parts of the Mediterranean, and Amalfi’s ports had a huge trade network with North Africa.  When you visit the cities on Amalfi Coast, you will see that the Arab-Sicilian architecture has been kept in shape until now.

On the Amalfi Coast, you will be able to see many wonderful towns with colourful houses in towns like Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi. Besides the beautiful houses, there are magnificent beaches, coastal walks, and mountainside villas, as well as the islands, such as Capri and Sirenusas. The towns on the Amalfi Coast are full of attractions to visit and amazing locations to explore.

Things to Do in Amalfi Coast:

1. The Town of Amalfi and its Cathedral:

Amalfi is the main town on this coast of Italy, it has its own cathedral, unlike other towns which makes it larger than other places on the coast and that’s why tourists visit it a lot. You can visit the cathedral and see the front façade that is covered in an opulent striped stonework pattern. It is the main attraction in the town that dates back to the 9th century and it is located in the main square of the town.

The cathedral was reconstructed many times and added Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque details. A legend circulated concerning the cathedral that said that s pirate ships were heading to the town, the people of the town ran into the cathedral and started to pray, asking for protection, then suddenly the sea became rough and the pirate ships were forced to leave.

2. The Town of Sorrento:

It is one of the popular and crowded towns especially in summer and it is located in the northern region of the Amalfi Coast. It is famous for its beautiful buildings and coastal walks. While you are in town, you can visit the cathedral which was built in the 11th century, besides that you will see the colourful water and fishing boats and many public parks where you can relax and enjoy your time. Also, there are several museums that you can explore in the town, like Correale Museum and the Museo Della Tarsia Lignea, where you can see many artefacts. Also make sure to try the Limoncello, which is produced in the town.

3. Ravello:

It is another beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast, on the top of the mountain between Amalfi and Maiori. The town has magnificent views from the Terrace of Infinity, gardens of Villa Cimbrone, and there is the Villa Rufolo which is a Roman Villa where you can see one of the best views and enjoy the beautiful sun. Villa Ravello is a UNESCO World Heritage site and in the summer, you can attend the annual Ravello Music Festival. There is another attraction in town that you can visit, which is the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pantaleone that was built in 1806 and reconstructed in Baroque style. At the end of the tour in the town, you can head to one of the wonderful restaurants in town and have an evening meal.

4. Villa Cimbrone Gardens:

A beautiful place to go to is the town of Ravello, where there is a street that runs through its lovely park with a magnificent view of the Amalfi coast. You will be impressed by the flower gardens and fountains, columns, temples, and architectural elements brought in this place from ruins in the area. These collections were brought here by the English lord who bought the villa in 1904.

5. Positano:

Positano is a well-known town located on the southern part of the Amalfi coast, which is famous for its colourful houses that lie on the mountainside. The church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 13th century with its dome of majolica tiles and Byzantine icon of a Madonna, it is a great place to visit. The interesting thing that you can do there is that you can rent a boat and see Positano from the water, paddleboats, sailboats, Zodiacs, motorboats and take a cruise to visit Capri.

6. Praiano:

It is located between Amalfi and Positano, a town where you can escape from the other crowded towns. Visitors will love the views and can see out to sea for miles ahead. The town is famous for its silk production and for being a summer residence of the Amalfi dukes, as well as a centre for the arts. You can go to the rocky beach of La Gavitella and take some wonderful pictures there.

7. Maiori:

Maiori is a historic town where you will find ancient towers, old castles, and churches; it is located near the town of Amalfi. The famous Italian director Rossellini chose this town as the filming location for four of his films. For more relaxation, you can go to the beach, as Maiori has the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Also, there is the main street in the town where there are shops, stalls, and cafes.

8. Salerno:

The town is the largest one on the Amalfi Coast and is located in the eastern part of the region. You can walk through the streets of the town and see some beautiful architecture. During World War ll, the town was bombed and the allied invasion left only the ruined Castello di Arechi on the hill northwest of town. There is also the Cathedral of San Matteo which is the remains of the house of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum, and one of Italy’s most important holy relics. When you enter, you will see St. Matthew’s portrait in a mosaic above the doorway and the bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Walkthrough the steps and admire the magnificent courtyard with 28 columns from Paestum and 14 sarcophagi, in the plate you can find the 12th-century pulpits with detailed mosaic decoration.

