EVENTS on the Amalfi Coast

WORKS OF ART IN THE PALACE : 18 June > 16 July 2023, MAIORI- Palazzo Mezzacapo, Upper rooms and Fresco Hall
Contemporary art exhibition edited by Angelo Criscuoli
It is open every day -except on Mondays- from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm FREE ADMISSION.
info: +39 340 5047106 | Facebook: Beautiful Art | Ins tagram: .bellarte. | info@quadribellarte.it
A prestigious contemporary art exhibition conceived and curated by Angelo Criscuoli offers visitors to the Amalfi Coast a careful selection of works of art by some of the best Italian artists of national and international fame.
The exhibition of paintings and sculptures will be enriched, as always, by the direct meeting of the public with the curator and some of the participating artists, to learn more about the style, technique and meanings of truly exclusive unique works, often specially created for this annual exhibition. This is, for example, the case of Marco Sciame (Mondadori Art Prize and Biffi Prize in 2015; Mediolanum Prize at the Parma Art Fair 2021), who will present in this edition some unpublished works, created with his peculiar pointillist technique and conceived as ” tribute to M. C. Escher” and the deep bond that the well-known Dutch artist had with the Amalfi Coast, from which he drew inspiration for his impossible, seductive and hypnotic scenarios in their paradoxical mixture of natural and logical-geometric elements.
Extraordinary is the participation in this edition of the Master of Italian Pop Art Enrico Manera, who, after sharing artistic and life experiences with some of the most well-known representatives of the Roman School of Piazza del Popolo (such as Mario Schifano, Tano Festa and Franco Angeli , mentioned by Manera in his book “Café des Artistes”), himself represents the transition link from historicized Pop Art to Italian Neo-pop art, which is enjoying growing success among the public. And it is precisely in the variegated panorama of Pop and Neo-pop Art, but with different stylistic accents and conceptual nuances, that the works of other guest artists of this 2023 edition can also be inserted, such as the excellent draftsman and painter Cleonice Gioia, Massimo Liberti and Giancarlo Costanzo. Standing out in the itinerary of the exhibition are the lively and multi-material picto-sculptures by Massimo Sansavini, which evoke the ancient mosaic art, but express a refined neo-futurist taste and are made not only with lacquered wood joints, but also with ceramics and digital techniques. The visitor will also be impressed by the fascinating metaphysical and surreal works of Ciro Palumbo, a masterful dream painter, capable with his scenarios of projecting the observer into real daydreams. It is also welcome the return, after the success achieved in the last edition, of the elegant extroverted and three-dimensional canvases by the artist Calido, this year with even more refined and current colors, sculpted in tonal variations by the changing incidence of light. In the room overlooking the splendid gardens of the Palazzo, the visitor will be able to meditate among the mysterious icons of the master Ferdinando Ambrosino, capable of condensing the essence of Mediterranean historical-artistic culture in his large canvases, between figuration and abstraction. Finally, the wonderful eighteenth-century frescoes in the main hall will dialogue with the transparent and surprisingly real waters of the enormous canvases by Amedeo Cianci, which open real windows overlooking the sea of the Pompeian red walls.


RAVELLO FESTIVAL Villa Rufolo, starts July 2nd ends August 3rd
View the full program: https://ravellofestival.info/2022/

On his arrival at Villa Rufolo in 1880, Richard Wagner found both inspiration for the scenography of Act 2 of Parsifal and ideas for improving the whole musical architecture of his ultimate masterpiece. The orchestral concerts that have been held in the Villa for over 50 years are a worthy tribute to this inspiration. Giuseppe Verdi was another guest at Villa Rufolo; Grieg stayed in the Albergo Toro; outstanding conductors and performers – from Bruno Walter to Toscanini, Stokowski to Kempff, Bernstein to Penderecki, Prêtre to Maazel, Ashkenazy to Pappano – have all stayed and performed here. The musical vocation remains at the heart of the intense cultural life in Ravello.

EXCURSIONS on and around the Amalfi Coast.

A USEFUL GUIDE TO OUR EXCURSIONS -SKIP THE LINE TICKETS INCLUDED
Reservations are required. Some excursions require minimum participants. EU citizens under 25yo receive discounts in state sites, a valid document must be showed.
Appropriate SHOES & outfit are always recommended. No shorts/mini-skirts when visiting churches and shoulders must be covered. Remember swimwear where appropriate and a warm jumper and rain-wear in the cooler months. FOR MORE INFO & BOOKINGS Whatsapp +393393747368

Amalfi Excursion Program

POMPEI & VESUVIUS  – MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAYS  8am Amalfi €135 – (ch. €85)  EU 11-17yo 110€  18-24yo 120€
With its excavated area, extending for approx 44 ha, and the preservation state of its buildings, due to the particular burial, under a blanket of 6 meter of ash and rock, Pompeii can be considered the only archaeological site which gives the real image of a Roman city. On the way, you may find the coach makes a short stop at a coral factory, time permitting, also to use toilet. After the visit, you will stop at a nearby restaurant for lunch (optional) break. After lunch a 50 minute coach journey will take you 200m from the top of Mount Vesuvius, the best known volcano on earth, where you can climb the rest of the way to the crater-edge. Arrival back on the coast in the late afternoon.
Shuttle from: Positano € 15 – Praiano € 10 -Emerald Cave 6€

