Vietri Sul Mare
The largest village along the Amalfi Coast is famous for its artisanal ceramic production dating back to the 15th century, that has also attracted famous Italian and foreign artists. Majolica, or the local glazed ceramic tiles, have been used in the decoration of several buildings here, from the 18th century Parish Church of St. John the Baptist to the local houses. Ceramica Artistica Solimene is one of the oldest ceramic producers and their factory deserves a visit.
Maiori
Founded at the mouth of a river called Reginna Maiori, it is bigger than most of the villages along the coast. The village was leveled by a dramatic flood in 1954 and had to be rebuilt from a scratch. But some of its historical treasures are still intact, like the 13th century Torre Normanna (the oldest watchtower on the Amalfi Coast) which has been converted to a nice restaurant today.
Ravello
As famous French writer Andre Gide once said, "Ravello is nearer to the sky than it is to the sea." Some of the most beautiful vistas of the Amalfi Coast are to be enjoyed here. German composer Wagner has also fallen in love with the gardens of the 13th century Villa Rufolo and completed his latest opera "Parsifal" here. Since 1950s, Ravello Festival is held every summer, with classical and jazz music concerts performed at a stage set up in Villa Rufolo and the futuristic Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium. Wagner's works are naturally at the center of each festival.
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Belmond Hotel Caruso
The most famous hotel of the bay, converted from a 11th century palazzo. Its Belvedere Restaurant also amaze with its panoramic views.
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Hotel Palumbo
An ancient Roman villa that has been serving as a hotel since 1875.
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Villa Cimbrone
A hotel de charme and a Michelin-starred restaurant in a 11th century villa with amazing terraces.
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Palazzo Avino
A glass of martini is a must at the breezy terrace of this boutique hotel, formerly known as Palazzo Sasso.
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Villa Maria
The restaurant of Villa Maria Hotel is a culinary institution since 1934, that also offers cooking classes.
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Museo del Corallo
A small private museum on jewellery and decorative objects made of corals.
Amalfi
Like Genoa, Venice and Pisa, Amalfi was one of the four ancient maritime republics that has controlled the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages. Their rivalry still continues, but in the form of a rowing regatta, hosted by one of these cities every year. Amalfi became a famous touristy spot, after it was discovered by the British visitors in the 1930s. Few historical buildings survives though, due to an earthquake sweeping the old city into the sea in the 1300s. The 9th century Amalfi Cathedral hosts the relics of St. Andrew that has been brought from Istanbul, during the 4th Crusades. Amalfi also has a long tradition of paper making. The mountain valley of Valle dei Mullini above Amalfi was once home to around a dozen of paper mills. Those who would like to have an enjoyable walk and learn about this ages-old tradition could visit Museo della Carta (Paper Museum), or one of the last paper producers of the valley: Amatruda. Another famous produce of Amalfi is limoncello. This elixir made of extraordinarily large and juicy lemons of the region are served as a digestive after the meals, in cooled ceramic cups.
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Hotel Luna Convento
This 200 year old hotel, converted from a monastery, has attracted many international personalities.
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La Caravella
A restaurant, wine cave and an art gallery under the same roof, since 1959.
Praiano
This small town located between Amalfi and Positano is a secret Italians keep to themselves. You can get the local feel that at the main church squares of San Gennaro and San Luca, where residents gather to gossip or at small pebble beaches like Marina di Praia or La Gavitella, some reachable only by boat.
Positano
The jewel of the crown is Positano, which is the most picturesque of all the villages and towns along this sunny coast. The town has a unique landscape with houses, alleys and stairways clinging to vertical hills rising right from the sea. For magnificent views, a hike upto the Sant'Angelo a Tre Pizzi is a must. This is the highest summit in the region, where you could see the Bay of Naples on one side and the Bay of Salerno on the other.
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Il San Pietro
A Relais & Chateaux hotel with the best panoramic views of the sea and Positano village.
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Le Agavi
Lying on a high promontory, the hotel has a funicular and lifts connecting to a beach with private decks.
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Buca di Bacco
Hotel Buca di Bacco's restaurant is a destination in itself since 1950s.
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Chez Black 1949
The seafood at its best, with a special emphasis on pasta with sea urchin.
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La Sponda
La Sirenuse, the leading seaside luxury hotel of Italy since 1950s, also offers a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Sorrento
After Positano, you could extend your route up to Sorrento, that lies on the northern shores of the same peninsula. Due to its perfect climate, Sorrento has always been a favourite holiday spot since the Roman times. It is also mentioned in the famous poem Ullysses as land of sirens. If you'd like to explore the magnificent geography that has inspired this myth, you can hop on a boat tour to visit the grottos (or caves) around. On your way to Sorrento, do not miss the culinary delights mentioned below as well.
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Don Alfonso 1890
The Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel pioneering the revival of Campanian cuisine.
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Donna Sofia
A characteristic restaurant in lush green gardens, paying tribute to the actress Sophia Lauren.