Secret guide: The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast – effortlessly photogenic, indelibly charming, and truly romantic.

Precariously clinging to the rocks, technicolour houses form villages that scale the steep slopes, held together by vertical roads and plenty of stairs. They reveal small streets packed with quaint trattorias, boutiques, and impossibly good views. With a string of towns to explore, each with their own unique flair, the Amalfi Coast offers endless idylls for the perfect Italian break by the sea. Discover our favourite hidden gems and colourful towns below…

Praiano

A stunning cliff-hugging town that was once the favourite of the Amalfi dukes, Praiano is an Amalfi starlet. With no real centre, it’s a colourful collection of startling white houses, which hide treasures like a flourishing arts scene plus a host of chilled-out bars set in this quiet, serene fishing village.

Furore

Known as the painted town of the Amalfi coast, you’ll find a host of colourful murals dotted all around the village. Its layout is its draw – houses, churches and other buildings are sparsely scattered across the steep hillside, seemingly climbing from sea level right to the sky. The small beach here is stunning, framed by two vast outcrops which form a calm cove that leads out to the sea.

Sorrento

Marking the beginning of the Amalfi coast, Sorrento sits facing the bay of Naples, offering views of Vesuvius and excursions to Pompeii and Herculaneum. A famed resort, Sorrento retains its popularity through remaining a smart, classy destination through a network of great boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Positano

A precipitously perched town that embodies all the finest Amalfi qualities – technicolour houses, cobbled lamp-lit streets with al fresco dining, boutiques and enotecas, and stupendously steep climbs. A town of steps, effortlessly photogenic, and tiringly charming – a true highlight of this stunning coastline.

Paestum

This ancient Greek city is simply breathtaking. A total of three vast temples still stand, dating from around 600 to 450 BC, alongside an amphitheatre, the city walls, paved roads and remnants of other buildings. The remarkable condition of the city is startling and some of the best preserved of the Ancient Greeks.

Cantine Marisa Cuomo

There are plenty of famous wine regions in Italy, yet the Amalfi Coast is a true underdog. Alight at this precariously perched vineyard, worth it for the views alone. Tucked high above Furore, not widely-known native grapes like Ripoli, Fenile or Pere Palummo are used to make crisp whites and deep reds, to be tasted in front of breathtaking views.

Treats at La Pansa

Head to the historic epicentre of Amalfi, the Piazza del Duomo, and pick up the scent of sweet goods and rich coffee from this stalwart pasticceria. Untouched since 1830, this timewarp treat will guide you through a host of local sweet delicacies. Local pastries like the Sfogliatella Santa Rosa, classic limoncello, icy granita di limone, and tangy frutti canditi are all must-try treats for true Amalfi flavours.

Handmade Pasta in Minori

This typically charming Amalfi village is another great stop on any tour of the coastline, and not just for the rarity that is a decent sized beach. For in the mills above the town, Minori produces its famous handmade pasta. Head to any of the restaurants to sample delicious pasta dishes, with the classic ‘ndunderi being a local favourite.

Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea

The cathedral is one of the few surviving relics of Amalfi’s 11th-century maritime superpower history. It boasts a wealth of different styles, with roots in the early 10th century. The iconic striped facade is in the style of the eclectic Sicilian Arabic-Norman influence, whilst the heavy bronze doors were commissioned and shipped-in from Syria. The mainly Baroque interior features 12th and 13th century murals, in a vast, awe-inspiring space.

Punta Campanella Marine Reserve Diving

This underwater eco-wonder begs to be explored. Don your wetsuits and strap on a tank, and dive to the depths of the crystal-clear waters with Nettuno Diving to explore the technicolour seabed whilst ducking around schools of fish. The same school offers a host of diving opportunities including the chance to explore ancient Roman and Greek ruins.

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