The town of Amalfi , which gave its name to the Amalfi coast of Italy , is among the most popular places of the region with its colorful houses on high rocks, turquoise sea, narrow winding streets, impressive views and well-kept gardens. This region, which I traveled from Naples to the shores of Ravello, left deep traces on me, I loved them very much.
Why not be loved! On the one hand, colorful houses lined up like pearls on steep slopes, bougainvillea adorning the houses, lemon trees, beautiful scenery overlooking the deep blue sea, charming streets and places… This is a geography that will be pleasing to those who see it, if we do not count the summer crowds.
To the south of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast , winding between Sorrento and Salerno , is undoubtedly the most magnificent coast of Italy, with its magnificent towns and villages of all sizes located on the mountains rising steeply to the sea.
The Amalfi Coast, which has some of the most impressive landscapes in the world, makes you feel a fairy-tale atmosphere with its charming villages on the cliffs perpendicular to the sea, fragrant lemon groves, olive groves and vineyards. This beautiful geography, reminiscent of paradise, is fascinating.
Dazzling Amalfi Coast
The area called Amalfi Drive (Divina Costiera), which stretches between Positano and Vietri sul Mare , stretches along a two-lane 40 km road. Along the Amalfi Coast are enchanting mountain passes, turquoise seascapes, tunnels and beautiful villages where time seemed to have stood still years ago. Amalfi coast is a touristic route as a favorite of Italy tours and honeymoon vacations.
Amalfi, which was considered among the most powerful states of the region together with Genoa, Pisa and Venice, never lost its power until the 20th century. In the region, which draws attention with its military and commercial successes, the architecture was also affected by the influence of different cultures. It is known that most of the city, where about 5,000 people live today, was buried in the sea in the earthquake of 1343.
A popular holiday destination for the British upper class and aristocracy in the 1920s, Amalfi is a world-famous tourist destination, along with other towns on the same coast such as Positano and Ravello. The journey along the coastline of Amalfi, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world, according to many travel experts.
At first glance it is hard to imagine that this resort area was one of the world’s most powerful naval contingents belonging to the Amalfi Maritime Republic in the 11th and 12th centuries. It would not be a lie to say that the uniquely beautiful valley of the Lattari Mountains, with its pastel colored houses, is the most beautiful place in the Gulf of Salerno.
Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
Boats and fishing boats are now located in the port, which was one of the biggest rivals of Genoa and Pisa on the Mediterranean waters in the past, and which has landed Italy’s strongest naval troops. As a result of its close relations with Tunisia, Tripoli and Algeria, an Arab-Sicilian atmosphere prevails throughout the city. Amalfi reflects its medieval glory today with its hotels, ancient mills, bustling streets and mosque-like cathedrals.
There is a lot of information about the history of Amalfi in different sources. According to a rumor, Amalfo, one of Constantine’s generals, lived here in 320. According to another rumor, a Roman noble from Melphi Village came here after the collapse of the empire.
Many churches and monasteries were built in Amalfi in the 10th century, which was plundered by many different groups, especially the Lombards. The region was ruled by wealthy dukes at that time. Remaining under Byzantine rule from the 9th century to 1101, Amalfi’s influence was so strong that it led to the writing of the maritime laws of Tavola Amalfitana.
Having minted its own gold and silver coins and embroidered the Amalfi cross on it, Amalfi began to rule over a very large region. Amalfi, with a trade network stretching as far as Alexandria and Constantinople, surpassed Pisa, Venice and Genoa as Italy’s first maritime republic.
During this period, the population of the region, most of which was made up of merchants and sailors, reached 100,000. As William of Apulia said in the 11th century, “No city is richer in gold, silver and textiles… It has become the city where whoever goes all over the world will always find something to buy”.
These glorious days, however, came to an end in the 11th century when Robert Guisgard of Normandy first aided and then plundered the entire city after a minor uprising in the 12th century. Then, in 1343, when Amalfi fell again with the conquest of Pisa, the huge storm ravaged everything.
By the 18th century, the whole region had fallen into pessimism and was trying to hold on to lemons and handmade papers to survive. After the Bourbon King Ferdinand built the Naples state road, Amalfi began to shine as a tourist destination.
