10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON THE AMALFI COAST THAT YOU CANNOT MISS!  

If you are looking for a guide to the Amalfi Coast to plan your trip there, this article will list the 10 best places to visit on the AMALFI COAST that are breathtaking and unique.

So, if you are wondering what to do on the Amalfi Coast, search no more, just read this article, a guide to visiting the Amalfi Coast.  You will discover the best 10 places to visit on the Amalfi Coast and the recommended activities in the area.

AMALFI - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

AMALFI 

The singular architecture of white houses, the mild climate for most of the year and the characteristic artisan shops, makes Amalfi a perfect tourist destination chosen by thousands of tourists and so one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi is a city of around 7000 inhabitants, rich in history and art, which gives its name to the Amalfi Coast, since 1997, declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Always admired for its beauty, Amalfi is a summer holiday destination but is also a recommended destination for gourmets and gourmands, in fact it boasts of being the place where pizza was invented.

Its foundation dates back to the Romans. Starting from the 9th century, it was the first among the maritime republics to compete with Pisa, Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean Sea.

One thing to remember, when you choose AMALFI as one of the places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, is that parking in Amalfi is not easy and certainly quite expensive.  Also, traffic can be challenging, so best to avoid driving to this area and opting for bike rentals or Sharing VESPA TOURS.

What to do in Amalfi 

Traditionally, every year a crew of Amalfi rowers takes part in the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, challenging the cities of Genoa, Pisa and Venice.  This is an event not to be missed.

Among the most famous monuments there is certainly the Amalfi Cathedral in Arab-Sicilian style, dedicated to Sant’Andrea, patron saint of the city. There is no shortage of other attractions, especially for trekking lovers and nature enthusiasts, in fact among the things to see in Amalfi there are arsenals, paper mills, the paper museum, the valley of the ironworks and the tracks with breathtaking views.  Great are also the boat excursions with diving to discover the crystal clear sea of the Amalfi Coast.

POSITANO - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

POSITANO 

If you visit Positano, one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, you will experience this town by walking through its characteristic winding streets, climbing up the “stairways” that connect the lower part of the city, where the beaches are located, with the higher part.

Positano, one of the Amalfi Coast towns, is actually divided into twelve neighbourhoods, one for each of its churches. Called the “Vertical Pyramid of the Amalfi Coast”, Positano is a city to be explored on foot, since to discover its true essence you have to walk through its alleys going up and down the numerous stairs. Here you will find restaurants, art galleries, buildings set in the rock but also corners with breathtaking views of the coast.

What to do in Positano 

The famous Church of Santa Maria Teresa dell’Assunta, symbol of the city, is a must-visit.  Its dome stands out among the houses thanks to the yellow and green majolica that compose it and which recall the colours of Positano: the yellow of the sun and the green of the vegetation. Inside, the church is in classical style with columns surmounted by Ionic capitals and above the main altar it houses the famous Byzantine icon of the Madonna with Child, which is mentioned in the legend that gave its name to the city.

At the Archaeological Museum located 11 meters underground there are two crypts and an area of the Roman villa. The excavations, although not yet complete, have brought to light walls of the villa frescoed in bright colours and domestic furnishings.

The Saracen Towers were built during the sixteenth century as defensive towers to spot possible pirate attacks. Once the enemies were spotted from the towers, the sentries warned the population, who took refuge in the highest part of the city or in the woods surrounding the centre.

The Path of the Gods (Il sentiero degli Dei) starts from Agerola to Positano and then from Positano to Praiano. This hike is like gazing through windows onto the Mediterranean, offering immersive natural scenery. It does require a good level of fitness, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort.

Take also time to visit the colourful ceramic shops, boutiques selling linen clothes and small artisan businesses that still make handmade sandals. The originality and skill of Positano tailors and craftsmen gave rise to a real trend in the 1950s which is still known throughout the world as “Positano Fashion”.

Marina Grande or Spiaggia Grande is the main beach of Positano where there are equipped bathing establishments and a small free beach. This area is also the fulcrum of Positano’s social life and is a meeting place for many tourists who are on holiday on the coast.  Alternatively, there is the beach in Via Laurito and Fornillo, quieter and less chaotic.

Also not to be forgotten is Spiaggia Arienzo, known as the “beach of three hundred steps” due to the number of steps you have to take to reach it. From the top of the staircase, it is possible to admire some of the most luxurious villas on the Amalfi Coast.

RAVELLO - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL 1

RAVELLO 

From the top of the Lattari mountains, Ravello dominates the Amalfi Coast offering landscapes of unparalleled beauty. Culture has always played a fundamental role in the history of this small town which was an important meeting point for important intellectuals, including the composer Wagner.

