Atrani
Atrani won’t be the first place which comes to mind when you think of Italian beach resorts. But it is the place you should visit if you want to find out what Italy is truly all about. Even though Atrani is just a short drive away from Amalfi, the famous and bustling holiday spot, it remains unspoiled by mass tourism and is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Atrani is a coastal fishing village with a population of less than one thousand. It nestles in the divide of two steep cliffs on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its tier upon tier of multi-colored houses rises above a beautiful stretch of pristine sand. It is one of the most idyllic and picturesque settings in Italy.
Unchanged by the passing of time, Atrani is a place just waiting to be explored. You can climb the steps up from the beach level and wander through the narrow, winding streets. There you’ll discover thirteenth-century baroque churches and piazzas with spurting fountains. Be able to listen to the tolling of the bell from the sixteenth-century tower as it chimes and breaks the quiet of the siesta hour. Ponder life over a drink on a cafe terrace in Piazza Umberto, the main square. If you have that uncanny feeling of deja vu while you’re there, don’t be surprised. Atrani’s scenic streets and stunning coast have been the chosen location for numerous films.
History
The origin of the name is still uncertain: many scholars think that it comes from the Latin adjective “ater”, that is dark because this small town is like a cave among high rocks on the sea.
Other scholars think that the name comes from the place from where the first Greek colonisers came, Atria.
The valley del Dragone at whose extremity Atrani is, was an Etrurian community in VII century b.C.. Then there was the arrival
of Greek colonisers. With the fall of the Roman Empire some Roman citizens arrived there and founded the first real community. Atrani was linked to the life of Repubblica Marinara of Amalfi, it was part of the “Confederazione Costiera” with the
function of “twin town”, the place where doges where elected: in the church of San Salvatore in Birecto there was the solemn ceremony of the dressing of the doges.
Doges had to wear the birecto, the ducal cap on which there were the symbols and the signs of power. The doges were buried in that church, too.
During XI century, Roberto il Guiscardo invaded Southern Italy, but some towns of Amalfitana Coast supported the Pope who had organized an anti-Norman alliance. Atrani was sacked by Pisani in 1135 and 1137 and was almost destroyed. In 1222 San Francis of Assisi during a journey through the Coast, stopped in Atrani.
During XIII century, Manfredi sent against the town an army of more than 1000 mercenaries that invaded the town making the inhabitant go away. A tradition tells that only the intercession of Saint Mary Magdalene could defeat the invaders. In the local dialects there are still traces of that domination.
In November 1467, Atrani and Amalfi were united, but on May, the 16th 1578 they divided again because of the frequent abuses by excisemen of Amalfi on foodstuffs. In 1643 there was a terrible plague, many people died; San Michele Church became a burial place and today
this place is still called Lazaretto (lazaret). According to a famous tradition, in 1647 Masaniello, the Neapolitan rebel, whose mother was from Atrani, took refuge in Atrani, in a cave that was not far from his grandparents’ house.
Things to see and do in Atrani
While you won’t find as many things to do in Cetara as in more popular towns like Amalfi and Positano, for you maybe that will be part of the appeal.
The favorite way to pass the days was by lounging on either of the town’s beaches, exploring the main cobblestone road (Corso Garibaldi) and tiny narrow passageways and staircases branching off from it, following the local custom of taking a prolonged afternoon rest, and watching our kids attempt to befriend local children in the town squares.
Still, there a handful of worthwhile things to do in Cetara, not to mention the fact that the village is very close to some other interesting towns, you can do several half-day trips during your stay.
Santa Maria Maddalena Church
Whether you approach Atrani by road or by sea, the first thing you’ll notice will be the Santa Maria Maddalena Church and the bell tower which stands next to it. The thirteenth century Rococo facade of the church is one of a kind along the Amalfi Coast. Externally it’s as ornate as an iced cake. The decorated white walls adorned with statutes are topped by red-tiled roofs and three intricately patterned cupolas. Internally the embellishment goes overboard with arches and religious artwork in true Baroque style.
You don’t need to be religious to enjoy the annual Festival of Santa Maria Maddalena. The mid-summer celebration is held in July, and it is when the whole population of Atrani hits the streets to honor St Mary Magdalene who, legend has it, saved the town from a pirate attack. A decorous procession takes place, and an image of the saint is carried from the church to the beach accompanied by a local band.
As the bell tolls in the tower, a blaze of fireworks lights the sea to mark the beginning of a night of festivities. Everyone is welcome to join in with the feasting and fun. So if you’re in Atrani on the right dates for the festival, don’t be shy.
Atrani Beach
Finding a more ideal place along the Amalfi Coast to spread your towel than on the beach at Atrani would be impossible. The beach curves around the small bay and is sheltered by the town and cliffs behind it. From wherever you are on the beach, no matter which way you look, you’ll be astounded by the coastal scenery of this part of Italy. Accentuated by the pure Mediterranean blue of sea and sky, even the word picturesque doesn’t do it justice.
At Atrani, the Tyrrhenian Sea is clean and clear. It’s perfect for swimming and even better for snorkeling. If you just want to laze the day away and catch some rays, a couple of sunbeds and a parasol costs under $25 to hire. If swimming and the sea air give you an appetite, it’s just a short stroll over the sand to the beach cafe or a step or two more to the piazza behind it.
Amalfi Coast Private Experience by Boat
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 700 €
A boat trip is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in one day, leaving.
From Positano we will sail through Praiano, Marina di Praia, the famous Fiordo di Furore patrimony of the UNESCO and the beautiful Emerald Grotto.
The cruise follows to Amalfi the glorious Sea republic.
Departure from Positano along the way to Amalfi we will admire the unique scenery of our Amalfi Coast.
Then from our boat we will see: Praiano with the Gavitella beach, the “Grotta Dell ‘Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishermen village. It is possible also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €5 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can decide with the skipper if you want to visit it or not.
After this the excursion will restart passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch, Amalfi, Atrani with the waterfalls of Marmorata. If you wish you can stop in Amalfi for have some free time to see the center of the town and enjoy a nice walk on the main street visiting the S. Andrea’s Cathedral.
The skipper can also book a table for you in a seaside restaurant along the Coast. You can stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast for a refreshing and relaxing bath. We will then return to Positano.
On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
Capri Private Experience by Boat
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 850 €
Departure from Positano * at 09.30 am towards the island of Capri. Along the way we will also pass through the famous island “Li galli” known throughout the world for the famous legend that saw it as the “home” of the mermaids, mysterious creatures that tempted sailors with their soft singing. You will then reach Capri, one of the most famous and requested destinations in Campania.
Then you will visit the most beautiful spots of Capri, such as the White Cave, the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni, one of the most romantic and evocative sceneries of Capri. Arriving at the port you will have the opportunity to choose how much free time you have at your disposal to visit the center of Capri and go shopping, or the sailor will recommend a good restaurant along the coast where you can enjoy a good meal overlooking the sea.
Back on board you will visit the Green Grotto, Punta carena with its lighthouse and the Blue Grotto (extra ticket 15 € pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can visit it or decide with the sailor not to visit it. Your sailor will also be able to advise you of splendid coves where to stop for a bath. On board you can take advantage of a wide selection of drinks available for you.
*we also offer departures from Praiano Marina di Praia (09.30 am to the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09.30)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, coca cola, tea), a bottle of Prosecco and beach towels
*This is just an exemple of tour, you can change the itineray based on your need directly with the captain.
*The boarding dock of Positano during the high season time can be really busy, sometimes you can find queue for boarding.
NB: The visit of Blue Grotto is not always possible because the opening of the cave depends by the weather and sea conditions. Our boat will stop at the entrance of the cave, from there you will pass a small rowing boats managed by the Cooperative Battellieri of Capri, the only ones that allow entry into the cave. In high season the queue at the entrance is very long, for this reason the visiti s a group decision.
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Sunset Cruise
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
From: 260 €
The sunset cruise is a perfect tour if you wish to spend just few hours on a boat cruising along the Amalfi Coast.
We offer two itineraries:
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll arrive until the Li Galli island, a private island.
One of the first owners of the island was the famous Russian dancer Rudolf Hametovic Nureyev who spent its life on the island and used it for important dance events.
You can enjoy the beauty of the islands, three small islands near each other, you’ll stop there and enjoy a nice aperitif on board. On the way back we sail though Testa del Faraone and Punta Germano until Positano.
