23 most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Come with me to explore the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast in Italy! Trust me, this breathtaking coastline is called the Divine Coast for a reason!

We spent around six months living in this part of Italy, visiting all the famous and secret places around the area – from dramatic hikes to enchanting villas, and postcard beaches. We saw it all.

In this blog post, you’ll find all the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast with photos, descriptions, and locations on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as we did! Happy travels!

1. Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei

I my opinion, there is no better way to see the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the whole Sorrento Peninsula than by hiking the famous Path of the Gods hike.

There actually might not be more beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast than this route in the mountains.

Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is considered one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world! Did you even visit the Amalfi Coast if you didn’t hike this trail? We definitely did.

The Path of the Gods is an ancient pathway in the mountains of the Sorrento peninsula that connects two mountain towns: Agerola and Nocelle.

The hike starts in the center of Bomerano hamlet in Agerola, and finishes in Nocelle village right above Positano. However, these days people hike different versions of this hike, like Bomerano-Positano or Praiano-Positano, etc.

It depends on where you are staying, as well as your transportation possibilities.

For us, we had our own car, so we hiked from Bomerano to Nocelle and then walked all the way back to get back to our car. Otherwise, I would have hiked from Agerola to Positano and then tried to get to my hotel by bus.

For us, our route was a moderate difficulty 12.3-kilometer or 7.6-mile out-and-back hike that took us 3h 30min. We did the hike in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

Whichever route you decide to go, you need to plan how to get back to where you need to be.

When we reached Nocelle (our halfway mark), there was a beautiful little café where we got to have breakfast sandwiches with a nice view.

By the way, if we wanted to finish in Positano, it would be a steep climb down the stairs to the beach. But there is also an option to take a taxi or to wait for the public bus to take you down to Positano.

Either way, you should know that you have options.

Can you tell from the pictures why this hike is so famous? I actually didn’t expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised by these views. I had my phone out all the time, and I took way too many photos to post here, haha.

But I have to admit that the most beautiful part of the trail is closer to Positano, where you can see the majestic cliffside village in the distance and the dramatic mountains behind it.

To me, the section between Praiano and Nocelle was the best part of the whole hike! If you have a chance to walk the Path of the Gods, I highly recommend doing it! Memories for a lifetime!

Location: Start of the Path of the Gods – Positano viewpoint

2. Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

A list of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast would not be complete without the iconic Villa Cimbrone in Ravello and its famous Terrace of Infinity!

Everyone who visits Ravello comes to see the breathtaking historical Villa Cimbrone with its vast gardens, panoramic views, and, of course, the fairytale-like Terrace of Infinity with marble busts lining the cliffside.

If you are looking for beautiful photo opportunities on the Amalfi Coast, Villa Cimbrone is the place to be!

The name of the stunning historic villa actually comes from the rocky outcrop where this famous historic estate is located. The rock is known as Cimbronium, so this is where the name comes from.

Originally built back in the 11th century, Villa Cimbrone has lived a truly eventful life.

Throughout its existence, it has been a residence for many different influential families until the 1970s, when it was turned into a luxury hotel.

Over time, the villa was rebuilt and extended, and very little remains of the original structure. It features different architectural styles like Gothic, Moorish, and Venetian, combined with English-style landscaping.

You cannot tour the hotel unless you stay there as a guest, but the majority of the property is open to the public (for an entrance fee).

As a visitor, you can visit a cloister, a temple, multiple beautiful gardens, and the famous Terrace of Infinity.

You don’t have to book anything in advance. We arrived in Ravello early in the morning and came to Villa Cimbrone as soon as it opened so we could explore the famous estate without crowds.

We immediately went to the Terrazza dell’Infinito as it is the most popular place there.

Villa Cimbrone has hosted many celebrities and international dignitaries, and many regard the terrace as one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

People like Jacqueline Kennedy, actor Denzel Washington, actress Greta Garbo, as well as Winston Churchill, some members of royalty, and even the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí have all visited this place.

After visiting the terrace, we toured the gardens, went to the Temple of Bacchus, and explored the Cloister. It was absolutely breathtaking, especially the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the famous terrace.

