Exploring the Enchanting Amalfi Coast with Friends

Amalfi's Citrus and Stone: A Day of Exploration

The Amalfi Coast has a way of captivating you with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. Today was all about embracing that spirit of adventure, with a hike through lemon groves, a visit to a historic tower, and plenty of delicious food in between. Lena would have loved this, she is a big fan of lemons, in anything!



Our day began with breakfast at La Bussola sul Mare, a delightful spot right by the water. I opted for a simple but satisfying Italian breakfast: a cappuccino and a pastry. The view of the Tyrrhenian Sea was the perfect way to start the day. I must admit, I did miss having Lena and Sophie with me, but this trip with friends is a much-needed escape, even though I already miss them dearly.


Experience exquisite dining at La Bussola sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast – where breathtaking views meet authentic Italian cuisine.

Fueled up, we set off to conquer the Path of the Lemons, also known as *Sentiero dei Limoni*. This ancient mule path connects Maiori and Minori, winding through terraced lemon groves that cling to the steep hillsides. The air was thick with the fragrant scent of lemons, a smell that will forever remind me of this trip. The path itself was mostly paved but involved a fair number of stairs, definitely a good workout first thing in the morning! I was glad I packed my hiking boots; I’m starting to think that maybe I should have packed my sunglasses too, the sun was quite strong.


Explore the enchanting Path of the Lemons along Italy's Amalfi Coast, where scenic hikes meet fragrant lemon groves and breathtaking sea views.

As we hiked, we were surrounded by the vibrant green of the lemon trees, their branches laden with bright yellow fruit. It felt like stepping into a postcard. The views of the coastline were simply breathtaking, with the turquoise sea stretching out as far as the eye could see. I couldn't resist snapping photos at every turn. It was easy to see why this path was once the primary mode of transportation between these towns, before the coastal road was built.



    

The Path of the Lemons isn't just a walk; it's an immersion into the heart of the Amalfi Coast, where the scent of citrus fills the air and the views are simply unforgettable.

After a couple of hours of hiking and taking in the views, we reached Minori. We rewarded ourselves with a refreshing lemon granita at a small cafe before hopping on a bus back to Amalfi.



Back in Amalfi, we decided to delve into a bit of history with a visit to the Torre dello Ziro. This ancient watchtower sits high on a rocky spur between Amalfi and Atrani, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The walk up to the tower was a bit challenging, but the views were well worth the effort.


Explore Torre dello Ziro, a historic tower offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a taste of the Amalfi Coast's rich heritage.

The tower itself dates back to 1480, built on the ruins of a 12th-century structure. It was constructed as a defensive outpost to guard against Saracen attacks. But the tower is also shrouded in legend, most notably the tragic tale of Giovanna d'Aragona, the Duchess of Amalfi, who was allegedly imprisoned and murdered here in the 16th century by her brothers for secretly marrying her steward. Standing there, looking out over the coastline, it was easy to imagine the tower's long and eventful history. It’s amazing to think of all the things that tower has seen over the past 500 years.



After our historical excursion, it was time for lunch. We headed to Agricola Fore Porta, a charming farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the hills above Amalfi. The walk to the restaurant was scenic, taking us through more lemon groves and past cascading waterfalls. The restaurant itself was a rustic and inviting space, with outdoor seating offering stunning views of the valley.


Discover the essence of Italian cuisine at Agricola Fore Porta: an organic farmstay offering authentic flavors amid stunning Amalfi Coast views.

The food at Agricola Fore Porta was simply outstanding. Everything was made with fresh, local ingredients, and you could taste the difference. We shared a selection of dishes, including homemade pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil, grilled vegetables, and a delicious eggplant parmigiana. The flavors were vibrant and authentic, a true taste of the Amalfi Coast. It was a bit of a walk to get there, about 25 minutes from Amalfi, but well worth the effort. The fact that they only use products from their own gardens made the experience even more special. It’s great to see a family so dedicated to supporting their farm and providing such a unique dining experience.



In the late afternoon, before dinner, we did a little bit of shopping at Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi. I wanted to pick up some souvenirs for Lena and Sophie, and this shop seemed like the perfect place to find authentic local products. I ended up buying a bottle of limoncello, some lemon candies, and a hand-painted ceramic lemon. I’m sure they will love them; I’m also hoping it makes up for me forgetting the portable phone charger, although I´m not so sure.


Discover the essence of Amalfi at Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi, where local limoncello and handcrafted pottery await your exploration.

For dinner, we chose Trattoria dei Cartari, a cozy restaurant in the heart of Amalfi. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the menu featured a variety of traditional Italian dishes. I opted for the seafood pasta, which was bursting with fresh flavors. The staff was friendly and attentive, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Apparently they also have vegan options available, which is good to know. After dinner, we strolled along the waterfront, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the twinkling lights of the town.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Trattoria dei Cartari in Amalfi – where fresh seafood meets traditional cuisine.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo and the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the Amalfi Coast's natural beauty and historical landmarks. I’m also hoping to find a good spot for a drink in the evening, maybe the Masaniello Art Café. I’ll be sure to share all the details with you all then. Ciao!