POMPEI EXPRESS   –  TUESDAY & SATURDAY 8am Amalfi – € 105 – (ch. €55)  EU 11-17yo 85€  18-24yo 90€
As the excursion above, but only visiting the site of Pompeii. You will be back on the coast by about 3.00pm.
Shuttle from: Positano € 15 – Praiano € 10 -Emerald Cave 6€

HERCULANEUM & POMPEII –  SUNDAY  8am Amalfi – € 140- (ch. €85)  EU 11-17yo 95€  18-24yo 105€
On this trip besides Pompeii you also visit Herculaneum. Ercolano (in Italian) is completely different from Pompeii, it is only 15 acres. It was destroyed by mud, rather than pumice and lava therefore was not crushed down by the weight of the debris and was a Roman holiday town rather than a busy, important town. The difference is quite amazing! The mud has preserved mosaics, the wooden beams that divided the lower and upper floors of the houses and shops, and the frescos on the walls of the gymnasiums and sauna baths. A missed visit to Herclaneum is a real pity! Arrival back is approx 6.00pm.
Shuttle from: Positano € 15 – Praiano € 10 -Emerald Cave 6€

CAPRI & ANACAPRI  – ANY DAY – € 135
Departure by fast ferry from Amalfi, you will admire the beautiful, dramatic Peninsula of Sorrento from the sea. Upon arrival at the Marina Grande, start a guided island tour by minivan, stopping at the Anacapri Belvedere for a walk with your guide and have free time for lunch (not included). Get back by private minibus to Capri for a walk in Piazza Umberto I and through the narrow alleys where you will have some free time to shop for some of Capri’s glamorous fashion items in the many elegant boutiques. Return to Marina to board the ferry, return to the Amalfi Coast in the late afternoon. For those who wish to use their free time for a dip in the water of Caprii or take a boat for the island discovery by sea, the guide will advise how.

CAPRI CRUISE  – ANY DAY-  Amalfi € 167 – Maiori/Minori € 177– Positano/Praiano € 147  – MAX 30 pax
A full day boat trip to discover the beauty of the Amalfi coast and the evocative Island of Capri. You’ll board in any of the towns starting your cruise along the coastline with the chance to stop for swimming before heading across the bay to Capri. Once there the boat will take you around the island to see its most beautiful sights such as the White Grotto, the Natural Arch, the Green Grotto, the lighthouse of Punta Carena, Blue Grotto and the famous Faraglioni Rocks. Stops for swimming and snorkelling to enjoy the crystal, blue waters of the sea. Approx. 4 hrs free time to explore the island and stroll around the famous main square or admire the Augustus Gardens. This is a chance to relax, sunbathe on the decks and swim from your own semi-private boat while admiring the beauty of the island from the sea. Towel and drinks included (Minimum numbers permitting)

CAPRI CRUISE  – ANY DAY-  Amalfi € 185 – Maiori/Minori € 175– Positano/Praiano € 192  – MAX 12 people
As above but on a more exclusive basis.

CAPRI BY EXCURSION BOAT  – ANY DAY     Maiori/Minori/Amalfi     € 35 (+2,50 disembarkation tax)
Enjoy a day out to the evocative island of Capri. Boat journey to Capri enjoying great views of the coastline. Panoramic boat tour around the island, the Faraglioni rocks with chance to see some of the grottos (white, green…). You land around 10.00 at the Marina Grande and you have time at leisure until 16.00. From the Marina you can take either a bus to Anacapri town then, after the visit (don’t miss chairlift to Monte Solaro) to Capri town and then funicular from Capri to the Marina. Or you take the funicular to Capri town and just enjoy the visit of Capri town (Augustus’ gardens, walk to VillaTiberius… )

PM GUIDED VISIT OF AMALFI  – WEDNESDAY (ENG)  SATURADAY (ITA) €30  2/3 hours starting at 5pm
Amalfi, the central town and main hub on the Coast. Dominated by its beautiful Cathedral dedicated to St. Andrew (€4 to be paid locally), with its impressive staircase, the bell-tower in Arab-Norman style and its charming Cloister of Paradise, it beautifully reflects its glorious past of first Maritime Republic in Italy. Discover all of it!

GUIDED VISIT OF RAVELLO – 9am MONDAY (ENG) THURSDAY (ITA)  €30  Shuttle to Ravello available on request
Andrè Gide wrote Ravello is ‘closer to the sky than the sea shore’, M.C. Escher worked Ravello in some of his many lithographs, Richard Wagner found here the Magic Garden of Klingsor. Enjoy a 2 hours guided walk-about of Ravello, the town of music…and let its natural melody charm you too!

