Unesco Site of the Neapolitan Riviera
 

Campania presents all the remarkable sites which tourists will want to discover and make the most of during their stay here.

From the islands in the Bay of Naples to the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, from Cilento to the Domitian Coast, is an extraordinary mixture of art, culture and nature, a land where ancient and modern fuse together in a grandiose spectacle which has lasted for thousands of years.

Neapolitan Riviera Highlights 



Pompeii, daily life two thousand years ago

Pompeii, being an important commercial centre in Campania felix, played a strategic role in the redistribution of goods between Rome, the inland cities and the ports on the Mediterranean.

Still today one can admire the remains of the Basilica, seat of justice and chamber of commerce, religious buildings and the Pompeii, daily life two thousand years ago Macellum, site of the marketplace.

From the main square streets lead off to the ancient city, revealing majestic houses, such as the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, with their splendid frescoes.

The shops in via dell’Abbondanza, offer a lively impression of everyday life two thousands years ago.

From here we carry on to the Stabian Baths, the oldest public baths in Pompeii, ending up at the massively impressive Amphitheatre, where even today, as in the Large Theatre, there are concerts and theatrical productions.

Just outside the city, stands the Villa of the Mysteries, the most ‘enigmatic’ monument in Pompeii, with its grand fresco celebrating the mysterious cult of Dionysus.

In summer the ruins can also be visited at night. ‘Suggestioni al foro’ is a theatrical production which, through sounds and voices echoing around the temples and houses, recreates the atmosphere of the ‘lost’ city.

The visit ends with a multimedia show which reconstructs the dramatic phases of the eruption with special effects and filmed images.



The treasures of Herculaneum

At Herculaneum, unlike Pompeii, where the eruption destroyed roofs and attics, a large part of the buildings remain several stories high: the House of Argus still has its wooden balcony.

The House of Relief of Telephus is distinguished by its refined marble decorations; the House of Neptune and Amphitrite have beautiful mosaics; the House of the Deer has sumptuous rooms and the superb Villa of the Papyri is famous for its sculptures, now on view in the Archaeological Museum of Naples and its library of philosophical texts.

Not far from Herculaneum, near Torre Annunziata (formerly ancient Oplontis) stands the Villa of Poppea.

The traditional view is that it belonged to Poppea Sabina, Nero’s second wife. The building, standing in a large garden, is decorated with brilliant frescoes representing still life subjects.

Castellamare, formerly ancient Stabiae, was an important settlement destroyed by the Vesuvian eruption of 79 A.D.

Today the settlements of Arianna and San Marco constitute a precious testimony to lot splendours. Some of the most beautiful frescoes of the Roman period have been found here, together with precious mosaics and thermal plants



Cuma, Paestum and Velia: discovering Magna Grecia

The origins of civilization in Campania and its relation to the Greek world are very ancient. Cuma is the most ancient Greek colony in Italy, founded in the VIII century B.C.

At the foot of the acropolis there is the famous Sybil’s Cave, associated with the myth of the famous clairvoyant (in reality it was a Roman military installation).

There is a magnificent view from the top of the acropolis, from where the remains of the Roman city can be seen in the plain.

In the plain of Sele, there is Paestum, the other important Greek settlement in Campania (VI century B.C.).

It is famous for its magnificent Doric temples: the ‘Basilica’, the temple of Neptune (in fact connected with the cult of Hera), and the temple of Cerere (in fact dedicated to Pallas Athena).

In the Roman era shops and a market were added to the Forum. The Archaeological Museum of Paestum contains precious items found in the area around Heraion in the plain of Sele, together with tomb paintings, including the highly celebrated ones in the Tomb of the Diver.

Further south, Velia (formerly ancient Elea, founded in 540 B.C.) was the seat of the famous school of philosophy run by Parmenides and Zeno.

Today the remains of an ionic temple and a theatre can be seen. The Porta Rosa, which formed part of the city walls, is one of the most well preserved and most beautiful of the vestiges of Magna Grecia.

Going back in time: Underground Naples

Wrapped in a tissue of legends, the origins of Naples go back to remote times: it was founded in the VII century B.C. by Cuma.

On the slopes of Mount Echia in Pizzofalcone and around Piazza Bellini the remains of the Greek walls can still be seen.

Underground there are caves that were hollowed out long ago to extract tuff and later used as a place for secret rituals.

