Cruise Ship Travel
Cruise ships anchor off the coast of Amalfi, using tenders to escort passengers to the town’s pier, only a hop, skip, and jump from the main sights. Cross the busy traffic hub of Piazza Flavio Gioia, pass through the gate of Porta della Marina to Piazza Duomo, where 62 imposing steps rise to the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea. Those who wish to explore further can grab a 25-minute bus ride to Ravello, a jewel on the hill high above the Amalfi Coast, resplendent with lush gardens and the unmissable view from Villa Cimbrone’s Belvedere of Infinity. After so many days at sea, you may then choose to trek down to the delightful village of Atrani, a one-hour descent through the Valle del Dragone, with your ship clearly visible for much of the walk. You are now just 15 minutes from your tender. Regular SITA buses (www.sitasudtrasporti.it) ply the 40-minute route along the Amalfi Drive—a spectacle in itself (try to sit on the left-hand side)—to Positano, the most beautiful vertical village in the world. Alternatively, you can hire a car with driver for about €100 an hour.
- Atrani. A visit to the enclosed Piazza Umberto I in one of southern Italy's smallest municipalities will instantly transport you back in time.
- Duomo di Sant’Andrea. Amalfi’s jewel dominates its main square; the 9th-century cathedral's Arab-Norman style also displays Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque influences.
- Grotta Smeraldo. Just outside Conca dei Marini, you can board a rowboat for an entertaining guided ride through this large cave famous for its fascinating green reflections.
- Positano. This oft-photographed beauty of a town descends from the Lattari Mountains to the Mediterranean.
- Ravello. Possibly the most beautiful hilltop town in the world, Ravello hosts a venerable music festival every summer.
