Way before the “rise” of Venice and Pisa as the maritime “powerhouses” of Italy, there was Amalfi. Amalfi was the original hub of maritime commerce and innovation. It is believed that the first marine compass was created and designed by an Amalfi native, which is not surprising as the village was also known for schools in advanced mathematics and law. Like any successful coastal city, it suffered from conflict and pirating, so much so, that you’ll notice towers sprinkled along the coast. Yes, like the tower I stayed in. Their purpose was to be lookouts in spotting the invaders before their arrival so the locals could “head for the hills”! But it wasn’t war that turned Amalfi from a hub of commerce to a vacation destination, it was the tsunami of 1343. The tsunami wiped out the port and the lower portion of the village and Amalfi never fully recovered to its maritime leadership status. While sad at the time…it has recovered to a lovely seaside vacation destination that is full of life!
It took me 2 years before I actually took the boat for a day trip to Amalfi. It wasn’t a village I had heard much about prior to spending time in the area. I always heard about Sorrento, Positano, Capri and a bit about Ravello, but never Amalfi. So when I went it was such a pleasant surprise. So much so, I go back every single year now!
One of my favorite things to do is to have an Aperol spritz in the city center and people watch while taking in the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. It’s not just an “in name only” church. Many of St Andrews personal relics are here. At one point it held parts of the man himself, but remember what I said about conflict and pirates? Suffice it to say, it is by far one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever visited in Europe. It has a bronze statue of St Andrew by Michelangelo…okay, well, not the REAL, Michelangelo, but one of his pupils of the same name. It’s spectacular and well worth the 10 euros to visit. As I said…I go every single year now!
There are also two monasteries that have been converted into hotels. I’ve never visited these, but I promise to update this post in August when I return because this year, I will! I’ve heard there is also a wonderful lemon orchard in Amalfi that gives tours and lemoncello tastings. Yeah…that will hit the updated post too!!
You can’t go wrong with the beach front restaurants in Amalfi but one of my favorites is Restaurant Marina Grande! And why wouldn’t it be, it’s a Michelin star establishment with a beach front white linen service. You can order beach chairs here as well. A bit more spendy than any of the beaches I referenced in a previous post, but luxuriously spaced with special service. For lunch, order the chef’s tasting menu…It. Is. Amazing!
There is a reason the coast is named after Amalfi…because it’s a coastal gem!
I desperately want to be under one of those peppermint-like beach umbrellas right now! (with an Aperol spritz, of course).
You and me both Shareen!! 🙂