Known in Italy as Costiera Amalfitana, the Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of land located in the southwestern region of Campania, Italy. Its main attractions are the medieval cliffside Mediterranean fishing villages that meet the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. The coast is named for the town of Amalfi, a historic town and popular vacation destination since the 18th century. Costiera Amalfitana is a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and continually attracts visitors from around the globe.
The region is beloved for its famous seaside towns that feature narrow winding streets and colorful homes with terraced gardens. Visitors are awestruck by the steep cliffs that overlook and tumble down toward the aqua seas below. They are beckoned by charm to explore the towns brimming with old historic churches and architecture, quaint shops, attractive flower gardens and vineyards, pleasant town squares, inviting hotels and restaurants, historic museums, art and cultural centers, and more. The Amalfi Coast boasts some of the world’s freshest fish cuisine including shrimp, octopus, mollusks, and specialties such as Pesce Aqua Pazza prepared with a whole seabream delicately poached in olive oil and water and with garlic and cherry tomatoes.
Among the most notable towns to visit are Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Each is distinct and possesses its own flair. Positano is the famed endpoint of the Path of Gods, a well-known hike that ends in the pretty town. At this journey’s end, one will reach a town brimming with rich tilework, abundant lemon trees, and hotels featuring private courtyards in which to sample some finest Italian wines and food specialties. Positano also features a vibrant nightlife for a perfect and fun date night or series of evenings out. Ravello sits above Amalfi and features a historic center and stunning views overlooking the coast. Ravello’s Cimbrone Gardens offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Amalfi Coast landscape and panoramic sunsets unlike anywhere else on earth.
Amalfi is the well-known center for ferry shuttles between islands and is famous for its medieval ninth-century cathedral, Duomo di Amalfi, featuring several architectural styles including Romanesque and Byzantine. This Amalfi cathedral sits in the Piazza del Duomo and is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the apostle Saint Andrew whose relics rest there. Many describe a visit to the cathedral as powerful and magical, from its stunning interior to indescribable picturesque vistas. Tourists also flock to the area to enjoy the mountain terraces abundant in rich yellow lemons that grow to epic sizes. Of course, a main highlight is an Amalfi Coast boat tour on the green-blue sea for unique views of the port and ancient shipyard called the arsenal. A visit to the Amalfi Coast showcases the beauty of land and sea and features amazing architecture to behold. The abundance of hotels and restaurants dotting the historic towns makes it ideal for travelers who seek both relaxation and fun in a gorgeous atmosphere. The location of the Amalfi Coasts makes it a jumping-off point for other fun travel adventures. For example, it is a great location for people who seek to explore the captivating Island of Capri, the fascinating city of Naples, the ancient Roman City of Pompeii, nearby fishing villages, and other intriguing towns along the splendorous coast. The best time to visit is in May or September when the weather is beautiful and summer crowds can be avoided.
