Summer in the Amalfi Coast: splendid views and a turquoise sea

The Campania coast that goes from the Sorrento peninsula to the Amalfi coast is one of the most scenic roads in the world. It's also a long succession of small towns or villages that are real corners of paradise. Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi are not to be missed thanks to breathtaking landscapes, postcard views and a clear turquoise sea.

In the summer, between the singing of the cicadas and the shadow of the citrus groves, these three small towns are able to offer at the same time quiet corners and glamorous nights, beaches where to relax and spectacular trekking paths.

Sorrento things to see: the beauty of the Sorrento peninsula

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Sorrento is a lively town both in winter and in summer, with plenty of accommodation facilities of all kinds and always full of cultural events. It is located on a cliff overlooking the sea, it is also known as the land of the mermaids. According to legend, the sea loch that separates Capri from Punta della Campanella, a few kilometers from the center, is the place where Ulysses escaped with a subterfuge to the enchanting song of the mermaids. 

Today, the city's life takes place mainly around the central Piazza Tasso, crossed by the famous Corso Italia. Walking along this avenue is one of the favorite activities by tourists and locals; it's ideal in the cooler hours of the day or in the evening, perhaps enjoying an ice cream or a limoncello in one of its many bars. Right next to the Corso is the ancient center, a network of alleys always teeming with life, where you can also buy excellent local crafts. 

The most beautiful view can be enjoyed from the lookout of the Villa Comunale, a park with a magnificent view of the bay, adjacent to the beautiful cloister of San Francesco's church, where exhibitions and events of all kinds take place. In the park there is also a lift leading to the beach below, equipped with everything you need to spend a pleasant day at the sea. 

Sorrento has a port where hydrofoils and ferries depart for Naples and the islands. The small village welcomes tourists arriving by sea with a unique atmosphere of ancient flavor, although it's always very lively also thanks to some of the best restaurants in the city. The port is connected to the center with several shuttles. 

Not far away there is Marina Grande, the ancient village of fishermen. It's an incredibly evocative place, with a large, sunny beach; among other things it's well known for being the location of the famous movie "Pane amore e ..." with Sofia Loren and Vittorio De Sica.


Positano what to see: the pearl of the Amalfi Coast

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From Sorrento, by the wonderful road that leads to the Amalfi Coast, you can easily reach Positano. With its painted small houses, the beaches, and a deep blue sea, it's a maze of alleyways climbing up the side of the mountain, creating a skyline that's unique in the world. Among the white roofs and terraces full of blooming bougainville, stands the beautiful majolica dome of the church of Santa Maria Assunta, which shines in the sunlight. 

Positano offers wiews of extraordinary beauty, but it's also a perky town, loved by both the common people and the international stars of the showbiz. Its most lively center is Marina Grande, a square full of restaurants and shops, located right on the edge of the Spiaggia Grande, about 300 meters long. From the square start many narrow streets full of artisans' shops, working the ceramics in the typical style of the Coast, of shops of made-to-measure shoes and clothes, of places where to taste the many delights of the local gastronomy. 

Positano has several beaches within walking distance. Torre Sponda and Fornillo, for example, while being central, offer privacy and tranquility. The beach of Arienzo is a little further from the center but you can still reach it with a pleasant walk or even by bus.  Along the coast there are many small hidden coves that can be reached by sea from Marina Grande.

Finally, halfway between Positano and Amalfi, lies the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a marvel of nature that can be reached by land or sea.

Visit Amalfi: history, culture and beaches on the Amalfi Coast

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Amalfi, like Positano, stands on the slope of the Lattari mountains. It boasts an illustrious history, having been the oldest of the Maritime Republics and having had relations with the Arab and Byzantine world, which made it one of the richest and most powerful centers of the Mediterranean for three centuries.

Today the signs of this illustrious history can still be found among the narrow streets that climb among the rocks, the monuments, the squares. In fact, Amalfi is not only an important summer tourist center, but it's also a place rich in history and culture.

The greatest symbol of the city is the wonderful cathedral dating back to the IX century, which stands imposing atop a monumental staircase and dominates the square below. Inside there are the remains of an even older church and the famous Cloister of Paradise. Within walking distance are the ancient arsenal and the small but charming Piazzetta dei Dogi. The Church of San Biagio, dating back to the X century, with its precious XVIII century floor entirely in majolica is a must see too. In Amalfi there's also an interesting Museum of the Paper, bearing witness to an ancient tradition to which the local people are still very tied up today, namely the manual processing of paper. A monument in the homonymous square is dedicated to Flavio Gioia, considered the inventor of the nautical compass.

The main beach of Amalfi is always very 'active'. Here there is also a small pier from which boats leave to the most hidden coves, accessible only by sea, such as Santa Croce. Not far from the center is the beach of Atrani, at the foot of a delightful and picturesque seaside village, it's very popular with families in summer. The beach of Duoglio is a little more isolated, you can get there via a flight of 400 steps and beautiful path surrounded by nature, or if you want, with small boats to rent.

From Amalfi start some of the most beautiful trekking paths in Italy, such as Valle delle Ferriere and Sentiero degli Dei, which also connect it to Positano and other coastal towns.

How to reach the Amalfi Coast by public transport

Sorrento is the only one of the three towns with a station. From the Central Station of Naples you can take the Circumvesuviana railway, the same that goes to Pompeii and Ercolano too.

By sea there are connections which departing from the Beverello pier in Naples, more frequent during the summer.

From the Capodichino airport, on the other hand, a bus you can take a bus with a stop in Sorrento and you can reach the city in just a little more than one hour. 

The Sorrento station square is also the terminal of the Sita buses going first to Positano and then to Amalfi. Amalfi also has a direct bus connection with Naples. 

Both Positano and Amalfi can be reached from Naples by sea, although with a stopover in Sorrento or Capri. A direct connection is instead possible from the Salerno's harbour.