I hope my photos do some justice to the beauty of Villa Cimbrone and serve you as an inspiration for your own photos! There is truly nothing like this place on the Amalfi Coast.

Location: Villa Cimbrone – Terrace of Infinity

3. Villa Rufolo in Ravello

While in Ravello, there is another must-visit villa to add to your itinerary: Villa Rufolo!

Villa Rufolo is a vast 13th-century estate built by the wealthy Rufolo family, who were influential merchants in this area. Today, this estate is open to the public (for an entrance fee) and hosts different local events.

Villa Rufolo is one of the main sites for the famous Ravello Music Festival, which takes place every year during the summer months. Apart from that, it is known for its breathtaking postcard views of the Amalfi Coast!

We got to explore the vibrant terraced gardens with panoramic Amalfi Coast views, saw the cloister, and climbed the medieval Torre Maggiore tower. But there is one especially unique place in Villa Rufolo.

Located inside the gardens is a small viewpoint that overlooks an iconic view – the towers of the Church of Saint Mary of Grace, with an iconic pine tree and the scenic view of the Amalfi Coast in the background (see first photo).

This is one of the most famous and recognizable postcard views and one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast. While I loved Villa Cimbrone more, this medieval villa truly was worth one hour of our time!

Location: Villa Rufolo

4. Duomo di Amalfi

Now time for one of my favorite places on the Amalfi Coast!

The majestic Duomo di Amalfi, or Cathedral of Saint Andrew, located in Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi town, is one of the most iconic landmarks and one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast. It has to be on every Amalfi Coast itinerary!

The cathedral boasts an imposing staircase that leads to the entrance. Climbing these stairs is one of the must-do things to do in Amalfi town! From the top, you get a great overview of the whole Piazza del Duomo square!

The Amalfi Cathedral dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose bones are buried in a crypt inside the cathedral.

However, the most striking thing about this cathedral is its architecture — the striped façade, arches, and mosaics perfectly reflect Amalfi’s rich and diverse history.

As a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi traded with many nations, and the cathedral showcases that cultural blend – its architecture features a unique mix of Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

For the best photos, I highly recommend arriving in Amalfi in the morning before the masses arrive. This square in front of the cathedral is probably the most crowded place I have seen on the Amalfi Coast, and I truly visited everything there was to see!

Location: Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo

5. Paradise Cloister and underground crypt in Amalfi

While in Amalfi, don’t forget to explore the Chiostro del Paradiso, or Cloister of Paradise, right next to the cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast, and a must-visit spot in Amalfi town.

The cloister dates back to the 13th century, when it was built and served as a burial place for noble families in the town. Today, you can stroll through and admire the cloister for a couple of euros entrance fee.

Entrance to the cloister also includes a visit to a stunning underground crypt housing the remains of Saint Andrew the Apostle. His relics were brought here in the 13th century from Constantinople.

You also get to see the gorgeous interior of the cathedral with gilded columns and an adorned ceiling.

Overall, it is a rather short visit; however, it is a wonderful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle in the square at the feet of the cathedral’s stairs. I liked this place – it’s serene, it’s beautiful, and a bit otherworldly.

Location: Chiostro del Paradiso

6. Belvedere Cimitero in Amalfi

If you have time for one more place, it has to be the Belvedere Cimitero viewpoint right next to Amalfi’s cemetery.

I love seeing places from above, so exploring the breathtaking views this viewpoint offers was one of my favorite things to do in Amalfi town.

You can reach this viewpoint on foot by climbing stairs behind the cathedral, or by climbing different stairs located by the beach. Both will take you there!

The Belvedere Cimitero viewpoint offers beautiful views of the whole town, the Amalfi port, as well as the mountains and the rugged coastline. The area is surrounded by lemon trees and plants.

Probably the best view in Amalfi town!

Location: Belvedere Cimitero

7. Spiaggia di Positano

Here comes Positano, one of the most iconic destinations in the world!

Positano beach, or Spiaggia di Positano, is one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, and definitely one of the most beautiful ones, too!

I mean, just look at this iconic view with lines of beach umbrellas and the hill of Positano in the background with colorful buildings sitting one on top of the other!

