10 Most Beautiful Towns of the Amalfi Coast

The story

The Amalfi Coast is the stretch of Campanian coastline, located south of the Sorrento peninsula, that faces the Gulf of Salerno; it is bordered to the west by Positano and to the east by Vietri sul Mare. It is a stretch of coast famous throughout the world for its natural beauty, home to important tourist settlements. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it takes its name from the town of Amalfi, the central nucleus of the Coast not only geographically, but also historically.

Its natural beauties and its picturesque landscapes have made it one of the favourite destinations of the international jet set, a reason that has earned it the nickname "Divine Coast".

10Furore

Furore is a little-known destination on the Amalfi Coast, between the towns of Amalfi and Positano. The village has a population of around 800 people, spread over a vertical stretch of hillside high above the shimmering Mediterranean. The main tourist attraction is the fjord or dramatic fjord, where a group of old fishermen's houses cling to the side of the rocky gorge. The Fjord is spanned by an arched bridge over which a road passes. The 30-metre-high bridge is also the place where the international diving championship is held every summer.

9Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare, which translates as "Vietri of the Sea", is the starting (or finishing) point of the journey along the Amalfi Coast. For this reason, the locals refer to it as "the first pearl of Amalfi". Located at the foot of Monte San Liberatore, Vietri sul Mare is known for having produced the plates and other ceramic pieces that can be found in the hotels and restaurants along this section of the Italian coast; this makes it a good place to buy colourful ceramic items. The famous majolica wares are visible from afar on the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista.

8Minori

Like other towns on the Amalfi Coast, Minori is rich in history and legends, and in their historic sites. One of these is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, a martyr whose ashes were placed in an urn and thrown into the sea. She was washed up on the beach of Minori, with the citizens building a church in her honour. Another top place is made up of the ancient ruins of the Roman maritime archaeological villa, built around the first century BC. It is known for the remains of frescoes and tunnel vaults. Minori is a good place to taste handmade pasta and limoncello.

7Cetara

Cetara Travellers who love seafood will want to taste the food of Cetara, home to one of the largest tuna fishing fleets in the Mediterranean. Try the tuna dressed with colatura di Alici, a sauce made from anchovies, salt and water. Cetara has good beaches for swimming, although some are reachable only by boat. Visitors particularly like Spiaggia Lannino, a sandy beach near the entrance to the town. Travellers looking for a romantic wedding can tie the knot at the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, a popular spot for weddings. The town also celebrates the feast of St. Peter with a festival and fireworks in summer.

6Maiori

The Romans discovered the beauty of Maiori centuries ago, and tourists have not stopped appreciating it in the following centuries either. This graceful little town was the favourite location for Roberto Rossellini's films, and is honoured every November with a film festival. Maiori has the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach on the Amalfi Coast, against a backdrop of traditional houses climbing up the hill. A top site is the Church of Santa Maria a Mare, known for its majolica dome that looks like a crown and the September procession that winds around the town. The ruins of a Benedictine abbey above the town offer splendid panoramas.

5Praiano

Praiano was a summer tourist destination as early as the 10th century, when it was the summer home of the doges of the Duchy of Amalfi. Located between Amalfi and Positano, the town sits on the side of a steep cliff. Praiano is a good place to relax, perhaps with a glass of wine in an outdoor bar or by taking a cooking lesson. It has several churches to see, including the Church of San Giovanni, with its pipe organ; the Church SS Annunziata, which sits on a beach; and the Church S Maria ad Castra, with its breathtaking views.

4Atrani

Atrani Visitors seeking la dolce vita will probably find it in Atrani, the smallest town in southern Italy with fewer than a thousand souls. Why is it so beautiful? the town is featured in many advertisements, including the 2012 Fiat commercial, which is ironic since Atrani is practically a pedestrian zone. The church of San Salvatore de' Birecto dates back to the 10th century; it once served as the chapel of the palace where rulers were crowned. The bronze doors depicting religious scenes are absolutely worth seeing. Other main attractions include a small beach and the 15th-century Torre della Ziro, a fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the community.

3Amalfi

Amalfi Amalfi was an important trading centre from the mid-9th to the 13th century. It was the capital of the Duchy of Amalfi. Today it is a popular destination for tourists seeking extraordinary beauty set in historic charm. Amalfi is known for its exceptional medieval architecture, including the 11th-century Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, also remarkable for its four large ceiling paintings and the statue of Sant'Andrea, carved by Michelangelo. The Arab-style Chiostro del Paradiso is today an open-air museum, although it was once the cemetery where the Amalfi nobility was buried. Since Amalfi was once known for papermaking, a visit to the Handmade Paper Museum is a must.

2Ravello

Ravello Ravello was once a safe harbour from barbarian invaders; later it became an important trading centre. Today, this charming town with its cobbled streets is a magnet for tourists who come to see the scenery and the breathtaking views, the best in the world according to former resident Gore Vidal, and certainly the best on the coast. The great composer Richard Wagner found inspiration here, so much so that the town celebrates the Ravello Festival every summer in his honour. Among the main attractions are Villa Cimbrone with its spectacular gardens and its terrace full of busts, and the Duomo of Ravello, considered a must by visitors to Ravello for the beauty of its simplicity.

1Positano

Positano was an important town in the Middle Ages, but over the following centuries the number of residents emigrating to North America declined. At the beginning of the 20th century it was just a poor fishing village, but its fortunes changed when tourists discovered this picturesque little town perched on a hill overlooking the sea. A must-see for visitors is Santa Maria Assunta, a church featuring a majolica dome and a black Madonna. The extraordinary beauty of Positano is a source of inspiration for artists and directors.