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Saturday 01 August 2020

My Boat Trip In Atrani, A Picturesque Sight In The Heart Of Amalfi Coast

Check Out The Undiscovered Village Atrani And Why You Should Take a Boat Trip!


Atrani is the smallest village in Italy on the Amalfi Coast (just a tiny 1 km² of land) and perfect for a slow travel experience: authentic and preserved, with almost only local souls, while just around the corner, more famous Amalfi buzzes with the noise of cars and tourists all day long.

Atrani always had a special place in my heart, ever since I have visited this enchanting place as a young boy with my Vespa on a special day trip. I was always stunned by the view of Santa Maria Maddalena church, a beautiful medieval fortress situated as if it is hanging over the sea!

Today, Atrani still remains one of my favourite villages on the Amalfi Coast and I would like to share my lovely boat trip with you.


(Image 1)
The church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Atrani, Amalfi Coast



(Image 2) The beach of Atrani, Amalfi Coast.

After the hit of the coronavirus, and as soon as the situation calmed down in Italy (having in mind that the South was the least affected region), I had finally the opportunity to visit my friend Nello (on the left) and Catello (in the centre) in Atrani in July. Our plan was to rent a boat and a weight anchor, making waves along the coast of Amalfi and all the way to Capri. My friend Nello works in tourism as well, like most people on the Amalfi Coast, and I consider him the authority when it comes to the charming appeal of Atrani. Whether you want to rent a boat or a scooter for a day trip; join Limoncello tasting surrounded by a lemon tree garden, or a cooking class… Nello knows everything!


(Image 3) The crew: Nello, Catello and Gianluca.


Of course, our day in Atrani started with a lovely breakfast and an espresso - one of the pleasures as an Italian and an ex-coffee drinker I only indulge in coffee when I am back in Italy. We sat down in the small square (the only one of course in this tiny village) called piazzetta Umberto I, where the owner of the wine bar La Risacca served us with espresso and cornetto con la crema. This piazzetta is the heart of Atrani and our spot was perfect to admire the view over the lovely church S. Salvatore de' Bireto and its bell tower, reachable by stairs - a perfect place to get married, as it occurred to me.


(Image 4) La Piazzetta in Atrani, enjoying the breakfast, Amalfi Coast.


(Image 5) The stairs of the church S. Salvatore de' Bireto, Atrani, Amalfi Coast.


Generally, in Atrani and Amalfi Coast, renting a boat is a must-do, just like in Amsterdam: with a boat trip you really get a different perspective, much deeper and fascinating than riding a car. So, we got ourselves a rubber boat by a local renter, reserved already a few days before. The day was just perfectly sunny and the sea was calm, flat and blue! All perfect for our daily trip!

We enjoyed passing along the coastline: admiring the sea views of Amalfi, Positano, Conca dei Marini, Praiano… until we reached Nerano, the last village of Amalfi Coast, which actually already belongs to the coast of Sorrento. If you have never been to Nerano, I recommend to also visit this charming fishing village.

(Image 6) Amalfi view, Amalfi Coast.


From Nerano we reached Capri and Faraglioni - a nature’s rock formation wonder. How cool it was to pass with our rubber boat just under the natural tunnel shaped by the wind and waves of this magnificent blue sea!


(Image 7) After crossing the Faraglioni of Capri, Amalfi Coast.

We decided to take our lunch break in Capri, and leave our boat in a bay facing the Faraglioni, where we knew there is a nice restaurant that also provides a service boat for its customers: we have been picked up directly from our boat and brought to the restaurant with another boat by our host.

(Image 8) Capri view, Amalfi Coast.


We had a good lunch at Torre Saracena, a bit pricey, but we knew already Capri isn’t the cheapest place on earth. I am not a fan of mass tourism places, but Capri is still a great destination to explore, and Torre Saracena is worthy for its position, super friendly staff and typical local seafood dishes. They also have a tiny beach for your refreshing moment or where you can let your kids play.


(Image 9) Torre Saracena restaurant in Capri and the beach, Amalfi Coast.


(Image 10) Torre Saracena restaurant in Capri and the bay, Amalfi Coast.


On the way back, this time without stops, it took us about an hour and a half to reach Atrani. The panoramic sight of Amalfi Coast during twilight, the steep cliffs, the villages and our friendship moment made this a day to remember!



(Image 11) The beautiful Amalfi Coast.


(Image 12) The tiny entrance of Atrani, and the end of our day.







Wish to rent a boat?
Or explore some other activity in Atrani or Amalfi Coast?

Feel free to contact us here, for your authentic journey!

Is Atrani worth visiting?

Definitely! Atrani is one of the undiscovered and still quite authentic places on the Amalfi Coast. If you are looking to avoid the crowd of busy Amalfi, this small fisherman village is great whether to explore it by foot, spend a day on its beach or rent a boat to discover more of the Amalfi Coast.

What is interesting about Atrani?

Atrani belongs to “Borghi d'Italia”, an association of small Italian towns, founded in 2001, with the goal of celebrating and preserving places of significant historical heritage.

What to see in the area of Atrani?

Located just a few minutes away from Amalfi, Atrani is a great starting point to explore more of the Amalfi Coast: in the direction of Amalfi you can visit Praiano, Positano, Ravello and more. While in the direction of Salerno, you can visit amazing beaches like Castiglione and Marmorata, or villages such as Cetara, Minori, Maiori and Vietri Sul Mare. Each place is unique and special for a beautiful holiday on the Amalfi Coast!

When is the best time to visit Atrani?

The best time to visit Atrani is usually during summer, but it is also nice to visit it in spring. From

March to April it is great because it is not too hot yet or overly crowded on the Amalfi Coast. June is the best, because that is when Atrani gets a lot of light and that idyllic summer vibe. In July there is Festa di Santa Maria Maddalena, celebrating the protector of Atrani with a ceremony and fireworks, and in August Festa del Pesce Azzurro (The Fish festival) when people gather in la piazzetta and eat locally prepared fish dishes and wine. Christmas in Atrani is a joyful sight to experience, as the locals every year prepare “Atrani si illumina” with a real size nativity scene and fireworks.

Where to stay in Atrani?

We have two beautiful apartments situated in Atrani. La Romantica and the Sea View.

Written by Gianluca