Discovering the Charming Town Of Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most attractive parts of Italy, drawing tourists from all over the world to discover its rich and glorious history, bask in its breath taking scenery, and enjoy some of the country’s most delicious culinary delights. With many villas in Amalfi available to rent, you can base yourself here and take your time to explore the surrounding area.

Booking one of the many villas in Amalfi through a specialised travel company guarantees a high level of service and an excellent standard of accommodation. Many of the villas in Amalfi have outdoor areas for al fresco dining and some even have a swimming pool. The best travel companies take great pride in the villas they have on their books, and each one is chosen for its comfort and suitability for holiday rental.

Discovering the town

Although the modern day town relies very much on tourism to sustain its economy, historically it was an influential maritime republic with a population of eighty thousand people - almost as many as Venice and Pisa, at the time. Trade with the Arabs gave the Amalfitani huge prestige and an affluence that attracted many of the Italian aristocracy to build their villas in Amalfi. Paper was the main industry in the town and there is an old mill that still produces paper in the old fashioned way. On a visit to the mill you can even have a go at making your own paper to take home.

The town itself is wedged between the stunning azure sea and the sheer mountains behind; it is a warren of tiny alleyways and cobbled streets, with winding staircases and steep narrow paths leading you up into the heart of the charming town. Make sure you wander off the main tourist streets and explore behind the scenes and you will get a real feel for the local way of life. The cathedral in the town has a stunning striped façade and was built in the Norman-Arab style. Beautiful arches surround the magnificent bronze doors giving the building a distinctive and elegant look.

The town has a proud and rich history, which is embraced the locals. Buzzing cafes surround the cathedral and delicious ice cream shops sit alongside the old medieval buildings. You can relax and enjoy a frothy cappuccino or indulge in a seafood lunch in one of the lively town squares.

This part of Italy has the advantage of fertile lands and an ideal growing climate for so many wonderful fruits and vegetables that appear in the local specialities. The abundance of lemons are used to make the delicious limoncello liquor, and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius are famous for producing the San Mazano tomato, that now has a certificate of authenticity attached to it. Buffalos are bred here and are milked to make the most incredible mozzarella cheese and, as would be expected, wine is a staple on every table in the region.

Stay in one of the villas in Amalfi and hire a car or use the public transport to help you discover the region’s many attractive towns and more of the surrounding area. From stunning hill top towns to the vibrant city of Naples, from the ruins in Pompeii to a boat trip to Capri, this incredible region of Italy has something for everyone.

Looking for your perfect home away from home in Italy? Mark Slaviero is a Director of Holiday Homes in Italy, a company specialising in finding the holiday home, villa or apartment of your dreams. For the ideal Sicily villas and accommodation in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Lakes, ski resorts and more, we offer the best in every region.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.