The stunning view of the blue sea along a splendid coastline makes a person feel grateful for nature’s gift. The panoramic Costiera Amalfitana or The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful sight to behold!
The Amalfi Coast is about 50 km along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. It is overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Province of Salerno in southern Italy. The province of Salerno consists of 16 municipalities, to wit: Amalfi, Atrani, Cava de’ Tirreni, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, and its Emerald Grotto, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Positano, Raito, Ravello,
Aptly described as ‘Divine Coast,’ this breathtaking tourist attraction is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It is called Amalfi Coast after the name of the town itself. The colorful houses on the rocks atop cliffs are awesome, the scenic landscape is amazing, and the inviting beaches are spectacular that the area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travel by land, boat, or sea and experience a fascinating life on the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Best time to visit
Very nice weather is during May or September. The usual temperature is around 68°F to 77°F.
The place is less busy from November to March. Water temperature is warmest in August with an average of around 78.8°F / 26.0°C. February is the coldest month with an average water temperature of 57°F / 13.9°C.
What to expect
Expect idyllic beauty and Italian luxury in a paradise. Driving its winding seaside roads will lead to amazing coastal towns, inviting beaches, grand villas, enchanting gardens, colorful beach umbrellas, fascinating yachts, and some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world.
What is Amalfi known for
Rich historical legacy and artistic value make Amalfi popular. The remarkable houses on the cliffs, scenic beaches, clean coastline, and colorful villages with steep and narrow streets are so remarkable that visitors and social media influencers feast on them.
Language
Italian is the country’s national language. Also on the Amalfi Coast and the rest of the Napoli region, some people prefer to speak Neapolitan, the old language of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.
However, for universal understanding, most employees in hotels, restaurants, and shops speak English. As visitors, it is polite to use a few Italian or Neapolitan words or phrases in communication.
Cuisine
Delicious fish cuisine on the Amalfi coast is known as the world’s finest. The place has fisherfolks to capture fishes of all kinds especially blue fish, shrimps, pezzogne, bream, sea urchins, and mollusks among others. Specialty recipes include “scialatielli ai frutti di mare”, a dish made with seafood and fresh pasta which are characteristics of the Amalfi Coast.
Limoncello
Lemons that become limoncello are best produced by folks living in the hilly countryside along Italy’s west coast. Limoncello is a potent liqueur. A sip or two will contribute to a memorable Amalfi Coast experience.
Nightlife
Fun moments with family, friends, and locals are possible in the many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and local spots for entertainment. Splendid lights highlight the captivating sceneries of the place.
Safety
Amalfi Coast travel is very safe for both Italian and larger international standards. There are no reports of any major safety concerns.
Some fun things to do
1. Hike the Path of the Gods or Sentiero degli Dei
Wear your best hiking shoes and enjoy a clifftop trail above the Amalfi Coast. It is about a 6.5 km hike between the small villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. It is called the path of the Gods because of an ancient legend that the Greek gods would have walked this road to save Odysseus from the mermaids.
2. Enjoy sunset at the Terrace of Infinity
Visit a historic building called Villa Cimbrone on the southern coast of Italy and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on its Terrace of Infinity. The terrace is decorated with Roman-style statues along its fence and it is overlooking the sea and the coast.
3. Climb down about three hundred stairs to the beach
Gear up at the Arienzo Beach Club. You can reach the beautiful beach through a shuttle boat from the pier “La Banchina” in Positano or from the main road, you will walk and climb down about three hundred stairs to the beach.
History
It was told that Amalfi was founded as a trading post in 339. The first bishop was appointed in 596. The city was captured by Sicard of Benevento with help from traitors within the city who led him through the waterward defenses.
History tells that the first document tracing the origin of Amalfi in 596 is a letter written by Pope Gregory I when the town was a defensive point for the Byzantine Duchy of Naples. Amalfi was of little importance then until the mid-6th century under the Byzantines. It became one of the first Italian maritime republics in the 9th century.
The town of Amalfi became the capital of the maritime republic known as the Duchy of Amalfi which is an important trading power in the Mediterranean between 839 and around 1200.
Amalfi is praised for its medieval architecture. There are many sculptures, paintings, and historic churches to admire at. The convent of the Cappuccini which was founded by Cardinal Pietro Capuano richly represents the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy at the time of the Normans which blends the Byzantine style with the forms and sharp lines of the northern architecture.
Conclusion:
When wealthy Roman patricians decided to build seaside villas along the coast, they created opportunities. Today, the coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards, and cliffside lemon groves.
Its outstanding natural beauty attracts thousands of international tourists of all classes and races. Tagged as one of the best coastlines in the world, it lives with the description with its series of breathtaking views and curves. To explore the length of the Amalfi Coast is bliss.