Itinerary from Praiano to Vietri sul Mare
What to see on the Amalfi Coast? Follow us on this fascinating itinerary that will guide you to discover a unique territory, capable of offering unforgettable views. The itinerary is approximately 50 km long but can also be followed in stages, depending on the places you wish to visit.
Starting from our boutique hotel, the first stop is Furore, a small village surrounded by uncontaminated nature, between the sea and the mountains. It is defined as: “the painted town“, due to the large number of murals created by contemporary authors that decorate the walls of houses and buildings; and “the town that isn’t there“, due to its particular conformation with the houses scattered along the mountain walls. The main attraction of Furore is the Fjord, a small and enchanting inlet set in the rock that attracts visitors from all over the world. In the village you can admire the Church of San Giacomo and the Church of San Michele, with the majolica domes of their bell towers.
The second stop on the itinerary is Conca dei Marini, a small seaside town perched on a rocky hill. Inserted among “The most beautiful villages in Italy”, it is famous for the Emerald Grotto, an extraordinary natural inlet rich in stalactites and stalagmites which owes its name to the particular color that the water takes on when light penetrates. Despite its small size, the village has six churches all in a panoramic position. Among these we highlight the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Church of San Pancrazio. Among the things to see in Conca dei Marini there is also the sixteenth-century Torre del Capo di Conca, located on a suggestive promontory.
The next stop is Amalfi, the city that gives its name to the entire coast. It was the first maritime republic in Italy, with its own currency and laws. Immersed in a wonderful natural environment, it preserves a truly incredible historical and architectural heritage. Here is one of the most important and beautiful monuments in Italy. We are talking about the magnificent Cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew, patron saint of the city. Situated at the top of a spectacular staircase, it dates back to the 9th century although it has been remodeled several times over time. On the left of the portico opens the wonderful Cloister of Paradise. The Paper Museum, set up in an ancient 13th century paper mill, is also worth a visit.
In the immediate vicinity of Amalfi is Atrani, where the “maritime” architecture has completely adapted to the area, creating a truly enchanting combination. Also included in the prestigious club of “The most beautiful villages in Italy”, it is the smallest municipality in Southern Italy. The heart of the village is the lovely Piazza Umberto I, overlooked by the Church of San Salvatore de Birecto, famous for its bronze doors made in Constantinople in the 11th century. On the slopes of the mountain stands the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, with its elegant bell tower and dome covered in majolica. Also not to be missed is the Cave of the Saints, decorated with Byzantine-style frescoes from the 12th century.
From Atrani the itinerary continues to Minori, a charming seaside village that has always been considered a holiday resort, as evidenced by the discovery of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD. He is nicknamed: the “Narcissus of the Coast“, for the fertility of his land; and “city of taste“, for its tasty traditional cuisine and fine pastry products. In fact, Minori owes part of its fame to the production of pasta and lemon desserts. In the village there are numerous religious testimonies, among which the Basilica of Santa Trofimena stands out, whose current appearance is due to the reconstruction begun in the 18th century. Inside there are various works of art and the relics of the holy martyr.
Just over 2 kilometers from Minori is Maiori, a splendid village that preserves an extraordinary architectural and artistic heritage. With its evocative landscapes it also won over the great Italian director Roberto Rossellini, who chose it as the setting for many of his films. According to a legend, narrated by the writer Plìnio the Elder, the city descends and takes its name from the goddess Maia, whose name, translated from Latin, takes on the meaning of “she who brings growth”, “she who is great”. Among the things to see are: the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare, characterized by its large majolica dome; the abbey complex of S. Maria de Olearia, made up of three small churches; and the historic Palazzo Mezzacapo.
The itinerary then continues to Cetara, an ancient fishing village located in a valley dominated by Mount Falerzio. The town is renowned for its gastronomic specialties and in particular for the colatura di alici, a sauce with a very intense flavor that is obtained from the maturation of anchovies in salt. The most representative monument is the Viceregal Tower, built in the 16th century for defensive purposes. It currently houses the Civic Museum, where you can admire various works by coastal painters, known as “costaioli”. Also worth a visit: the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, with its majolica dome and thirteenth-century bell tower; and the monumental complex of San Francesco d’Assisi, dating back to the 14th century.
Finally, the last stop on the itinerary is Vietri sul Mare, a delightful town known for its still thriving ceramic craftsmanship, which began in the Middle Ages. Considered the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, it is characterized by colorful houses, alleys decorated with bright majolica and ancient shops. Worth seeing: the Ceramics Museum, set up in the beautiful Villa Guariglia, which illustrates the history of this craft in the area; the Church of San Giovanni Battista, in late Neapolitan Renaissance style, characterized by a colorful majolica dome; and the Archconfraternity of the Annunziata and the Rosary, of seventeenth-century origin, with its façade decorated with painted ceramics.