If there is one place you need to visit and take a photo of, then this might be the one! The iconic beach is one of the most photographed places on the Amalfi Coast.

Apart from iconic photos, the main beach in Positano is also a fantastic place to go for a swim. The scenic location and the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea make it a one-of-a-kind spot for a beach day.

Like everywhere else in the area, part of the beach is a paid section where you have to rent a beach chair and an umbrella, but there is also a smaller part of the beach that is accessible for free.

Location: Spiaggia di Positano

8. Views from Via Cristoforo Colombo in Positano

Positano is all about the views. With its colorful houses famously perched on a seaside cliff and stacked one on top of the other, this charming town attracts visitors from all over the world to its unique setting.

There’s no better way to truly soak in Positano’s beauty than finding a scenic restaurant or bar and enjoying a cocktail or lunch with breathtaking views of the town. However, you don’t necessarily have to pay for those views.

You just need to be fit enough to walk up to Via Cristoforo Colombo! Much of this cliffside street offers some of the best views of Positano, including that iconic photo spot you see above (exact GPS coordinates below).

And I have to say, this street was my favorite place in Positano! I loved admiring all this beauty away from the busy beachside and narrow streets packed with tourists.

Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo

9. Fiordo di Furore

Say hello to one of the most unique places on the Amalfi Coast: Fiordo di Furore!

I’m sure you’ve seen this deep and narrow cove all over the internet – it is one of the most famous spots and one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast.

Despite its name (fiordo=fjord), technically it is not a fjord, because fjords are formed by glaciers, but this fjord-like gorge was formed by a river. Nevertheless, this place is pure beauty!

Thanks to its dramatic cliffs, 30-meter arched bridge, fishermen’s houses built inside the rock, and pristine waters washing the tiny pebble beach, Fiordo di Furore has become a landmark place to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

Because of its unique setting, Fiordo di Furore regularly hosts an extreme diving competition with athletes jumping from the iconic bridge! Wild!

The easiest way to get to Fiordo di Furore is by SITA SUD public bus – there is a bus stop right on top of the bridge. Then just follow a steep, narrow stairway down to the beach.

We had a car, so we drove to Marina di Praia, parked our car there, and then walked all the way to Fiordo di Furore (it’s a 10-15 minute walk). If you rent a scooter, you will definitely find some parking spots along the road, much closer to the fjord.

Because of its surrounding rugged cliffs, the sun only shines inside the fjord for a couple of hours during the day, so this place has a pleasant microclimate and offers nice shade during the summer heat!

Whether you visit Fiordo di Furore to spend the day by the beach or just come to check out its picturesque location and take some iconic photos, you will definitely be impressed by how beautiful this unique place is.

Location: Fiordo di Furore

10. View of the Atrani Beach

I will tell you a secret – despite its famous neighbors, Atrani was my favorite village on the Amalfi Coast. There is just something special, something unique about this place!

Known as the smallest town in Italy (only 0.12 square kilometers or 0.05 square miles), it gets completely overlooked by most visitors to the Amalfi Coast. To be honest, I’m not mad about it at all!

It is always nice to escape the buzz of Amalfi town and walk 10 minutes to the charming small town of Atrani and find it so peaceful, but equally beautiful.

In my opinion, Spiaggia di Atrani, or Atrani Beach, is one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast. It is largely thanks to its dramatic scenery with flanking cliffs and the iconic arcade lining the beachside.

No wonder this place has been a filming location for many TV series and movies.

To see this view, I recommend two spots. One spot is right on the beach, but the other one is higher up on Via Gabriele di Benedetto street, right next to the Amalfi Drive coastal road. The second spot gives you a nice overview of the town and the beach. Iconic!

Location: Atrani beach overview

11. Chiesa di San Salvatore in Atrani

For those of you who are not in a hurry to run away from Atrani, I highly recommend stepping inside the little town to see the wonderful and unique Church of Saint Salvador De’ Birecto.

It is one of the most unique churches I have seen, and I only saw it from the outside, haha!

But do you see how it is situated above the street with a white staircase to access it? This church is actually one of my favorite hidden gems on the Amalfi Coast, and not many tourists know about this cool place.

