Another hot day which gave the coast a sparkling glow. We decided today to explore the local area.
Breakfast in the hotel. The hotel is full, so it was interesting to see some of the other guests - a range of nationalities.
Some beautiful ceramics in the lobby.
We walked down the busy road towards Amalfi town. When I asked the owner if it was safe to walk (the traffic is manic), he said that the road had been there was 600 years old and no one had died yet - so I held on to that fact all day!
Some unexpected blossoms.
Tiled map and description of Amalfi life.
Traditional boats of this area.
Medieval buildings now hotels and restaurants with modern swimming pools added. Luxury craft swan by.
We walked around the road to the next town, Atrani. 800 residents in winter but all available accommodation full in summer.
Atrani comprises a small piazza with a medieval church of San Salvatore de Birecto. Local young people open the church for visitors daily, proud of their heritage.
Only 10 am but getting warm, so I decided against coffee ordering 2 refreshing lemon drinks. Delicious.
I asked what was in them when I was paying - limoncello, prosecco and VODKA! A lemon spritzer - more appropriate later in the day.
We walked back to Amalfi and swam at the main beach. The water must be about 24 degrees.
Keen fishermen.
Then we walked into Amalfi town and visited Amalfi cathedral of St Andrew.
Striking black and tan colour scheme.
Bronze doors, crafted in Constantinople in the 11th century - similar to those in Atrani.
The Cloister of Paradise, created in the 13th century in a Moorish style. It was an ancient cemetery for nobility.
Bell tower (1180-1276), which is also in the Moorish style with polychrome majolica tiles.
There is a small museum, including one of my favourite saints, Saint Dennis, who you will remember recovered his head after losing it being charged a heretic.
Vivid frescoes
Eighteenth century doors with effigies of local saints painted on them.
The crypt which houses the bones of the martyred St Andrew and several other saints. Every year on the eve of St Andrew's Day a miracle is supposed to occur, with manna forming in a phial on top of the sepulchre.
Lots of activity in the main piazza and time for lunch. Fresh tomato and buffalo cheese salad and calamari.
Lemons and all bi- products are famous here - including limoncello.
Interesting promotion for locally dried chillies.
Colourful buildings
The hotel recommended a nearby beach for swimming.
Proportedly 400 steps. So down I went.
Mark back at the hotel, protecting his knees.
Lots of activity with kayaks, snorkelling etc available but a swim was just perfect.
Then 400 steps up. Thank goodness I've had a little training lately.
A hotel with stunning views. Hotel Miramalfi. We booked in for their buffet Napoli night.
Fabulous views of Amalfi.
Four course buffet. Napoli music including the old Italian favourite Love is in the air /John Paul Young.
Finishing with a bit of dancing with the dynamic waiters.
M&M
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