The region, which was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1997, was quickly recognized and began to become increasingly popular. The Amalfi Coast is also the perfect destination for those who want to spend a romantic honeymoon, as it has one of the most beautiful sea views in the world.
Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast
1. Amalfi
It would not be wrong to say that Amalfi is one of the most beautiful places in the south of Naples. The scenic roads stretching along the Amalfi coast take you to Amalfi after Positano. Amalfi is one of the most expensive destinations on the Southern Italian coast with its glamorous boutique hotels, stylish restaurants, luxury villas of the jet set.
Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi can be a great route for romantic couples. Hotel Santa Caterina can be preferred with its panoramic view, built vertically on a hillside a few minutes from the center and operated by the same family for three generations. I shared extensive information about the town of Amalfi in my blog post about places to visit in Amalfi.
Amalfi is another paradise where you can sit on the rocks on the beach and watch the characteristic clock tower of its cathedral and enjoy it. Indigenous people are accustomed to living slowly; The town, with its fine cuisine, natural beauties, exquisite landscapes and beautiful architectural structures, gives life to breathtaking photo frames.
Visitors to the 9th-century Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea Cathedral and Chiostro del Paradiso (Convent of Heaven) witness medieval architecture in Amalfi, where reflections of its rich historical past are still standing. The cathedral, whose exterior is covered with mosaics, was built in 1066.
The Paper Museum , which is located on the top of the city and contains information about the history of papermaking, and the Valley of the Mills, which is located right next to the museum and where the mill shafts used in papermaking are located, are among the places to see.
It is possible to reach everywhere from Piazza Duomo , which is the heart of the city and is considered the center . In Palazzo Morelli, where the Municipal Museum is located, it is possible to see the maritime law book, Tavola Amalfitana, used in the Mediterranean Region and written in Amalfi in the 10th century. Piazza dei Dogi and Piazza dello Spirito Santo squares can also be visited.
You can go to coastal areas and beaches from Piazza Flavio Giola, the most active place of transportation in Amalfi, the sea port where taxis, buses and boats depart. With its clean sea, beaches and quality facilities, there are also diving and boat tour options in Amalfi.
The national drink of Italy, limoncello, is the most abundant beverage in Amalfi. The alcoholic beverage, which is a lemon liqueur, is available in almost all shops. Handmade paper, which can be thought of as souvenirs, is a centuries-old tradition in Amalfi and is even used in the Vatican.
2. Positano
Positano is one of Italy’s most popular and romantic towns, built vertically on a hilly area. It consists of colorful cute houses built on the slopes of two hills, which have a vast sea view from above. The town, which is one of the places that best exhibits the Italian Dolce Vita spirit, is the most famous town of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano is one of the most famous settlements on the Amalfi Coast, which John Steinbeck called “an unrealistic, dreamlike place” by John Steinbeck, who visited the region in the 1950s. Il San Pietro di is the spot with the most magnificent view of the region, in this tiny town whose center is lined with a riot of colors that are not accessible by car.
Famous for its Moorish-style architecture, the town’s architectural structures are lined up on steep slopes overlooking the Sirenuse Islands. The 13th century Byzantine Altar panel in the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, located in the middle of the harbor with its colorful houses carved into the mountains and its ceramic roof, was smuggled out of Istanbul.
Swimming in clear waters and sunbathing on the stone or sandy beach are among the most enjoyable activities in Positano. Also visit Positano, one of the most romantic destinations in the country. Hotel Le Sirenuse, which has been converted into a hotel from the summer house of a well-established Italian family, can be preferred for accommodation.
3. Ravello
Ravello has a view that you will never want to leave with its clean air and perfect view, very high above the sea. With its lush texture, Ravello has inspired many people, from Boccaccio to Wagner, with its peaceful atmosphere. You come out to the charming town amid the vanilla-like scent of the lemon trees on the terraces.
This town has the most vibrant social life in the region. Founded in the 10th century, Ravello was rebuilt in the 18th century in Neapolitan – Baroque style. Sea, sun, tranquility, good food, great wines, warm Italians and plenty of peace are the words that best describe this place.