If you arrive early, you can even take that perfect Instagram photo on the stairs (the photographer has to stand up on the Amalfi Drive main road for such a photo, like I did above).

The church dates back to the 10th century, and it played an important part during the 10th-11th centuries when the Duchy of Amalfi or the Republic of Amalfi was an independent country.

At that time, the Duchy of Amalfi was ruled by the Duke of Amalfi, who was crowned, right here on these steps! Atrani still celebrates yearly events, with people dressing in medieval gowns and ‘crowning’ the new Duke at the church stairs.

A cool way to preserve history and tradition!

Location: Chiesa di San Salvatore de’ Birecto

12. Secret sanctuary and caves above Atrani

Okay, I do realize that this is a total hidden gem and only a few people will actually get to experience this, but I loved this experience so much that I have to mention it here.

Situated on a rock outcrop over 700 steps above Atrani is a small 12th-century sanctuary, Santuario Santa Maria del Bando. Right next to it, there are also a couple of caves carved into the rock.

These places are behind a gate, and you can’t visit them on your own, but you can visit them if you book an appointment online (I sent a DM on Instagram) a day before and arrange a tour with a local guide. The tour is free, but we gave him a tip.

The guide offered us the sunrise tour, and we agreed – the best decision ever!

We came back to Atrani the next day before sunrise and climbed up to the sanctuary while it was dark. At first, we toured the two caves and then finished the tour at the sanctuary.

One of the caves had the shape of a heart, and this is where we waited for the sun to come up. It was pretty magical. One of the most memorable experiences I had while traveling around the Amalfi Coast!

After the caves, we toured the little sanctuary dating back to the 12th century. It has a beautiful tiled floor and the most breathtaking views of Atrani and the Amalfi Coast in the background.

This is where I understood why Atrani is called ‘the real-life nativity scene’! The tiny houses down below looked like Lego pieces, haha.

We were so lucky to have a beautiful sunrise that morning. No matter where I looked, the views were just spectacular.

That morning, we had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get to Atrani on time, and I did not regret that for one second. One of the most beautiful secret places on the Amalfi Coast!

Location: Santuario Santa Maria del Bando

13. The scenic beach with Torre di Cetara

Cetara is one of the most charming fishing villages along the Amalfi Coast, and not many tourists ever visit this lovely little town.

Cetara is known for its tuna fishing traditions and colatura di alici di Cetara fish sauce that you can buy in many shops around the town.

But what I loved most about Cetara was the iconic beach with its historical watchtower, Torre di Cetara, in the background, still standing tall and guarding the town against pirate attacks (or maybe not anymore).

The 16th-century Torre di Cetara, or the Tower of Cetara, is the symbol of this little seaside village, and it is the first thing you’ll notice after arriving here. How beautiful is the view!?

If you ever wander this deep in the Amalfi Coast, I recommend stopping by this little fishing town to enjoy the view and buy a jar of tuna – a must-do thing when visiting Cetara!

Location: Torre di Cetara

14. Torre Normanna in Maiori

Talking about iconic watchtowers, how about this majestic tower in Maiori, the oldest watchtower on the Amalfi Coast?

Here’s a catch – there is actually a famous restaurant inside the tower, and you can visit it!

For a special occasion, there’s no better place to celebrate life than at one of Maiori’s most iconic historical landmarks. The majestic tower dates back to the 13th century and is a popular place to go for lunch or dinner with views.

The Norman Tower houses a renowned restaurant with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Sorrentine Peninsula.

They offer seating on the rooftop, inside the tower, and on terraces closer to the water for a more intimate dining experience.

If you’re looking for a scenic lunch spot or have something to celebrate, I highly recommend checking out Ristorante Torre Normanna. Make sure to make a reservation or double-check with them if they’re open before you go!

Location: Ristorante Torre Normanna

15. View of Minori at Belvedere Mortella

If you stop by Maiori, you might as well check out its neighbouring town, Minori!

Minori is tiny, and you can easily visit the little town in less than a day. What I love most about this place is that it is nestled between two mountains.

This means that you can climb one of them and get a fantastic view of the whole town below. I think, you know where I’m going with this..

Yes, the most beautiful place in Minori is actually the view from one of its most popular viewpoints – the Belvedere Mortadella.

