Holidays to Amalfi

Holidays to Amalfi take you to the core of the beautiful Amalfi coast, with its stunning scenery, traditional local cuisine and café-terrace culture. The first place that most holidaymakers want to see is the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, a captivating historic building with a mix of Norman, Arabic and Italian cultural elements. Another top class historic attraction is the Museo della Carta, an intricately-designed 13^th-century paper mill (the oldest paper mill in Europe). If you travel four kilometres to the west of Amalfi you’ll find the Grotta della Smeraldo, a dramatic grotto named after the striking emerald-coloured water with scenic stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. Alternatively, you can spend a day exploring the Villa Rufolo in Ravello, a historic villa constructed for popes and kings with immaculately-landscaped, colourful gardens.

Beaches along the Amalfi Coast are famous for their small, naturally-formed shelters and idyllic bays. Many of the beaches in and around Amalfi are lined with pebbles and are situated at the base of steep cliffs, so they are best accessed via the sea by a boat. The most famous beaches in Amalfi include the Spiaggia of Marina Grande in Amalfi itself, while the beach of Marina Grande is large and enjoys a privileged central location. Atrani Beach is a popular choice for families with young children, thanks to its family friendly environment and amenities. You’ll need to be in good shape to make the long trek down to the scenic Duoglio Beach in order to visit the small coves that are only accessible from the sea, so all you’ll need do is take a trip on one of the boats that depart frequently from Amalfi harbour. In the nearby area, Ravello is a particularly scenic cliff top town with majestic villas and classic music concerts. The seaside area here is named Castiglione and is nestled amid tall rocks, with a small sandy beach that’s ideal for families with young children. One of the best beach excursions on the whole Amalfi Coast can be found at the historic town of Atrani. The beach in Atrani is situated opposite the town and is split into two areas by the Dragone River’s estuary, although this is normally totally dry in the summer. The majority of the establishments along this part of the coastline charge visitors for the use of their beach umbrellas and sun loungers, so there are top class facilities here.

Italy is renowned for its mouth watering cuisine, so you’re sure to enjoy dining in Amalfi whether you’re an experienced foodie or like to keep things simple when it comes to food and drink. Overall, Italian food is hearty and boldly flavoured without being too heavy or indulgent. In Amalfi, freshly caught seafood is the basis of many delicious dishes. You can expect to enjoy succulent locally caught fishes and other seafood served with tangy sundried tomatoes, cooked aubergines and grilled artichokes. One of the most popular dishes here is Neapolitan pizza, which features a thin and airy crust with simple, high quality toppings. While you’re on holiday in Amalfi you won’t want to miss out on the famous ice cream parlours. You’ll come across plenty of traditional restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a couple of shorts of limoncello, a tangy lemon liquor.

Nightlife on the Amalfi Coast is centred around the glamorous seaside resort of Positano. During the peak summer period, holidaymakers can choose from a wide selection of excellent nightlife venues ranging from casual bars to glamorous all night clubs. Buca di Bacco is the top spot for a delicious aperitif, enjoyed best on the quaint patio overlooking the beach. If you’re holiday in Amalfi in summer, you’re in with a chance of meeting stars of the big screen, as Amalfi remains a popular celebrity haunt. Other iconic nightlife venues include the wateredge Le Terrazze restaurant, the Chez Black and le Tre Sorelle restaurants. If you’re looking for a great night out with a sophisticated clientele, far away from the bustling crowds, you’ll prefer the Palazzo Murat, a historic hotel that occupies a tastefully restored 18^th century villa. Toward the beach of Fornillo, you’ll find Next 2, a wine bar-meets-restaurant with stunning panoramic views from the terrace.

Amalfi is primarily known as a playground for adults, but it’s worth remembering that the resort is ideal for holidaying families too. Whether you’re keen to spend your holidays at the beach, take a stroll through the buzzing streets or indulge at one of the local gelato bars, your family will never be short of choices for a fun filled day out. Sorrento acts as the gateway to the region and is a great place for you to enjoy tours of local farms, learn how to make a fresh Neapolitan pizza and sip chilled locally made lemonade. Families that love to learn can take a day excursion to the iconic volcanic ruins at Pompeii or Herculaneum, which is currently being investigated in great depth by archaeologists and historians. Instead, you could take a boat trip for a day to Capri and take a journey on the island’s chair lift, ideal for the very young and more mature holidaymakers.

Amalfi is known for its sophisticated culture, world-class cuisine and luxurious resorts, making it the ideal destination for enjoying a romantic holiday as a couple. There’s nothing quite as romantic as sharing a bottle of Chianti with your partner on an olive tree lined patio, watching life go by at one of the colourful villages constructed in the jagged cliffs. The whole Amalfi coastline seems designed for laid-back days on a sun lounger, exploring historic buildings or going for a romantic swim together in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Other top Amalfi Coast resorts include Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, with its picturesque organic olive farm situated outside the village. You can follow the iconic Nastro Azzurro Road’s twists and turns down the mountainside to travel toward the glittering sea, or reach the popular entertainment destination of Positano.

Traditionally, the Amalfi Coast’s inhabitants travelled to one another on donkeys, horses or by foot. The towns and villages of the Amalfi Coast are well connected by a series of trails and paths that travel through the mountains, offering a multitude of walkways for hikers to enjoy. The best hikes include the one between Amalfi and Atrani by the stairs, a short and easy walk, and the Amalfi to Pontone walk, which is medium in length and difficulty. As you’d expect from a route entitled the ‘Walk of the Gods’, the route from Agerola to Praiano to Ravello is long in both duration and difficult and will provide a challenge to even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. On the way, you’ll be rewarded with a selection of stunning views of floral fields, quaint farmhouses and quiet fishing villages. A little further away you’ll find the iconic Vesuvius volcano, a majestic peak that casts shade over the scenic bay of Naples. For an exhilarating experience, walk to the peak’s summit to take in the views of petrified lava and the dramatic sight of plumes of smoke that emerge from the crater. You can ride on the hydrofoil at breakneck speed for a thrilling journey along the Amalfi coastline down to Positano, where you’ll find a different kind of action and adventure buzzing parties and nightlife. Paragliding is one of the most exciting ways to take in the wonder of the Amalfi Coastline, giving you breath-taking views of the National Park at Cilento.

The Amalfi coastline is steeped in a rich heritage and culture, as home to some of the most picturesque European museums, ruined settlements and cathedrals. Pompeii is a UNESCO heritage site that’s famous for being destroyed and preserved in solidified lava following an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. History lovers will relish a visit to Pompeii as many of the ancient structures and buildings are beautifully preserved as they were in 79AD, giving you a glimpse into the life of Ancient Romans. At Positano you’ll find top class attractions including Franco Sinesi Fine Art, a showcase of various pieces of local art, while wine lovers can learn more about the ancient art of winemaking in the old world in Campania. Throughout August the Amalfi Coast hosts a range of cultural events including Ravello, Sant Alfonoso de Liguori and San Lorenzo festival.