HIKE PATH OF THE GODS (SENTIERO DEGLI DEI) – TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY 9am Bomerano (Agerola) to Positano €40  –Shuttle to Bomerano e/o from Positano available on request
When it comes to easy accessibility and drop-dead gorgeous scenery there is no better place to go hiking than the Amalfi Coast. Located high above the curving coast, the course of the trail winds for 7km between the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle with a few “relatively” minor undulations. This trek includes a break with aperitif at the shepherd’s hut… rigorously enjoying divine views. 😉

EXPLORE
EXPERIENCE
ENJOY

HIKE PATH OF THE GODS (SENTIERO DEGLI DEI) – THURSDAY   € 85- (ch. € 55)  EU 11-17yo 75€ 18-24yo 80€
You need good shoes and a head for heights to walk the legendary Path of the Gods, which offers dizzying sea views all the way to the point of the peninsula and beyond. The mythical Sentiero degli Dei is by far the best-known walk on the Amalfi Coast. The views are divine, making a spectacular traverse high above the Mediterranean with heavenly views over terraced fields and hazy mountains. Return transportation from Maiori, Minori, Amalfi is part of this trip.

TREK ALONG THE FERRIERE VALLEY (VALLE DELLE FERRIERE) – WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY Scala 9am €30  –Shuttle to Scala available on request
From the square in Scala, you walk to Amalfi along footpaths dating back to medieval times when they served as the primary means of getting from village to village, some of them as old as the paths themselves. Once you reach the valley, you see the river that once fed the iron and paper mills. Also a visit of the unique Natural Reserve, where ancient ferns are preserved, is possible paying locally the entrance fee 5€. You will be amazed: waterfalls, ancient ruins and fascinating vegetation! Do not miss it!

LEMON TRAIL – MONDAY & THURSDAY 4.30pm Minori €30
An easy hike through the ancient ways that still link Minori to Maiori. You will enjoy beautiful views and a visit to a lemon garden with tasting of lemon products. Don’t miss it!

LEMON TOUR   –  MONDAY to SATURDAY  10am Amalfi  € 25
A visit to the Amalfi Coast, the Coast of Lemons, would be incomplete without discovering more about this important, healthy product. Do not miss this opportunity and go for a 2 hours full immersion to find out more about the Amalfi Lemons, the stunningly built terraces where they grow, when, how and to taste some of its specialties… you will be amazed!

AN AUTHENTIC AMALFITAN EXPERIENCE – WEDNESDAY &  SATURADAY €30  starting at 2pm
Live a 2 hour full immersion local lifestyle experience with a local family in a true Amalfitan house from where the views are simply amazing.

WALKING, TASTING & DRINKING LIMONCELLO (SPRITZ) – €50 10am Tramonti
Tramonti is one of mountain villages on the Amalfi Coast that has preserved its ancient traditions. This guided excursion will give you the opportunity to cross its valley, observing the agricultural biodiversity that characterizes it: vineyards, chestnuts and lemon groves. First there will be a short visit to a farm, then while walking among grazing cows, we reach a local shepherd hut and watch the shepherd making mozzarella and you will taste this delicious cheese while it is still hot! Continuing along the Path of the 13 Churches, we reach centuries-old vineyards where the Tintore grape, a 300-year-old variety, grows… you will be amazed! The itinerary will end at an old farmhouse, surrounded by lemon trees, where you will learn how to make Limoncello, which will be used for your Limoncello Spritz, served with a platter of various cheeses and bruschetta.

SUNRISE EXPERIENCE ANY DAY ON REQUEST
When everything is still dark and the silence dominates the entire town of Scala, you will be led into a scenery rich in red and orange colors that make the moment truly magical. Once reached the top, you will be rewarded with a rich breakfast: jams, cakes, juices, eggs and fruit. The experience can be enriched with a pleasant walk through the medieval village of Scala or Ravello. Walking time about 3 hours, difference in altitude 250 mt.

THE GRANDPARENTS’ PANTRY – ANY DAY ON REQUEST
This experience is set in Scala, in the panoramic and rigorously cultivated terrace of Alfonso and Immacolata. You will enjoy amazing views but also learn all about how to can and preserve fruit and vegetables: chestnuts, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, onions, pumpkin, olives and more, depending on the season. A tasting will follow the demonstration. If staying in Ravello, you can reach the place by walking approx 40 minutes and make even more out of the day.

A PICNIC IN THE WOODS – ANY DAY ON REQUEST 
Starting from Ravello, you will walk through evocative chestnut groves, learning about the culture of the area and how ancient traditions managed to survive to these days. Part of this experience is a picnic with local products including chestnut honey, cheese, cured meats and rustic pizza, accompanied by a good farmer’s wine. From September to early November it will be possible to participate in the chestnut collection and taste the ever-present roasted chestnuts.

