Exploring the Amalfi Coast in 2018: Where to go, what to see, where to stay

Exploring the Amalfi Coast in 2018: Where to go, what to see, where to stay

The season begins! Each year, Easter Sunday marks the official start of the tourist season for Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, a 30-mile span of picturesque pastel villages cascading down limestone cliffs into azure waters. International visitors and native Italians alike are drawn to our region — renowned for spectacular vistas, historic architecture and charming shops and cafes — resulting in an unforgettable travel experience.

A key piece to experiencing the Amalfi Coast are the numerous festivals and events planned for the spring and summer season, and 2018 is no exception. Italians love celebrating holidays with great food, pageantry and traditions — and sharing those experiences with visitors. In addition to observing the national Italian holidays, throughout the Amalfi Coast there is an abundance of local festivals honoring historic events, patron saints and harvests. These celebrations are not merely displays for the sake of tourism, however. They are an authentic expression of the deep and abiding appreciation Italians have for their history, culture and religion.

For those planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2018, here are some key events and dates to keep in mind:

National holidays

It’s always a good idea to be aware of national holidays when planning a trip abroad, particularly if you are traveling to the Amalfi Coast by way of Rome or Naples and want to spend time in those cities. Banks and offices are, of course, closed on those days. In Italy’s major cities, locally owned shops and restaurants also may be closed, and transportation schedules may be altered. However, because the towns of the Amalfi Coast cater to tourism throughout the season, such closures are not a problem. If anything, visitors will see even denser throngs of tourists during national holidays, when Italian city-dwellers leave their homes and come to the Amalfi Coast for rest and respite.

Italian national holidays include April 25, Liberation Day, marking the end of WWII; May 1, International Labor Day; and June 2, Republic Day. Even more important, the major holiday visitors should be aware of is August 15, Ferragosto. It’s recognized by Roman Catholics in the U.S. and around the world as Assumption Day, but it’s a federal holiday in Italy and on par with Christmas and Easter in importance.

In addition, many Italians take summer vacations around Ferragosto, so mid-August brings a huge wave of crowds to the Amalfi Coast and, even more noticeably, such popular destinations as Capri and Pompeii. Travelers who expect to be here at that time can anticipate even more than the typical tourist crush, and should plan their day trips accordingly.

Ravello festivalPhoto courtesy of ravellofestival.com

Cultural events

Music lovers flock to our region in the summer months for good reason. The annual Ravello Festival begins in June and features world-class orchestras, soloists, jazz ensembles, dance events and art exhibitions throughout the summer. Many performances are held outdoors at Villa Rufolo, against the dramatic backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea below. The Ravello Concert Society also features performances that begin in March and continue through the end of the year.

Music events take place in other locations as well. During July, the Amalfi in Jazz festival features outdoor performances in the town of Amalfi every Saturday evening. And, in the town of Vietri sul Mare, the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival sponsors a series of musical performances in July.

Festa del PescePositano photo courtesy of eolopress.itFesta del Pesce Positano photo courtesy of eolopress.it

Food festivals

Italians are known for elaborate celebrations recognizing the culinary traditions of their regions, and the towns of the Amalfi Coast are no exception. Visitors in 2018 will be treated to a wide range of food festivals — called sagra — with opportunities to sample local specialties along with music, entertainment and other festivities. In late July, the village of Cetara will honor the bounty of the sea with its Sagra del Tonno Festival, celebrating tuna and anchovies. In late August, visitors can experience the Gusta Minori food festival in the village of Minori, renowned for its handmade pastas. At the end of September, all of Positano will turn out for the Festa del Pesce fish festival on Fornillo Beach. Other fun cuisine-oriented events in the region range from seafood and wine tastings- to local sfogliatella pastries and yes, the chestnut harvest!

Festival SantAndreaFestival Sant’ Andrea, photo courtesy of malfinotizie.it

Patron saint festivals

From June to September, the towns of the Amalfi Coast celebrate their patron saints with festivals that include processions, parades, music and fireworks. To mention a few: In Atrani and Amalfi, the Festival of Sant’Antonio, which includes a boat procession, takes place on June 13. Amalfi celebrates the Feast of Sant’Andrea on June 27; and Cetara honors its patron saint with the Festival of San Pietro on June 29.

Atrani celebrates the Festival of Santa Maria Maddalena on July 22; and Ravello hosts the Festival of San Pantaleone on July 27. The first week in August, Praiano celebrates the Luminaria di San Domenico with a candle (luminaria) display, concerts and fireworks, while the town of Conca dei Marini hosts the Feast of Madonna della Neve, which includes a boat parade. The village of Scala hosts the Festival of San Lorenzo on August 10.

Private luxury villas

In addition to this staggering wealth of festivals, special holidays and celebrations, there are many other experiences to enjoy while visiting the Amalfi Coast, including dining, sightseeing, trail hiking, boating and shopping, to name a few. And the best way to experience all of this to the fullest is to rent a privately owned villa. A villa offers a relaxing and elegant setting, where travelers can make themselves at home and live like the locals. Whether traveling as a couple, a family or with others, there is a luxury villa to suit every individual need and personal taste. Concierge services can also be arranged for anything from personal chefs to housekeeping, specialized tours and more. Luxury villas are available in most of the region’s unique coastal towns, from glamorous Positano to historic Amalfi, romantic Ravello and many of the smaller authentic villages as well. Villas are available in a range of sizes, settings and prices, and there’s a perfect spot for everyone — from honeymooners to seniors and multigenerational group travel.

The 2018 tourism season is bursting with an exceptional array of events and experiences, and there are private villa rentals to suit any desires. If this is the year you choose to visit, we invite you to check out our Carrington Italia calendar of events.

“Prenota un soggiorno con noi per godere questo angolo di Paradiso. Ci vediamo presto!”

Book a stay with us to enjoy this angle of Paradise. See you soon!

Carrington Italia creates tailor-made Italian experiences through its network of luxury villas on the renowned Amalfi Coast of Italy. With a local presence in Positano, Carrington Italia’s bilingual team sets a new standard of excellence for custom holidays. To learn more about Carrington Italia, please visit www.CarringtonItalia.com, call (844) 550-5805 or email info@carringtonitalia.com.

Lead photo: Taste of Minori, courtesy of gustaminori.it