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Azure Waters and Mediterranean Sunshine: Our Guide to Amalfi Coast

Published

9 September, 2022

Edited

27 December, 2022

Perched above the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most recognisable landscapes. Here, colour is everywhere and in abundance; from the brilliant blues of the sea and pastel tones of its quaint fishing villages to the zesty yellows of the lemon groves which seem to sit ever-so comfortably on the cliff's precipice. It truly is an exceptional destination for a summer break and should come as no surprise that this enchanting stretch of coastline has earned its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover one of the world's most unforgettable destinations

The Amalfi Coast welcomes all. Sun worshippers have a choice of beaches to bask in the glorious Mediterranean sunshine while sipping on a cold glass of Aperol. Keen hikers have acres of verdant forests and valleys to explore to their heart’s content. And for those who can’t wait to get straight onto the water, endless opportunities for swimming and sailing experiences await. To help you plan your stay, we’ve created an exclusive guide to the Amalfi Coast - why not take a look?

Experience the beauty of the Amalfi Coast

Spectacular hiking trails, medieval cathedrals, and ancient grottos - there’s a whole lot just waiting to be discovered along the Amalfi Coast.

Explore the scenic Il Sentiero degli Dei trail

Translating to the ‘Path of the Gods’, the Il Sentiero degli Dei trail winds through the region’s dramatic mountainsides and forests, rewarding hikers with magnificent views across the Mediterranean Sea. The path itself is around six kilometres long, at which point you can descend into the historic hamlet of Nocelle or carry on a little further to Positano.

Make a visit to the Duomo di Amalfi

The Amalfi Cathedral - or the Duomo di Amalfi - is a medieval cathedral set within the heart of Amalfi. Originally built in the 9th century, the architecture is impressive both inside and out. From the ornate bronze doors to the many intricate frescos lining its ceilings, you’ll be amazed at the level of detail that has been incorporated throughout this ancient cathedral.

Gaze in awe at the views from the Torre dello Ziro

The historic watchtower of Torre dello Ziro sits high above the town of Amalfi, nestled among the region’s dramatic clifftops. Lace up your walking boots and you can reach this imposing tower in just under three hours or less. It’s best to start off this five-kilometre hike from Pontone, before descending back down into the beautiful city of Atrani where you can grab a bite to eat in one of its many excellent cafes or restaurants.

Sample local specialities at the Amalfi Lemon Experience

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its lemons - grown and harvested by hand on terraces along the region’s coastal cliffs. A favourite among many professional cooks, Amalfi lemons are said to be richer and zestier than alternatives - and the Amalfi Lemon Experience lets you decide this for yourself. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to pick your own juicy lemons while discovering the history of this age-old tradition.

Go underground in the Grotta dello Smeraldo

The Grotta dello Smeraldo lies just outside the town of Amalfi in the sleepy village of Conca dei Marini. Formed over thousands of years, this natural grotto looks particularly beautiful when the afternoon sun filters through its turquoise waters and reflects shades of emerald green onto the stalactites above.

Beaches galore on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is home to lots of lovely beaches, some of which are privately-owned but visitors can enjoy their golden sands for a small fee. Whether you prefer the peace and quiet of a secluded bay or perhaps a beach with plenty of amenities nearby, there’s a good mixture of both along this stunning stretch of coast.

Gavitella Beach

Set close to the town centre of Praiano, the west-facing Gavitella Beach is drenched in sunshine from morning until evening - a rare treat and something that dedicated sun-seekers will want to make the most of at least once during their stay. The beach also boasts a lovely natural swimming pool - Fontana dell'Altare - built into a grotto near its shores.

Fornillo Cove

Fornillo Cove is a delightful pebble beach in Positano, which typically misses a lot of the usual tourist traffic. A peaceful spot to sit and watch the sailboats glide by as you listen to the sound of the shore as it gently rolls in - sheer bliss.

Tuoro Vecchio Beach

As one of the few sandy beaches along the Amalfi Coast, Tuoro Vecchio Beach is perfect for bathing and soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. The beach is privately owned by the nearby Hotel Cetus which charges a fee - but in return, you’ll get to enjoy a quiet and impeccably clean beach to lounge on for the afternoon.

Where to eat on the Amalfi Coast

Italian cuisine is celebrated across the world, but where better to experience its flavours than the country itself? Stroll through the narrow streets of Amalfi or Ravello and you will soon find plenty of lovely choices when it comes to dining out. From light lunches to inventive tasting menus, the Amalfi Coast has a restaurant to suit every occasion and time of day.

Sensi Restaurant

Sensi Restaurant in Amalfi blends traditional Italian cuisine with modern flavours and ingredients; headed up by its award-winning executive chef, Alessandro Tormolino. Set within a dramatic 18th-century residence, guests have the choice of sitting in the elegant dining room or out on the terrace. Overlooking the coast, it’s such a lovely place to sit and watch the sunset while tucking into a veritable feast of seafood, pasta, and risotto dishes.

La Caravella dal 1959

La Caravella dal 1959 became the first Michelin-star restaurant in Southern Italy during the sixties and remains a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike to this day. A gastronomic icon set just outside the old shipyards of Amalfi, the restaurant is set within a ducal palace dating all the way back to the 12th century. With only 12 tables, it offers an intimate dining experience - but you’ll need to book well in advance to secure your place.

Adamo ed Eva by Eden Roc

Set in the dramatic cliffside village of Positano, Adamo ed Eva by Eden Roc is yet another excellent eatery with breathtaking sea views. Their mouthwatering menu is a celebration of Mediterannean flavours, crafted from fresh, organic ingredients grown in the restaurant’s own gardens.

L'Antica Cartiera

Perched on the edge of Ravello’s cliffs, L'Antica Cartiera boasts panoramic views across the sparkling coast. A gorgeous setting for a romantic dinner or for a special celebration, the restaurant offers an extensive champagne menu to complement its beautifully-presented dishes. From fresh seafood to quality cuts of succulent beef, there’s something for everyone to delight in on their carefully-curated menu.

Restaurant Marina Grande

Enjoy beachside dining at Restaurant Marina Grande, a Mediterannean restaurant set beside the sandy shores of Amalfi. An absolute must-visit for seafood lovers, you’ll have the option of tucking into locally-sourced fish dishes including freshly grilled seabass and creamy cod gratin. It’s also worth checking out their extensive cocktail menu - many of which feature the region’s favourite liqueurs and apéritifs - Limoncello and Aperol.

The onefinestay experience

At onefinestay, we want to make sure your stay is as unforgettable and as carefree as possible. That’s why we offer an extensive range of concierge services for all our guests, including wellness treatments and private chef experiences. Just let us know what your plans are, and we’ll get planning. Best of all, we’ll get everything ready well before your arrival - all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the very best of the Amalfi Coast.

Astounded by Amalfi Coast?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE AMALFI COAST TODAY. WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT VILLA FOR YOU AND CRAFT THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME.