Small inlets open to the sea set among high cliffs. Oases of natural well-being where you can relax between the are of the sea waves and the warmth of the sun.
May 11th, 2023. By editors, photos by Officine Zephiro Media Company
Crystal-clear seabeds, expanses of sand, sometimes dotted with gravel or pebbles: these are the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, open oases on the sea of the Gulf of Salerno enclosed by high cliffs that lie on the soft waters. The Divina is home to different beaches where you can relax under the sun’s warmth and cool off in an almost therapeutic bath. Most of them host beach resorts, while others also leave room for small patches of free sand. Of different sizes, we have selected five destinations to experience at least once.
The beaches of Cauco – Erchie
Bounded by two Towers, that of La Cerniola and Capo Tummolo, and wrapped as if in a protective mantle by rock walls, the bay of Erchie, not far from Maiori, the small fishing village of a thousand inhabitants, is home to one of the most intimate beach destinations in the area.
Cauco Beach is a natural paradise where the land’s lush green meets the sea’s crystal blue. It can be reached exclusively by sea via boats that offer a daily shuttle service. It is 150 meters long and has no restaurants or bars, but a few steps from the beach, there is a small delicatessen where you can make excellent sandwiches.
Duoglio – Amalfi
Reaching it takes some effort. One must descend 400 steps that start from the Amalfitana Road. The reward for so much effort, however, is the quietness of the heart: in fact, the path is painted by beautiful views and lush nature.
For those who prefer to avoid the walk, small boats depart from the port of Amalfi that peep out right at Duoglio beach. In addition to two beach resorts, it also hosts a stretch of free beach. The advice is to sit on one of the sunbeds on the beach fairly early in the morning since, given its location, the sun goes out around 4 pm.
Marina di Conca – Conca de’Marini
Also visited by many residents, the pebble beach is guarded by fearless cliffs. A destination for snorkelers who find clear waters here to explore the depths and seascapes, the beach is also home to the chapel of the Madonna della Neve, a sacred place built to allow fishermen to frequent it with ease.
Marina di Praia – Praiano
Suggestive and romantic, Marina di Praia‘s beach in Praiano fits between two high cliffs. Guarding this unique oasis characterized by pebbles is the Saracen Tower, known as Torre a Mare, home to the atelier of artist Paolo Sandulli. Fully equipped with deckchairs, sunbeds, and umbrellas, the sun comes in the middle hours of the day.
The beach also offers one of the most popular walks in the area, which starts from Terramare Street on the right and runs along the boundary line between the sheer cliffs and the sea. A 400-meter path is ideal to take during sunset. The street also leads to one of the restaurants and clubs that have written the history of Praianese nightlife, Africana. It was a favorite spot of the American first lady Jaqueline Kennedy in 1962 during her vacation on the Amalfi Coast.
Fornillo Beach – Positano
It is located in Positano‘s namesake neighborhood, the village’s easternmost and most vertical part. It is also famous for housing the Clavel Tower, the artistic residence of the Swiss architect, poet, writer, and aesthete. Surrounded by lush nature and bordered by high cliffs falling to the sea, celebrities from the art world much loved this beach between the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1959, the Fornillo was the first Italian beach to see a woman wearing a bikini for the first time. Afar from the noise that often characterizes Positano during the summer, in addition to two beach resorts, it also hosts a stretch of free beach. Thanks to its crystal clear seabed, Fornillo Beach is a destination for snorkelers.