Amalfi coast – this word evokes images of romantic, narrow streets, steep cliffs and deep blue waters. As a cruise vacationers to experience this UNESCO world heritage site by day trip close to the action. Because of the magnificent Amalfi coast, is only about an hour's drive from the port in Naples. We have to let us in October 2020 surprise from the autumn Flair to this beautiful corner of the earth.
Places to visit, around Naples
If you as a cruise passenger during a Mittelmeehr cruise in historic Napoli invests, the proverbial spoilt for choice. The Italian coastal town, there are an incredible variety of rewarding destinations. You should, perhaps, the unique Pompeii visit, with the Remnants of the famous volcano eruption? Or maybe the whole day in the The UNESCO city of Naples spend, delicious Pizza feast and Espresso with the Locals drink? For island lovers the beauty of curls also Capri, Ischia and Procida. In fact, The variety of cultural, culinary and historic landmarks made the decision for a country excursion to the challenge.
There I was on Board the MSC Grandiosa and was admittedly a little overwhelmed. What should I take? My father had left me a free Hand in Planning of daily specials. I flipped on the Terminal in front of the reception by the offers and read me in the promising descriptions. In the end, I stayed a little longer at the entry to the Amalfi coast slopes. Many of my friends and family members from all over the world had always warms back from this land welded. And now in October 2020, the weather was still warm and the coastal road less crowded than in the summer. Two clicks later, and the Plan for the next day was clear: let us whisk you away to the small town of the world famous stretch of coast.
Special requirements to the means of transport
In the fall of 2020, the reboot of MSC cruises lay rides after the first COVID-19-back forced break only a few weeks. As a precautionary measure, all the excursions were carried out only within organised small groups.
The Bus is waiting for us, however, is not only due to Corona-restrictions, particularly compact. We marvel at the vehicle rear and Inside an extremely narrow cut. This has a pragmatic reason. A regular coach would fit on the narrow roads of the Amalfi coast, as our tour guide educates the same. The main road would still be feasible. A trip down to the sea, however, is unthinkable.
A good note, we think, for all of the caravan drivers. Because as we us a short time later able to convince this Fellow would have to navigate the absolute difficulty of a certain size, without prejudice to the streets. The good news is that for the larger means of transport, there is usually something outside pitches, which can be used for a daily fee.
Our means of transport, however, is perfectly equipped for the track, and equipped with large panoramic Windows. Therefore, we look for a place on the right bus-side (for the best views down to the sea) and we roll out of the port area. Normally, the cruise ship is on a cruise ship. Due to the pandemic our world is MSC Grandiosa exceptionally, on a limb alone.
Arrival of the ship with numerous views of the Vesuvius
Soon after the port of exit, there is a lot to see. A short view of the old town of Naples is indulged ourselves with. Exactly how spectacular views of the mighty Vesuvius. It is impressive and at the same time scary as close to the settlements are nestled on the flanks of the volcano! Although the local government has used for resettlement of citizens from vulnerable areas, were built many thousands of homes illegally. The destruction of the last great eruption of 79 ad, can you sites very well in the excavation of the ancient Pompeii understand. Since our destination for today is, however, more to the South, these are just fleeting on the left Hand in sight.
On this photo you can see the cruise port with some of the ships.
The island beauties of Capri, Ischia, and Procida in the distance
Our eyes are quickly drawn to the other bus-side. Thanks to the clear weather, at the present day, you can see in the distance the Islands of Capri and Ischia. One is the island of the jet set, the Rich and famous. The other is known for down-to-earth Italian Flair and thermal sources.
Something hidden from Ischia we see, briefly, the third in the League: Procida. As we know from our own experience, insider tip for visitors. If you have never been to the three Islands, you should definitely plan a trip there. We were already a number of times, especially on the island of Ischia. It's going to rain ferry between Naples and the Islands, therefore, to an island tour over a few days as a short holiday excellent. Maybe as a perfect Start in front of the cruise?
Each is an ideal destination for a short break.
The famous coastal road Amalfitana
From now on, it goes up a steep and winding road. Anyone who has a sensitive stomach, you should better sit in the front. For all others, the range is spectacular. We say goodbye to us from the Gulf of Naples and travel via a detour Sorrento in up the hills. From here it is not far off.
