The AMALFI Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the western edge of Italy, and attracts thousands of local and international tourists every year. It is basically a string of thirteen colorful towns but as expected some towns are more popular than others. People may not have heard of Tramonti and Furore but are familiar with the more popular towns of Amalfi and Positano. Each town has its own specialties but the entire coast is known for its production of lemon liquor. There are many things to do and see on the Amalfi Coast, but here are the most popular ones.
The 10 Things to do in Amalfi Coast
There is no shortage of world-class experiences or sightseeing spots on the Amalfi Coast. Below we have compiled a list of the top things to do here on your next trip to the area.
The Amalfi Cathedral
The Duomo di Amalfi is a beautiful looking Roman Catholic Cathedral that is as old as the 9th century. It is on top of the flight of steps and is easily distinguished by the Arab-Norman Romanesque style of architecture. The cathedral has been remodeled many times, and even today it is one of the foremost attractions of the Amalfi Coast
The Bay of Sorgeto, Ischia
Located just one mile from the town of Panza, and on the island of Ischia, the Bay of Sorgeto gives free access to the hot thermal spring. There are around 300 steps down to Baia di Sorgeto, get into one of the rocky pools and enjoy the magnificent view.
Herculaneum
Herculaneum was once a rich Roman city but it was completely ravaged by the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city,although destroyed, can be experienced in most of its original grandeur. It is said that the city was even richer than Pompeii. The seaside town has been able to preserve much of the paintings, artifacts and furniture of that period. Infact, many villas and buildings are still intact from that period.
Pasteum
Pasteum was supposedly founded by the Greek colonists, and tourists come to this city to have a look at the marvelous Greek temples which have been perfectly preserved. The three Greek temples were constructed in the 5th and 6th century BC. UNESCO declared the ruins of Pasteum as a World Heritage Site in 1998. The city is huge, surrounded by large walls and extends for a massive 120 hectares.
The Beaches of Vietri Sul Mare
Vietri Sul Mare is home to some of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and this region is known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. If you are looking for a family-friendly beach then La Baia is your best bet while La Crespella is one of the most picturesque beaches in this region. It is a small private beach, and you have to pay a mall fee to enter. The beach does get crowded on weekends.
Visit the town of Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the northern part of the Amalfi Coast. It is popular for the beach walks, and the gorgeous buildings. The region is famous for the production of Limoncello or lemon liquor. The cathedral of Sorrento is the major tourist spot here that was built way back in the 11th century. The ports in Sorrento are a busy place as it is always teeming with fishing boats.
Enjoy the stunning scenes in Praiano
Located in the middle of Amalfi and Positano, it is an offbeat town that is so different from the other beach towns. The views from this town are a photographer’s delight and you can spend your time taking a dive in the warm waters or enjoy a chilled dessert on the beach.
Go up the heights of Ravello
If you are looking for the best views on the Amalfi Coast then you should head straight for Ravello. The town is located on the highest points in the mountains, and is more cost friendly compared to the other touristy towns on the Amalfi coast. The best spot in Ravello is the Villa Rufolo which offers the best views of the surroundings. There are many cafes and rooftop bars in the town that act as a perfect spot for romantic dinners.
Watch the fishing fleets at the Cetara
Cetara is one of the most pristine towns on the Amalfi Coast, and the best part is that the town is still free from the invasive tourists. It is a very relaxing place where you can watch the fishermen at work in their little boats. Since it is a fishing town, you will get to taste some of the delicious fish dishes at any of the local restaurants.
Have fun at the beaches of Maiori
Maiori is just a short while away from the town of Amalfi. If you are looking forward to unwinding on a calm, serene and excellent beach then Maiori would be your best choice. The beach is divided into two segments and both the segments have lovely sandy beaches with Mediterranean waters. If you want to spend a day or two here, you will not face any problem as there are a range of amenities here.
