Amalfitana

Amalfitana, commonly referred to as the Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana, is a coastal region in Campania, Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The shoreline extends roughly from Sorrento in the west to Vietri sul Mare in the east, featuring dramatic cliffs, terraced hillsides, and a string of cliff-hugging towns. The coastline is known for its scenic beauty, architectural variety, and Mediterranean climate.

Principal communities along the Amalfitana include Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Atrani, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Vietri sul Mare. The Strada Statale 163 (SS163) runs the length of the coast, offering panoramic views but presenting narrow, winding sections that require careful driving. The area is also connected by ferries and regional trains to larger hubs such as Naples and Salerno.

Historically, the coast rose to prominence during the medieval Maritime Republic of Amalfi, a powerful trading state that influenced navigation and commerce around the central Mediterranean. The landscape’s terraces and vineyards reflect centuries of adaptation to steep terrain and seismic risk. In 1997, the Costiera Amalfitana was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and the ongoing dialogue between people and the rugged environment.

Today the economy is driven largely by tourism, supported by agriculture (notably lemons and Limoncello), crafts, and fishing. Visitors are drawn to historic towns, hilltop gardens, and hiking routes such as the Path of the Gods. Conservation and infrastructure challenges include traffic congestion, landslides, and balancing development with preservation of historic sites and terraced agriculture.