Starting out from piazza San Gaetano, the former market place of ancient Neapolis, one can follow an ‘underground route’ to discover a city with in a city.

At San Lorenzo Maggiore more remains have been discovered, including shops, tabernae and the Erario, site of the municipal treasury.

On the Posillipo hill the remains are still to be seen of the vast Villa del Pausilypon. High on a cliff commanding an astonishing view there still remain parts of the theatre and the odeon (covered concert hall).

The archaeological area is reached through the monumental Grotta di Seiano in Via Coroglio. Some parts of the Roman Villa have been submerged due to bradyseism. These now form part of the Gaiola Underwater park, a protected marine area.

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Gourmet on the Neapolitan Riviera
 

From the teeming coastal waters and the fertile plains come Sorrento lemons and Vesuvian apricots, Paestum artichokes and lobsters from the Gulf of Salerno.

A region waiting to be discovered, where quality and territory are closely linked and Nature and History dine at the same table.

Its friendly nature, traditions and culture have truly preserved the peasant "way of life" that Ancel Keys studied and then called ''Mediterranean Diet'', but that should just about be called ''Diet of Southern Italy'' for its exact location.

We have researched some food curiosities and hope they will be of inspiration for your holiday.

Food Guide 

Where to try wine ice-cream

Wine ice-cream is not the only reason to go to Procida’s November Wine Festival, where you will find all sorts of gastronomic specialities and locally-made craft items.

There is a wonderful party atmosphere in the various districts, particularly in the Madonna della Libera neighbourhood where the festival is held.

May - Ischia Festival
June - Procida Festival of bread and typical products
July - Wine festival Ischia (Panza)
November - Wine festival Procida

Gourmet cuisine

Situated in the wildest part of the Peninsula, Massa Lubrense boasts restaurants that will astonish even the most refined palates.

The plait of fiordilatte cheese and the extravirgin olive oil are absolutely not to be missed.

It is then de rigueur to stop off at Nerano to try to its legendary spaghetti with courgettes; and finally at Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, which is famous for its haute cuisine.

June - Lemon festival Massa Lubrense
July - Sea festival and Rural civilisation festival Sant’Agnello
August - Fiordilatte festival Agerola
September - Grape festival Capri and Sorrento - Gragnano in pasta Gragnano

‘Colatura’ – salted anchovy sauce

Cetara is well-known to epicures for this “extract”, which is made from anchovies caught in the Gulf of Salerno using a special salting process.

It seems that colatura is a descendant of garum, the ancient fish sauce used by the Romans to season their dishes.

The highly-prized liquid is obtained by pressing the anchovies.

A sfogliatella fresh from the convent

A very fine shellshaped pastry dripping with trickles of custard and garnished with black cherries: this is the “santarosa”, the ancestor of theNeapolitan sfogliatella, created in the 17th century by the cloistered nuns from the convent of the same name at Conca dei Marini.

Even King Ferdinand of Bourbon was seduced by it.

July - Tuna festival Cetara
August - Blue fish festival Atrani

Castel San Lorenzo DOC Wine Trail

The vast Sarlernitan area comprises many Wine Trails: the Castel San Lorenzo Trail crosses a hilly area where a rich typology of wines is produced.

The route twists and turns along the spectacular winding course of the river Calore Lucano and takes in the towns of Castel San Lorenzo, Bellosguardo, Felitto, Aquara, Castelcivita, Roccadaspide, Magliano Vetere and Ottati, an area that is also famous for the highly-prized chestnut “marrone di Roccadaspide”.

Menaica anchovies in Pisciotta

The “menaica” is a net formerly used by the Greeks, which makes it possible to select only the largest anchovies: only a few families in Pisciotta still practise this type of fishing.

With their pale, delicate meat, these rare menaica anchovies have outstanding organoleptic qualities.

They are caught at night. At dawn they are cleaned, salted and stored in terracotta jars.

These fishing and salting techniques have ancient origins and are tied to the tradition of this small mediaeval village.

Buffalo mozzarella DOP

There is only one ‘real’ buffalo mozzarella, the one protected by the DOP label.

To earn this mark it must be made with milk from free-range buffalo fed on natural fodder. Its preparation requires the skill of master cheese makers who are able to ‘mozzare’ (‘cut off’hence the name) the stringy paste while it is still warm.

