The Amalfi Coast is an enchanting place with many picturesque villages and towns - here is a short survey of our favorites:

Amalfi was founded by the Romans in the 4th century AD. Characteristic features of the cheerful coastal town are the white houses scattered across the mountain slopes and the narrow stretch of alluvium soil on the shore. The famous cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew, dates from the 10th century; you reach it by climbing a steeply ascending stairway. It also houses the 13th century cloister “chiostro del paradiso” with remnants from the Roman and medieval periods. In the hinterland, the valley of mills with its many creeks and small waterfalls is particularly charming.

Atrani is of ancient origin and was part of the Republic of Amalfi until the 16th century. The church of San Salvatore de’Bireto was the church of the doges of Amalfi: they were elected, invested into office and buried there.

Cetara is an old fishing village. Situated at a small bay with two beaches bordered by rocks, it squats picturesquely against the slopes of a deep valley. The church of San Pietro with its interesting medieval bell tower is found right in the center of the village.

Conca dei Marini - The tower on the headland of “Capo di Conca” was built in the 16th century and offers a wide panoramic view. Wonderful “Grotta Smeralda” on the western side of the small peninsula need not shun comparison with the more famous “Blue Grotto” of Capri.

Furore owes its fame above all to the deep trench which cuts into the coast towards the hinterland, a kind of Southern Italian fjord. The road, which offers marvelous views upon the coast and the valley, leads into the Agerola plateau and up to 650 m above the sea. Wide meadows, traversed by small creeks and dotted with fruit gardens, alternate with dense forests – perfect for all those who love tranquil, relaxing strolls. 

Maiori is situated at the mouth of the Tramonti valley and is popular mainly for its long sandy beach and the seaside promenade lined with palm trees. The town was founded as early as the 9th century; the flood disaster of 1954, however, destroyed large parts, which were then rebuilt in modern style. The church of Santa Maria a Mare with its colorful majolica cupola and the colorful, lively Friday market are remarkable.

Minori is one of the oldest towns on the Amalfi Coast. The remnants of a Roman villa, which was erected in the 1st century AD, with frescos, clay jugs etc. can still be visited today. Interesting as well is basilica Santa Trofimena, where the relics of the patron saint of Amalfi are kept. Minori was (and to some extent still is) famous for its homemade pasta, its “limoncello” and its paper manufacture.

Positano was still a small fishing village in the 1950s. During World War II, many European artists and writers came to the village. In the 50s and 60s of the 20th century, the “rich and famous” then discovered it for themselves, Sophia Loren as well as Mick Jagger.

Praiano, once a fishing and farming village, is a holiday resort with hotels and many private holiday accommodations today. Its important past as residence of the doges of Amalfi and as a site for silk production is still reflected in the splendor of the majolica cupola of the church of S. Gennaro and of the parish church of S. Luca with its many 16th century paintings. From there you have got a marvelous view. The art exhibition in the “torre a mare”, a medieval tower, is also very interesting.

Ravello, was founded in the 4th century AD by the Romans, just like Amalfi. The town is situated about 300 m above the sea, special attractions, apart from the cathedral dating from the 11th century, are Villa Rufolo dating from the 13th century and Villa Cimbrone, both of which offer a unique view. It was for its scenic beauty that, in the 19th century, the town turned into a destination for 'noble' tourists, among them Richard Wagner. Since 1953, the “Ravello Festival” has been taking place in his honor every year in the garden of Villa Ruffino.

Scala is a small town in the heart of the “Monti Lattari”, it was the first settlement on the Amalfi Coast. Two intertwined valleys connect Scala with Amalfi and Ravello. The town used to be a noblemen's residence during the maritime republic. Many paths and the characteristic stairways take visitors through a richly structured landscape with chestnut woods and ancient buildings.

Vietri sul Mare is a bathing resort with a wide sandy beach and modern lidos. The cathedral of San Giovanni Battista with its beautiful bell tower is considered the town’s landmark. Vietri is also famous for its colorful ceramics. Plates, vases, ceramic tiles etc., to be admired also in the Museum of Ceramics, have been manufactured there since the Middle Ages.