The Best Hotels in Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is said to be the most picturesque region of Italy. The coastal cities enjoy beautifully stunning views of the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. So if you are looking for a luxurious stay, you will not be disappointed as Amalfi Coast has plenty of these.
Le Sirenuse Hotel
Le Sirenuse is one of the most expensive hotels on the Amalfi Coast. It lives up to its reputation of being expensive through pristine grounds, free snacks, free boat trips, and a world-class restaurant. The rooms boast of antique furniture on one side and all modern appliances on the other. It is an excellent accommodation choice for those who can afford it and look to enjoy the spectacular views all around.
Average price per night – $700
Villa San Michele Ravello
Located in the rugged Amalfi coastline, the Villa San Michele has a ladder that directly leads into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The rooms have a Mediterraned style imbibed in them and features natural palettes, blue and white tiled floors and private balconies. The breakfast is served on the terrace.
Average price per night – $117
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello
The hotel has, in the past, hosted noted celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Greta Garbo. So when you put up in this hotel, you know that you are in the lap of luxury. The suspended Infinity Poollooks straight from the movies, and there is also an al-fresco restaurant on-site for the guests. The bedrooms too have its glamor quotient with balconies, chandeliers, and mosaic tiles.
Average price per night – $833
Hotels for the Budget Conscious Travelers
The biggest expenditure in Amalfi coast for the travelers is in the accommodation. In fact, even the budget hotels on Amalfi coast are not so cheap. We have rummaged through the hotels in this area and have come up with hotels that are not only affordable but also provide all basic amenities for the travelers.
Hotel Residence, Amalfi
Hotel Residence is located right in the middle of the town and just less than 200 ft from the beach. The cathedral , which is famous for its mosaic facades, is also around 200 ft from the hotel but in the other direction. The rooms in this hotel are a bit small with antique wooden furnishings all around. The balcony affords good views of the beach.
Average price per night – $155
Villa Maria Luigia
Located just 1.2 km from the Amalfi Cathedral, the Villa Maria Luigia is a good hotel that overlooks the Cilento coast. The rooms have all standard facilities like individual climate control, private safe and satellite TV. Each room of the hotel has excellent sea views. The kitchen is fitted with an ice machine and a dishwasher.
Average price per night – $143
Fontana
Fontana is a 3-star property that is located very close to the beach. The old city of Pompeii is just 17 km from this hotel. The rooms are very bright looking and have all standard amenities like safe deposit box, walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries. A delicious buffet breakfast is served in the morning to all guests.
Average price per night – $104
What to eat
Pasta is very popular on the Amalfi coast but that does not mean that it is the only food available there. In fact, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to food in this region. You can start off with Scialatielli with seafood which is a traditional dish and a bit unique as milk, and not eggs, are used to prepare the dough. You can match with the wide choice of seafood of the Amalfi coast – clams, prawns, mussels, sea truffles etc. Spaghetti alla Nerano is a cheesy dish that is served with basil. The dish is popular as all the ingredients are very fresh. Provolone del Monaco is a local product which is basically semi-hard cheese and carefully seasoned. You can have it raw or just melt it in one of the local recipes.
All inclusive Resorts
It will not be wrong to say that all inclusive resorts are found far and between on the Amalfi coast. Anna Belle Elegant AgriResort is located in Sorrento and just 3 km from Corso Italia. The property has a beautiful garden and free WiFi is available on-site. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is another good option that has massage rooms and facilities for hot tubs too.
A Few Facts
Along the Amalfi coast, Salerno is the only place where you will find the big ships getting docked. The Salerno is located on the western side of the region. Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are the two most popular cruise lines that serve the Amalfi coast.
If you want to fly to the Amalfi coast from Philadelphia then it is important to remember that Naples is the closest airport but people prefer to land at Rome as it is a cheaper alternative. However, there are no direct flights from Philadelphia to Rome. It can take around 10h and 30min to get to Rome from the US. On an average you can expect to pay around $918 for a flight from Philadelphia to Rome.