This viewpoint is actually located along the Path of the Lemons hike, so if you have plans to walk this path, you will see this viewpoint along the way.

It is a small platform with benches and panoramic views of the whole town (and Ravello town on a cliff in the background!)

If you are not walking the Path of the Lemons walk, then you can climb up there from Minori. The viewpoint is located 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the Minori church. It is a 10-minute walk, but you’ll have to climb lots of stairs! Totally worth it!

Location: Belvedere Mortella

16. Gorgeous ceramics street in Vietri sul Mare

As we continue to explore the coastal towns, we’ve arrived at Vietri sul Mare!

Vietri sul Mare is known primarily for its ceramics production. I know you can buy ceramics in basically every village, but nothing can compare with Vietri sul Mare!

If you only do one thing in Vietri sul Mare, it has to be strolling along Corso Umberto I, the main ceramics street in the village, filled with countless independent manufacturers’ ceramic shops.

I couldn’t even count all of them – there are so many of them! But what I did notice was that all of them have the most beautiful shop entrances you will see!

Like, how stunning are they?

These little stores are adorned with painted ceramic tiles, pots, plates, flowers, and other ceramic design elements, making the whole street a joyful spectacle.

Not only shop entrances, but entire walls around the doors and some houses in the village are all adorned with these beautiful ceramics. The most beautiful street in the most charming town!

In these stores, they sell everything from Christmas ornaments to every possible kitchen item – all made of ceramics. Of course, the most popular items are mugs, plates, and bowls.

I hope you won’t only take pictures, but also buy something!

The Corso Umberto I street is not long, so I highly recommend walking all the way from one end to the other. We walked the street there and back. The first time we checked out everything, and the second time we bought some goodies to take home. I got a lemon mug!

Location: Corso Umberto I

17. Villa Comunale in Vietri sul Mare

You may stumble upon places called ‘Villa Comunale’ all around the Amalfi Coast. It typically refers to public gardens or parks where people can freely come, relax, or walk around and admire the scenery.

Villa Comunale in Vietri sul Mare is one of the most impressive examples among all towns on the Amalfi Coast. This unique cliffside garden offers unbeatable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding coastline.

Villa Comunale has opening hours, but you can access it for free. The garden has multiple levels connected by pathways and an elevator. The paved pathways are decorated with mosaics and ceramic details.

It is the most beautiful seaside park I have visited along the Amalfi Coast!

There is also a small amphitheater with seats towards the sea. The only thing missing in this place, though, was shade. Only the upper level of the gardens had a couple of massive trees with seating in the shade. But the beauty of this place was palpable!

Despite the lack of shade, exploring Villa Comunale was one of my favorite things to do in Vietri sul Mare. The whole park is hanging on a cliffside and is even difficult to find, so we were the only ones there.

And some spots with ceramic mosaics reminded me of Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell in Barcelona (but on a much smaller scale, haha!).

There is also a restaurant Pane & Panorama, next to the gardens. They open in the evening and place tables and seats on the upper level of the gardens so you can enjoy a magical sunset meal with unbeatable views.

Location: Villa Comunale in Vietri sul Mare

18. Scenic Church of Saint Januarius in Praiano

Talking about scenic places decorated with ceramics…welcome to Praiano village!

I gotta say – they loved building churches in the most scenic location here on the Amalfi Coast! And the charming Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Gennaro in Praiano village is no exception!

If you are one of those travelers who chose to stay in a hotel in Praiano, right between Positano and Amalfi, two most famous destinations on the coastline – then good for you! Praiano is home to some truly amazing places!

The most beautiful of them is the yellow Church of Saint Januarius!

The landmark Church of Saint Januarius majestically sits on a hillside overlooking the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula.

The Baroque church is dedicated to San Gennaro, the patron saint of Praiano, and boasts a yellow color and a striking majolica-tiled dome that you can see from far away.

Although the 16th-century church looks picture-perfect from every angle, there is something else that caught my eye. The church sits on a large cliffside square, the heart of Praiano village, with panoramic views of the whole coastline.

If you look over, you will easily notice Positano village in the distance as well as Li Galli islands, and maybe even Capri Island.