Today, in addition to its scenic, historical and artistic beauties, the municipality of Ravello is known as the “City of Music” for the many musical events of international appeal, including the Ravello Festival, which attract enthusiasts to the area.

There is a multitude of accommodation facilities such as hotels, residences and bed & breakfasts present in the municipal area, most of which can boast splendid panoramic views of the Divine Coast.  This is why Ravello is one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

What to do in Ravello 

The Duomo, in Gothic style, dominates the central square. A real “museum” full of treasures, characteristic for its bronze portal built in Constantinople in 1170. An evocative and majestic place, inside which, stands a magnificent pulpit which alone is worth the visit. Absolutely worth seeing, if you visit Ravello.

Gardens of Villa Cimbrone are magnificent, adorned with rare species of plants, statues and fountains. The garden paths lead to the Belvedere, which culminates in the “Terrace Towards Infinity” from where you can admire the most spectacular view of the Amalfi Coast.

The Garden of Villa Rufolo, “The garden of the soul” enchanted the German composer Wagner, who found in these places the materialization of his imagination. Villa Rufolo was built in Piazza Duomo in 1200 by the Rufolo family, the most important and powerful family in Ravello.

Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium which hosts the famous Ravello Festival in July, is unmissable for classical music enthusiasts.

The Church of Sant’Angelo dell’Ospedale, a few steps from the Duomo has a particular structure, carved inside the rock.

The Church of the Annunziata has become the symbolic image of Ravello, with its two characteristic domes shown in every postcard or image of the city. It is a monumental complex that dates back to 1200, with great architectural and stylistic charm. The sacred building is preceded by an entrance portico, which has the appearance of a gallery, created in the rock.

Church of San Giovanni: from the Romanesque period, a place where the nobility of Ravello gathered in the Middle Ages. The building is rich in decorations, with bright and magnificent colours. If you visit Ravello and you are an art lover, it’s a must!

ATRANI - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL 1

​ATRANI 

Squeezed between bold rocky peaks that loom with their grandeur over the town and the picturesque bay below, Atrani is the coastal centre which, with its typically medieval structure, has best preserved its ancient topographic characteristics.

It is a truly tiny town, considering that it covers just 0.1206 km² of surface area, making it the smallest town on the Amalfi Coast and the most densely populated in the province of Salerno.

The “Piazzetta” of Atrani, in the heart of the town, is a wonderful urban courtyard, where inhabitants and tourists from all over the world meet from early morning to late at night between the tables of bars and restaurants or sitting on the stairs of the church of San Salvatore. Relax while drinking and eating local specialties in excellent venues, all just a few steps from the sea which can be seen from the arches leading to the beach.  Enjoy here one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

What to do in Atrani

The Church of S. Salvatore de Birecto is the first thing you will notice when arriving in the Piazzetta of Atrani. It was the seat of the coronation of the Doges, through the imposition of the doge cap. It was built in the 10th century: the most important elements are the bell tower that dominates the clock on the façade of the church and a bronze door from 1087 donated by a rich merchant.

The Collegiate Church of St. Mary Magdalene was founded in 1274 on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress by citizens who wanted to thank S.M. Maddalena for having freed them from a garrison of Saracen soldiers. The Collegiate Church is located on the promontory overlooking the village, with an extraordinary view of the Gulf of Salerno.

Santa Maria del Bando is an ancient chapel that can be reached via a few hundred steep stairs and that will offer a breathtaking view.  Next to the church there is the so-called cave of the Saints, where in medieval times there was a hermitage. Just above there is the Torre dello Ziro.

Walking along the 750 steps that start from the small square of Atrani, you reach a cave which, according to local tradition, would have been a refuge for the famous Masaniello, who would have found shelter there to escape the soldiers of the viceroy of Naples.  In fact, it is called Masaniello Cave.

During your stay, if you decide to visit Atrani, you will certainly take advantage of the picturesque location for a dinner by the sea or to have a drink in one of the venues overlooking the welcoming Piazzetta Umberto I.

CONCA DEI MARINI - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

CONCA DEI MARINI (one of best places to visit on the AMALFI COAST!)

Conca dei Marini is one of the wonders of the AMALFI COAST, a dream place nestled in a basin-shaped bay, therefore one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

Named so because of its conca shape, that implies proximity to the sea and the sailors’ knowledge of navigation techniques.  Conca dei Marini is built on two levels: the first dedicated to the cellars and warehouses, where the inhabitants kept the equipment for peach, in such a way as to isolate the ground from the second floor.

