Located on the Sorrentine peninsula, the 50 kilometre-long Amalfi Coast is one of the most well-known and most visted areas of Italy. A combination of towering cliffs, beaches and hill-top villas and villages, the area has something for everyone, whether you are a sun worshipper, more interested in historic and cultural attractions or looking for sporting activities. In summer, all the resorts along this stretch of coast get very busy with day trippers, but the weather is warm enough in this part of Italy to be able to enjoy a holiday here in the spring or autumn when everywhere is much quieter.
Positano is the most popular resort on the Amalfi Coast and is also one of the most photographed, even featuring in Italian and American movies. Many of the houses and streets are built into the cliffs, making it appear as though the town's different levels are stacked on top of each other, rising from the beaches and port area high up into the hills. The main beach in Positano is only small, and you will have to share the sand with the colourful fishing boats that still work from here. Local restaurants all specialise in fish dishes, the main ingredients of which have been caught by the fishermen of Positano that day.
There are dozens of small, sheltered coves along the rocky Amalfi coast, and it can sometimes be difficult to find yourself some space on summer weekends, when the area is busy not just with tourists but also with locals enjoying the sun. Marina Grande has one of the largest stretches of sand and is also one of the liveliest resorts, with a good selection of restaurants and bars. Vietri sul Mare also has a larger baech, rather than a small cove, and sunbathers here can enjoy an impressive view over the Gulf of Salerno. If you prefer to walk on beaches rather than sunbathe on them, the cliffs, coves and islands of the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve might be a better option for you.
One of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast is the intrguing Emerald Cove, which can only be reached by boat when the tides are at a certain height. Once your captain has battled his way into the cave through the other tourist boats (you may have to lie flat in the bottom of your vessel to enter safely) you will be rewarded with a unique experience, as the light reflecting on the sea and the plant life below the surface make the water appear “emerald” in colour.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation on the Amalfi Coast? Then below is a selection of Apartments on the Amalfi Coast and villas on the Amalfi Coast that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