Choose your
type of massage 🙂

AT YOUR DOOR MASSAGE THERAPY – ANY DAY 50 min. (50€) or 70 min. (70€)
What’s more beautiful than a RELAXING MASSAGE that improves circulation, removes toxins and reduces stress? Perhaps a SWEDISH MASSAGE, which acts on the various parts of the body by stimulating circulation and restoring muscle tone? Or maybe a DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE that uses more pressure or a SPORTS MASSAGE designed to help decrease the stress and tension which builds up in the soft tissues during physical activity? The choice is yours; the best part is that we are bringing the massage therapist to your door! 🙂

SPA & ROMAN BATHMon-Fri: 3-9pm Sat&Sun: 10am-9pm €70p.p. (reductions x couples) includes use of towel, locker room, wardrobe
As for the good examples at Pompeii, Roman baths were part of the day-to-day life in Ancient Rome. There people could relax, keep clean and keep up with the latest news. A visitor could use a cold bath (the frigidarium), a warm bath (the tepidarium) and a hot bath (the caldarium). Take the unique opportunity to live this region’s ancient history and enjoy a full 2 hour with this relaxing package that includes: Welcome drink, Sauna, Hydromassage, Ice pack, Footbath, Black soap scrub, Roman Bath with Tiepidarium, Calidarium & Frigidarium. Massages 30 minutes 55€ 50 minutes 90€)
SPA&MARE-SEA  On availab.  €50/2hr  €55/3hr  €60/5hr  €90FD includes use of bath/beach towel, locker.
Why not spend a few of hours in a relaxed, organized environment on the beach, taking advantage of the sea, the sun and a spa area?  This package includes: Welcome Drink, Turkish Bath, Pool, Hydromassage, Ice pack, Kneeip Walking, Emotional Showers. (from 1st June) 

WINE TASTINGS    
Campania is not only famous for what is surely the most romantic coastline in the world -the Amalfi Coast- but also for its food and wines from its volcanic, fertile soil.
In Tramonti you will have the opportunity to visit a winery with its cellar and terraces where ancient pre-philloxera vines keep growing. After the visit, a local expert will let you take pleasure in three local wines and tasteful, traditional appetizers.
Possibility to have a light lunch while enjoying the tasting or organize a cooking class.

BOAT RIDES on request
Half or full day, sunset boat rides along the Amalfi Coast and to Capri.

HORSE RIDING approx 90 minutes €60
Horse riding is a exciting and rewarding sport and for those who enjoy it, here you have some great opportunities, hilly landscape and scenic, panoramic views:
-VESUVIUS Horse Riding: Once at the ranch, you receive instructions on how to ride a horse by the equestrian guide and then you start your adventure along the trails of the Vesuvius National Park, where nature will not fail to amaze you! The standard excursion lasts 90 round-trip. Once back at the ranch, a refreshment with some typical Vesuvian specialties will be awaiting for you. OPTIONAL: For those who so wish, we offer an optional visit to a local winery located right on the slopes of Vesuvius. The tasting includes four different types of local vines served with lunch.
-VIETRI Horse Riding: Following the instructor you will ride along a path surrounded by hills and typically Mediterranean vegetation, enjoying nice panoramic views.

RENT A SCOOTER / A CAR


MORE HIKING OR PRIVATE TOURS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

A Walk about Ravello & Scala, Amalfi Coast

A memorable walk around Ravello with the ‘friends’ of the Italian American Foundation.

And then imagine going for a walk to the Ferriere Valley in Scala and ending up at the home of one of the locals who invite you for a lemonade, for a coffee or simply for a taste of tarantella. 😉

Here, on the Amalfi Coast, this happens and more… Good Vibes only! 🙂

Welcome to the Amalfi Coast!

GENERAL INFORMATION
Some important information here, to help you enjoy your stay with us on the Amalfi Coast. Scroll down for maps of the towns.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast towns from the Airport.

-The easiest, quickest (1/1.30 hr) and most comfortable way is by cab, contact us for the cheapest rate. The only possible way if you are travelling evening/night time. In case you decide for this you will need to provide details such as exact destination, flight number, times, etc

-A PINTOUR / PINTUR bus, it links Naples airport to Amalfi and its hamlet Pogerola, stopping in Vietri sul mare, Cetara, Maiori, (you change here for Tramonti), Minori, Castiglione (seaside hamlets of Ravello), Atrani, Amalfi. In Amalfi you can change for a cab or a Sita bus to Ravello, Scala, Conca dei Marini, Furore (seaside only), Praiano, Positano. From Amalfi to Positano you can also take a ferry instead of a SITA bus or a cab, check timetables below. It is 20€ per person (Ch. 10€). Tickets need to be bought beforehand.

