Amalfi Vacation Rentals

The Amalfi Coast is a region with an abundance of ingredients and flavors. Food lovers can indulge in seafood, meats, and fruits and vegetables perfectly ripened by the Mediterranean sun. Marine delights like redfish, mollusks, and shrimps are some of the traditional staples in dishes like the scialatielli ai fritti di mare, or seafood pasta. The ancient fishing village of Cetara is the place to get some colatura di alici, a Campanian fish sauce that adds some zest to spaghetti dishes.

Taste some of Italy's finest cheese up in the hills of Monti Lattari. The small family dairy farms here welcome visiting gourmands to sample traditional ricotta, provola, and fiordilatte tinged with aromatic herbs. Sweet tooths should visit Pasticceria Pansa, next to Amalfi's Piazza Duomo. One of the oldest cafes in the area, it serves decadent torta zagara cake and handmade chocolate-coated citrus biscuits. It's a perfect break under the southern Italian sun.

With the beaches being a top attraction, Amalfi gets a lot of visitors in summer and particularly in August, when Italians from other places arrive for family vacations. Being a coastal area, summers can be quite hot and humid.

If you want to beat the rush, May to June or September to October are the best times for a vacation in Amalfi. The temperature is more pleasant during these months and you can also get vacation rentals at a cheaper price.

Visitors to the Amalfi Coast inevitably lose themselves in the mix of artistic, historical, and cultural wonders. In Positano, you'll find numerous ceramic workshops where you can admire and purchase beautiful pottery products. Franco Senesi Fine Art offers art enthusiasts a unique space to appreciate different kinds of creative works. The exhibits here feature several display areas showcasing paintings and sculptures by locally and internationally celebrated artists.

The town of Amalfi was once a maritime trading power during the 8th and 9th centuries B.C, and the museums here house relics providing reminders of this distant history. The Museo della Carta, located in a 13th-century paper mill, offers travelers insights into the local paper trade. It's the oldest mill museum in Europe, with operational ancient pressing machines. Have a go on the presses, and turn out some cotton or wood pulp paper for a unique local souvenir.

You'll find it hard to stay at your Amalfi Coast villa with all there is to explore. The towns along the coast are packed with many historical attractions and fascinating architecture. The village of Ravello boasts an 11th-century cathedral and the church of San Giovanni del Toro, with stunning Baroque-style designs. Admire the facades that feature Byzantine influences, and then step inside to experience the interiors, featuring a mix of pottery, frescoes, and mosaics.

For an escape into nature, take a hike down the Valle delle Ferriere. Known for its waterfalls and streams, this valley also contains many historic ruins, including those of watermills that generated power for Amalfi's papermaking industry. You can walk the 3.7mi trail year-round, thanks to steep ridges that shield the valley from cold winds and summer heat. Thanks to the mild microclimate, hikers can spot unique ferns and other rare plant species dating back to the pre-glacial period.

Italy is known for its festivities, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. The social calendar here features various celebrations recognizing the historical and cultural influences on the coast. In the first week of August, join the locals in Cetara for the Le Giornate del Pesce Azzurro (Days of the Blue Fish) festival. Visitors will get a glimpse into the longstanding fishing traditions that are the foundation of the community. Stick around for the evening's festivities, when the town comes to life with food booths serving local tuna and anchovies.

At the very end of August, head to Amalfi or Atrani for the Byzantine New Year's Festival. This uniquely regional event takes you back in time, commemorating when the town celebrated the beginning of the Byzantine legal and fiscal year. This occasion also saw the swearing-in of the officials who led the old maritime republic. Witness the pageantry of the parade, with scores of actors in period costume, as it moves from Atrani to Amalfi.

Amalfi Cathedral

A majestic structure featuring various architectural styles, Amalfi Cathedral dates back to the 9th Century. Don't miss the magnificent flight of stairs, the relics of Apostle Saint Andrew and the old basilica.

Valle delle Ferriere

Gushing waterfalls, lovely streams and lush wooded areas make this route a hiker’s delight and a must-visit attraction in Amalfi. There are also several species of plants in this unique ecosystem.

Museo della Carta

For art and history lovers this museum has an unusual theme that is sure to interest them—that of the history of paper. Housed inside a 13th Century paper mill, the Paper Museum has well preserved paper presses and sells handmade stationary in its gift shop.

Cloister of Paradise

Situated close to the Amalfi Cathedral, the Chiostro del Paradiso features historic Moorish-style cloisters with ancient mosaics, marble columns and murals.

Valley of the Mills

Another excellent coastal walk, the Valle dei Mulini trail starts in the town’s center and features lemon groves, old paper mills, waterfalls and the Canneto River along its route. Add an authentic touch to your hike with a refreshing glass of Limoncello.