Amalfi

Magical Amalfi, an iconic Italian town

Set in a sea-facing gorge and surrounded by cliffs on the Neapolitan Riviera, the little town of Amalfi has a winter population of just 5,000. Located right on the seafront, holidays to Amalfi give you some fantastic views over the Mediterranean.

It's not just the natural landscape that's stunning either, as the Amalfi coastline received its UNESCO award as a result of the harmonious mix of natural beauty and manmade towns and buildings.

Amalfi beaches

Amalfi has its own small beach known as the Marina Grande, which can get fairly crowded at peak summer times. Walk to the other side of the town's port however and you'll find the Lido delle Sirene, a more spacious beach with all the usual amenities and a restaurant right on the shore.

The beach of Santa Croce is only nine minutes away and is even less packed out during the summer months, though you'll have to either hire a boat or take a ferry to reach this charming destination.

Those with a thirst for adventure can hire a car to take trips all along this stunning coastline, exploring the area between Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. If you don't fancy driving, there's always the option to take a local bus and get off when you feel like it. You're in for some spectacular views on your trip, as well as the chance to stop off at some wonderful little towns and villages on the way.

The Grotta dello Smeraldo

If you really want to see an extraordinary sight, take a boat trip out to this grotto, named after its emerald coloured light conditions. Only a four minute drive west of Amalfi, the moment you climb down the stairs to this cave, which is part-filled with seawater, you'll know you're in for a unique treat. As well as the stalagmites and stalactites that help to give the cave its eerie atmosphere, there's a submerged ceramic nativity scene.

Satisfy your lust for shopping

As well as the usual souvenir shops, Amalfi Coast holidays are also an great choice for finding extraordinary gifts. If you're looking for something a little less run of the mill, Il Ninfeno in Amalfi is the place to head to. With work decorated by both local and national artisans, there's a fantastic selection of pottery in this workshop.

Sandals are an imperative in this part of Italy and apparently all of the stars from Italian stage and screen make a beeline for the local sandals made in Positano and sold in Amalfi. The handmade chocolate at Andrea Pansa is also gorgeous, carefully presented and wrapped if you want to take it home as a gift. The little alleyways of Amalfi are well worth exploring too, just remember to include a bottle of the delicious local lemon drink, limoncello, among your purchases.

Enjoy the waves

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the coastline from the sea around Amalfi. Simply hire a kayak from Amalfi Kayak, situated on Duoligio beach, a six-minute bus ride from the centre of town. Here you can either choose to join a larger group or hire a kayak on your own to explore the beauties of this stunning coastline, as well as mysterious grottos, extraordinary villas and even more hidden secrets of Amalfi. As well as the usual boat tours, you can also indulge in your love of adventure by taking to the waves via jetski or speedboat.

Wander in and around Amalfi

The Ruga Nova Mercatorum cathedral in Amalfi's main square is a good place to start if you just want to see where your fancy takes you. Or head for the northern edge of Amalfi to see the world's oldest paper mill – the 13th-century Museo della Carta. As well as learning about its history, you can pick up some stationery in the gift shop afterwards.

If you want to venture outside Amalfi on foot, the local natural reserve of Ferriere Valley is a great place to visit. With cascading waterfalls and a green landscape full of ancient deciduous trees, it has a 10-kilometre track that takes about four hours to complete, starting and finishing in Amalfi's main square.