The Amalfi Coast stretches for 40km along the southern coast, from Positano to Vietri sul Mare. Along that path, you may visit small towns such as Furore — where you can see the waves breaking at rocks as the sea shimmers in the incredible blue colour — or Cetara with a marvelous white architecture.
Grotta dello Smeraldo ~ Positano
Grotta dello Smeraldo is a blend of dazzling beauty and historic legend. This small cave was formed naturally and is filled with seawater. When the sunlight enters, the turquoise waves become tinged with a magical emerald color that send sparkling reflections up the cave walls.
The story of how the cave was discovered is unique, as for centuries everybody had spoken about a mysterious cave that no one couldn’t find. A fisherman named Luigi Buonocore changed that, because in 1932 he accidentally encountered the cave and was completely amazed by its beauty.
Emerald Cave can be accessed by land and sea. If you choose to enter by land, you may leave your vehicle in the small parking along SS 163 highway and walk downstairs down to the Grotta dello Smeraldo. The ticket costs 7 € per 1 person. Although, if you choose to enter by the sea, you will be able to notice the beautiful coastline that lies among the cave. Taking on of the boats will cost you 10 €.
Moving on, we will reach a famous Amalfi town, in which we may relax by a cup of coffee being marveled by a glamorous views of the sea.
Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea (Duomo di Amalfi) ~ Amalfi
The cathedral was built by Duke Mansone I in 987. The current facade was built by Errico Alvino in 19th century, though. The chapels contain works of Gothic and Renaissance art. The Duomo of Amalfi is open everyday and you can enter without paying a ticket.
Valle delle Ferriere ~ Amalfi
This lush valley with spectacular waterfall and ancient water mills can be found in the mountains of Amalfi. The Ferriere Valley is one of the 41 Italian biogenetic reserves that enchanted the great romantic travelers. On the north, the valley is protected from cold wind by high rocky walls. From the south, on the other hand, it is exposed to the warm winds from the sea. In the heart of the valley, there is a majestic moss wall, from which water drops continuously along its entire surface.
Leaving from Amalfi, there is a trekking route, also known by hikers as a path 325, starting from Piazza Flavio Gioia. This route allows you to visit both the town and the most significant area of the Valley. A fairy — tale walk will last around 3h.
Amalfi lemons — why they are so special?
During your visit in this beautiful places, you may notice many alleys of lemon and trees. They grow everywhere; on terraces, in the gardens, on the balconies and along the roadside.
Amalfi lemons are unique and the most highly priced lemons in the world. Locally known as “sfusato Amalfitano”, those lemons were named, because of they’re peculiar, elongated shape. The unusually large lemons have few seeds, thick skin that is not bitter and the common weighing is at least 100 grams — a heaven for any chef.
Long, hot summers give Limone costa d’Amalfi the opportunity to be sweetened by the sun. It is commonly enjoyed when cut into pieces, sprinkled with salt and a scattering of mint.
Relax time…
If you are a fan of Italian art and ceramics, you can choose from a multitude of different designs, colors and patterns in almost every shop in the town. The store’s prices are affordable and the products are high quality and beautiful. Ceramic products are an excellent souvenir for your friends and family.
In the evening, tired after a whole day of walking around the town, you may go to the Stone Beach and visit a restaurant from which stretches a magnificent view over the flashing sea while you may taste a delicious limoncello.
The views inspired artists and filled hearts with passion, although there are still stories to tell along the stone pathways. Maybe it’s time for you to write one.