4. Sorrento
Sorrento is not officially included in the Amalfi Coast, but it is one of the seaside towns you should definitely see while you are out sightseeing. Sorrento is one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Italy, one side mountain and one side sea. It’s not a place where romance and cuteness stand out like Positano and Amalfi, but it has its own charm.
50 km from Naples, it is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful day away from the city, covered with lemon and olive trees all around. A starting point for travelers who want to explore Amalfi.
It has a wonderful view of the Mediterranean stretching across giant rose trees, lemon and orange trees. Sorrento is home to a magnificent historical square, many restaurants where you can taste delicious delicacies, cute cafes and cute souvenir shops.
Getting from Naples to Sorrento is both easy and fast. Trains from Naples to Sorrento depart from Stazione Napoli Centrale in Piazza Garibaldi, the main station, every half hour between 6 am and 11 pm.
5. Pompeii
Pompeii Ancient City is one of the most magnificent cities in Italy to travel in time and witness the history of the region. It is located in the north of the peninsula, next to the Amalfi Coast.
After the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD , time has stood still in Pompeii, which was buried under the gases and burning ashes. It is a tremendous feeling to go back 2,000 years in the city, which has survived perfectly preserved until today.
6. Island of Capri
Capri Island is a place where you should take the ferry from Naples and go if you want to get some island air! It is possible to reach this charming island in about an hour by ferryboats departing from the port of Naples. There are restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes in the square of the island. There are also beaches on the island where you can swim.
When to go to Amalfi
April, May and early June are the best times to go to the Amalfi Coast. The weather is generally comfortable and not too hot, and the flowers are in full bloom and there is a wonderful spring mood. Easter time is usually very touristic, if you are going during that period, you need to make your reservations early. In May, the temperature of the ocean water reaches suitable levels for swimming, and the beaches are not too full yet.
The temperatures in the summer can be very oppressive. The archaeological sites are brimming with visitors, and the resorts on the Amalfi coast and islands are all overflowing. If you have in mind to go to the beach, keep in mind that in August all Italy flocks to the beaches.
At times like the end of September and the beginning of November, a little more comfortable and suitable weather conditions occur. The density on the beaches is decreasing, and the ocean temperature is at nice levels until October. But make good use of your time, because the days are starting to get shorter. In archaeological sites, visits are usually closed about 2 hours before sunset, but since there are not many tourists at that time, you can easily visit Pompeii and Herculaneum in the afternoon .
It is warm in the beginning of winter, but when it gets cold later, it may not go for a long time. Most hotels, restaurants and other facilities in resort destinations are closed from November to Easter.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
There are plenty of accommodation alternatives in almost all towns on the Amalfi Coast. While some hotels are right next to the beach, some hotels are built on steep hills that you can reach by climbing hundreds of stairs. Romantic hotels in Positano and Amalfi are the perfect place to renew your love.
The choice of families with children is usually Sorrento due to its less rugged geographical structure. There are dozens of different options in all villages for those who don’t mind climbing. The fact that Sorrento is accessible by ferry and train from both Naples and the Island of Capri increases the interest in this town.
How to get to Amalfi
Located in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, south of the Italian city of Naples, the town of Amalfi is located between Salerno and Positano. The nearest airport to Amalfi is in Naples, where Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Naples every day of the week.
In order to reach the city where the nearest flight point is Naples Airport, it is necessary to take the Sorrento buses from the airport and transfer in Sorrento and use the bus again. Solerno Train Station is the station that connects Amalfi with other Italian cities.
In addition, transportation is provided between Naples, Sorrento, Salerno and Positano by sea buses operating outside the winter months. I recommend starting the trip from Naples. After spending at least a few days in Naples, one should start exploring the Amalfi coast.
The Amalfi Coast, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List stretching south of the Bay of Naples, is undoubtedly the most magnificent and ostentatious beach in Europe with its large and small towns and villages carved into the mountains rising steeply to the sea. The Amalfi Coast , where the most impressive landscapes of Italy can be witnessed , is sure to be a pleasant Italian route.
