At the gates of the Amalfi Coast, the panorama is unmistakable. Sheer rocky ridges, Mediterranean vegetation with its enveloping scents, and beautiful, bright patches of colour silhouetted against the heights or the coastline: these are the small local villages, whose brightly coloured houses and majolica-domed churches paint the atmosphere in vivid hues, to be admired at least once in a lifetime.
Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is a seaside town in the province of Salerno belonging to the Amalfi Coast and known the world over not only for its particular beauty, but also for its traditional ceramic work, a material that travellers will often encounter as a decorative element in the streets and fountains of the old town, on benches, in the pavement of the seafront and in the town's panoramic spots. Indeed, Vietrese ceramics (unique pieces because they are handmade) are immediately recognisable by their bright colours and floral or naïve motifs, and it will be fun to look for them in the most diverse spots on your itinerary. In terms of territory, the town of Vietri is ideally divided into an upper and a lower coastal part. In the higher part, the craftsmen's workshops are the protagonists: colourful and poetic, they are a characteristic element that will win you over; as you descend through alleys, down staircases and narrow streets, you continue towards the sea where the seaside village lies, where the beaches and small squares, even in winter, during sunny days, maintain a light, elegant and holiday-like appearance.
Planning a stay in Vietri sul Mare means first and foremost immersing oneself in the relaxing yet bustling atmosphere typical of the small seaside villages of the South. The coastline offers several beaches of sand mixed with pebbles, where the clear water reflects the colours of the surrounding vegetation; the alleys of the village are perfect for romantic and picturesque walks in search of the perfect glimpse to photograph; and the town villa, with its soft and colourful architecture, is a jewel to be discovered, from which one can enjoy a beautiful view of the coast. We also recommend a visit to the elegant church of St John the Baptist, whose dome is the town's hallmark, and, in the immediate vicinity, a stop at the 'Ruota dei trovatelli', where in ancient times babies were anonymously left by mothers who could not care for them, to be taken in by charitable institutions. Those who want to discover more about the history of Vietri's beautiful ceramics can visit the interesting Provincial Museum of Ceramics, at Raito (a hamlet of Vietri), while hiking enthusiasts can follow the itineraries that lead to the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), a unique trekking site that crosses breathtaking heights to the town of Positano. Vietri's location will also allow you to reach other coastal villages and towns, such as Albori (among the most beautiful villages in Italy), Cetara, Maiori, Positano... to discover world-famous wonders that will thrill you.
In Vietri sul Mare, flavours reflect those of the Amalfi coast and are an expression of the town's seafaring vocation. Not to be missed are first courses based on fresh fish, such as spaghetti or scialatielli with seafood, to be savoured perhaps in some panoramic restaurant or genuine, authentic trattoria. As a main course (or as an appetiser) anchovies are a real delicacy: eaten fried or marinated, they stand out for their freshness that makes them tender and soft and one pulls the other! Not to mention octopus salads, grilled king prawns and mixed seafood fritters (the latter can also be eaten on the move, in the typical 'cuoppi') which are a real guarantee. Seasonal grilled vegetables will not disappoint, as will aubergine parmigiana, a tasty and hearty side dish, often eaten as a main course. For dessert, in Vietri you will find many desserts that embrace the gastronomy of Campania: go for babas, lemon delicacies and sfogliatelle r (don't miss the cream-filled sfogliatella Santa Rosa, typical of the Amalfi Coast) and, if you can, be inspired by the windows of bars and pastry shops, where the regional tradition will surely surprise you.
Vietri sul Mare offers year-round characteristic events strongly linked to local identity. During the Christmas period, the town, amidst the illuminations and decorations, is a pearl worth visiting, where the sea offers special suggestions not to be missed (in nearby Salerno, you can also see the famous Luci d'Artista). On 17 January, on the occasion of the feast of Sant'Antuono, patron saint of ceramists, the village is the setting for performances and workshops. In summer, in the months from June to August, the calendar is enriched with concerts and shows in various symbolic locations in the village, such as the lemon festival held in Dragonea (a hamlet of Vietri) in which this citrus fruit is celebrated along with many dishes featuring its use, such as lemon ravioli, lemon meatballs, fritters, cakes, etc. In September, on the other hand, the festa dei boccali is held in Raito, where mugs (vases of different sizes) made and painted in the Vietri ceramic style are displayed in a colourful and cheerful exhibition that keeps this important local tradition alive.
English (UK) 
Italiano