Some cheese factories are open to the public.

April - Artichoke festival Paestum
August - Blue fish festival Sapri - Tarantella food festival Valva - Fusillo festival Gioi Cilento
October - Chestnut Festival Roccaspide

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The Neapolitan Riviera
 

A tour through colours, light, contrasts: the variety of the natural environment of the Neapolitan Riviera is unequalled.

The nature is extraordinary: coasts high up above the sea, the plains and volcanic hills alternate with the hills and mountains of the Apennine ridges.

Sky, sea, vegetation and lava rocks mingle to provide a background for some of the most famous views in the whole world

Nature and Parks 

Sorrento Coast

The magnificent natural scenery makes the Peninsula Sorrentine one of the most sought holiday destination in Italy.

Stretched out in the Tyrrhenian Sea almost to touch the island of Capri, it extends from Piano di Sorrento to Punta Campanella, the watershed between the gulfs of Naples and Salerno.

Art and tradition characterize the coast towns, including the most famous Sorrento: perched on an imposing cliff overlooking the sea, this enchanting town holds important classical and medieval remains, flanked by Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

There is no lack of opportunities for wellness tourism, such as the thermal baths of Vico Equense, one of the most picturesque town on the Sorrento coast.

But the real attraction of this area is its great natural beauty: the coastal road is one of the wonders of the Italian scenery.

Among citrus groves, vineyards and olive trees gently sloping down towards the sea, the path follows the tortuous profile of the coast, opening curve after curve spellbinding views of the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and Capri.

The coast is high,craggy and rocky, with sheer limestone cliffs that crumble into the sea, coves and rocky shores.

Capri, Ischia, Procida

Different for their natural characteristics and attractions, the three islands are a must holiday destination for any traveler in search of strong emotions from the evocative Procida to the thermal springs of Ischia and the legendary Capri, full of Roman memories embedded in a contest of exceptional natural beauty.

All three are accessible from Naples or Sorrento. Ischia and Procida, called the "islands flegree" lies north of the Gulf of Naples, in front of Pozzuoli. Capri is in front of the Sorrento Peninsula.

Amalfi Coast

The incomparable beauty of the Amalfi Coast has enchanted travelers from every corner of the earth.

Renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, picturesque towns and diversity, the Amalfi Coast is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Wild, daring and romantic, the Coast is an obligatory stop in any holiday in Italy.
     
From a geographic point of view the “coast of the Sirens” is the southern slope of the Sorrento Peninsula, which in the north closes the Gulf of Salerno.

The little villages that dot the “divine coast” are all to be explored, enjoying a clear blue sea, the stupefying views, the artistic treasures and the lively high society life.

Shopping is also a venerated activity: in the characteristic boutiques of “Positano Fashion”, the ceramic shops of Vietri or sampling a delicious meal of traditional cuisine.
 

Cilento Coast

The Cilento has inspired poets and singers for centuries. Many of the Greek and Roman myths that are the basis of our Western culture have been set on its coast.    

The most famous myth is that of the sirens in the Odyssey. The island that inspired the Poem of antiquity is probably in front of Punta Licosa, around Castellabate.
 
Another myth is that of Palinuro, the helmsman of Aeneas. During the trip to the coast of Lazio fell into the sea along with the rudder, clinging to the wreck and for three days he had an exhausting struggle against the rough sea.

But when he finally got safely on the shore, was brutally killed by the inhabitants since then, this hill (the village of Palinuro) took the name of Capo Palinuro.
     
The National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, second largest park in Italy for size, is a nice alternation between mountain and sea.

The beautiful and diverse landscapes of beautiful valleys, crossed by limpid rivers or flat strips of coastline lapped by crystal the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is adorned with towns rich history and tradition.

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Health, Well-being and Beauty
 

Nowadays spas are no longer simply places for medical treatment; they offer facilities for regenerating both body and mind.

Where else is it possible to bathe in hot mineral pools, look after your health and indulge in complete relaxation, with monuments such as a Greek temple or a Roman amphitheatre close at hand?

It is certainly no coincidence if the first spa goers were the Greeks and Romans themselves, enthusiastic adepts of the mineral waters and hot springs, scattered along the coast,  for their therapeutic properties.

This is true first of all for Ischia, where mineral springs are to be found everywhere: on the beaches, in the hills, even in the sea, with springs, fumaroles and mudbaths which you can enjoy immersed in verdant nature.