CLICK HERE FOR PINTUR AIRPORT-AMALFI-AIRPORT TIMETABLES

-A SITASUD bus (VERY few & weekdays only) from the airport to SALERNO if you are going to Vietri sul mare, Cetara, Maiori, (you change here for Tramonti), Minori, Marmorata & Castiglione (seaside hamlets of Ravello), Atrani, Amalfi, Scala, Ravello, Pogerola. Or a CURRERI viaggi bus to SORRENTO if your final destination is Positano, Praiano, Furore (seaside hamlet ‘the Fjord’ only), Conca dei Marini.
From SALERNO or SORRENTO (outside stations) you can take a SITA bus heading to Amalfi and you stop on the way accordingly (tickets to be purchased before boarding). Change in Amalfi for the mountain centers of Scala, Ravello, (a few times per day the SITA bus also goes to the further hamlets of this towns), Pogerola, Furore (upper side hamlets, center). From Salerno there are also ferries to reach Vietri, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, less frequent than direct ferries to Amalfi.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRIERI AIRPORT – SORRENTO – AIRPORT TIMETABLES

If you are staying in NAPLES (center) and wish to reach the Amalfi Coast by public transportation, you can take a SITA bus (from either “varco IMMACOLATELLA” near the MOLO BEVERELLO Naples port (near Via Marina) or from about 200 mt. from Naples train Station exit in VIA GALILEO FERRARIS where the “INPS” building is). Tickets need to be purchased before boarding, SITA buses from Naples to Amalfi are VERY few so do double check times (see below) to be sure this is a convenient way for you. OR a regional train to SALERNO, more frequent, (see above for the rest of the journey) or a Circumvesiviana train to SORRENTO. BUON VIAGGIO! 🙂

GETTING ABOUT THE AMALFI COAST:

BY BUS  The SITA bus company runs buses along the entire coast from Salerno to Sorrento, changing in Amalfi and also covers the mountain towns of Ravello, Scala, Pogerola, Furore from Amalfi. For Tramonti the bus can be boarded also in Maiori. The main bus terminus for the coast is in Amalfi itself, situated by the main pier. Buses to Ravello, Scala, Pogerola leave at the bus stop by the two large white canopies, by the roundabout with the statue. All the buses have the destination name written on the front.

CLICK HERE FOR SITA BUS TIMETABLES

Sita bus tickets can be purchased in bars, tobacconists and newsagents. These tickets are valid from the time they are clipped in the yellow box, situated behind the driver. The ticket prices and duration of the tickets vary, state destination when buying them to make it easy. The bus stop signs show a small bus and/or “Fermata Sita”. One sign corresponds to both sides of the road. Up-to-date bus timetables are displayed above. P.N. that buses can become very crowded and people tend to push to the front so “when in Rome do as the Romans do.”Small orange buses cover the internal roads of Praiano and Positano as well as its hamlets of Nocelle and Montepertuso. The tickets for these buses can be bought in bars and newsagents, but they can also be bought on the bus itself, paying the driver as you board.

BY BOAT  – The two main ports along the coast are Amalfi and Positano but boats also stop at Maiori, Minori and Cetara and Vietri. Boat tickets can be bought at the ticket kiosks along the piers. Here you have ferry timetables.

CLICK HERE FOR FERRIES TIMETABLES -AMALFI COAST-

Boats go daily to Capri, Sorrento, Salerno & Ischia (high season) but they will not run if the sea is rough. 

BY TAXI  –  Taxis can be found in all the towns along the coast and are usually white … but please be aware that taxis can be expensive, ie. a single journey from Amalfi to Ravello will cost between €40 and €60. If you need to use a taxi, make sure you know what the fare is going to be before you begin your journey! Contact us beforehand if you need help with booking a cab.

If you are interested in CAR HIRE, please ask to get information about prices, delivery and collection included.
Parking:
BLUE Lines – marking parking spaces mean you have to pay per hour, so find the ticket machine and then display the necessary ticket. If there is no machine in the neighborhoods, buy a parking ticket at the nearest Tobacconist. The cost per hour can vary.
YELLOW Lines – For “residenti”, special needs categories and reserved to police or other public units.
WHITE Lines – check for the signs as white lines often mark residents only and will state “residenti” or will display a code number. If none of these are on show, you can normally park here for free.

HOTELS: Although crime and thefts on the Amalfi Coast are rare, we would strongly suggest that you use the safety deposit boxes provided by the hotel and recommend that you leave your passports, personal documents (driving license etc.) and valuables in your hotel deposit box. If you are staying in a hotel that uses keys, please leave them with reception when you go out. CITY TAX: Please note that municipalities on the Amalfi Coast apply a tourist tax which is to be paid to the accommodation at the end of the stay. The amount can vary from town to town and it also depends on the type of accommodation, please refer to reception for more details.

Shopping: Shops (markets, tabacconists, etc) are generally open between 09.00–13.00 and 16.30–20.00 although some souvenir shops and boutiques stay open all days during the high season. Variations may exist between summer and winter. Supermarkets are usually closed all day Sunday. Best buys in this area include ceramics, Limoncello liquor products, Amalfi Paper, handmade sandals and “Positano fabric” clothes. 

Banks: Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 08.20–13.15 and 14.30–15.30. Bureaux de Change have more flexible opening hours. Please remember that passports are required when changing money and that banks will charge a commission on every transaction. Cash may be obtained using credit/ debit cards at the ATMs using your PIN number.

Chemists:  “Farmacia” Identified by a flashing green cross, the “farmacie” are generally open normal shopping hours Monday to Saturday. A chemist is always open on Sunday (ask reception/resort manager for details) 24 hour chemist only accessible during the night with a doctor’s prescription.