The view opens up and all of a sudden in front of us: the Amalfi coast. The stunning coastal road Amalfitana winding through the landscape. A first photo stop here. Far below us we can see small bays and investors for boats. You should use this little evasive coves along the road, necessarily. Because many opportunities to uncomplicated Stop can not provide. The few places are densely built up and down the cliffs drop steeply. Well, the bus driver will know the best places in a lot of variants. To quickly find the variety of impressions pass else on this first section. Everywhere you look magnificent villas, luxurious Hotels, and in between terraced olive and lemon groves. The picturesque images that I had previously in the head, be absolutely confirmed.
From time to time, you can stop for a second to shoot a photo.
A UNESCO world heritage site in the Gulf of Salerno
The geographic orientation: Our cruise ship moored on the Western coast of Italy, in the Gulf of Naples. To the South, the larger is Gulf of Salerno. The two bays are separated from the Sorrento Peninsula. And here we are now. Because the Amalfi coast is part of the southern coast.
In addition to the named place, give the Amalfi other charming towns, such as on a beads cord strung together in front of us. Already in the early middle ages, stately country were seats with views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian sea. The extraordinary landscape and the historical traces of the early development and management also fascinated by the UNESCO. Since 1997, the landscape must, therefore, on the prestigious world heritage list.
Positano – the romantic pearl
While we follow the enggewundenen road, the beauty is always clear. Terra wine-focused mountains and fruit were beaten gardens from the cliffs out. Picturesque houses in all the colors Nestle rocks close to the stone. Brief views of hidden coves. Anyone who may have been his home and boat dock? The name of Sophia Loren and Roger Moore, because both of them had years of seats for living somewhere on this sought-after rocks.
Who might be here from time to invest?
Always possibilities, in one of the small villages Holding offer. We are enjoying the first long stop, which brings us directly in the so-called pearl of the coast-Positano. The views over the picturesque town with the dome-shaped roof of the Santa Maria Assunta and pastel-coloured houses is world-famous. A small place right on the beach Spiaggia Grande is the center, the crowd of Hotels, pensions and Restaurants close to the rocks. A man should fear to the stairs. Because in order to make the Bay, accessible, were created thousands of levels that connect the individual parts together. We stroll through the streets, and let us have the romantic image. A few photos and got in again – because of the stomach's growling now noticeably.
Therefore, the entire coastline is a protected UNESCO list as a world heritage site.
The diverse flavor of the lemons
Again and again we see the plants that have worn this area economically for a long time: lemon, orange and olive trees. The harvest is here in the autumn in the past, the yield was good and we look forward to the delights that are on it. And our expectations are not disappointed. Only for us – as a security measure has been reserved for a Restaurant, on a projecting rock. The chef knows how to combine the ingredients of the Region, a magnificent Three-course menu with a variety of lemon and olive notes. We do not know what was better – the Focaccia with Lemon zest to the Start or the light lemon cream as a Dessert? In any case, the local Limoncello is a must at the end. Sweet and syrupy, the lemon liqueur revived us for the next few hours.
We browse through the range of ceramics in the adjacent Shop. A Paradise for souvenir hunters, the we, too, can not withstand. A bit of olive oil with a touch of Lemon, a bottle of local wine and some of the little things end up in the bag, an Espresso at the Bar, still in the mouth. Heavily loaded and well saturated, we let ourselves down again on the Bus.
Here, we have managed to get a few things for the family and friends back home.
A walk around Amalfi
For the afternoon, the highlight of the tour is the town of Amalfi. Here you can lose yourself entirely in the web of narrow streets. Every inch is used as well to do it. It's going up, going down the stairs to the various vantage points of this jewel. The old town is typically Italian, here and there, the plaster is crumbling, and there are at every corner to discover New things. We recommend to go with the flow and also to explore small slip angle.
In General, very little is going on and we have to immerse opportunity relaxed in daily life. A Nonna making fresh Pasta for the evening and waving at us from the kitchen. A young mother-to-hang the washed clothes between the houses and numerous telephone cables. And a few fishermen try their luck at the pier while you chat lively.