Capri actually looks like the continuation of the Sorrento Peninsula from here, but if you look closely enough, you’ll easily distinguish it.

We spent a few days exploring Praiano, and this square in the heart of the village was my favorite place in Praiano. Notice the ceramics on the floor in the square! How beautiful! This is definitely one of the most scenic locations on the Amalfi Coast!

Location: Church of Saint Januarius

19. Marina di Praia in Praiano

There’s another stunning place I absolutely loved in Praiano – Marina di Praia, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast.

Tucked away in a picturesque cove squeezed between dramatic cliffs, Marina di Praia feels like a hidden secret on the Amalfi Coast.

It’s a small pebble beach with crystal-clear water and a couple of seaside restaurants offering drinks and snacks right by the water. If you’re staying in Praiano, you must make your way down to Marina di Praia!

Despite its beautiful setting, it is a much more relaxed and chill beach compared to many other beaches you can find in the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast.

The secret of this beach is a cliffside path carved into rock where you can walk further away to more secluded spots and beach clubs along the shore. The path takes you up to the old watchtower by the sea.

It’s the perfect spot for a beach day! We stopped by a cool beach club, Il Pirata, where they have a snack bar inside a rock cave. So cool!

Location: Marina di Praia

20. Marina Grande in Sorrento

There is another marina that stole my heart – Marina Grande in Sorrento!

Marina Grande is a small fishing village adjacent to Sorrento and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, free sandy beach, seaside restaurants, as well as colorful houses lining the shore.

The scenic views, the charming vibes – all of this makes Marina Grande one of the most picturesque places on the peninsula! We spent over a week exploring Sorrento and kept coming back here again and again.

My favorite place? Definitely the stairs on Via Marina Grande right by the sea, where you can see the whole bay with the prettiest colorful houses in the background (see first photo).

Besides charming fishermen’s boats floating in the water, what I liked most about Marina Grande is that there are plenty of seaside restaurants lining the beach, especially places that won’t break the bank.

We came here for dinner right around sunset time, and it was one of my favorite dinners from our trip. The waves were washing the shore, the sun was setting, and we were sipping wine and eating pasta. Pure bliss.

I can’t pinpoint it, but this place just feels really special.

It’s just the quintessential Italian postcard village by the Mediterranean Sea. There is nothing world-famous to see here, but you definitely don’t need that for a place to be absolutely wonderful.

So, in case you find yourself wandering around Sorrento, head straight to Marina Grande. It’s a special place to be with some of the most beautiful postcard views you will find on the coast!

Location: Marina Grande

21. Villa Comunale di Sorrento

But I’m not sone with Sorrento. Marina Grande might be my favorite place in Sorrento, but there are definitely some more beautiful spots worth visiting!

For example, one of the most popular places to visit in Sorrento is Villa Comunale di Sorrento. This fantastic 19th-century seaside garden is often referred to as ‘the balcony of the city.’

Once you arrive there, you’ll understand why!

Sorrento sits on a high seaside cliff, and Villa Comunale di Sorrento public park is located right by the cliffside, offering sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, including the majestic Mount Vesuvius volcano.

We came here both during the day and at sunset to watch the sun slide down the horizon and into the Mediterranean Sea (see photos above!). It was magical both during the day and at sunset.

The views from this place are simply unbeatable! But here’s a tip: if Villa Comunale di Sorrento is simply too crowded, try checking out Piazza della Vittoria right nearby. It’s another charming seaside park and might be less busy!

Location: Villa Comunale di Sorrento

22. Duomo di Salerno and crypt of Matthew the Apostle

Salerno, known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast (the same as Sorrento), marks the beginning of the famous coastline. Some travelers choose Salerno (instead of Sorrento) as a base for their travels, and I can only support that.

There are some truly fantastic gems you can find in this historical city, and one of the most popular ones is the Duomo di Salerno, or Cathedral of Salerno. This medieval masterpiece was probably my favorite landmark in the city.

Built in the 11th century, the cathedral has become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. And for good reason – the remains of Saint Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles, are buried in its crypt.

Saint Matthew’s crypt in Salerno is considered one of the most beautiful crypts in all of Italy! It is lavishly decorated with gilded columns, frescoes, and marble.