Now below there are the houses on the water’s edge which are reflected in a small bay; above, nestled on the hill, whitewashed houses, scattered among the vegetable gardens, olive groves and lemon grove terraces that descend to the sea. All the places in the village are connected by “stairways” that lead the way for our steps among the scents of aromatic herbs.

​What to do at the Conca dei Marini 

Despite its small size, Conca dei Marini has six churches all in a panoramic position. The church of San Pancrazio is famous for the legend of the janare, the women who, due to their familiarity with rites, herbs and magical philtres, were considered witches, but perhaps only pined for their absent husbands, far away on the seas – and they, alone, without company under the star-studded sky.

The church of Sant’Antonio (dedicated to San Giovanni Battista) has a lookout over the sea and is of thirteenth-century origin, while the church of Santa Maria di Grado is built overlooking the sea and houses the head of San Barnaba, one of the relics most important in the province. The other three places of worship in Conca are the church of San Michele Arcangelo in via San Michele, the chapel of the Immacolata in Piazza Olmo and the chapel of the Madonna della Neve near the marina.

Conca dei Marini also offers wonderful naturalistic pearls such as the Emerald Grotto, a marine cave where the water takes on emerald reflections. Inside there are long stalactites, which over the years have formed limestone columns.

Furthermore, underwater you can admire a white ceramic nativity scene deposited by divers. Finally, Capo di Conca is also worth visiting, a rock overlooking the sea where the Saracen Tower stands. The path that leads to the tower is among the most popular and most admired on the Amalfitan coast.

fiordo-di-furore- LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

FJORD OF FURORE 

The village of Furore, included in the UNESCO heritage list since 1997 together with the other municipalities of the Amalfi Coast, is also part of the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy and one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast. It is known as “the town that doesn’t exist” due to the absence of a real inhabited centre: the houses are scattered and set along the walls of the mountain overlooking the sea. The authorial walls, however, (works of art that have embellished this place making it an open-air museum) have given it the nickname of “painted village”. Its fjord will then leave you breathless.  It is truly one of best places to visit on the AMALFI COAST!

What to do in Furore 

The beach is small but suggestive, a strip of white pebbles of about 25 meters and overlooked by the high bridge, an integral part of the state road, which unites the rocky walls of this corner of paradise. It is one of the most picturesque and photographed beaches on the Amalfi Coast.  Sometimes it goes unnoticed due to its location but if you decide to visit the Amalfi Coast the Furore Fjord is an obligatory stop.

From the bridge, the fjord is clearly visible and the sensation will be that of being suspended in space. What a spectacular view! If you take the stairs that lead to the beach, on the left you will find the seaside village: a series of colorful houses or “monazzeni” in the local language, set in the mountain, once a shelter for fishermen. The boats lying on dry land make this scenario even more evocative!

Among these colourful houses there are also the “Villa della Storta” which Anna Magnani and Roberto Rossellini, who were a couple at the time, fell madly in love with this place. Some scenes of the episode “The Miracle” were, in fact, filmed on the Amalfi Coast.  Today the “Villa della Storta” is a permanent museum that traces the presence of the actress in these places.

PRAIANO - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

PRAIANO 

In the heart of the Amalfi Coast, not far from the famous and popular Positano, lies the small town of Praiano, less known than other towns on the Coast, it will actually reserve pleasant surprises for you.

If you are on the Amalfi Coast, visit Praiano, a town that has retained its authenticity and discover one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

What to do in Praiano 

At the Church of San Gennaro, you can admire the spectacular panorama, where the island of Capri is visible.  This square is a good starting point to reach Gavitella beach, which can be reached on foot through the characteristic streets and several steps (about 400).

Marina di Praia is located on the other side of Praiano. This beach is characterized by crystal clear water, white pebbles and fishermen’s boats which make everything even more evocative. Unlike the Gavitella beach, Marina di Praia enjoys few hours of sunshine, but during the sultry summer days it is often an advantage.

Although it is a small town, it is characterized by the presence of several churches, including the parish church of San Luca Evangelista, its patron saint, of which it preserves a precious silver reliquary bust.

Walking through the alleys of Praiano you will notice several votive miniature chapels frescoed or made of majolica, usually placed on the walls.

For lunch or dinner you can stop at one of the restaurants on the beach. A must try is the squid with potatoes Praianese style dish, delicious and mouth-watering!

MAIORI & MINORI - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

MAIORI & MINORI 

Two sister cities, located quite close to each other (just 1 km away). From the name it is easy to deduce that Minori is the “younger sister” while Maiori is a little larger in size. The largest beach on the Amalfi coast is located in Maiori. There are many hotels here and the prices for accommodation are lower, so if you want to save money, Maiori or Minori could be one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast for you, especially if you are particularly interested in the sea. In Maiori, there are also a series of pedestrian paths that connect the two cities, therefore, reaching Minori on foot from Maiori or vice versa will not cost you any effort.

