Why visit the Amalfi Coast
“The Amalfi Coast is a paradise, made of stairs that resonate like the keys of an old piano“. These words by the writer Corrado Alvaro well summarize its evocative charm and extraordinary beauty.
Why visit the Amalfi Coast? There are so many reasons! Also known as the Divine Coast, it is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. Thanks to its immense naturalistic, historical and cultural heritage, it is able to satisfy any type of traveler in every season of the year. You never get bored because there is always something to do and see.
To find out more, here are our “Whys“.
Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Along the Amalfi Coast, nature, culture and history mix together, giving life to a combination that is as precious as it is fascinating. It is therefore not surprising that in 1997 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, in the “Cultural Landscape” category, with this motivation: “Exceptional Mediterranean landscape with a scenario of great cultural and natural value due to its spectacular characteristics and its evolution The richness of the landscape, the result of both man’s intervention and the benevolent hand of nature, makes it a place full of charm and charm where the sea and the mountains, passing through the open spaces of the cultivations, blend in perfect harmony“.
Because it is beaches and coves
This wonderful stretch of coast is famous first and foremost for its beautiful beaches and coves that will make you fall in love at first glance. Reachable by land but also from the sea, wild and isolated but also equipped and modern. You are spoiled for choice. Among the unmissable ones are: Cala della Gavitella in Praiano, the only one on the coast kissed by the sun from dawn until dusk; the small beach of the Fiordo di Furore, nestled between two sides of the mountain; the Duoglio beach in Amalfi, one of the most hidden but also one of the most evocative; and the Innamorati beach in Cetara, just 6 meters long, which can accommodate no more than 3 or 4 couples at low tide.
Because it is rich in historical and cultural attractions
But the Amalfi Coast is not just sea and beaches, there are also a large number of historical and cultural attractions of great value that deserve to be visited. They range from the magnificent religious architecture embellished with valuable works of art such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, the Church of San Gennaro in Praiano and the Cathedral of Amalfi; to prestigious historic buildings such as Villa Rufolo in Ravello and Palazzo Mezzacapo in Maiori. There is also no shortage of museums, among which the following stand out: the Amalfi Paper Museum, a small jewel of industrial archeology housed in an ancient paper mill; and the Coral Museum in Ravello, which documents the evolution of coral processing techniques.
Because it is a land of nature trails
If you are passionate about hiking and trekking, the Amalfi Coast is full of mule tracks and panoramic paths that wind through hills overlooking the sea. One of the most beautiful and famous is undoubtedly the Path of the Gods, a nature trail approximately 8 km long that connects Agerola (or Praiano) to Positano, crossing villages and landscapes of the coast. The writer Italo Calvino defined it as “that road suspended over the magical gulf of the Sirens, still crossed today by memory and myth”. Also not to be missed is the Lemon Trail, which connects the towns of Maiori and Minori, crossing one of the most important areas of Amalfi sfusato cultivation. These are just some of the numerous excursion proposals.
Because it boasts ancient traditions of craftsmanship
If shopping is your passion, the Amalfi Coast offers countless opportunities to give free rein to your desire to shop. Its streets are dotted with shops that display and sell typical local craft products. The noble and colorful art of ceramics of Vietri sul Mare is famous throughout the world. A tradition that has ancient origins and different forms of expression. Also very popular are the leather sandals made by the artisans of Positano, which stand out for their fine quality and creative style. Amalfi, on the other hand, is known for the production of hand-made paper, obtained not from cellulose but from the treatment of fabrics such as linen, cotton and hemp.
Because you eat well
Last but not least, the Amalfi Coast is a must-see for all foodies. There are many excellent products that the area offers: the Costa d’Amalfi PGI lemon, the anchovy sauce from Cetara, the handmade pasta from Minori, the dairy products from the Lattari Mountains, the chestnuts from Scala and the Costa d’ wine Amalfi DOC, just to name a few. Among the typical dishes we recommend you try: Amalfi-style scialatielli, Minori ndunderi with sausage ragout, minestra maritata, grilled fresh fish and Praianese-style squid with potatoes. And last but not least, you can’t leave the coast without having had a feast of lemon delights.
