Amalfi Coast

Sun-Kissed Amalfi
The beautiful Amalfi Coast can be crowded, but its allure is irresistiblespectacular beaches,
balmy weather, towering cliffs, idyllic villages, lush gardens, and magnificent vistas, just to name a
few.

Site: Costiera Amalfitana (Amafi Coast)

Location: Italy
Year Designated: 1997
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (ii)(iv)(v)
Reason: This quintessentially Mediterranean landscape blends centuries of artistic and architectural
accomplishments with one of natures perfect panoramas.
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Italy's Amalfi Coast boasts a classic Mediterranean landscape, a sensual blend of both natural and
cultural wonders. The breathtaking terrain includes dramatic coastline topography scattered with
terraced vineyards, orchards, and pasturesoften with enchanting views of the vibrant waters
below.
Kind climate, abundant resources, and natural beauty have drawn people to this coast for many
centuries, and the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Saracens, Arab-Sicilians, and many others have left
their mark. Amalfi communities often cluster along cliffs, their terraces blending into the rock to
add their own picturesque charm to the natural beauty of the coast. Upon closer inspection, towns
like Amalfi and Ravello are home to many examples of artistic and architectural excellencenot a
surprise, since this stretch of the Sorrento Peninsula has long attracted famous artists of all stripes.
Amalfi itself thrives as a picturesque tourist center but in the 11th and 12th centuries the city
centered the Amalfi Maritime Republic and was a naval power to be reckoned with throughout the
Mediterranean. Amalfis ports also saw extensive trade with North Africa, and the city retains
cloisters of Arab-Sicilian architecture throughout, as well as the Arsenalea partially preserved
medieval shipyard from a glorious era.
In Paestum, columned temples to Poseidon, Hera, and Athena stand in what was, from the seventh
century B.C., the Greek city of Poseidonia. These breathtaking structures are among the best
preserved of their kind to be found anywhere in the world.
Until the 1800s the coasts steep terrain meant that overland access to the region was possible only
by mule. While many oases of quiet can still be found here, particularly away from tourist centers,

the Amalfi Coast has changed irreversibly since then. But echoes of far more distant eras remain,
including ancient cathedrals, gardens, and Roman villas like Anacapris Villa di Damecuta, possibly
built by Tiberius.
One of the most enjoyable things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to simply find a spot where you can
soak it all in. Among the top locations is Monte Solaro, a B&B in Anacapri with stunning views of
the twin bays Salerno and Naples.
How to Get There
Trains connect Naples with Sorrento and Salerno. Boats also run to many Amalfi Coast towns
during the warmer months.
When to Visit
Consider visiting in the spring (May) or fall (September-October), when the crowds drawn to this
world-renowned beauty spot are at their lowest.
How to Visit
There are many ways to experience the coast but none quite like an end-to-end drive of its
precipitous, winding, coastal highway. The National Geographic Road Trip: Amalfi Coast, Italy
offers one outstanding itinerary. For those whod rather leave the driving to others, bus services run
up and down the coast.