What to do in Maiori & Minori 

In the Central square of Minori you can admire the small ancient houses of Minori and shop in the souvenir shops. Not far away is the coast and here you can also find the Roman basilica of Santa Trofimena di Minori.

The Roman villa and Antiquarium museum: in the past a maritime estate, it is now the largest archaeological complex of a residential area, with a garden and viridarium, which is an open-air art gallery. The Roman villa is known for its mosaics and frescoes that have survived to the present day and for other findings from the 1st century AD, now exhibited in the Antiquarium museum.

Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare in Maiori.  This is the main attraction of Maiori, dating back to the 12th century. It is impossible not to fall in love with the immense tiled dome of the Church, “coloured” with majolica tiles in different colours.

Built on the Maiori hill to which a long staircase leads, Toro Plano Castle was built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Under the impregnable walls of the half-destroyed castle of Toro Plano there is currently a small museum.

Along the Amalfi coast, Maiori is the largest sandy beach, partly covered with volcanic sand. The absence of rocks in Maiori guarantees easy access to the sea. The beach of Minori, unlike that of Maiori, is covered with sand mixed with pebbles.

TRAMONTI - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

TRAMONTI 

Located on the Lattari Mountains, Tramonti is a city founded by the ancient Italic people of Picentini who built the first homes on these mountains with the intention of escaping the domination of the Romans. The origin of the name Tramonti derives from its geographical position as a ”place among the mountains”, hence the Latin “Intra Montes”.

The buildings and architectural works of Tramonti are a living testimony of its history and its multicultural past. Tramonti is made up of 13 hamlets, also known as “casali”, and each of these houses ancient churches and places of worship often decorated with precious frescoes.  Its historical value makes it one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

What to do in Tramonti 

A walk between the different locations of the village allows you to discover not only the numerous churches scattered throughout the area (there are more than 15) but also the castles and fortified structures that were built in different eras for defensive purposes.  If you fancy an excursion, the Path of the 13 Churches is a circular route immersed in the greenery of the Amalfi Coast to be covered on foot, with a length of approximately 14 km and a difference in altitude of approximately 527 meters, to admire wonderful landscapes.

If you decide to visit Tramonti, it will mean frequenting small inns, trattorias and shops where you will discover typical local products, such as fior di latte, chestnut honey, extra virgin olive oil and wine.

Furthermore, Tramonti is considered the true homeland of pizza which has been produced here since the Middle Ages and, according to tradition, it seems that it was the Tramonti pizza chefs who exported this specialty throughout Italy.

The Castle of Santa Maria la Nova was built in 1457 by the Prince of Salerno, Raimondo Orsini, on top of the Santa Maria hill. Currently we can only admire the remains of the city walls, 3 of the 16 original towers and the chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In the hamlet of Gete, whose name derives from De Getis, an ancient local patrician family, there is the Cappella Rupestre dedicated to S. Michele Arcangelo . The splendid rock chapel dating back to the 13th century is inserted in a cave.

The Conservatory of San Giuseppe and Santa Teresa from the 17th century was initially created as a place of education for girls from rich families in the area. The Conservatory then became a convent complex in the 18th century, while in the 19th century it was transformed into a girls’ boarding school. According to an ancient tradition, it was in this place that the maidens created the famous local liqueur known as the “Concerto“. According to an ancient city custom, this liqueur is offered to guests of Tramonti as a sign of hospitality.

The Castle of Montalto, also called Trivento, stands on the top of Mount Montalto within the Monti Lattari complex, between the territories of Tramonti and that of Ravello. This fortress, together with the adjoining chapel dedicated to St. Catherine, was built to defend the Republic of Amalfi from possible incursions coming from the northern side. We can now admire only a few remains of the fortress, while the path that must be followed to reach it offers truly wonderful landscapes.

VESPA TOURS - LONGOBARDI TRAVEL

10 BEST PLACES ON THE AMALFI COST THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET! 

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, recognized by The World Heritage and chosen by thousands of tourists every year.

This guide has listed the 10 best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast to help you plan your trip.  Absolutely recommended is a VESPA TOUR or a LUXURY CAR TOUR to begin your holiday. Traveling on a scooter or VESPA is the most suitable way to move around on the AMALFI COAST, avoiding traffic and managing to reach all destinations easily.

Once you have reached the main destinations by VESPA and learnt about the area, you can go back to your favourite locations to see more of the area.  So stay on the Amalfi Coast and enjoy a wonderful holiday!

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