Tobacconists: Apart from cigarettes, cigars and tobacco you may also buy postcards and stamps, phone cards and Sita bus tickets. It is forbidden to smoke in public areas in Italy.

Local markets: They are held in the morning from approx 9am-12pm. NOT in August.
Tuesday: RAVELLO,
Wednesday: AMALFI,
Thursday: MINORI,
Friday: MAIORI

FOOD & DRINKS: There is an infinite variety of bars and restaurants to suit most tastes. Two different prices are charged for drinks in bars in Italy. If drinking at the bar normal prices are charged, if you sit down at a table with waiter service a higher price is charged, always have a look at the pricelists.
ANTIPASTI – starters: un antipasto (it means ‘before the meal’ plural antipasti, hors d’oeuvres) is a starter or appetizer and it is often based on local salumi, cheese or seafood delicacies.
PRIMO PIATTO – First course: primo is a first course consisting of pasta, rice or soup, ask for dishes of local recipes.
SECONDI DI PESCE – fish second course, one of the specialities on the Amalfi Coast.
SECONDI DI CARNE –  meat second course.
DOLCE – dessert: plenty to choose from the local tradition: Delizie al limone (lemon delight:), Torta caprese, Pasticciotto atranese, Melezane al cioccolato, Babà napoletano, sfogliatella napoletana, gelato (ice cream)

Local WINES are excellent. DOC and IGT brands are a guarantee of quality and geographical production.
Most famous Campania regional wines:
White wines: Falanghina, Fiano, Greco di Tufo, Coda di volpe
Red wines: Aglianico, Per’e palummo, Taurasi
A very popular aperitif drink is Aperol Spritz and also Lemon Spritz.
Local liqueurs are: Limoncello (it is made using rinds of lemons), Cream of Limoncello (adding milk cream to the limoncello), Finocchietto (it is made using fennel seeds), Concerto (it is made using several spices as anice, liquorice, cinnamon, coffee, fennel, barley, etc), Nocino (it is made with unripe walnuts).

TOURIST OFFICES
MINORI  “Pro Loco” office sitaued opposite the seafront, next to the Monte Dei Paschi Di Siena Bank.
MAIORI  In the gardens of Palazzo Mezzocapo, on the main Corso Reginna.
RAVELLO Behind the cathedral, just off the main square.
AMALFI  Opposite the seafront, by the Post Office.
POSITANO Via del Saracino, just off jetty area.

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Province of Salerno in Southern Italy. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of tourists annually. In 1997, the Amalfi Coast was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape.

Like the rest of the region, the Amalfi Coast lies in a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters. It is located on the relatively steep southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula, leaving little room for rural and agricultural territories. The only land route to the Amalfi Coast is the 40 kilometres (25 mi) long Strada Statale 163 which runs along the coastline from the town of Vietri sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west. Thirteen municipalities are located on the Amalfi Coast, the majority of them centered on tourism.

                                              Municipalities

MunicipalityMain EventsAttractions
AmalfiEvery 4 years, 1st Sun/Jun Historical Regatta
27th Jun/30th Nov St. Andrew feast 13th Jun St. Anthony feast
1st Sept. Byzantine New Year
Amalfi Cathedral & its Paradise cloister,
Arsenal & Paper museums.

Atrani22nd Jul St. Maria Maddalena Aug Sardine & anchovies FestivalChurches of San Salvatore del Birecto & Santa Maria Maddalena
Positano13th Jun St. Vito feast
15th Aug Our Lady of Assumption Sept  Leonide Massine Prize for dance
Sept Fish festival
Church of Santa Maria Assunta & ruins of Roman villa
RavelloJun to Sept Ravello Music Festival, 27th Jul Patron Saint Feast
2nd Sun/Sept Torello fiaccolata fireworks
Villa Cimbrone,
Villa Rufolo,
San Giovanni del Toro,
The Cathedral
Scala10th Aug St. Lawrence
October Chestnuts Festival  
St. Lawrence Cathedral, St. Alfonso chapel
Ziro Tower, Protected Reserve Ferriere Valley
Maiori13th Jun Madonna Avvocata, pilgrimage to the mountain
29th Jun St. Peter Festivity
15th Aug Our Lady of Assumption
16th Aug St Rocco festivity
Collegiata di Santa Maria,
Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano, Santa Maria de Olearia
Minori13th Jul St. Trofimena Festivity
Sept. Gusta Minori (Taste Minori)
Church of Santa Trofimena, Ist century AD Roman villa
Conca dei Marini23rd Jul Regatta for sea festivity
5th Aug Our Lady of the Snow festivity
August Sfogliatella festival
Main church of Saint John Baptist and the Emerald Cave
Praiano1st/Sun Jul Patron Saint festivity 1-5 Aug Luminaria di S. Domenico candle lamps illumination  
10th Aug White night
19th Sept St. Gennaro festivity  
Churches of San Luca and San Gennaro and Saint John Baptist
Furore1st Sun/Sept St Catherine festivityFjord of Furore
TramontiAug Pizza Festival
Oct Chestnuts Festival
Conservatory of Pucara, Rupestrian Church dedicated to St. Michael in Gete
Cetara29th Jun St. Peter Feast
Aug Tuna fish festival
Tower of Cetara
St Peter church
Vietri sul Mare24th June St. John FestivityChurch of Saint John Baptist, Ceramic museum, St. Anthony Church & convent

The Amalfi coast is composed by 13 small villages; Ravello, Amalfi, Positano are the ones you should really see while staying here.

