THE TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS THAT YOU CAN'T ABSOLUTELY MISS ON THE AMALFI COAST

The Amalfi Coast includes 13 municipalities and 48 km of fantastic coastline: it is for sure one of the most loved and popular destinations on the entire Italian peninsula. Here, I talk about all the attractions you should absolutely put in your itinerary.


by Barbara Iovine

It is impossible to resist the unspoiled beauty and the picturesque charm of the small coastal villages: look at the colorful houses, walk through the narrow streets that intersect with each other, and go up and down stairways.
By wandering around these places full of attractions, you will always feel a jolly atmosphere: there are so many places to visit! It is really difficult to list them all, but today I will try to make a selection of what you should absolutely see during your stay on the Amalfi Coast!

The top 10 attractions on the Amalfi Coast 

1. The Cathedral of Sant'Andrea

The Cathedral of Amalfi is famous for its particular architectural structure in Romanesque and Baroque styles, and it is one attraction you should not miss. 

It stands majestically in the town square: the façade is made up of a mosaic of different shapes and colors, and the entire structure is made up of very special arches that attract all eyes. To complete the masterpiece there is the long staircase, which is a photographic set of countless tourists, together with the Cloister of Paradise, and the Crypt dedicated to Sant'Andrea. It is simply wonderful!

2. The villas of Ravello

Ravello is well known for its villas with a view, and Villa Rufolo is without a doubt the spearhead of the city. Here you can stroll in its terraced gardens, admiring the fascinating naturalistic creations and the different statues that adorn it, up to the beautiful Moorish cloister. An unforgettable visit!
Also, the enchanting Villa Cimbrone is noteworthy: you can visit the cloister and the covered well in the courtyard, and admire the columns and arches that accompany the visitor along the road that leads to the indescribable Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity): one of the most exciting viewpoints of the city! Here, among the marble busts and the breathtaking panorama, you will feel like you are in Paradise.

3. The Emerald Grotto

Not far from Amalfi, in Conca dei Marini, there is the Emerald Grotto: a naturalistic masterpiece like few in the world. What makes this cavity special is the play of lights that create the sun's rays reflecting on the water: all around, the space is colored in very warm emerald green! This, together with the presence of stalactites and stalagmites, which create real inlaid columns, make up a truly suggestive show. Furthermore, the water in the cave is very clean and allows you to see the bottom, where a very original Vietri ceramic nativity scene has been installed. A magical visit.  

4. The Path of the Gods

You have undoubtedly heard about the Path of the Gods, one of the most evocative attractions in the area. During this walk surrounded by greenery, you will cross the Mediterranean scrub, enjoying an exceptional view: there is the blue of the sea with the islands of Capri and Li Galli in the distance. It is simply magnificent.

You should stop at the most scenic spots to take some great photos and also have a picnic in the designated areas. Enjoy the peace of this place, you will not regret it!  

5. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta 

One of the most popular attractions is certainly the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano: it is a jewel located right in the historic center, a few steps from the Marina Grande beach. Its majolica dome has become the true symbol of the city over time and is recognizable thanks to its yellow, green, and blue tiles that sparkle with the reflections of the sun. Also, the church's interior is noteworthy, decorated in white and gold, where the Byzantine icon of the black Madonna here preserved is a small masterpiece worth discovering!

6. The Valle delle Ferriere 

The Valle delle Ferriere is another path of astonishing beauty. It is one of the most evocative natural oases on the entire peninsula, where you will have the opportunity to walk for a few hours in a microclimate that includes rich tropical vegetation. Here you will come across small waterfalls and discover truly characteristic fauna and flora: you will feel like you are teleported into a parallel dimension, which will surely leave you amazed. 

7. Fiordo di Furore

Another of the most evocative places on the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly the Fiordo di Furore. It is an enchanting place where to swim in summer that still retains its charm in winter: it consists of a deep crack in the rock, surrounded by wild nature, which is very reminiscent of the landscapes of Northern Europe. This is also the ideal place for the more adventurous people, who in summer can participate in the traditional diving competition from the bridge.

8. Giardini della Minerva

In Salerno, you cannot absolutely miss the Giardini della Minerva: a botanical garden right in the middle of the city, where you can admire the historical plants of the Medical School. The gardens are composed of two levels that are connected with panoramic terraces. On the highest level, there is the terrace with the panoramic view, reachable by a staircase from which it is already possible to see the sea and the surrounding hills. Furthermore, inside the garden, there is also a herbal tearoom, the ideal for a relaxing break!

9. The Path of the Lemons

The Path of the Lemons which connects the cities of Maiori and Minori is one of the most characteristic walks to do on the Amalfi Coast. Here, as the name suggests, you will be surrounded by the local yellow gold: the fragrant lemons! Along the way you will meet, in addition to the citrus terraces, also the scenic panoramic views from which you can see the genuine beauty of this beautiful coast: between the blue of the sea and the bright colors of the surrounding nature, you can savor the true essence of these amazing Coast.

10. The Paper Museum

The city of Amalfi is also known for the handmade production of the famous Amalfi paper, and in this peculiar Paper Museum - located in the Valle dei Mulini - is still preserved the functional equipment useful to produce it. Here you will have the chance to participate in an artisan workshop, where it is explained the fundamental processes for handmade paper realization: an out-of-the-ordinary experience for sure! 

  • The Valle delle Ferriere was a beloved destination by travelers, who embarked on the Grand Tour in the Romantic era.
    In the summer, an event entitled "The magic at the Emerald Grotto" is organized, with events, music, theater, and cabaret, which alternate on the square in front of the cave transformed, for the occasion, into a real square on the splendid sea of the Amalfi Coast. 
  • The Minerva Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Europe.

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