The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mesmerising stretch of coastline in southern Italy. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and romantic allure, it has captivated visitors for centuries
The Amalfi Coast winds along the southern Italian coastline, just south of Naples. This stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline is a mosaic of small, colourful villages nestled amidst dramatic cliffs. From the iconic Positano to Vietri sul Mare, sixteen charming towns dot the approximately 50-kilometre stretch, each offering a unique blend of history and culinary delights.
Overlooking the Gulf of Salerno with a backdrop of the Lattari Mountains and the island of Capri sitting offshore, opposite Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast offers rugged cliffs, lush forests, charming coves and secluded bays. A winding road snakes through terraced hillsides dotted with lemon groves, vineyards, and olive trees.
Roman Emperor Tiberius discovered the Amalfi Coast over 2,000 years ago and chose it as his final retreat. It then fell under Byzantine rule. Amalfi was the oldest of the four Maritime Republics (Pisa, Genoa, and Venice) and became a Duchy in the 10th century. It was subsequently part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860) until Italy’s unification in 1861.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Amalfi Coast began to attract the European elite. As luxury hotels sprung up, the rich and famous, including Greta Garbo, Picasso, Klee, Pirandello, Steinbeck, Zefirelli and Warhol, succumbed to the charms of the Amalfi Coast.
Must-visits begin with Positano, boasting a veritable constellation of stars among its seventy-plus hotels. Paul Klee said it was the only vertical town in the world. It enchants with its colourful houses, stunning Duomo, vibrant square and winding labyrinth of steps and alleyways that culminate in breathtaking sea views.
As one of the most beautiful towns in the region, Amalfi is the second must-see. Once a maritime powerhouse, dominating trade in the Tyrrhenian Sea and Eastern markets, its rich history is palpable in the intricate layout of its old town, perfect for exploring on foot. And no visit is complete without a visit to its magnificent cathedral.
Ravello is a town that seems closer to heaven than to the sea. Its 11th-century Villa Cimbrone is now a luxury hotel that has hosted the likes of Greta Garbo and Hillary Clinton. Its clifftop gardens are perched 335 metres high, and its famous Terrace of Infinity, lined by marble busts, offers stunning panoramic views over the Amalfi Coast. Villa Rufolo, with its equally impressive gardens and vistas, has been a summer residence for popes, royals and renowned composer Richard Wagner. For those seeking adventure, the Path of the Gods is a must. This scenic natural trail winds along approximately nine kilometres of spectacular scenery from Agerola to Positano.
Vietri sul Mare provides a visually captivating introduction or delightful conclusion to your trip. Its colourful houses, winding lanes, and world-famous ceramics captivate any visitor. And don’t miss Cetara, a picturesque fishing village that seems untouched by time. Then there’s the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini; Furore, with its dramatic fiord, the natural oasis of Vallone di Porto, and the picture-perfect idyll, Atrani. With so much to see and do, even a month-long stay seems barely enough.
The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast is as delightful as its scenery. Famed for Sorrento’s limoncello liqueur produced and enjoyed all along the coast. The region is also known for its sfusati lemons, which have a protected designation of origin, and its famous sfogliatelle, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta. The local wines offer a diverse range: a full-bodied, refreshing white, a robust, tannic red, and a delicate rosé. The anchovy sauce, perfect for spaghetti, is not to be missed and the ndunderi, large semolina and ricotta gnocchi with Roman origins.