A 50-kilometre stretch of coastline in the south of Italy that looks like it’s straight from a postcard, the Amalfi Coast is blessed with cliff-tumbling towns, turquoise waters, and pebbly beaches which have earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and rightly so! It’s a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of unrivalled cultural and natural value with internationally famous locations such as Amalfi and Positano, but also small, hidden gems in the form of villages like Minori and Cetara that boast a traditional and authentic Italian atmosphere.
You can reach the Amalfi Coast by flying to Naples Capodichino International Airport and travelling by taxi, private transfer, or direct buses (between April and October). Another alternative may be to reach Naples train station, take a train to Salerno, and then a ferry or bus to Amalfi. Although there are no direct flights to Naples from Leeds Bradford Airport, flights leave daily from Manchester. And the best part? It’s only a three-hour flight and there’ll be no jet lag!
Let’s take a look at some of the Amalfi Coast’s must-visit locations…
Positano
The first town you’ll come across on the Amalfi Coast and perhaps the most famous, Positano is set in an impressive vertical panorama of colours; the green of the Monti Lattari mountains, the white, pink, and yellow of the iconic houses, and the silvery grey of its pebble beaches, all against the contrast of the stunning turquoise waters.
There are plenty of beaches to explore here. Spiaggia Grande is the heart of its waterfront; spanning 300 metres, this beach is one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast, as well as one of the most glamorous, attracting a fashionable crowd of artists, actors, and celebrities. Those looking for a more peaceful spot in which to bask in the sun will love Positano’s Fornillo beach, which can be reached via a footpath that sets off from Spiaggia Grande.
History buffs will also love Positano; discover the ancient history of the town by visiting the local Museo Archeologico Romano which was recently inaugurated on the site where an ancient Roman villa once stood. Visitors can admire fragments of the original architecture and decorations to learn about Positano’s Roman history.
Amalfi
Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi’s townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses combined with narrow alleyways and shady porticoes. The entire coast is named after this seaside jewel, land of maritime traditions, and tourism which is another of the coasts most popular spots. Italy’s oldest maritime republic, Amalfi continues to enchant visitors just as it did in the days of the Grand Tour. Just over three-square kilometres of beautiful scenery at the mouth of the Valle dei Mulini, Amalfi is a town that opens like a fan towards the sea, sheltered from behind by the steep slopes of the Monti Lattari.
The town’s main landmark is the Duomo (cathedral). Work began on this landmark in the 9th century and altered over time with Arab-Norman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, the church is preceded by a flight of 62 steps and towers over Amalfi’s main piazza.
No visit to Amalfi will be complete without having enjoyed a stroll through the town’s labyrinth of little lanes and alleyways, as well as a trip to the Paper Museum at Via delle Cartiere 24. The production of hand-crafted paper, known as bambagina, is one of the oldest of Amalfi’s traditions and today remains part of the town’s culture and identity.
Minori
Less well-known but equally incredible as Amalfi and Positano, Minori is a village with a wealth of craft traditions, characteristic architecture, and a small, quaint beach. Its convenient location makes it the ideal base for exploring the entire coastline and Sorrento Peninsula, while its relaxed atmosphere and wide range of services from restaurants to beach clubs invite visitors to settle in and stay awhile.
The most captivating experience in Minori is simply strolling the lanes of the historic centre to soak in the fishing village atmosphere that has remained despite the influx of tourists over the years. Minori’s cathedral, dedicated to Santa Trofimena, was restored in the 19th century and has three light-filled aisles and artworks such as a 17th-century marble pulpit.
One of the highlights of the area is the famed Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons), an ancient footpath that runs between Maiori and Minori with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast – which is famed for its lemons! Lemon trees have blanketed this stretch of coastline since the 1600s and you will still come across locals working in their lemon grove in the summer, or even mules loaded with heavy cases of fruit being led along the trail.
