Close

July 08th, 2013

852 Views

2 Minutes Read

People who’ve been there know: It’s nearly impossible to convey the beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast in words and pictures — you truly have to see it to believe it.

What is the Amalfi Coast: A Slice of Mediterranean Paradise

The mere mention of the Amalfi Coast conjures images of dramatic cliffs plunging into azure waters, pastel-colored villages cascading down hillsides, and winding roads that seem to defy gravity. This 50-kilometer stretch of Italian coastline has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries, earning its place among the world's most coveted destinations. Whether you're planning your first visit or dreaming of returning, let's explore what makes this UNESCO World Heritage site truly extraordinary.

Avventure Bellissime offers a variety of exciting Amalfi Coast day trips and Italian vacation packages that include visits to the Amalfi Coast. In the meantime, for those of you not planning a summer trip to Italy, below is some information. We’re sure it will pique your interest!

Interesting Facts About the Amalfi Coast's Location

In beautiful southern Italy, between Positano (an area steeped in wealth and exclusivity) and Salerno (a charming “old town” with reminders of its Medieval history) on the Sorrentine Peninsula, lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world — the Amalfi Coast.

Boasting 50km of stunning seashore bordered by rocky cliffs and Mediterranean villas, this region is famous for its lemon groves, warm summers, and mild winters.

The Rich Maritime History of Amalfi Coast

The story of the Amalfi Coast reads like an epic novel, with dramatic rises and falls that rival its stunning cliffs. In its golden age, Amalfi stood as one of the Mediterranean's most powerful maritime republics, its ships dotting the horizon from Constantinople to Alexandria. Their skilled sailors were credited with perfecting the compass, while their merchants traded in precious spices, textiles, and exotic goods that made the republic wealthy beyond imagination.

But like many great powers, Amalfi's supremacy wouldn't last forever. The 11th and 12th centuries brought significant challenges, including the loss of its independence and a devastating attack from rival Pisa that marked the beginning of its decline. The following centuries tested the resilience of Amalfi's people, as trade dwindled and hardships, including a devastating plague, reduced the once-mighty republic to a quiet coastal region.

Yet, the 19th century brought an unexpected renaissance. As Italy unified, the Amalfi Coast discovered a new identity as a haven for artists, writers, and travelers seeking inspiration. Among them was John Steinbeck, who captured the region's enchanting spirit in his 1953 Harper's Bazaar essay. His words still ring true today: "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." This perfect description helped transform the coast from a hidden gem into the beloved destination we know today.

What is Amalfi Coast Known For: From Writers to Jet-Setters

Today, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. National Geographic even featured it in their Roadtrips of a Lifetime series:

The Costiera Amalfitana, or Amalfi Coast, is widely considered Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline, a landscape of towering bluffs, pastel-hued villages terraced into hillsides, precipitous corniche roads, luxuriant gardens, and expansive vistas over turquoise waters and green-swathed mountains. Deemed by UNESCO “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values,” the coast was awarded a coveted spot on the World Heritage list in 1997.

Fun Facts About Amalfi Coast: The Home of Limoncello

While the Amalfi Coast is famous for its unspeakably beautiful geography, it’s also famous for lemons and Limoncello — a more than 100 year old drink made traditionally from the zest of the Sorrento lemon is usually served chilled as an after dinner treat.

Actor Danny Devito infamously enjoyed a bit too much Limoncello before a 2006 appearance on American TVs The View program!

Essential Amalfi Coast Facts for Visitors

The Amalfi Coast isn't just about stunning views – it's a region where every town tells its own unique story. From Positano's vertical landscape of pastel-colored houses to Amalfi's imposing Byzantine-style Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, each location offers distinct experiences. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F), making it a year-round destination. The coast is also famous for its traditional paper mills, handmade ceramic production, and being home to some of Italy's finest beaches.

Experience the Amalfi Coast with Avventure Bellissime

From Positano to Amalfi to Sorrento, a trip to the Amalfi Coast is most certainly a trip of a lifetime. You can visit the Amalfi Coast on a variety of Avventure Bellissime Pompeii and Amalfi Coast private day tours, private Italy day tours, and as part of the 9-day private Italy vacation packages.

Explore Pompeii and then head out on an exciting drive along the Amalfi Coast, from the comfort of an air-conditioned mini-van with an expert English-speaking guide. See Positano and Amalfi, with their amazing cliffs, beautiful beaches, and Mediterranean villas. All along the coast, rich Medieval history combines with natural beauty, 19th century charm, and the comforts of a 21st century destination to ensure you’ll make memories of a lifetime here.

Join us! Call Avventure Bellissime’s team of Italy travel and tour experts today.