When we talk about Italy’s natural treasures to the rest of the world, it’s hard not to mention or even just think of the Amalfi Coast, one of the most enchanting places in all of our boot-shaped country.
Paisà, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Journey to Italy, The Treasure of Africa, Man, the Beast and the Virtue, Love at First Sight, The Seductresses, Mr & Mrs Smith... these are just some of the films that were shot in one of the many towns that represent the heart and soul of the Amalfi Coast, true essential stops for anyone planning to organize a trip to the Amalfi Coast.
With this premise today we at Meeters take you through one of Italy’s most beautiful places in search of the best views, the most fascinating spots, and panoramas that can change your heart. Let’s explore what the Amalfi Coast is and which stops are the most interesting to visit at least once.
What Is the Amalfi Coast?
Let’s start with a definition to clearly understand where what we’re looking for is located. Anyone planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast should know that it is the stretch of the Tyrrhenian Coast between the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Cilento Coast. The Amalfi Coast overlooks the Gulf of Salerno and is traditionally bounded by two towns.
From west to east, the starting and ending points of the coast are, respectively, Positano and Vietri sul Mare.
The stunning natural beauty of the coast earned it the title of World Heritage Site fromUNESCOin 1997. The nerve center of the coast is the town of Amalfi, located in the central area of the coast and historically linked to the rule over the surrounding lands (first as the Republic of Amalfi and then as a duchy).
Which Places Are Must-Sees on a Trip to the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but to see it all in its entirety, you need at least a couple of days. Considering the logistical challenges of traveling along the coast (the roads are narrow, there are many curves, traffic is unpleasant, and above all, parking is really expensive), it’s best to know exactly how to get around.
This way, you can avoid less interesting stops, saving both money and time. We also decided, as much as possible, to avoid mentioning the so-called usual suspects of the Amalfi Coast: everyone already knows about the beauties of Positano,, so it didn’t make much sense to talk about it here as well..
Cetara
When talking about Cetara it’s hard not to think of the splendid anchovy sauce that is its signature product. In reality, Cetara is much more than a simple yet flavorful element and hides several little gems. First of all, it’s impossible not to mention the beach at Marina di Cetara, generally not crowded and nestled between the port and the tower. The latter, also known as the Viceregal Tower of Cetara, is one of the town’s symbols and makes this fishing village one of the most charming places in Italy. The tower houses the civic museum, full of paintings depicting the stunning landscapes of the coast.
Atrani
Atrani is one of the hidden gems of the Amalfi Coast, being one of the least touristy and therefore most authentic places. From here, it’s possible to reach Ravello and Amalfi on foot in a short time. One of the most delightful features of this small village is its size, covering just 0.9 square kilometers. This doesn’t stop Atrani from being crossed by the Dragone River and having a small beach. The village layout is typical of a small coastal town, with narrow alleys and stairways. The only points of interest are the church and the social life of Ravello, Amalfi or Positano, it’s a tourist center dedicated to nature lovers, allowing those willing to experience the coast’s beauties in a more relaxed way. Worth seeing is the Marina di Praia, with its small harbor. Within the municipality is also the Church of the Annunciation, from which you can admire houses perched on rocky cliffs.
Nocelle
Last but not least, we arrive at Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano known as the “romantic town”. Just a glance at its incredible panorama explains why this is said. Nocelle is a cluster of small houses and railings perched on the Lattari Mountains. From Nocelle, you can appreciate the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea from a privileged vantage point like no other. Anyone who has hiked the Path of the Gods knows this place well, as it’s one of the most popular spots for breathtaking walks.
Conclusions
When talking about the Amalfi Coast, it’s easy to hear the same names over and over, which is why we decided to try to scatter some different breadcrumbs. The romantic solitude of Nocelle is nothing like the exclusivity of Positano, to be clear, but it has a much more “authentic” flavor, able to give a tourist a true taste of the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Sign up with Meeters to meet someone who shares your desire to take a trip off the beaten path, even within a well-known area like the Amalfi Coast.