Duomo di Amalfi
The famous Cathedral is unfortunately closed at the time of our visit, as it is completely renovated. This building, the close historical Connections Amalfi show up as a trading partner in Oriental cities and rulers throughout the Campanian facade Arab style elements are found and the tower reminds somehow of a minaret? The history of this long-standing partnership is extremely exciting. Thanks to the excellent relations with the Byzantine Amalfi was 9. Century a center of power in Italy, as we learn in amazement.
Many of the motifs are inspired from the long history of Amalfi as a brisk trade partner of the Oriental world.
The Old Town
Every corner of the place seems to have a history of Europe. The charming main street Via Lorenzo d'amalfi it ranges from the small lakeside promenade up in the narrow valley, and is lined with small shops. You can almost hear the Pitter-Patter of delicate Eselhufe, which must have been the alleys met. Because the donkey, the ubiquitous transport of goods due to the many terraces formerly a means to distribute the valuable goods between the secluded places of the coast. A Remnant of this time, the fountain is De Cape `e Ciucci. The current design, with numerous small figures of the Nativity scene may seem bizarre. Earlier, the fountain was used for the Impregnation of the exhausted donkey, the heavy load had the way out of the mountains to the coast brought.
It is not particularly long, but with lots of small shops equipped.
Since the middle of the 20th century. Century, it was equipped with a different Nativity characters.
Museums and Palace-like cemetery
We would like to dig a little deeper in the stories. Above the city, the cemetery attracts Cimitero Monumentale di Amalfi with fabulous scenery. Just like the Museum and the Old Shipyard we must pay interest values for today, however, on the left. Because all too quickly the afternoon passes for us in the wonderful maze of the old town.
At the bottom of the port, meet the Locals now. Here are many of the fishermen were 30 years ago, even boats. But there is now only a little fish in the sea, off the coast, and the boats no longer drive. Everything and everyone is living from tourism. The few Strangers roam the narrow streets of Amalfi and will meet again on the small Piazza dello Spirito Santo, where the lions mouths water in a fountain flows, and the waiters are serving the pandemic safe again excellent food.
Make plans for the next visit
What we become increasingly aware of on this day: The Amalfi coast is much more known as the coastal road. Everywhere you see the hiding places of the paths that lead hanging in the. Let us on the way back through the Hinterland to the planning of our next visit to get carried away. Far away from the well-known centers of the slopes to hidden hikes. Whether it is a short walk or a full day to explore the coast on foot. Lively hustle and bustle in the small town, this picturesque land, there's a summer day, so the evening is on the Amalfi coast after a long hike safely magical.
Walks are in addition to cross our passion rides. Hiking from the valley of the mills in Amalfi, to the village of Pogerola up, an hour and more by lemon groves, olive groves and scrub forests, and over 1000 levels that excites us very much. Occasionally you will meet three or four donkeys with their leader. The animals hauling sacks of cement or bricks, the steep stairs – indispensable helpers in the villages and towns of the coast. And thus, it is clear: this divine spot to see us again for sure.
In the image of our MSC is not Grandiosa, but another cruise ship to test drive.
Arrival of cruise ship
If we were able to arouse in them the desire for a day on the Amalfi coast, then you can apply directly to the provider of your cruise. Because almost every shipping company, the inserts in Naples, a stopover, offering organized tours there.
Private tours are also possible (taking into account possible restrictions). The stretch of coast is about 40 kilometres to the South of Naples, and is on the state roads easily accessible. Note, however, necessarily the size restrictions for vehicles, if you drag a own arrival into consideration.
To different places to enjoy to the fullest, we recommend you to spend the whole day there. There are a variety of attractions waiting to be discovered. And the Restaurants offer a wide selection of delicacies, which you may enjoy after all the steps with a clear Conscience. For the cultural and culinary Probably trip on this day, therefore, safely taken care of.
Photo Sources: Title Image Michaela Fire/Shutterstock.com | post image 1 Olga_Go/Shutterstock.com | post image 2 S-F/Shutterstock.com | post image 4 Marcelo Alex/Shutterstock.com | post image 12 Ipek Morel/Shutterstock