Amazing Places to Explore on the Amalfi Coast

The magnificence and breath-taking beauty of the Sorrento peninsula is something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. The stunning views, picturesque villages nestled precariously along the cliff edges, and beautiful national parks are places that can all be explored at your leisure. Choose from the excellent range of Amalfi coast villas to rent and unlock the magic of this stunning region.

Day Trips

The town of Amalfi, from which the region takes its name, was a Roman colony and is set in a ravine at the base of Monte Cerrato, overlooking the gulf of Salerno. The houses are built up the sides of the mountain, which forms part of the Monti Lattari range. There are some marvellous walks and hikes in the Parco Regionale, where you can discover the glories of the surrounding nature.

Apart from the stupendous views, the 9th Century cathedral, Duomo di Sant’Andrea, is one main attraction. The original church has been added to throughout the centuries, reflecting different architectural fashions, and it is one of the historical highlights of the Amalfi Coast. Villas are available throughout the surrounding countryside, but it is also possible to stay in the historical centre, to experience the atmosphere of this impossibly beautiful town and use it as a base to explore other areas along the coast.

Public Transport

If you're feeling adventurous and would like to experience the local transport services, you can catch the bus along the coast to Sorrento and then catch a rail connection to Vico Equense. If you make the effort to use public transport you'll really start to experience authentic Italian life, and will often find your fellow travellers wanting to get into a conversation – it's a good chance to practise your Italian. This is one of the attractions of choosing a base in one of the Amalfi coast villas, because you'll have the time and flexibility to take on these types of adventures.

The bus trip takes about an hour and 30 minutes, and for part of that journey you'll travel along the coastal road; try to get a window seat so you can experience the outstanding beauty of the scenery to its fullest. Bus travel certainly takes the stress out of driving yourself and Italian buses are very comfortable. When they swing round the sharp bends it can be slightly disconcerting, however, as it often feels as though you are teetering over the edge of the steep ravines! After reaching Sorrento there is a rail connection every 15 minutes to Vico Equense, which only takes 11 minutes.

Pizza by the metre

Once you reach this lovely town perched on the top of cliffs, you'll discover the 14th century former cathedral, Chiesa della SS. Annunziata, with its outstanding views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. It has a stunning Byzantine exterior and a Gothic interior. This beautiful old church is full of exquisite carved furniture and wall frescos. The town is also famous for its pizza by the metre (take some back with you for the journey home) and its sulphurous springs that are renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Experiencing this protected region by public transport will added another dimension to your holiday, and it is surprisingly stress free. To get a chance to thoroughly explore this unique part of the Amalfi Coast, villas and apartments will give you flexibility to be more adventurous by using the local buses and trains, or simply relax and spend the day sunbathing on the lovely Mediterranean beaches.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular Amalfi Coast villas or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.