The towns and beaches of the Amalfi Coast seem to be suspended between the land and the sky, between a past told by the age-old architecture and a present where the flavours of tradition blend with the bustle of modern life.
Small coves surrounded by rocks and wild nature are captivating spots for sunbathing and taking a dip in the crystal-clear sea. Want to discover the most characteristic views and the most beautiful beaches on your holiday? Here are some of the most stunning villages and beaches on the Amalfi Coast.
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Tramonti
Home of medieval flatbreads that have conquered the world
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Tramonti pizza uses a different dough from the Neapolitan kind, and its origins stretch back to the mists of time. Since medieval times, the same formula and bread ovens have been used to cook the flatbreads, which would then be dressed with beet tops and lard. Over time, they began to use tomatoes, oregano and anchovies.
Other local delicacies include chestnut honey, oil and craft beer. Stroll through the town's various districts and pick up traditional products from the shops and speciality stores, visit the churches and admire the atmospheric views.
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Furore
A town that stretches vertically from the beach to the hilltop
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Furore and its fjord let you plunge into the waters of a torrent that rushes between the rocks. Or maybe you'd prefer to sip a glass of Fiorduva, the exquisite local wine, at a table? Experience both in Furore, a town nestled among wildlife where the houses are perched between the cliffs of a deep valley.
The fjord that now delights tourists used to be a natural harbour around which trade and industry flourished, with paper factories and mills that you can still visit. Climb the steps of a path to reach the town, 300 metres above sea level, where the small dwellings stand side by side on winding streets surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
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Raito
See the Museo della Ceramica in the residence used for a TV series
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The Villa Guariglia complex in Raito, behind Vietri sul Mare, consists of a tower and a country house turned into a residence and surrounded by a park. The buildings now house the Museo della Ceramica (Ceramics Museum), whose most significant works include panels featuring glimpses of the Amalfi Coast.
The villa's interior is furnished in 1930s style and contains objects from all over the world. It's a trove of rare beauty that has been chosen as a set for various film productions. If you watched the TV series Capri, you'll spot some locations. In the summer, it hosts an interesting food and music festival.
Mapphoto by Liberotag73 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Scala
The town with 100 churches
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Scala, known as the town with 100 churches, is a few miles inland from Amalfi and said to be the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast. To boost their trade, the inhabitants of this town came down to the coast and created the settlement that became the capital of the Maritime Republic. In its heyday, Scala was home to about 130 churches.
To this day, every district and group of homes is clustered around a belfry. One of the most beautiful buildings you can visit is the Gothic and Romanesque-style Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (St Lawrence Cathedral). If you're more into wildlife, you can follow the paths through the area's scenic beauty, like Valle delle Ferriere (Ferriere Valley).
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Agerola
Also known as the City of Bread
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Agerola, known as the City of Bread (Città del Pane), is surrounded by the stunning Monti Lattari (Lattari Mountains) and lies in the centre of a network of routes beloved by hikers. You can arrive by car along the hairpin bends of the main road or on foot via the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), the scenic route starting from Positano.
To discover the local history, visit Museo Etnoantropologico, which houses artefacts from various eras, such as a medieval cross. The cuisine is closely tied to animals bred here: Agerolese cattle produce milk for cheese, while pigs provide high-quality salami. Agerola’s the ideal place to taste these ingredients in a sandwich, and the local bakeries make some fantastic products.
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Crapolla
The inlet where St Peter stopped off
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The Fjord of Crapolla (Fiordo di Crapolla) offers an adventure into nature, history and spirituality. A path winds through patches of Mediterranean vegetation and features viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast, the marina and the Isole delle Sirene. After going down 700 steps, you'll reach a small beach in a cove between the rocks. Near the bay are the remains of ancient cisterns and a Roman-era villa.
On the way, you can visit a chapel built on the ruins of an ancient monastery. It's a spot with deep spiritual roots, as evidenced by the Roman columns and stones. Legend has it that St Peter rested here during his journey to Rome.
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Santa Croce Beach
Clear water for the swim of your dreams
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Santa Croce Beach is ideal for diving into a crystal-clear sea and soaking up the sun on the soft sand. It's one of the prettiest bays of the Amalfi Coast and is only reachable by sea. The shuttle boats depart from Amalfi's Molo Pennello pier. Thanks to the 2 beach resorts, every comfort and amenity awaits you there.
It's a popular destination for families with children, as the water's edge is shallow and deepens very gradually. While you're sunbathing, you may spot a cave in the cliff faces, and inside are the remains of an ancient chapel.
Mapphoto by Paolo Costa Baldi (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Arienzo Beach
Where the sun shines longer
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Arienzo Beach is known as la spiaggia dei trecento gradini (the 300-step beach) for its long descent. The walk is rewarded by a day in an extraordinary spot. The afternoons really are longer here; it's the cove that gets the longest sun in Positano.
The beach is sandy and mixed with pebbles that have been smoothed by the sea. There's a free area and another with beach umbrellas, deckchairs, a restaurant and a bar. From the centre, it's just 1.6 km in the direction of Praiano.
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Crestarella Beach
Swim among legendary rocks
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Spiaggia della Crestarella (Crestarella Beach) lies under the majestic silhouette of the ancient defensive tower in Vietri sul Mare, soaked in clear water and surrounded by a striking backdrop of rocks. At the foot of the promontory that surrounds the bay are rocks that form the characteristic, natural basins – a great trampoline for avid divers.
In the distance, you'll spy 2 sea stacks, known as i Due Fratelli (the Two Brothers). According to popular belief, they are 2 shepherds who died saving the god of the sea's daughter.
Mapphoto by Geofix (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Erchie Beach
Enjoy sports, relaxation and stunning views
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Erchie Beach is enclosed by a rocky promontory dominated by the tower of a Saracen fortress. With stunning sea views, it's a spot beloved by those in search of peace and relaxation. It has a freely accessible area as well as beach resorts offering amenities for a relaxing day by the sea.
The town centre is traffic-free and is a pleasant place to go for a walk, a bar crawl or a visit to the Chiesa di Santa Maria (Church of Santa Maria). If you're a surfer, there's a windy shoreline where you can have fun on the waves.
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Lannio Beach
Suntan and a snack by the enchanting sea
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Lannio Beach is located just outside the town of Cetara and is a mostly sandy beach with a resort, amenities and a freely accessible area. It's easy to get to if you leave your car in the town car park and walk along the path that goes behind the tower.
This spacious seafront is about 100 metres long and soaked in crystalline waters. If you want to eat right by the seashore, the restaurant makes excellent fish dishes and is known for its alici (anchovies) that are caught locally.
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