Only a few kilometres away from the most ‘renowned’ part of the coast, but Minori & Maiori are characteristic little towns with sandy beaches (in Maiori you’ll find the longest beach on the Coast) and a wide choice of hotels and restaurants at affordable prices.
what to do
La Basilica minore di S. Trofimena
For a little culture, head over to the Basilica Minore di S. Trofimena and the Roman Maritime Villa of the 1st century AD and admire the perfectly preserved frescoes and mosaics.
visit Erchie
The nearby village of Erchie is made up of a handful of houses on one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast and il sentiero dei limoni (the path of lemons), a 9km route. This path used to be the only link between Maiori and Minori and used for the transportation of lemons that grew on the neighbouring terraces. Today, it’s an idyllic walk with breathtaking views.
BEACHES
There are a few beaches worth visiting in Maiori, and some are only accessible via boat but it’s highly worth the trip. Salicerchie beach, also named as the green bay for the splendid colour of its waters is further south and it’s a small bay surrounded by rocks and green vegetation. The Cavallo Morto Beach and the Cauco Beach, reachable only by sea, are white sand beaches with light blue waters and finally, for those seeking somewhere remote, try Suverano or Sgarrupo Beach. It is very demanding to reach but highly rewarding once you’re there.
Where to eat
Torre normanna
An ancient watchtower built in 1250 that was once the film set of one of the episodes of the film Paisà by the director Roberto Rossellini. Recently the Proto brothers have taken over the restaurant and created a very traditional menu. There is also a very pretty terrace that overlooks the coastline for the ultimate, romantic, candlelit dinner. WEBSITE
Faro di capo d’orso
An enchanting place that seats only 20 people, overlooking Ravello, Amalfi and on clear days you can even catch a glimpse of Capri. Here Andrea Aprea, already 2 Michelin stars at the Vun of the Park Hyatt, has chosen to return to his region after ten years, bringing his concept of contemporary cuisine to the coastline. On the menu, some of his signature dishes are the “Tortello with ricotta from the Lattari mountains and double concentration of Neapolitan ragù” or the “Lemon risotto”. WEBSITE
Sal De Riso
The new Sal De Riso on the seafront of Minori is an all day dining concept where you can taste some delicious sweet and savoury bites from breakfast, to lunch, from happy hour to dinner and, after dinner snacks. They have everything from pizzas to main courses. traditional Minorese fresh pasta with “ndunderi”, rice sartù, crepes from Ravello, peppers stuffed with spaghetti and many vegan and vegetarian options.
Giardiniello
A very traditional restaurant in Minori, frequented by the locals and family run since 1955. The pasta dishes are sensational, especially the Spaghetti with Clams which is one of their specialities. WEBSITE
azienda agricola Cuonc cuonc
Located along the “Sentiero dei Limoni”, the agriturismo is owned by Raffaella Amato and Aniello Caso, and can be reached from the center of Minori, climbing about 200 steps between hanging gardens and citrus groves. It’s an organic farmhouse and restaurant with very few tables, a menu that features all the seasonal produce and an extraordinary view. WEBSITE
SWEET DELIGHTS
Pasticceria Sal de Riso
Renowned from all over the world, this pastry shop is famed for its ‘Delizia al Limone’. Take a seat at one of the tables in the square with a view of the sea and enjoy one of these sweet delights. This place is a must during a visit to Maiori (and the Amalfi Coast in general). WEBSITE
Caffè Umberto
Carlo Mansi has been producing artisan ice cream since 1943. The lemon granita is exceptional but inside the store you’ll also find an array of home made liqueurs.
Geljada di Marco Apicella
Along the coastline you’ll find Geljada by Marco Apicella, a place that doesn’t only serve granitas or ice creams but also many other sweet treats from your frappès, milkshakes and semifreddo to frozen yoghurt with various toppings. You’ll also find many soya alternatives, gluten free and olive oil ice cream. WEBSITE
Pasticceria Trieste
In Corso Reginna, the main street of Maiori, in front of Palazzo Mezzacapo, take a pit-stop at the Pasticceria Trieste and try the ‘sospiri’: sponge cake, glaze and cream with Amalfi sfusato, the typical lemon of the Amalfi Coast. WEBSITE
Shop
Azienda Agricola Biologica Raffaele La Palma
In this farmhouse you can shop for oil, honey and various fruit jams such as figs, grapes and prickly pears, You’ll also find Lemon liqueurs, lemon jams and 3 wine labels: Puntacroce DOC, Montecorvo DOC, Salicerchi DOC.
Where to sleep
Torre Elisea
This is a small B&B in the upper part of Minori with a wonderful sea view. Recently renovated, simply but tastefully furnished with blue and white majolicas and a cost from €100 per night. Every room overlooks the coast and it even has parking for those travelling with a car and a shuttle bus service for those on foot. WEBSITE
Antica Rheginna luxury suites
Housed in a recently renovated building in the center of Minori, it offers elegant, pleasant and well-furnished rooms. Antica Reghinna is the hospitality center of Torre Normanna. WEBSITE
Badia Santa Maria Olearia
The Abbey of Santa Maria dell’Olearia is a hotel nestled in the rocks of Maiori. There are eight rooms that have been transformd into cosy, comfortable spaces embellished with antique furnishings, original decorative elements and terracotta floors with as an ode to its heritage. In the mornings, breakfast, a delicious spread of mediterranean delicacies, is served in one of the natural caves that surrounds the building. WEBSITE