The scent of lemon perfumes the air while the wind blows through the trees, colourful fishing villages find their balance near the edge of cliffs rising above cobalt blue waters and remnants of an illustrious past reveal themselves to the eyes of the travellers; welcome to Amalfi Coast, where the sky meets the sea.
Although it owes its name to the ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi, this stretch of coastline kissed by the sun has other intriguing destinations to offer; from Vietri sul Mare to Raito, venture off the beaten path and discover the true Italian life.
Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare can be easily considered the doorway to Amalfi Coast. Worldwide famous for its handmade pottery, whose production dates back to Roman times, this small town welcomes its visitors with its distinctive allure. Its majolica-decorated fountains, benches, public spaces and shopfronts make it an open-air museum and the dream of every Instagrammer out there.
Insider tip: head to 34 da Lucia, the restaurant the locals swear by, to enjoy the most authentic flavours of the Divine Coast. The menu, which is constantly updated with seasonal products, offers a wide range of pasta dishes and seafood delicacies you need to try to properly savour la Dolce vita.
Cetara
Cetara is an enchanting fishing village located only 5 km away from Vietri. Used by Saracen Pirates during the Middle Ages as a base to attack the nearby Amalfi, it managed to preserve its original character through the years.
Insider tip: dine on the terrace of “Al Convento”, a restaurant hosted in the cloisters of an ancient Franciscan monastery, and order a plate of “pasta with colatura di alici”, the local specialty based on anchovies.
Praiano
Far from the crowds of its neighbours Positano and Amalfi, Praiano is undoubtedly the hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast; its peaceful atmosphere combined with breathtaking sunsets make it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
Insider tip: don’t miss the chance to sip a cocktail in the splendid setting of “Il Pirata” Lounge Bar.
Raito
Nestled between the shimmering blue of the sea and the green of the vineyards and lemon groves, Raito is the crown jewel of Vietri’s hamlets; this lively village, which is home to the Ceramics Museum, will steal your heart in no time thanks to its timeless charm and panoramic views of the entire Gulf of Salerno.
Insider tip: For history buffs, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which dates back to the XVII century, is definitely worth a visit.
Albori
Perched on a hillside overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Albori is a tiny, picturesque village where time seems to stand still; its pastel houses draped with bougainvillea and outstanding sea views contribute to making this little paradise unique and the place to go to escape the city chaos.
Insider tip: book your table at “Il Cavaliere dei Conti” farmhouse to discover the gastronomic tradition of the region and its most genuine tastes.
For further information, click on http://incampania.com/en/ the new institutional portal dedicated to tourism in Campania.