RAVELLO is the neighboring village across the valley. Best ways to walk there, approx. 15-20 minutes. Perched on 376m above sea level, it has sunny views, suspended gardens and a nice square for the aperitifs and people watching.
The Cathedral preserves a beautiful twelve century bronze door. Inside, to the left and the right sides of the main nave, there are two splendid pulpits, respectively 12th & 13th century. At the end of the left aisle, is the chapel with the ampulla containing the blood of St. Pantaleone the patron saint of Ravello, whose blood, coated and dark all year, becomes liquid around his name day, 27th July (entrance is free in the morning until 12pm and late afternoon).
Villa Cimbrone gardens, located a ten minute walk from the main square, are a mast-see with its infinity terrace, offering spectacular, precipitous views 9am till sunset 10€.

Villa Rufolo gardens

Villa Rufolo gardens, with entrances in the main square, was used by the German composer Richard Wagner for backstage of his last opera ‘Parsifal’. The association is celebrated with a Ravello festival (July-August), with a special platform built in the garden, that looks to be suspended over the sea. (9am- sunset €7.)
Ravello has got its own beach, Castiglione, located 5 Km from the main square. From the coastal road Amalfitana there are 154 steps down. A local market is held in the parking area (below main square) every Tuesday morning, NOT IN AUGUST.

AMALFI is the hub of the coast and can get very busy, so sometimes visitors don’t fully appreciate it and miss the interesting parts. You get down here by bus or you can walk approx. one hour from Scala. It is here that you change for buses or boats along the coastline. Amalfi today looks so small and it is difficult to imagine its glorious past. It was the first Maritime Republic in Italy, (Pisa, Genova and Venice came later). Amalfi acquainted Italy with the use of paper, minted its own coin, the Tarì; it was home to the important Maritime code, known as the Tabula de Amalpha, to the Compass Rose and it was an Amalfitan, brother Gerardo Sasso from Scala, that founded the first military and religious order that still exists today as the Knight of Malta.
The cathedral complex is the monument that best shows the ancient past of this once-upon-a-time powerful republic. Its 13th century cloister, its ancient basilica, its baroque crypt preserving the relics of the first apostle of Jesus, St. Andrew and some beautiful statues by Michelangelo Naccherino and Pietro Bernini and its Church in splendid baroque style show the many layers of different historical periods. (4€)
The paper museum is set in an ancient paper mill and shows the whole process of how to make what was called “rag paper” made out of linen, wool and such. For those walking to Amalfi it is better to visit the museum after the walk as it is located right at the top of Amalfi where the internal road ends/starts, (10am-6pm €4).
The Compass museum is set in the 11th century arsenals, by the seafront, it displays  ancient Roman artefacts, documents and such (10am-6pm €3).
The ancient streets of Amalfi, on both sides of today’s internal road, which was built to cover the river (still flowing underneath.) The streets link the villages together and instead of using the roads you can get around using the ancient footpaths. A local market is held in the parking area by the sea, past the hotel La Bussola every Wednesday morning, NOT IN AUGUST.

Atrani

ATRANI is per surface, the smallest village in Italy, a labyrinth of narrow stepped alleys lead to a cozy medieval little square. It has a short sea front, but the beach is more secluded and less busy compared to Amalfi. Here you can rent boats, pedal boats, you can swim to the nearby beach of Castiglione, just around the left side corner. In case you get hungry or thirsty, you can take advantage of the near shops, bars and restaurants without interrupting the day you wish to spend by the sea. You can walk down to Atrani , (approx. 45minutes), or you can take the bus and get off at the stop before Amalfi, which is just around the corner. Vice versa, you can go to Amalfi and walk to Atrani, after visiting Amalfi.

Positano

POSITANO is considered the most elegant town on the Amalfi coast, thanks to the many boutiques displaying the “moda Positano”. There is no specific attraction in Positano as the town itself is the main attraction. It is a very steep place with pink and white houses and only one-way through road, all the rest are hidden staircases. This is why if you go by bus to Positano, you need to get off at the bus stop ‘La Sponda’ and walk along the internal street down to the center of Positano where the church and the main beach are located. This is why you may be interested in taking a ferry (more expensive than bus) back to Amalfi instead of going all the way back. The ride will be different of course from the sea and surely shorter. Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano, 400m above, is the ending point of the walk ‘Path of the Gods’. Going through Montepertuso, (do not take the 1,700 steps from Nocelle ending outside Positano on the Amalfitana) another hamlet of Positano, you can reach the centre enjoying great views of the town and its beautiful domed church.

