Lidomare

Amalfi is often described as the crown jewel of the spectacular Neapolitan Riviera and quite rightly so: set beneath the majestic peak of Monte Cerreto, Amalfi’s colourful jumble of pastel-shaded buildings and sandy beachfront offers the best of Italy in one compact package. 

Reserved purely as a retreat for the upper classes in the 1920s, this picturesque seaside town is now a bustling haven and a great choice for holidaymakers. For many, the town’s historic cathedral is at the top of the list when it comes to sightseeing and is well worth the 62-step climb from the Piazza Duomo. With an impressive 11th-century campanile and a stunning interior adorned with intricate artworks by Andrea dell'Asta, this duomo is one of the most remarkable buildings found along the Amalfi Coast. Often overshadowed by the cathedral, the bustling piazza down below acts as a great centre point for the town and is the perfect place to stop for a coffee in a pavement cafe.

At the very front of Amalfi lies the harbour and beachfront – an area that becomes increasingly vibrant as summer sets in. The beach is small but perfectly formed and ideal for a spot of sunbathing, while the pretty beachfront promenade acts as a gateway to numerous restaurants and bars. Here, the staple cuisine is net-fresh seafood, often incorporated into classic pasta dishes. If you fancy something sweeter, then the local pasticciotti pastries filled with cream and fruit are delicious.

During a holiday to Amalfi, it’s also easy to hop along the coast to one of the other beautiful seaside towns, thanks to a network of easy-to-use bus and ferry connections. Spend an afternoon exploring the historic centre of Salerno or arrive by boat in Positano’s famously pretty port.