The Amalfi Coast: Postcard Perfect

Renowned as one of Italy’s most treasured destinations, the Amalfi Coast boasts beaches adorned with pebbles, towering cliffs, the fragrance of ocean air, and a sea of stunning clarity, extending from Vietri sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west. Following the famed urban trio of Rome, Florence, and Venice, this coastal paradise ranks as a top choice for travellers. Rich in cultural heritage, the coast’s history has fueled a diversity of literary works, including the Jacobean tragedy “The Duchess of Malfi” by playwright John Webster. Today, known affectionately as the Divine Coast, it serves as a luxurious summer retreat for the world’s elite.

Amalfi

The piazza Duomo di Amalfi, with swirls of crowd thronging it, is a spirited snapshot of a typical Mediterranean coastal town.  Dramatic cliffs and deep ravines are regular features here. One of its main attractions is the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, which overlooks the piazza. The architecture is reminiscent of the Baroque-Byzantine aesthetic. The statue within the cathedral, sculpted out of bronze, was created by Michelangelo Nuccherino, a pupil of Michelangelo.

Ravello

Situated above the Amalfi town on the coastline, Ravello is known for its splendid cliff gardens. The town has numerous Christian attractions. The Duomo di Ravello (The Cathedral of Ravello, constructed in 1272 A.D. by Nicolò di Bartolomeo from Foggia) and the church of San Giovanni del Toro, constructed sometime before 1000 A.D., are worth a visit. A relatively leisurely itinerary could include Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo and La Rondinaia, all villas with their own spectacular standout feature.

Positano

Perched on the hills, the sun-soaked coast washed up with simulating salty sea air is known to have been a summer resort town from at least since the time of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by a Roman architecture-inspired villa on the Positano bay. A beach town, Positano is home to many spectacular beaches, including Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, La Porta, Fiumicello, Arienzo, San Pietro, Laurito and Remmese.

Atrani

Nestled between Civita Hill and Aureo Hill, Atrani’s cobble-stoned streets are lined with ancient houses with flowered balconies. Baroque architecture churches crowding around piazzas decked with fountains transfer visitors back into a medieval realm. Main attractions of the town include the Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto, Church of the Immaculate Conception, Collegiate Church of St. Mary Magdalene Penitent, Church of San Michele Arcangelo, Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Church of Santa Maria del Bando among others.

Minori

Akin to Positano, Minori is another ancient summer resort town frequented by the Roman high society. Today, Minori is the hotspot for culinary experiences on the Amalfi Coast.  Eggplant parmigiana and Potato gateau are local favourites. Restaurants to try out on a visit include Bar Antares, Chiosco Bar S. Francesco, Giardiniello, Ristorante La Botte, La Locanda Del Pescatore, Pizzeria O’ Sarracino, Taberna 33 Bistró and Ristorante Garum, among others.

Vietri sul Mare

The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, this town boasts some of the most jaw-dropping settings in the world. It all adds up to a postcard-perfect Italian summer escape in an area so special that it’s UNESCO-protected. The town’s main attraction is the Church of St. John the Baptist, a late Neapolitan Renaissance-inspired architecture topped up with a high bell tower. Containing a coffee-gold-hued ceiling, it features an alabaster statue of the Saint with an 11th-century wooden crucifix supporting it. Other Roman Catholic churches that populate the town include the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie in Raito, the Church of Santa Margherita in Albori and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Benincasa.