42 Best Sights in Amalfi Coast, Italy

In the Middle Ages, the 10th-century church of San Salvatore de Bireto played an important role in the crowning of new doges for the Republic of Amalfi. The name Birecto likely comes from the Semitic word biru, meaning a small stream of water, referring to the fact that the church is built on an arch right over a stream—today a narrow road leading through Atrani. The church was remodeled in the 1800s but has received a careful restoration to reveal some aspects of its medieval past, including Arab-influenced Gothic designs, ancient ceramic tile work, and religious artifacts like a curious 12th-century marble plaque showing two peacocks. The paneled bronze doors cast in the 11th century came from Constantinople, as did the doors in the Amalfi Duomo, both testimonies to the cultural and commercial exchange between the Republic of Amalfi and the Orient.

Spectacularly cantilevered hundreds of feet over the coastline on a stone parapet, this elegant Neoclassical white church is also known as Chiesa Principale di San Giovanni Battista. It's only open for Sunday-morning services, but if for a quick peek at other times you might ask locals if someone (il custode: caretaker) has a key to open the church. Just ask, "Dov'è la persona che ci potrebbe far visitare la chiesa?" For those who want to see churches in coastal villages, this may be the only way to gain entry.

Named for the ruins of a chapel found in the beach's grotto, the rocky beach of Santa Croce is located below the village of Vettica Minore, west of Amalfi, but is reachable only by boat from Amalfi. Paradise for swimmers, the water is crystal clear and the surrounding coast is studded with emerald grottoes—stronger swimmers can admire a natural arch in the rock, about 150 meters west (locals say that kissing your bella while swimming underneath ensures everlasting love). With a delightful restaurant and sun-bed rental available, this is a relaxing beach experience. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

A 13th-century church with a graceful dome, Santa Maria a Gradillo was where the town noblemen gathered to discuss civic issues; its atrium collapsed in the 18th century. The small Sicilian-Saracenic bell tower has two light mullion windows. Ask about the church's most current opening hours at Duomo or Azienda Autonoma Soggiorno e Turismo.

The Chiesa Madre, or parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, lies just south of the Palazzo Murat, its green-and-yellow majolica dome topped by a perky cupola. Built on the site of the former Benedictine abbey of St. Vito, the 13th-century Romanesque structure was almost completely rebuilt in 1700. At the altar is a Byzantine 13th-century painting on wood of Madonna with Child, known popularly as the Black Virgin. A replica is carried to the beach every August 15 to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Embedded over the doorway of the church's bell tower is a medieval bas-relief of fish, a fox, and a pistrice (the mythical half-dragon, half-dog sea monster). This is one of the few relics of the medieval abbey of Saint Vito.

A must-do in Conca dei Marini is the jaunt down the staircase to the left of the Hotel Belvedere that delivers you to the town's dollhouse-size harbor, Santa Maria della Neve, and darling little chapel of the same name. You'll pass by some gorgeous houses on your way to one of the most idyllic sights along the entire coast. The view of the harbor from the Amalfi Drive high atop the hill is a prime photo op.

With its scenic setting on the edge of Atrani with the Amalfi Coast road curving around its base, the Santa Maria Maddalena church certainly has the most eye-catching setting of any building along the coastline. Sixteenth-century paintings attributed to Amalfi Coast artists adorn this church that was built in 1274 and given a Baroque facade in 1852. Majolica tiles cover the dome, and the bell tower has an octagonal belfry similar to the campanile of the Carmine church in Naples. Among the treasures here are the altar, with its richly colored marbles, and the aforementioned paintings, St. Magdalene between St. Sebastian and St. Andrew by Giovannangelo D'Amato of Maiori, and The Incredulity of St. Thomas by Andrea da Salerno. However, the view from the charming piazza in front of the church is alone worth the climb.

As inscribed on a capital at the entrance, one Duke Mansone I had this church constructed in 986. Though the layout is Byzantine, a 16th-century overhaul inverted the entrance and high altar, and the decoration is now mostly Baroque. The campanile dates from the 12th century, and there's a noteworthy 18th-century crèche. Church hours are erratic; check with the Duomo for when Mass is scheduled.

With its oft-photographed bell towers and scenic location below Villa Rufolo, the deconsecrated church of Santissima Annunziata is one of Ravello's most recognizable features, dating from the 13th century, when it was constructed for the wealthy Fusco family. The adjoining oratory was the 15th-century seat of the flagellating Confraternity of Battent. The church is generally closed to the public except for special events, such as performances by the Ravello Concert Society (check the website for upcoming recitals). For an up-close look at the exterior, exit the Villa Rufolo and take a sharp right to reach the Via dell'Annunziata stair path, which plummets you down the hillside right past the church and to the scenic Via della Repubblica.

Positano regularly receives a Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) in recognition of its water quality, safety, and services offered. The Spiaggia Grande (large beach) has the glorious, rainbow-hue backdrop of the town, but for a more informal atmosphere and lush vegetation, follow the Via Positanesi d'America to the Fornillo beach. Almost 300 meters long and now managed by Hotel Pupetto, the beach was a favorite of Pablo Picasso because of its position between the medieval Trasita and Clavel towers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; kayak; water sports. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

The walkway from the Piazza Flavio Gioia leads down to Spiaggia Grande, Positano's main beach, bordered by an esplanade and some of the town's busiest restaurants. Surrounded by the spectacular amphitheater of houses and villas that leapfrog up the hillsides of Monte Comune and Monte Sant'Angelo, this remains one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

A tunnel-like passageway also known as Via dei Mercanti, the evocative Supportico Rua was the main thoroughfare of medieval Amalfi, when the main road was a raging torrent. Still the town's most fascinating "street," it is especially wonderful when the light from alleys and windows plays on its white walls. Stretching almost the length of the main street, it ends at a medieval-era contrada, or neighborhood, with a fountain known as Capo di Ciuccio (donkey's head), where mules would refresh themselves after the climb down from the hills.