Fortunately, there is no such thing as the ultimate vacation scenario, as everyone has their own idea of what a dream holiday is.
Yes, planning a getaway would be much easier if there would be some universal answer, there is no arguing that. But life would be so much duller that cost just doesn’t justify the means.
However, there are several popular ideas on what makes a perfect trip setting. For some people, it’s the tropical paradise from the Bounty chocolate bar commercial, while others long for the unique larger-than-life atmosphere of the capital cities. Quite a few dream of snow, fjords, and the miracle of aurora borealis.
And, the gem of Italy, the stunning Amalfi Coast is definitely one of the most interesting options on the list of the favored vacation destinations. And with so many incredible places to visit in the Amalfi Coast, it’s no surprise!
The picturesque coastline seems to belong to another world, a window to a paradise realm from a different universe. The pure beauty of the sceneries takes your breath away even if you’ve been to this remarkable region multiple times before.
Everything seems to be too good to be true: nature, food, limoncello liqueur, and brilliant sights, so deciding what should go on your must-see vacation list can be rather challenging.
So, let’s explore some of the most interesting options to look for with Italy vacation packages.
Best Places to Visit in the Amalfi Coast: Sights Not to Miss
It’s bold (to say the least) to assume that someone can visit all the impressive landmarks of the region during one holiday, so why not start with something less ambitious?
For example, you can pick three interesting places you would like to visit for your first trip, and it will leave you some time to enjoy a gastronomic tour, explore the cities you’ve chosen for your stay, and set off on some impromptu excursions.
Blue Grotto on Capri Island
A stunning natural wonder, the Blue Grotto, is an extraordinary sea cave that can easily become the highlight of your trip. This magical natural wonder belongs to another planet and feels like a setting for one of the Doctor Who episodes.
The entrance to this not-so-secret landmark hardly stands out, two meters wide and about a meter high, so you need an experienced guide to get inside. Visitors have to lie on the bottom of a rowboat to be able to get in, but this minor inconvenience is well worth the stunning beauty that waits for them inside. Upon entering, they see a wide cave going deep into the cliff and illuminated by the rich blue light, coming from the seawater, so clean it seems impossible.
In the Roman times, this place was a bathing hole of the second Roman emperor and looked more civilized – decorated with sculptures (two of them you can find in Anacapri museum) and boasting a few resting areas, but time erased the traces of luxury, and the Blue Grotto now seems as untouched as it once was.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew & Cloister of Paradise
The city of Amalfi boasts plenty of fascinating sights, but if you don’t have much time and have to pick just one of them to explore thoroughly – check out the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, also knows simply as Amalfi Cathedral.
It’s probably one of the most visited places in the Amalfi Coast.
You won’t miss it, because the sight is a real head-turner, dominating the views of the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Amalfi.
To be fair, a place like that, combining unique style, fascinating history, and unparalleled cultural heritage, makes quite a bizarre sight, neighboring with cozy and always busy streets filled with shops and cafes. But such an interesting position only adds to its charm.
The cathedral houses the relics of Apostle Saint Andrew, and its interiors can make even seasoned travelers gape in awe.
Cloister of Paradise, adjusted to the cathedral is also an interesting sight to stop by. This beautiful place is a small garden with palm trees and amazing flowers, the kingdom of green and blossom, and it was designed as a graveyard for the rich merchants of Amalfi, but it’s nothing like any cemetery you’ve seen before.
This island of tranquility is surrounded by a majestic peristyle, supported by over a hundred columns. During your visit, make sure to keep an eye out for the ancient sarcophagi, nestled around the cloister.
Vallone delle Ferriere
Even if you are not a big nature fan, take a short break from the famous sandy beaches of the Amalfi Coast and give the famous Vallone delle Ferriere hike a chance.
A truly remarkable way to see a different side of Amalfi, enjoy some breathtaking views, and take advantage of a few unique photo opportunities. Don’t worry, no special physical training is needed to explore the trail, it’s relatively easy and mostly descending.
The path will lead you through a beautiful valley where you can see the ancient ruins of the medieval foundries, passing old water mills (once the engine, powering the world-famous paper industry of Amalfi) and majestic waterfalls. The whole hike takes about three hours, and it’s better to set off early in the morning if the day promises to be hot.
The best advice I can give you – wear your trainers and don’t forget your swimming suit, and make sure to thank me later!
As you can see, even these three places to visit in the Amalfi Coast, a bare minimum of an Amalfi Coast tour, already make a fantastic reason to choose this sun-kissed vacation as your next holiday destination!
But you can rest assured, that there is so much more to see and do there, that you will want to come back to this unique Italian region time and time again.