Amalfi Coast

Overview Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a very famous stretch of coast south of Naples in Italy. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy, for some people it is even the most beautiful coast in the world. At least the Amalfi Coast is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the region Campania in the south of Italy.

It is a steep coast with narrow, small, picturesque villages. Very well known is the road along the Amalfi coast. It is partly so narrow that one has to drive backwards at oncoming traffic. By car, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the 40 kilometres along the Amalfi Coast, the buses sometimes even longer.

Tip: There are great bus tours to the Amalfi Coast, from Rome, Naples and other places. It good overview of day trips by bus to the beautiful Amalfi Coast can be found on this link.

In Italian, the Amalfi Coast bears the beautiful name “Costiera amalfitana”. The famous street is called “Amalfitana”. The coast is named after the historically most important place of the coast Amalfi. Today the people on the Amalfi coast live mainly from tourism. But also the cultivation of wine and citrus fruits (especially lemons) is a big economic sector.

Important places Amalfi Coast

Main town Amalfi

Amalfi is a town in the Campania region of southern Italy on the Gulf of Salerno. The town is famous for its beautiful coastline and historic architecture, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists from all over the world.

One of Amalfi’s most famous landmarks is the Amalfi Cathedral, its impressive 9th century cathedral. Known for its beautiful mosaic floors and intricate decoration, this cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of its Norman architecture in Italy. The cathedral’s bell tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, and the adjacent Cloister of Paradise is an equally impressive architectural marvel.

The main town Amalfi is about in the middle of the almost 40 kilometres long Amalfi coast. Once Amalfi was an important maritime power, today it has only 6.000 inhabitants.We have created an extra page about the town of Amalfi: Click here

Positano

The second most important place on the Amalfi Coast is Positano, one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Positano, in the west of the Amalfi Coast, is built on a steep slope (see picture). The famous coastal road Amalfitana runs above the village. Those who arrive by bus have to change to another bus or taxi at an intersection or walk a long way.

>>> Great day tour by bus from Naples to Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Bookable on the website Getyourguide

Positano (Amalfi Coast)

Positano is a town on the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region of Italy. It is known for its scenic beauty, colourful houses and vibrant culture. The town is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding hillsides.

Positano was once a thriving fishing village and its history can be traced back to the Roman Empire. In the 20th century it became a popular destination for artists, writers and intellectuals who were attracted by its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Today, Positano is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The town is famous for its picturesque houses, built in a distinctive style, with pastel-coloured buildings sloping down the hillside to the sea. Positano is also known for its fine boutiques and jewellery shops, as well as its good restaurants and bars.

Positano is not only known for its picturesque beauty, but also for its lively cultural scene. The town is home to several churches, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its famous Byzantine-style dome decorated with beautiful majolica tiles. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the ‘Festa della Regina della Costa’ in August and the ‘Fiera della Ceramica’ in June, showcasing local music, food and art.

Visitors to Positano can enjoy a range of activities including swimming, sunbathing and boating. The town also offers several picturesque walking and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast and countryside. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural experience, Positano has something for everyone.

>>> Our article about Positano

Ravello

Ravello is also beautiful. The village is situated above the Amalfi coast with a wonderful view of the cliffs and the sea.

Ravello, a charming hilltop town on the Amalfi Coast, is a must for travellers who want to experience the beauty and history of the region.

Ravello has a rich history dating back to the 9th century when the town was founded as a maritime republic. The town’s architectural heritage reflects its long and fascinating history, with ancient churches, historic palaces and beautiful gardens set against a stunning seaside backdrop.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ravello is Villa Rufolo, a beautiful medieval villa with lush gardens and panoramic views of the coast. The villa has a rich history and has been a haven for writers and artists over the years, including Richard Wagner, whose visit to the villa inspired him to write his opera Parsifal.

Another attraction is the Basilica of San Pantaleone, a fine example of medieval architecture with a rich history. Dedicated to the 4th century martyr San Pantaleone, the cathedral houses beautiful works of art inside, including a magnificent 13th century Byzantine icon.

In addition to its rich history and architecture, Ravello is also known for its stunning scenery and beautiful gardens. The town is surrounded by lush vegetation and has several beautiful gardens with stunning views of the coast. The most famous of these is Villa Cimbrone, a landscaped garden with a long terrace overlooking the sea and an impressive collection of sculptures and works of art.

>>> Great day tour by bus from Naples to Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Bookable on the website Getyourguide

Another popular pastime in Ravello is hiking. Many hiking trails offer great views of the coast. There are several trails that lead to the town’s historical sites, such as Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and these trails are popular with tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and history of the town.

In summary, Ravello is a beautiful and historic town on the Amalfi Coast, offering stunning scenery, a rich history and an impressive collection of architecture and works of art. Whether you are interested in history, culture or nature, Ravello is a must-see for anyone travelling to the Amalfi Coast.

>>> Our article about Ravello

>>> Great day tour by bus from Naples to Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Bookable on the website Getyourguide

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Day Tours Amalfi Coast: Not every tourist has a car, not everyone wants to drive on the coastal road on the Amalfi Coast. There are dozens of different tours by bus or boat. A very good overview of such day trips can be found on the website Getyourguide: Link more info and booking

 

Road Amalfi Coast

The famous road Amalfitana is a real experience. The road is so narrow that you have to avoid oncoming traffic. There is hardly any possibility to park and take photos. Parking is also difficult and expensive in places like Amalfi. It is better to take the bus or the ferry.

The Amalfi coastal road is served by scheduled buses on the Sorrento – Amalfi and Salerno – Amalfi. If you want to travel the whole Amalfi coast by bus, you have to change in Amalfi. From Sorrento to Salerno it takes 4 hours (about 50 kilometres). The fares are very low (whole route Salerno to Sorrento about 5 euros in 2019). The buses run about every hour. Between Positano, Amalfi and Salerno there are also many much faster ferries.