The island owns its reputation to the health properties of its thermal waters and its famous Spa Resorts.
 

Wellness on the Neapolitan Riviera 

Negombo Gardens
   
In 1946 the Duke Luigi Silvestro Camerini arrives in Ischia: humanist and great traveler is looking for a place to build a park in which to express its passion for botany.

He had already a long stay on the islands of Capri and Ponza, confined for political reasons.

Enchanted by the charm of the place and the similarity with the Bay of Negombo, in Sri Lanka, Duke Silvestrini decided to trasform the Bay of San Montano from marsh to lush parkland.

A terrace overlooking the sea, situated in the heart of the park is the setting for the restaurant where the menu of excellent quality and great choice satisfies the most demading palate.

The Thermal Gardens of Negombo with swimming pools, garden spa and health club and beauty is the ideal place to be pampered and regenerate body and mind.

Aphrodite Apollon

Thermal Park Aphrodite Apollon is situated in Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, one of the most beautiful corner of the island, a true temple of relaxation with a wide range of treatments targeted to wellness and body care.

The strength of Aphrodite Apollon is the natural element of water, whose beneficial effect is released from its spring to the twelve pools with temperatures from 20 to 42 degrees.

A full range of health facilities include regenerating hydro massages and waters that are a unique therapeutic panacea for skin care.

After a day dedicated to the regeneration of the body, the town of Sant'Angelo and the sparkling beach of Maronti nearby, provide a unique setting for an holiday in Ischia.

Poseidon Thermal Park

The Parco dei Giardini Poseidon Spa is located in Forio d'ischia in the beautiful bay of Citara and offers  20 healing thermal pools, each with its own constant temperature between 16 and 40 centigrade.

The environment is ecologically intact, an oasis of peace extending over 50,000 square meters of gardens with plants and flowers of every kind, a true spa paradise spa the beach!

To complete the offer, there is a great beach with deckchairs, sun loungers and umbrellas, several boutiques and restaurants, one of which located in a beautiful grotto.

Castiglione Thermal Park

Castiglione Thermal Park is situated in a lush natural valley that slopes towards the sea and it is surrounded by a large patch of Mediterranean vegetation that creates a pleasant atmosphere of calm and tranquillity.

The Thermal Park has eight thermal pools, fed by the nearby spring, with a water temperature ranging from 30 ° C to 40 ° C.

Castiglione Thermal Park also has a private beach, a restaurant and a hotel.

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From Sorrento to Amalfi, wandering in the ‘land of the mermaids’
 

Walkers will appreciate the network of wide and wellmaintained mule paths criss-crossing the region, some of them centuries old dressed stone steps.

The paths wander among lemon and olive groves, pines and oaks, valleys and ridges.

A succession of colours and breathtaking views at every steps taking in the near-vertical towns below, the sparkling blue sea and the Mediterranean Marquis.
 

Nature & Parks  

Punta Campanella

Punta Campanella is the extreme part of the Sorrento Peninsula. It is an area that combines a great cultural heritage with a beautiful natural landscape of high importance.

The route starts from Termini, 323 meters above sea level, continues along Punta Campanella, Nerano, Marina di Cantone, Marina di Recomone and ends with the arrival at the village of Torca.

Along this path you can admire from a distance the small islands of "Li Galli" with their history related to the cult of the Sirens.

Following the path one can see the Roman Temple of Minerva at the extreme tip of Punta Campanella, and a series of forts and towers built to defend the towns from the attacks of the Saracens.

Through the towns one can admire the many churches and chapels as the church of St. Salvatore di Nerano, the church of S. Thomas the Apostle in Torca and the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua in Cantone.
 

Valle delle Ferriere

At the heart of the Amalfi Coast, the Reserve is a natural wonder protected by the Unesco, and is also a European Community site of interest. The area extends into a deep valley that connects the Valle dei Mulini (Mills’ Valley) and the Valle delle Ferriere.

The natural habitat gives birth to species of plants rarely found in Italy, such as the Woodwardia radicans fern, a sort of living fossil, dating back to the Tertiary period.

The valley is also well known for its paper mills - the oldest in Europe - which produced the famous Amalfi paper.

Two are still operating and are worth seeing, along with the entertaining Paper Museum.

