Amalfi is a town as well as a coastal area in the west of Italy, south of Amalfi. It lies beneath Mount Cerreto at the mouth of a deep gorge. It is a beautiful place enclosed by dramatic cliffs with white, ochre and pastel coloured houses clinging to the sides of the hills. Its magnificent domed Cathedral dominates the town.
The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination and many tourists descend on it and neighbouring resorts such as Positano and Ravello.
Although Amalfi is a popular holiday destination, the pace of life remains slow and relaxed and retains much of its traditional appeal. The Amalfi Coast, between the Gulfs of Amalfi and Salerno possesses some of the most stunning scenery in Italy.
Although an Amalfi holiday has broad appeal, it is not bucket and spade territory so families with young children may wish to look elsewhere. It is popular with couples wishing to relax in surroundings that are both beautiful and romantic. Those with mobility problems must choose their accommodation carefully as the gradients in Amalfi are fairly steep.
Amalfi has a year round holiday season. The climate is very hospitable having mild winters and hot, usually dry, summers. The summer holiday season begins in April in the south and ends in October. City breaks can of course be taken at any time of year but are most popular in the spring and autumn when the temperature is not so high.
Amalfi is a very beautiful town rising out of the sea. It was a prosperous place in medieval times and the magnificent buildings in the main square are testimony to its former good fortunes. The Cathedral of Saint Andrea, constructed in the ninth century, is a splendid structure with its striped dome. It has sixty steps leading up to its doors. There are many graceful houses around piazzas with water spilling from fountains. The narrow streets of the old town are pedestrianised and full of gift shops and cafes.
The Paper Museum is housed in the old paper mill where the original machinery is still in working order.
Down at the waterfront is a shingle beach where sun beds and pedalos can be hired.
There are many bars and restaurants along the palm-lined beach front where you can relax and enjoy the view.
The Emerald Grottto, near Amalfi is worth visiting. The water really is emerald in colour and there are stalactites and stalagmites of varying sizes to be seen.
An Amalfi holiday offers warm sunshine in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. It the perfect holiday destination for those wishing to relax and recharge their batteries.
Nightlife in Amalfi is fairly low-key with much of the evening spent relaxing over a meal and a glass of wine or beer while watching the sun descend into the sea. Along the coast there are some livelier places such as Positano.
The many boutiques and gift shops provide ample opportunities for shopping in Amalfi. One of the best known products from the area is its handmade paper. This is very high quality and often bought for special occasions such as wedding invitiations. Other handcrafted goods are ceramics and wooden carvings. Amalfi also produces handmade silver jewellery as well as embroidered tablecloths and cameos. Scented candles, often using the oils from citrus fruits are also made.
Amalfi cuisine relies on produce grown locally and the harvest from the sea. The hot summer sun followed by mild winters produces citrus fruits, olives and vines. Shell fish are particularly popular with lobster, crabs and mussels featuring on most menus. There are many restaurants serving a wide variety of international cuisine and catering for most tastes.
