Sightseeing

Among all of the places along the Coast, the city of Positano is said to be the most popular of them all, because it offers a panoramic, breathtaking view of the deep blue sea below. It is perhaps for this reason why the houses are closely packed together, as if in tiers, so that everyone can have their own piece of heaven. In the midst of these houses is a church that was founded by Benedictine monks, the Santa Maria Assunta, which symbolises the Italian’s devotion to their faith. Above the entrance of the church’s bell tower is a sculpture, a relief that displays a head of a dog, a body of a fish that has a woman’s breasts, a tail of a dolphin and sharp claws. According to the natives, the sculpture is a bold reminder that evil prevails over good. A first-century villa was also discovered beneath the bell tower, which revealed mural paintings and mosaics that depicted passionate themes.

Another place along the Amalfi coastline that should not be missed is the Ravello. Standing 350 meters above sea level, the town, just like Positano, offers a mesmerizing view of the ocean. Apart from the spectacular scenario, Ravello also boasts of a rich history and culture that has inspired luminaries like novelist Gore Vidal, Hollywood icon Greta Garbo and composer Richard Wagner. Make sure to visit the Villa Cimbrone, which offers an expansive view of the whole coastline and the Villa Rufolo, a lush, charming garden that hosts Wagnerian concerts every summer.

The ancient town of Furore, on the other hand, can be considered as an oasis amidst its more contemporary counterparts. Furore has Roman origins and enjoys a very sturdy location — well-protected by the Lattari Mountains and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town offers a peek of nature at its finest and an ideal venue for those who are seeking some peace and solitude.

The small village of Cetara offers a refreshing yet equally enticing view of the sea. The locals of this village engage in the production of anchovies, which are famous all over the world for their fresh and delicious flavour. Octopi (or large squid) are also abundant in Cetara and are, more often than not, used to make delicious pasta and casseroles. The seaside of Cetara is unlike other beaches that have fine sand — instead, they have a pebble beach that may be quite tricky to navigate but appealing nonetheless.

The Amalfi coastline is also known for its beautiful ceramic products, thanks to the city of Vietri. While the most famous ceramics producer in the area is the Solimene factory, there are also other smaller shops along Piazza Matteotti that turn in fine work. For a city that used to be a fishing village, the production of these fine furnishings is now the main industry of Vietri. The main landmark of the city is the Church of San Giovanni, which was built in 1732. The cupola of the said structure is adorned with colorful ceramic tiles that proudly proclaim the booming pottery and ceramics industry of Vietri.

Last but definitely not the least on the list is the town of Massa Lubrense, which offers one of the best views of the whole coastline. Because of its steady spring weather, it is no surprise that farmhouses are a common fixture in the town, offering fresh Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. At the heart of Massa Lubrense is the Largo Vescovado, a balcony that allows visitors to fully appreciate the 16th century church, Santa Maria delle Grazie.