Sentiero degli Dei (Path's of Gods)

The walk covers part of the territory of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, from Castellammare di Stabia to Vietri sul Mare. The system of trails is vast and well organized: the most spectacular is evocatively called the “Paths of the Gods”, and leads from one side to the other of the Peninsula.

The vegetation of the Park is mainly characterized by the Mediterranean maquis, but many other botanical varieties are present.

Broad-leaf woods cover the hills, with holm-oak groves and pinewoods at lower altitudes, and ferns in the deep, narrow valleys veined by rivers, finally, grapevines, olive groves and citruses.

The side of the mountain is scattered with broom and Mediterranean maquis, while the underwood is rich in ferns, cyclamens, arbutuses, wild roses and strawberries.

From the “Belvedere” there is a wonderful view over the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno; on bright days you can see as far as the promontory of Circeo, the Pontine archipelago and the distant temples of Paestum.

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From Castellammare di Stabia to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
 

The magnificent natural scenery makes the Sorrento Peninsula one of the most sought holiday destination in Italy.

Stretched out in the Tyrrhenian Sea almost to touch the island of Capri, it extends from Piano di Sorrento to Punta Campanella, the watershed between the gulfs of Naples and Salerno.

Sorrento Coast Guide 

Sorrento

The town of Sorrento has 17 thousand inhabitants; part of the province of Naples is located on the northern coast of the Sorrento peninsula.

The historical center of town is spread over massive dark rock terraces overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views, at every corner, over the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius and Capri.

Winding streets and suggestive serpentine staircases lead to the harbor and the Marina below.

The name goes back to the myth of the Sirens, who with their chants captured the will of the sailors, forcing them to wreck on the rocky coast.

Very well connected with Naples and with the airport of Capodichino, Sorrento has always been one of the most visited resorts on the Neapolitan Riviera.

The city is full of residences of famous people and celebrities who have enjoyed the hospitality of Sorrento and the beauty of the place.

Sorrento is also the best starting point to all the important surrounding sights. The town is only about 5 km away from Capri, which can be easily reached from the Harbor in Marina Piccola.

Also Ischia and Procida can be reached very quickly with the speedboat service. Sorrento is linked to Naples by the Circumvesuviana, a small train service connecting all the towns along the Sorrento peninsula including Pompeii and Hercolaneum.

The good location of Sorrento unfortunately also led to heavy traffic load in its narrow streets, and while Sorrento is the ideal base for sightseeing of every kind it is not ideal for a relaxing holiday, for which we recommend the tourist resorts around Massa Lubrense.
 

Sant'Agata sui due Golfi

Sant'Agata sui due Golfi is situated in a privileged position on the hill at the center of the magnificent gulfs of Naples and Salerno, facing the island of Capri and the islands of Li Galli, home of the mythical mermaids.

The first settlers were the Greeks who built a necropolis here, in a place now called "Deserto".

More correctly the hill should be called Monte Sireniano (Sirens) because it housed the temple dedicated to the worship of the Sirens.

The small Santagatese community develops around the square where there is a church with a famous altar built in 1600 by the sculptor and architect of the

Florentine school Dionisio Lazzari, made of mother of pearl and lapis lazuli from the old church of Girolamini of Naples and unique for its beauty, according to historian Neapolitan D.A.Parrino who claimed "that perhaps may not be similar in the world".

This picturesque village overlooks the two bays (Naples and Salerno) and has a small but exquisite beach, Marina Crapolla, reachable only by sea or via a long footpath marked by hundreds steps.

According to legend the apostle Peter landed here during a difficult journey to Rome, there is, in fact, a church dedicated to him worshipped by the ancient fishing villagers, built on the ruins of the ancient Temple of Apollo.

As each town of the Sorrento peninsula, Sant'Agata also has an excellent wine and gastronomic tradition. Among its many restaurants and pizzerias there is the famous Don Alfonso with three Michelin stars.

The origins and successes of the Santagatese hospitality starts from the early twentieth century, thanks mainly to two great connoisseurs of the ''Good Life'': The Neapolitan poet Salvatore Di Giacomo and the English writer George Norman Douglas that with his " Siren Land " made Capri, Sorrento and Sant'Agata famous around the world

Today Sant'Agata sui due Golfi is a very popular holiday destination famous for its parish church, the monastery of Deserto, the Michelin restaurant Don Alfonso, its natural beauties and several trails along the coast and the inland.

