Best things to do in Amalfi Coast

Enjoy fabulous views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri along Il Sentiero Degli Dei, a scenic footpath on the slopes of Monte Peruso. Linking the tiny hilltop town of Agerola with Nocelle, this 7 km (4.3 mi) path is considered challenging but offers many viewing points with wooden benches and chairs for picnicking--ideal spots for taking a rest.

Renowned for its moonlight concerts, Villa Rufolo was built in the 13th century for a wealthy local family. The villa is famed for its cascading gardens, which were created in 1853 by Francis Neville Reid, a Scotsman who bought the property and not only took care of its restoration, but also designed the current layout. The gardens are known for their luxurious flower beds, which blossom in bursts of exotic colors throughout the year, as well as for offering panoramic views of the world-famous Amalfi Coast. German composer Richard Wagner visited the villa in 1880 and was so overcome by the attractiveness of the location that he later used it as a setting in of one of his operas. Check the official website for an accurate list of all upcoming concerts and other events at this site.

Remodeled many times since the ninth century, Duomo di Sant'Andrea is home to the Crypt of St. Andrew. Two crosses--one a 13th-century wooden crucifix, the other mother of pearl brought from the Holy Land--represent two different periods in the cathedral's history. The bronze doors of the church were cast in the city of Constantinople before 1066, making them the city's earliest architectural feature of post-Roman manufacture. Visit the gardens, where arches, colonnades, and sculptures blend in with the colorful landscaping.

One of the highlights of Villa Cimbrone Gardens is the Terrace of Infinity, a natural balcony with 18th-century marble busts and views of the sea, lemon groves, and mountains. As you walk through gardens of this historic villa, you'll wander past oak, alder, and chestnut trees. Make your way down to the natural cave that is home to a 19th-century marble statue of Eve. Walk up the stairway to the rose gardens to breathe in the scent of French and English roses. Look for the inscription quoting poet Omar Khayyám. Latch on to a guide at the entrance if you want to see all the sculptures and learn their stories.

Duomo di Ravello is an 11th-century cathedral best known for its bronze doors leading inward. Once inside, you will find the aisles separated by ancient columns, but the interior is largely simple in decor. You can ask about times when the organ is played, as visitors often praise its music. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the cathedral.

Museo della Carta is a museum set in a 13th-century paper mill, where you can learn about the history of paper and how it was once made. The oldest structure of its kind in Europe, this mill still features working original paper presses, and you can even create your own paper. Learn about processes like cotton-based and wood-pulp paper production during a tour of the site. Before you leave, you can purchase stationery in all kinds of designs.

Duomo di Salerno, the main church of Salerno, contains the crypt that holds the remains of St. Matthew. The church was built over an earlier church, which was in turn built on Roman ruins. Behind the deceptively simple façade of the cathedral lies an ornate crypt, displays of golden altarpieces, tile mosaics, and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII. From the outside, admire the bronze Byzantine-style doors from Constantinople. The 12th-century Arabic-Norman bell tower stands watch at 56 m (184 ft) high.

At Valle delle Ferriere, take a peaceful walk through lush woods of tall chestnut and lemon trees, and long-leaved ferns dating back to prehistoric times. Intersected by cool streams and waterfalls, the path leads through a protected habitat of rare pre-glacial plants, past ruins of medieval foundries that gave the area its name. Protected from the cold northern winds by rocky ridges, the valley is also known as the Vallone dei Mulini after a number of abandoned water-powered mills that once produced famous Amalfi paper. If you need to catch your breath while soaking up the lovely scenery, relax on one of the several benches along the way.

Overlooking Salerno at a height of 300 meters (985 feet) is Castello di Arechi. From here, enjoy a full view of the city and the Gulf of Salerno. Built during the sixth century, the settlement has been traced to Norman, Angevin, and Aragonese styles. The castle is currently used to host exhibitions and conferences, and can be entered for free every day except Monday. If you're heading there by bus, be sure to note the timetable for your return before heading off.

Drive--or take a bus--along Amalfi Coast, a scenic route that curves along the southern cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula. Travel between towns and villages like Salerno, Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, while stopping at view points, beaches, Roman ruins, and churches. Twist around hairpin turns on roads carved into the side of the coast, before stopping in beautiful villages that have inspired artists over the centuries, from 14th-century writer Giovanni Boccaccio to playwright Tennessee Williams.

Lounge in the sun or go for a swim at Spiaggia Grande. Facing the sea you will get views of the clear water. Facing away from the sea, you can enjoy the scenery of the town of Positano, with its winding cobblestone streets leading to the beach. Tour nearby shops, visit the bars or restaurants, or catch a ferry to a nearby restaurant or beach. Sun loungers are available for rent. If swimming, be careful as you enter the water, the pebbles drop off suddenly into slightly deeper water. A safety barrier keeps boats from entering the swimming area.

Cave of Smeraldo is known for the iridescent emerald light that covers the walls of the cave. A combination of geological events creates the captivating effect. The only direct opening to outside light is beneath the water. When daylight shines through, the green color appears on the cave walls. You can easily reach the cave via car by taking the ss163 highway from Capri. A small fee provides access to the cave via elevator, while a rowboat manned by a singing tour guide will take you into the grotto's interior.