The stunning Amalfi Coast has drawn visitors for decades, and the beautiful little towns and attractive beaches help provide a very attractive package for visitors to the area. One of the main reasons visitors are particularly interested in enjoying a road trip in the area is that the winding cliff paths rise to offer great views over the ocean before descending to the idyllic coastal towns. , providing an excellent driving experience. In the height of summer, the roads can be very busy with tour buses and motorcyclists, which is why many consider the shoulder season outside of the main summer season to be the best time to enjoy a trip along the coast here.
Cathedral of Sant’Andrea
In the heart of the city of Amalfi, this historic church is one of the most important architectural buildings in the region and has been on this site since the 9th century, although it has seen many changes over the years. One of the oldest elements of the church is a crucifix from the 13th century, while the crypt is said to contain the remains of Saint Andrew, brought to the area in the early 13th century from Constantinople. Visible from almost everywhere in the city, the bell tower is one of the oldest parts of the church, and construction on this part of the church began in the 12th century.
The Madonna of Positano.
Located in the Positano church is this representation of a Black Madonna that is said to date from the 13th century, and is believed to be of Byzantine origin. The legend of the arrival of the Virgin is related to the name of the city, and this legend describes how the Turkish sailors on a boat carrying the painting were sailing in the waters near the area, when they heard the image whisper the word ‘Posa’ (dropped me on the ground) so they landed and left the painting where the city is today.
Local people built a church on the site where the Virgin was found, and the city developed around this church.
Fiordo de Furore
This remarkable natural site is almost inaccessible, with a narrow staircase leading down to the deep gorge that is known as the Fjord of Furore, although scientists maintain that technically it is not really a fjord. The steep cliffs on either side of this gorge made it a wonderful smuggling port in years past, with a very narrow entrance that provides great protection within the entrance, while being almost invisible from the sea. This is a beautiful place to stop and relax, and as the road crosses the gorge over a bridge, it is worth the walk to the small beach.
Villa Rufolo
Close to the town of Ravello, this villa has been on the site since the 13th century, although it was extensively remodeled in the 19th century by Scottish knight Francis Neville Reid, who fell in love with the incredible location. With magnificent views of the ocean and extensive gardens to explore, there is certainly a lot to do here. The gardens are particularly known for the wonderful flower beds that are vibrant and colorful for most of the year.
Valle Delle Ferriere
Accessible on foot from Amalfi, this beautiful valley is a short walk from the city center and is famous for the wonderful surroundings and the series of streams and waterfalls found throughout the valley. This is a popular area in the summer, as the water and the shade of the trees help ensure that the area is quite cool, and there are two paths available through the valley if you are taking a longer break in Amalfi.
