The Amalfi Coast is another of the treasures that the coast of Naples hides: a 50 km strip that constitutes one of the most beautiful areas of Italy. For this reason, since 1997, all the municipalities that make up the coast were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

La Costiera and its towns, Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, Furore, Scala, Tramonti, Vietri sul mare… can be discovered in many ways, by renting a car, by public transport or on scheduled excursions.

Depending on the time of year in which you are going to travel, in low season, it is recommended to get to know it by car, at the pace that each one wishes, stopping wherever you like…
 

In high season, they are crammed with vehicles, queues for hours to access the towns, parking problems in the most visited, crowded public transport and it is difficult, expensive and a lot of time is wasted. In addition to the annoyance that can lead to having a single day to visit this area and that can be lost due to poor organization. For this reason, it is highly advisable to travel on a closed tour or by motorcycle. And whatever it is, wear it closed. There are very few motorcycles and as long as you don’t have a reservation they run out. And if you don’t have a scheduled excursion, you have to wait to book and leave… Without a doubt, take everything very well prepared.

HISTORY

The Amalfi Coast covers the territory of the historic Marine Republic of Amalfi, one of the Italian republics that dominated the Mediterranean Sea around the 10th century. Today, it is a beautiful tourist destination connected by the famous state road 163.
 
It takes its name from its most important municipality, Amalfi, the historical capital of the republic, which once housed a population of 70,000 inhabitants.
 
The area has been a tourist destination since the time of the Roman Empire, proof of this, the numerous villas on the coast, the most important of which are located in Minori, Positano and Ravello, were chosen by the American “jet set” of the mid-20th century. as a vacation destination.
 
During the Greco-Gothic War, the inhabitants of the coast allied themselves with the Byzantines, who, at the end of the war, gave them greater autonomy from the empire. In the year 839, Amalfi was conquered by the Lombard principality of Salerno, but soon after it was united again with the Empire. It became autonomous and thus the Republic of Amalfi was formed, which in the 10th century became a Duchy.
 

It reached its maximum expansion between the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th, at the time of Duke Mansone I. Conquered by the Normans in 1136, the coast fell into misery. The beauty of the coast was rediscovered in the 19th century, during the Grand Tour.

HOW TO VISIT THE AMALFI COAST

The coast of Naples is one of the most charming corners of Italy, but poor planning can ruin the trip. To get to Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi you have to know that it takes time and that transportation is limited. If you add the high season, it can be a catastrophe. You can go to the villages by boat or by road.
 
Getting around by car is difficult due to the low possibility of parking. You have to keep in mind that if you travel by car, you will be traveling in a caravan and you may not be able to park anywhere. The motorcycle is wonderful for the views and the mobility it offers, but you can’t run too much either, so it’s a comfortable and semi-safe transport. They can be rented there for hours or days, but you have to know that these are places where there are very few and they sell out quickly. So do not run out of yours because you will go from business to business looking for one. You can do it in Sorrento or in Positano.
 
If you are only going to spend one day, the perfect option is to book an excursion that takes you to the most famous towns and you forget everything.
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VILLAGES AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The following towns in the province of Salerno are part of the Amalfi Coast:
 
Amalfi with its Duomo or cattedrale di Sant’Andrea and its cloister of Paradise. Without a doubt, a mandatory visit.
Atrani: the churches of San Salvatore del Birecto and Santa Maria Maddalena Penitente.
Cetara: known for its mythical anchovy sauce (colatura di alici). It is very close to Salerno but its authentic fishing port must be visited.
Conca dei Marini: its mythical sweets made from puff pastry, sfogliatella, the marvelous Grotta dello Smeraldo maritime grotto and the Patronale di San Giovanni Battista church.
Furore: small fjord of spectacular beauty and its famous bridge. Impossible to stop if you go by car. Public transport or motorcycle are the only means.
Maiori: the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare and the Castello di San Nicola de Thoro Plano.
Minori: the Basilica di Santa Trofimena and the obligatory stop, its Roman Villa.
Positano: one of the most visited towns on the coast for its beautiful old town and the Assunta church.
Praiano: churches of San Luca and San Gennaro and the views from their Belvedere.
Ravello: mandatory stop with many monuments to visit, it is known as the city of music along with its Duomo, called Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta e San Pantaleone and the prestigious Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, as well as the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
Scala: the oldest town on the Costiera Amalfitana.
Tramonti: the Valico di Chiunzi mountain and its excursions.

Vietri sul Mare: famous for the ancient tradition of making pottery and its mountains make it one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

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