Technically speaking, the Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline along southern Italy overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. But to many, the area is one of the most beautiful in Italy, and its landscape is the true embodiment of la dolce vita. Known for its small villages nestled into imposing mountains, pebbled beaches, turquoise waters, winding streets, and pastel-colored houses that seem to have been carved out of the craggy hillsides, the Amalfi Coast is a marvel to behold. It’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 towns, and every week America Domani will release a brief list highlighting their history and unique characteristics. Last week’s list featured what are arguably three most popular towns on the coast: Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. This week’s list focuses on the neighboring towns of Maiori, Minori, and Atrani.
Maiori
Maiori’s beach is roughly 0.62 miles long, and is the longest stretch of beach on the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Coast is known for having small, oftentimes packed and camped, beaches, which is why Maiori is a prime spot for tourists and families to enjoy a leisurely beach day.
Maiori’s beach has a “spiaggia libera” section, a free, public beach area, and a number of “stabilimenti,” beach clubs that rent loungers and umbrellas and have restrooms and a cafe. Running parallel along the beach is a waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Atrani
Measuring only 0.07 square miles, Atrani is one of Italy's smallest villages. Located just a five-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Amalfi, the fishing village is nestled in the divide of two cliffs and has a small beach that is often frequented by locals in the balmy summer months. Although often overlooked in favor of its larger and more famous neighbors, most notably Amalfi and Positano, Atrani can be considered a more authentic, and less crowded, way to experience the Amalfi Coast.
Minori
Minori is a laidback fishing village located between Maiori and Atrani. In ancient times, it was a popular resort-like retreat for wealthy Romans. The remains of a 1st-century BC Roman villa are on display in a museum, alongside fresco fragments, mosaics, and amphoras. Minori is a slightly less expensive town than Amalfi and Positano, and can be a good base for those looking to explore the other towns on the Amalfi Coast.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.