Punta Campanella

Punta Campanella, or Punta della Campanella, is the extreme offshoot of the Sorrento peninsula on the Tyrrhenian coast.

Punta Campanella is separated by the small strait of Bocca Piccola from Capri Island.

It is dominated by Mount San Costanzo of 497 meters, which is part of the chain of the Lattari Montains, and it is bounded by the Bay Jeranto to the east. Punta Campanella was called by the Greeks Ateneo.   

The Greeks built a temple to the goddess Athena, whose foundation is attributed to the mythical Odysseus. The Romans practiced the cult of the goddess Minerva.

The presence of the temple is confirmed by the archaeological ruins which are still visible around the Saracen tower: remains of the base of the temple are located south of the tower while the ruins of the temple of Minerva are recognized on five separate terraces located on the north.

Today on the promontory stands the Tower of Minerva, built by Roberto D'Anjou in 1335, and rebuilt in 1566.

The tower had an alarm function in case of attacks by pirates and was part of a series of towers built along the Sorrento peninsula. The Tower was equipped with bell giving the name of Punta Campanella (Bell Point).

In 1997 the Marine Reserve of Punta Campanella was established, covering an area of over 1500 hectares, including the town of Massa Lubrense and the town of Positano. The reserve protects about 40 km of coastline and the sea front.

The Reserve is characterized by a landscape of global significance, quality historical and cultural sites and the presence of high quality hotels and tourist services.

The nearly 20 square kilometers of territory, despite being surrounded by water, are marked by a dense road network which, in some parts, follows paths going back over 2000 years ago.

Walking along these ancient streets you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery, through the many archaeological remains, religious buildings or towers along the coast is also possible to go back through the centuries and almost relive the atmosphere of the past.

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From Positano to Vietri sul Mare
 

The incomparable beauty of the Amalfi Coast has enchanted travelers from every corner of the earth.

Renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, picturesque towns and diversity, the Amalfi Coast is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Wild, daring and romantic, the Coast is an obligatory stop in any holiday in Italy.

Amalfi Coast Guide 

Ravello

Ravello is a town of about 2,500 inhabitants in the province of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast.

A famous resort discovered and visited by many celebrities of all arts.   

About half of its visitors are British and Americans, attracted by its intellectual appeal and charm of its famous villas, like that of Villa Cimbrone with its famous Vista from the Infinity Terrace.

Founded in the 6th century, it was chosen around the 9th century as a refuge by a group of nobles of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, who had rebelled against the authority of the Doge.

Ravello was chosen because it sits on a very defensible position, high on a spur which separates the valleys of the river Dragone from that of Reginna, on the southern slopes of the Lattari mountains, overlooking the sea.

The history of Ravello is strictly connected with that of Amalfi. The economic and political decline began in the Norman period and became dramatic during the 17th century.

Today Ravello is famous for its incomparable views and architectural and artistic marvels built during the centuries of splendour.

The town boasts one of the highest living standards of Italy.

With Greta Garbo as its favorite lover, Richard Wagner as a symbol of music, to which Ravello pays homage to the city each year thanks to the prestigious Ravello Festival, and a host of celebrities (from a Humphrey Bogart, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Virginia Woolf, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida) to act as courtiers in this elegant realm of bien vivre, Ravello can rightly claim to be the most precious jewel of the beautiful Amalfi Coast. 

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is the first town on the Amalfi Coast coming from Salerno, which is only three kilometres away.

Famous for its ceramic industry, Vietri sul Mare is a small seaside resort with a Marina and a beach where two prominent rocks are known as “The Brothers”.  The town has numerous bars and restaurants, many serving the seafood dishes which typify the Amalfi Coast cuisine.

The local ceramic industry was started in the late Renaissance period , thanks to the Sanseverino family and since then has flourished and  been a symbol of Vietri sul Mare.

This background and the availability of high quality raw materials have seen the growth of many local crafts and businesses related to ceramics.

For example the Ceramic of Solimene where even the factory “Ceramica Artistica Solimene”, designed by Paolo Soleri, is a work of art.

The local crafts frequently incorporate the colours of the sun, sea and lemons so typical of Vietri sul Mare and the Amalfi Coast. The brushwork applied and the use of glaze developed by the master potters and handed down to younger generations.

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