But the crypt isn’t the only reason to visit. The cathedral also features a striking 12th-century bell tower that pierces Salerno’s skyline and a beautiful courtyard lined with Roman columns.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a grand nave, impressive frescoes, artworks, and a Baroque-style ceiling. But the richly decorated altar is the central element inside the cathedral.

We spent quite some time walking around the crypt, admiring its marble busts, gilded columns, and stunning frescoes. The crypt was renovated in the 17th century in Baroque style, and you can definitely tell they didn’t hold back!

While you can visit the church’s courtyard for free during working hours, you need to purchase a ticket to visit the interior of the cathedral and the crypt.

While the interior of the cathedral was not as impressive as I thought it would be, the crypt truly took my breath away, and is definitely worth a visit!

But there’s more to visiting the cathedral. At the ticket office, we were offered a full ticket that also included entry to Salerno’s Diocesan Museum of San Matteo (not very exciting) and entry to the Church of St. George (stunning!).

We visited both of these bonus spots. While the museum felt a bit dull (unless you’re really into religious artifacts and paintings), the Church of St. George was absolutely jaw-dropping (see photos below). And it is located just a stone’s throw from the cathedral!

The Church of St. George completely surprised us with its jaw-dropping Baroque interior. Honestly, even the cathedral can’t compete with this absolute marvel!

Imagine taking Saint Matthew’s crypt and making it much larger and even more elaborate — that’s the Church of St. George for you! Simply wow!

I had to sit down for a few minutes just to take it all in and truly comprehend the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating such a stunning building.

This church looks completely uninspiring from the outside, but all the glory can be found inside. Easily one of the most beautiful places in the area!

Originally a Benedictine monastery church, it was built in the early Middle Ages, but much of its magnificent Baroque splendor dates back to the 17th century.

I highly recommend spending those few extra euros to upgrade to the full ticket and setting aside some time to peek into this masterpiece. It’s so worth it!

I’ve visited countless churches throughout my travels in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, and not many religious buildings still take my breath away — but this one definitely did!

Location: Duomo di Salerno – Church of St. George – Diocesan Museum

23. The medieval Castello di Arechi in Salerno

Standing about 360 meters above sea level on Mount Bonadies, next to Salerno, is Castello di Arechi, or Arechi Castle, one of the most significant historical landmarks in the region.

The oldest parts of this medieval fortress date back as far as the 6th century, although most of the structure was built over the following centuries.

Castello di Arechi was one of my favorite places we visited in Salerno. Not only is it a great spot to explore historic artifacts, but it also offers panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno, and the Gulf of Salerno. The views were stunning!

The castle is surrounded by a lush forest, making the visit a peaceful walk filled with fresh air and stunning scenery. I highly recommend adding this medieval gem to your itinerary if you are staying somewhere nearby!

You can reach the castle by hiking, though it’s a steep and challenging climb from Salerno, or by car (there’s parking available near the entrance), taxi, or bus. A regular bus route goes directly from Salerno to the castle.

The best part? You can explore the outside of the castle for free.

If you’d like to see the interior, there’s a small entrance fee. Inside, you’ll find a museum showcasing artifacts such as coins, tools, and other historical items.

The castle is named after Arechi II, a Lombard prince, but over the centuries, it was occupied by various groups—including the Byzantines, Normans, Aragonese, and others—each leaving their mark on the structure and its defenses.

Exploring the castle was one of my favorite things to do in Salerno. On a clear day, you can see the whole peninsula with mountains where the Amalfi Coast is located.

We had some clouds on the day we visited, but the views were beautiful either way.

Location: Castello di Arechi

Happy exploring!

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its natural beauty, scenic views, and beautiful architecture. I haven’t been everywhere, but it has to be one of the most beautiful places on our planet!

We spent half a year living in and exploring the area on and around Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It’s easy to see why this region has drawn everyone from simple fishermen to Roman emperors to its shores for thousands of years.

I hope you find some travel inspiration in this Amalfi Coast guide—and that you enjoy your time on the Divine Coast in Southern Italy as much as we did. The beaches, the views, the villages, the food… it’s a place you’ll remember forever!

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