AMALFITAN in 10 stages: from Positano to Vietri sul Mare
ROAD-TRIP ON THE AMALFI COAST
The sea, the scent of lemons that intrigue the hot air of a summer afternoon. The rides between lanes of a town rowdy, rumors in the market, an ice cream in the square and a dip in the salt water of the Tyrrhenian sea, under the sun that beats so strong only in Campania. There's the envy of everyone, and everyone sooner or later in life are gone from here, or have had to do with the beautiful Gulf of Salerno. The Amalfi Coast is a siren call. Sun-drenched beaches, secret coves and citrus gardens, to be discovered along the State Road 163 Overview (Blue Ribbon), a sinuous stretch of coast about 50 km long, maybe at the edge of your machine. We at Skyscanner we rented a car and we beat them to the mat. From Positano to Vietri sul Mare, through Ravello, Amalfi and Cetara here is our road-trip dream.
Positano
From Poseidon , God of the Sea, named this splendid city known throughout the world for its incredible beauty and its profile, mermaid sits on a stretch of breathtaking coastline . First stop in Positano , with the tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta already shining dawn. Saute the sun on the beaches of Fornillo and great beach , visit the Grotta La Porta , let yourselves be enthralled by a lemon delight and then ncamminatevi along the Path of the Gods , a scenic walk that will leave you speechless. You will lose yourself in the colors of the houses, the streets full of shops and spectacular descents to the sea, but then end up on the street ... In the end it was here that invented the compass .
PRAIANO
19 km south of Positano and reach another pearl of the Amalfi Coast: the beautiful Praiano . Its beaches from Marina di Praia to Gavitella , are beloved by tourists from around the world. The beach of La Praia , admired dasll'alto, you will appreciate the colors of the sea and the inviting clear waters and sunny on this stretch of coast missed . The proximity to Positano makes it a perfect destination for shopaholics. Pay a visit if only to enjoy the beautiful walks and nature trails that overlook scenarios here like no other.
WRATH
Maybe you do not know, but in Furore , the third leg of our road-trip in Amalfi , is the only FIORDO which can be admired in Italy. In the stretch where the sea meets the mountains, it forms a small bay that welcomes fishermen to return from their fishing daily and offers magical moments to tourists, often by chance, they stumble in these magnificent places ,. From a suspension bridge 30 meters above the water is held every year one of the stages of Marmeeting , the world championship of diving from great heights .. a show within the show, do not miss!
Conca dei Marini
You have arrived at the fourth leg of our journey and thank you for making it bathing suit. From the State Panormaica 163 , we are driving, you enter one of the most magnificent sights on the coast, the Grotta dello Smeraldo . You can reach by stairs or by elevator. It is a cave where the water inside take the color of the emerald, and stalactites and stalagmites join to form columns high and sometimes more than 10 meters.From the Saracen Tower , the lemon garden of the Church of St. Anthony , the stop in Conca dei Mariniwill make you smile again! Look at that water ...
Marina di Conca. Photo credits @ Antonio Vuolo
AMALFI
It is said that Amalfi takes its name from that of the woman loved by Hercules , and that, on the shores of this lovely town, he has buried rock her with the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea forever. Legend or not, the incredible story of Amalfi, glorious maritime republic , still continues to fascinate and enchant visitors each year who pass by here numerous. From the Duomo, the museum of the paper (the Amalfi paper, or paper Wadding , is a very special kind), the Vallone delle Ferriere , shopping in the shops of downtown, you'll be spoiled for choice. Let yourself be seduced by the scent of lemons of Amalfi , savoring a sorbet or a treat in front of one of the most romantic landscapes of the boot . Is it any better in life?
ATRANI
We continue our journey on the road. Less than 1 km from the center of Amalfi , we reach one of the most beautiful villages in Italy : Atrani . Perched on a rock and overlooking the sea , nestled between the mountains and the Golden Civita , this small group of houses will captivate you with all its warmth. To visit: the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena , the Cave of Masianello built on 500 steps and theGrotto of the Saints, with beautiful frescoes in Byzantine style. The sea of Atrani is gorgeous and from here you can hop on a boat for an excursion off to lose your head ... well, you see to find it quickly, because our tour continues!
RAVELLO
It is located less than 10 km from Amalfi , at the foot of Mons Lactarius , and is one of the most famous and popular of the Amalfi Coast . Maybe because from here (350 m above sea level) the view of the Gulf of Salerno is spectacular . Ravello is an absolute must! Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone , to realize that in heaven we brought. Densely populated in the summer, for the music festival , and lively all year round due to the presence of so many festivals, exhibitions and events, Ravello also has a beautiful Auditorium and gardens and secret corners to discover.
MINORS
After Ravello , and after passing Scala , the oldest village on the Amalfi can be reached Minori . A popular destination for celebrities and apprezzatisima and celbrità homegrown. The Maritime Villa Romana and theBasilica of St. Trofimena are the two main attractions here, after the beauty of the landscape and the coast.The first was built around the first century AD and still retains many original frescoes and mosaics of which appreciate shapes and colors. The second has a tripartite facade facing the sea and holds the remains of the saint whose name it bears. A small break for a fresh pasta dish, made by one of the well-known pasta in the area, and again ... the journey continues!
CETARA
Cetara , a name ... a casting anchovies! This small town on the Amalfi Coast is known around the world, not only for water critalline! The tuna with a unique flavor , but especially the famous " anchovy " , are much appreciated everywhere and make this small village a few kilometers from Salerno one of the perfect places for a lunch break by the sea. The fishing boats, traps historical, the breeze coming from the sea, the relaxed life of a village of about 2,400 souls, sun-kissed make Cetara a paradise to be reluctant to leave .
Vietri sul Mare
On the road again. The last stop on our tour of the Amalfi Coast is Vietri sul Mare , the first town you will encounter if you decide to make the trip in reverse, starting from beautiful Salerno . The water is crystal blue waters of the gulf, bays and beaches, sunny and beloved by tourists. Worth a visit that of the " Two Brothers ", the spikes of rock symbol of the city. Visit the workshops with teachers of Vietri ceramics hand-painted , ready to tempt you with their extraordinary creations and fall in love with this little charming gem overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea .
Have you ever been in Amalfi? Do you have any suggestions or photos of your trip, you want to share? Leave a comment below, we can not wait to read it!