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll see Praiano with la Gavitella beach, Marina di Praia (an old fishermen village) until the famous Fiordo di Furore.
There you can enjoy a nice aperitif on boar with an amazing view on the Capo di Conca (on one side) and Praiano on the other side.
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Li Galli Tours
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 3 hours
From: 230 €
Li Galli Tour (daily, cost from 230 € 2/4 px 270€ 5/6 pax :
Tour: Departure from Positano*, to the Li Galli island. The tour lasts three hours.
On the route to get to the Galli island, you will admire the splendid Bay of Fornillo with the two Saracen towers, the Torre Trasita and the Torre Clavel.
Once you arrive at Li Galli island there will be a complete tour of the island and stop for a swim in the clear waters of our coast.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
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Procida Private Tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (09.30), towards the island of Procida.
Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
Then we will reach Procida, the third largest island in the Neapolitan area.
Procida is also the island of culture, in fact the novel “the island of Arturo” by Elsa Morante is set here. It is also the island where “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi was filmed.
You will have free time on the island to admire the historic city center. The sailor will also be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch. You will have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Procida.
On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
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Ischia Private Tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (9.30), towards the island of Ischia. Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
It will then reach Ischia, an island famous throughout the world for its natural thermal springs, it covers an area of 46 square kilometers and is administratively divided by 6 municipalities: Barano d’Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana.
The landing is scheduled in Ischia Porto where you will have three hours of free time on the island to visit the famous Aragonese Castle, which stands on a trachytic rock island connected to the eastern side of the island of Ischia by a masonry bridge 220 meters long, or enjoy some shopping along the main street of Ischia Porto. The sailor will be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch.
You will also have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Ischia. On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
* we also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia 09.30
Praiano Gavitella 09.30
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
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“Like a dream” Wedding Proposal
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration:1 hour 30 min
From: 450 €
Positano and the Amalfi Coast are known throughout the world not only for their beauty but also for the unique romanticism that these landscapes offer. If you are looking for the perfect spot for an unforgettable marriage proposal, this is the tour for you.
A sunset cruise with an aperitif and a professional photographer to capture these unique moments. The tour consists of a sunset cruise or along the Amalfi Coast (where you can admire Marina di Praia, a small fishing village and the Fiordo di Furore) or to the island of Li Galli.
On board you will find an ice box with various drinks and a bottle of Prosecco for an aperitif on board.
* the tour includes: professional photographer, soft drinks, Prosecco and beach towels
On request we can also combine a bouquet of flowers / a small cake / live serenade with mandolin
Also you can decide directly with the skipper on board the perfect place for your proposal
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Amalfi Coast half day tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 4 hours
From: 400 €
Departure from Positano * at 10.00 on the way to Amalfi enjoy the unique scenery in the world, our Amalfi Coast.
Admire from the boat Praiano with the cove of Gavitella, the “Grotta dell’Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishing village.
You can also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €6 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can choose whether to visit the cave or stay on board.
It will then resume the excursion passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch and Amalfi.On the way back to Positano you’ll stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast .On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
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Capri Group day tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 80 € (max 12 pax)
Departure from Positano * at 09:00 for the island of Capri. You will arrive in Capri, one of the most famous and requested destinations of Campania, passing by the most beautiful points of Capri, like the White Grotto, the natural arch, the Faraglioni rocks, one of the most romantic and suggestive scenery of Capri.
Arriving at the Marina Piccola port you will have 4 hours of free time at your disposal for lunch, visit the centre of Capri and go shopping. The skipper will give you a meeting point with the extact boarding time directly the day of the tour.
Back on board you will visit the Green Grotto, Punta Carena with its lighthouse and the famous Blue Grotto (extra €15 pp cash payable directly there), this is an optional visit and a group decision if the queue is too long*. On the way back to Positano you can stop for a relaxing bath in the waters of a beautiful bay, quiet and with clean water that the skipper will suggest. On board you can enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks available for you.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (08:50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (08:55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
NB: The visit of Blue Grotto is not always possible because the opening of the cave depends by the weather and sea conditions. Our boat will stop at the entrance of the cave, from there you will pass a small rowing boats managed by the Cooperative Battellieri of Capri, the only ones that allow entry into the cave. In high season the queue at the entrance is very long, for this reason the visiti s a group decision.
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