The treasures of the Amalfi Coast - part 2

The Amalfi Coast, thanks to its panoramic views, picturesque landscapes, unspoiled nature and ancient palaces and gardens, ranks at the top of the most popular destinations in Italy by Italian and foreign tourists.
It appears as a huge terrace suspended between the cobalt blue sea and the slopes of the Lattari mountains, in a succession of valleys and promontories between coves, beaches and terraces planted with citrus, vines and olive trees.
The Amalfi Coast, also known as the "Divina", offers local visitors and tourists a cultural and artistic heritage represented not only by great examples of architecture but also by important natural elements, food and wine, craftsmanship.
Now let's discover the second part of the wonders of the Amalfi Coast.

Atrani
It is the urban center with the highest population density on the Amalfi Coast and this certainly not due to the high number of inhabitants but, rather, to the small territorial extension. Just 0.12 square kilometers in which about 900 people live. In practice, a favor set between the Civita and Aureo mountains along the valley of the Dragone river. Although administratively divided, Atrani, in fact, is an extension of Amalfi. It is from a historical point of view, being part of the ancient Maritime Republic (the Regatta of the Maritime Republics moves from its waters); it is also so from a territorial point of view since the town can be reached on foot by continuing beyond the Valle dei Mulini of Amalfi. Urbanistically, however, it is a jewel of Mediterranean architecture, that particular way of building made of superfetations, colorful facades and narrow uphill alleys. Particular mention for the churches, in very high number considering the smallness of the territory. Two, in particular, are worth a visit: the Church of San Salvatore de ’Birecto, where dukes were crowned at the time of the Republic of Amalfi, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Penitente, famous for its bell tower and soaring dome.
 


Ravello
Immediately after Amalfi, Ravello is the ideal destination for those who want a holiday on the Amalfi Coast away from the hustle and bustle that has characterized these places for years. The town, in fact, is located more than 300 meters above sea level and, in addition to the magnificent view, boasts a cooler climate that certainly suits those who can't stand summer heat. As for the things to see, they are few but of extraordinary beauty. Above all Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, two stately homes which over the years have turned into tourist attractions. The first, in particular, hosts a series of high-level musical events, especially during the Ravello Festival, a music festival that almost entirely monopolizes the tourist calendar of the town. Villa Cimbrone, on the other hand, is a charming 5-star hotel, but the extraordinary panoramic garden (renamed "Terrace on the Infinite") can still be visited. The Cathedral, which dominates the square of the same name, and the futuristic Auditorium designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer are also worth a visit. This hyper-modern structure, distant, but not at all out of place compared to the architectural style of the locality, hosts a substantial part of the events of the Ravello Festival mentioned above.
 


Minori
Minori has been an established tourist resort for millennia. In confirmation of this ancient vocation, the discovery of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD C. which today represents one of the main attractions of the place. The other is the minor Basilica of Santa Trofimena which, imposing, looks towards the sea. For the rest, the town is less characteristic than the other coastal towns. In these parts, the difference is the beach, the sea, the sun and the gastronomy. Minori, in fact, boasts an important tradition of artisan pasta factories which, together with lemons, wine and all the other land and sea products of the area, enliven the stay of tourists. In addition, for some years now, there is an event that has immediately made a difference: it is called "Gusta Minori" and is held in the last week of August. The event, as the name suggests, aims to enhance the extraordinary "gastronomic deposits" of the Amalfi Coast, combining food, evenings of art, culture and music.
 


Maiori
Maiori is located at the mouth of the Regghina Maior (hence the name of the town and the distinction with Minori), a river responsible in 1954 for a terrible flood that caused grief and destruction. The subsequent reconstruction sacrificed many elements of the historic town, which is why Maiori appears less characteristic than the other towns on the Amalfi Coast. This does not mean, however, that the country does not have arrows in its bow. Indeed, having the longest beach on the entire Amalfi Coast (approx. 1 km) has greatly favored the tourist economy. Over the years, several hotels have sprung up, in addition to all the typical related activities (shops, restaurants, boutiques). Also worth seeing are the churches (Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare, San Francesco, Santa Maria de 'Olearia, Madonna dell’Avvocata) and the nearby villages of Erchie and Cetara. The first (fraction of Maiori) has one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast; the second (common to itself), on the other hand, is famous for the anchovy sauce, one of the most important agri-food products (Slow Food Presidium) in the Campania region.
 


Vietri sul Mare
Vietri is the last stop on a tour to discover the Amalfi Coast. The city is famous above all for the centuries-old pottery tradition. The Vietri Ceramics Museum, housed in Villa Guariglia in the hamlet of Raito (approx. 3 km from Vietri) is undoubtedly a must for a visit to the city. Not the only one, however: the Church of San Giovanni Battista, very recognizable due to the majolica dome, is also worth a stop. The mix of styles (Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque) that designs the facade and interiors (the coffered ceiling is noteworthy) does not leave indifferent even those who lack art history. For the rest, Vietri should be considered the seaside resort of Salerno, since it is practically attached to the second-largest municipality in Campania. The beach of the Marina hamlet together with that of the "Due Fratelli" (from the name of the stacks that are in front of it) contributes significantly to the tourist appeal of the locality.
 If you are curious to discover this magnificent land during your vacation, take a look at our luxury villas for rent in the Amalfi Coast.