MINORI is the ‘minor’ neighboring of ‘major’ (Maiori) both destroyed by a river flood back in 1954, which explains their ‘modern’ looks. You can easily reach Minori walking from Ravello, or you can take a bus to Amalfi and then a bus/boat from there to Minori. At Minori, you can make use of the beach, but if you happen to be there, go and visit the 1st century AD Maritime Roman Villa. Only bits could be excavated, like the Viridarium, the Roman garden, some rooms like the Triclinium (dining) with nice mosaics, and there is also a small museum. The entrance is free. A local market is held on the sea front every Thursday morning, NOT IN AUGUST.

MAIORI has the longest beach on the Amalfi coast, also grey because of the volcanic origin. It is just around the corner from Minori, so people can walk back and forth along the road unless the bravely want to go 500 steps up and down, the ancient footpath that links Minori to Maiori. Maiori is otherwise flat, and has plenty of bars, shops and restaurants. A local market is held on the main Corso every Friday morning, NOT IN AUGUST.

MAP of AMALFI
MAP of POSITANO
MAP of RAVELLO & SCALA
Map of Maiori
Map of Minori
Map of Sorrento & Sant’Agnello
Map of Capri Island

The Formichelle ‘little-ants’ of the Amalfi Coast

Guess what??

Up until recently, women on the Amalfi Coast transported kilogrammes of lemons, wood, grapes, wine, rags and also babies, up and down the confined coastal pathways. The large, fragrant organic lemons used to be transported to the shore, where they would be picked up by ships and sent to America. These women were called “formichelle”, ‘little ants’ because they were little laborious women walking one behind the other and mostly wearing black.

Today there are also trails named after them, and there are many others included in those that you can hike. There can be many steps, at times steep and narrow, but the views awaiting you are simply to die for…and the good vibes will stay with you forever! … and don’t worry, you won’t be asked to carry any heavy baskets. 🙂

Contact me to book one of the many wonderful trails available to you on the Amalfi Coast, The Coast With the Most!

Storyliving experiences

Hi, I’m Paola, a tour and hiking guide. After a few years spent abroad, I chose to live on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! My desire to travel has led me to discover how lucky I am to live in this area and I will be happy to share with you the uniqueness of the village of Cetara, one of the many Italian villages where the restaurant skills work perfectly at km 0. I will involve you in the discovering of the secrets of local, original and freely available products, and the history of the places where they are found.

The story I propose to you stems from the desire of the Terra Protetta association, which represents local farmers and fishermen, to make known the reasons for the originality of Cetara, where catering still works at Km 0, to those who know how to appreciate the value of locally available and original products. You too can become a Promoter of Terra Protetta, and by experiencing Chef Pasquale’s working day, you will discover the secrets of local products used at Km 0.

The story is aimed at those who, like me, are passionate about sustainability and good Italian food, those who are interested in understanding how to choose and buy the various ingredients, those who like craftsmanship, local stories and legends, those who love to interact with the locals to get involved with the ancient, local traditions. Do you want to live this experience with me? It will be memorable, unique and unrepeatable, like all our Joynplayce stories and like all the stories of Cetara’s “peasants and fishermen”

Then book this experience, I’ll wait for you in Cetara! #chefpasqualekm0 Al Convento Restaurant

My Story in Cetara #Cianciolamasterclass

Hi, I’m Paola, I’m a tour and hiking guide. After a few years spent abroad, I chose to live on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful coasts in the world! My desire to travel has led me to discover how lucky I am to live in this area and I am happy to share with you the uniqueness of the village of Cetara, with its Museum in the Vice Royal Tower, its ancient anchovy and tuna laboratories, its fishermen and gastronomy. I will transfer you to the high value of the fish supply chain for which Cetara is known for all over the world.

The story and the places where it is set

The story I propose to you arises from the importance for us in Cetara not to lose the skills of the fish supply chain. This is why a masterclass was organized to train new operators in this field. You too can participate to learn the traditions, talk to the fishermen, learn how to salt anchovies and cook them with typical local dishes. You don’t have to worry about the final exam, I will prepare you to overcome any difficulty.

To whom the story is addressed

The story is aimed at those who, like me, are passionate about good Italian food, craftsmanship, local stories and legends and want to interact together with the locals to appreciate the ancient local traditions.

Would you like to live this experience with me?
It will be memorable, unique and unrepeatable!
All our stories are, also the Cetara Stories “Peasants and fishermen”.

Then book this Story, I’ll wait for you in Cetara!

Live an authentic local experience

Save the date and spend a day meeting ‘friends’, walking and eating with them. We meet in Scala and walking among cultivated terraces and centuries-old chestnut groves, we reach the wonderful ‘Terrace on the Amalfi Coast’. While admiring the beautiful panorama, we enjoy a good local aperitif. In the afternoon we complete our round trip and stop at a local pizzeria to enjoy a ‘pizzata’ with friends. Whatsapp +393393747368 for more info.