Amalfi Hotels Neapolitan Riviera, Italy
This picturesque seaside resort is a small fishing port on the Gulf of Sorrento, offering some fantastic scenery along the coastline. With so much to see and do, it really is a great place to visit.
Amalfi
This picturesque seaside resort is a small fishing port on the Gulf of Sorrento, offering some fantastic scenery along the coastline. The streets are nestled into the hillside and are full of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. Amalfi serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding area.
Amalfi can get very busy in July and August so it is best to visit out of season but be aware that a lot of the facilities do tend to shut down between November and mid March.
Beaches
There used to be two large beaches in Amalfi but over the years, sea erosion and landslides have reduced the beach to two narrow strips on either side of the harbour. These beaches are pebbly beaches which can get quite crowded in the busy season.
If you head east along the coast, you will get to the small villages of Minori and Maiori which have larger beaches. The beaches here are lined with cafes and restaurants and offer a good variety of watersports but they do tend to get really busy during the height of season. There is also a nice sandy beach in Atrani which is just a 15 minute walk away.
Things to Do
One of Amalfi's greatest attractions has got to be the ninth century Duomo which dominates the town's central piazza, sitting at the top of a wide flight of steps. The cloister and the museum which are close by house many sculptures, mosaics and various other relics of the town's past.
There are a few other museums in Amalfi eg the paper museum which is housed in a 13th century paper mill, the Arsenale down at the marina which tells the story of Amalfi's maritime past and the Museo Civico in the town hall.
If you fancy seeing some of the surrounding countryside, take a wander up the valley and through the lemon groves and old paper mills. Keen walkers will enjoy the challenging walks among the steep mountainsides.
Out and About
Amalfi is a small town and you can easily walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. Although it is small you can easily while a few hours away by wandering through the narrow alleyways, browsing in the shops or strolling along the harbour to watch the working fishing vessels and the luxury yachts.
There are plenty of shops here offering a variety of goods, many of which will feature the famous local lemon products which feature on anything from ceramics to clothes. You will also be able to purchase the strong limoncello drink. You will also be able to sample limoncello in one of the many cafes that are dotted around the town.
There are also plenty of nightclubs around, many of which are frequented by a number of celebrities so keep your eyes peeled. If dancing the night away is not your kind of thing, then try one of the wine bars where you can enjoy some jazz music.
Summer is certainly the time to visit Amalfi if you are a fan of classical music as there are several musical events held such as piano and vocal concerts held in the Piazza del Duomo on Friday evenings during July to September. There is also the Wagner Music Festival which showcases both upcoming musicians as well as recognised musicians.
Nearby Attractions
If you are relatively fit and fancy a challenge, why not climb Mount Vesuvius. The Circumvesuviana Railway runs to Pompeii and Ercolano and from either of these places, you can catch a bus to Vesuvius or take a taxi from Ercolan Station. Whatever option you choose, you will have to walk the last 800m up to the rim of the volcano so make sure you have sturdy shoes on.
From the summit of Vesuvius you can look down on Pompeii but it is worth having a wander round Pompeii itself for a glimpse into life in those times. It is advisable to get there early, before the crowds and perhaps sign up to one of the many tours available.
You must try and visit the springs on Ischia. The springs on the island have a high mineral content due to its volcanic composition and are said to be great for curing many ailments including arthritis. The island can be reached by Hydrofoil leaving from Naples.
Ravello which is known as the City of Music, is perched high upon a cliff and is just a 30 minute bus ride from Amalfi and as well as offering some fantastic views of the sea and countryside, it also hosts many concerts and musical events throughout the year.
Not far from Amalfi, you will find the Emerald Grotto, one of the gems of the Amalfi Coast and if you are lucky enough to visit, you will see why. The inside of the cavern is filled with stalagmites, stalactites and other strange formations which have been created over time by nature. The name Emerald comes from the beautiful colours that filter from the underground opening to fill the cave. The grotto can only be visited by boat. Rowboats with about 20 people will be taken to the gotto with a tour guide. Early afternoon is a good time to visit as the light is best at this time. There is also an underwater nativity scene here and divers from all over Italy come to see it at Christmas time.
Any trip to Amalfi would not be complete without a trip to the island of Capri. Capri is one of the most famous and sophisticated resorts on the Amalfi coast, featuring white washed houses, lemon groves and winding lanes. There are elegant shops, restaurants and hotels and not to mention some fantastic views over the Bay of Naples and Salerno from the ruins of Villa Jovis.
Search the sunshine.co.uk website:
×