A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi coast takes its name from this age-old city, the only one of Italy’s four historic maritime republics found in the south. Its most famous monument is the Arab-style cathedral which still forms the heart of town.
Built on the remains of an ancient basilica, it underwent numerous reconstructions through the centuries. Additions dating to the Middle Ages and to the Baroque era include the bell-tower, the Saint Andrew altar with statues by Bernini, the Paradise Cloister, the bronze doors with silver panels and the coffered ceiling in pure gold.
We advise a boat trip along the coast to enjoy the unique landscape and also to spot the charming homes nestled on the terraced slopes of the Lattari Mounts with characteristic rows of lemon trees. The mix of tangy citrus scent, brisk salt

air, distinctive vineyards, bougainvillea plants and pastel-colored houses makes for a true sensory experience. 

MUST STOPS FOR FOOD FANS
On the hotel front, a stay at the Villa Palumbo in Ravello is always the ultimate. Equally memorable are Amalfi’s culinary delights. Stop at a café in the square around the cathedral to try the candied orange, citron and lemon from the Andrea Pansa confectioner’s shop. Another absolute treat is the handmade “scialatielli” pasta in a classic dish with tomatoes and clams. Nearby in the town of Cetara there’s the fresh tuna prepared with a particular anchovy sauce, while Ravello stands out for its special lemon dessert to savor along with a goblet of Ravello Costa Amalfi wine.

FROM SIRENS TO JACKIE O
Amalfi is set in a magical geographic position, surrounded by thirteen other dream towns amid small fiords, grottos, bays, natural arches. Not coincidentally, in Homer’s Odyssey it is described as “the Land of the Sirens.”  At the top we find Ravello, called “the town of music” thanks to its world-famous summer festival. With its breathtaking panorama, historic patrician villas and characteristic gardens, this wonderful village has enchanted prominent artists and other personalities ever since ancient times. From Boccaccio to Richard Wagner, Virginia Woolf, Humphrey Bogart, Greta Garbo, all the way to the Kennedys and the writer Gore Vidal.