Top 5 Travel Attractions for the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Guest post by Laura Thayer

Often named as one of Italy’s most spectacular coastlines, there are countless reasons to pack your bags, a good sun hat and head to the Amalfi Coast. Here are 5 of the top attractions not to miss when you travel to this beautiful part of Italy:

1. Amalfi Town

The Amalfi Coast takes its name from this town because it was the seat of the powerful maritime republic of Amalfi in the Middle Ages. Walking the streets today, imagine what it must have been like centuries ago with trading ships arriving and departing for locations all over the Mediterranean, including destinations in Africa and Byzantium. For a glimpse back in time at the wealth and power of Amalfi, be sure to visit to the town’s stunning Cathedral of St. Andrew!

2. Positano

Known as the Vertical City, Positano’s brightly hued buildings climb steeply up the cliff face from the sea. Decked with bougainvillea, wisteria and jasmine, a walk through the narrow streets and up and down the steps of Positano might just make you think you’ve arrived in paradise.

3. Ravello

Unlike many of the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is located high above the sea with jaw dropping views of the Bay of Salerno. The picturesque town is also home to the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone, both places to visit for their architecture, gardens and exceptional views.

4. Sorrento

Located on the north side of the Sorrento Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is an ideal central location for those who want to make many day trips to Naples, the nearby archaeological sights of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as we as the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. The ancient streets of Sorrento are lined with shops, including those selling impressive examples of the traditional inlaid wood work.

5. Capri

Just a hop, skip and a short jump by boat from the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula lies the alluring island of Capri. There is something magical about this luscious island in the Bay of Naples, with its dazzling Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, bustling Piazzetta, world-class shopping along bougainvillea-lined streets and its intense natural beauty. Step away from the crowds, breath in the sweetly scented air and discover Capri’s timeless beauty for yourself!

Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance and blogs about life on the Amalfi Coast at her own site Ciao Amalfi.

* All photos in this post are copyright, Laura Thayer, Ciao Amalfi!

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.