9. Waterfalls of the Valle Delle Ferriere:

This is a really good place for hiking and a lovely area to explore, where the Ferriere Valley is a preserved region in Salerno. There, you will see the beautiful nature, along with the many hiking and cycling trails that go through the forest allowing you to see some of the towns on the way. The trail starts from Pontone and ends six kilometres in Amalfi passing through forests of chestnuts and past stands of rare ferns, beside a stream that drops in several waterfalls. The Ferriere Valley is a quiet place so not many people go there unlike the crowded cities on the Amalfi Coast.

10. Minori:

Minori is the right place for pasta lovers, as it is full of pasta making factories and is actually nicknamed ‘the city of flavour’. The town contains many attractions along its narrow alleys, such as the Convent of San Nicola which was built in the 1st century. Don’t forget to try the pasta which contains the N’dunderi; dumplings made of ricotta and Scialatielli which is fresh pasta ribbons as it is one of the famous pasta dishes in town.

11. Cala di Furore Town:

It is a small town with a rocky cliff, a view of the sea, and crystal clear water that makes visitors love this town more, and makes it one of the best towns along the Amalfi Coast. There is a local beach that is located in a bay that resembles a fjord.

12. The Grotta Dello Smeraldo Cave:

One of the most beautiful caves in Italy, it is located between Amalfi and Praiano. The cave is bathed in a natural emerald light which makes it one of the few caves in the world that is like that. When you are in the care you will admire the effects and the colour of the water where it is so clear that you can see through to the bottom. You can go on one of the boats there with a guide giving you all the information you need about this fantastic cave and you can take this boat from Amalfi. It will only take you 15 minutes to reach the location.

13. The Sirenuse Islands:

It is a small island chain located on the southern Amalfi coast between Capri and Positano. It includes other islands, such as the islands of Isca, Vetara, Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and La Rotonda. The island of Lungo is the largest and there while you can’t walk on it, you can go snorkelling or swimming due to its wonderful surrounding water. You can also see the beauty of nature there by taking a boat tour around the islands.

14. The Town of Furore:

The town has many attractions and is located in the centre of the Amalfi Coast. On your way to this town, you will see limestone cliffs and a row of terraces packed full of gorgeous vines. Walkthrough the town and see the lovely painted murals decorating the walls of some of the houses and shops, describing how is life on the Amalfi Coast.

15. The Island of Capri:

Capri is one of the most popular destinations near the Amalfi Coast. You can complete your visit to the Amalfi Coast without visiting Capri. The island is located on the western part of the Amalfi Coast and you can reach it by regular ferries from several of the coastal towns. Capri is a very unique place, where there are landscapes, beautiful beaches, and mountain views. You can take a boat trip around the island and while on this tour, you will be able to see the Azure Grotto which is one of the most beautiful seaside caves. You can only reach the cave by small boats through a narrow crack in the rocks. There is also the famous Blue Cave Grotto which is a stunning place to go to. At night, you can visit the main square which has bustling bars and a superb atmosphere.

16. Vietri Sul Mare:

Vietri Sul Mare is a lovely town on the eastern coast near Salerno. Walkthrough this town and see colourful houses, a stunning seashore, and the church of St. John the Baptist which was built in 1732 and is a symbol of the town, you will surely love visiting it. There is also a great museum of ceramics located in a beautiful villa surrounded by a park.

17. The Village of Cetara:

A small village that is one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages on the Amalfi Coast. The village has the only fishing fleet that still operates in this area and you can watch the fishermen rush into the sea in their small brightly coloured boats. You can have a delicious seafood meal at one of the village’s restaurants.

18. Train journey to the Amalfi Coast:

It is located in the northern part of the Amalfi Coast and its train line is called La Circumvesuviana Line. It starts from Naples to Sorrento, passing through the monolithic Mount Vesuvius, and while you are on the train you will admire the beautiful nature around you, so take the seat beside the window and enjoy the view. It is the best way to travel to Sorrento and the tickets are very budget-friendly.

19. Atrani:

One of the best towns located on the Amalfi Coast, it is a charming place that reflects the perfect style of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the town and see the white houses, arches, and narrow streets with stairs that lead to different levels of the town dating back to the Middle Ages.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most fascinating locations in Italy, visited by numerous tourists every year for its enchanting views, lovely accommodations, and multiple attractions that draw in many people from around the world. The Amalfi Coast is a must-visit for anyone going to Italy, you definitely will not regret it.

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