Cetara
The rugged orography of the coast forced the ancient Cetaresi to create terraces supported by dry stone walls, still called macerine today. In these terraced terraces orchards, vineyards and lemon groves were planted. Instead, the olive tree grew spontaneously. The bay of Cetara was in direct contact with the classic port of Fonti, where the ships of the Badia di Cava de ‘Tirreni anchored in the early Middle Ages.
The Cetaresi, like all the inhabitants of the Duchy of Amalfi, participated in the maritime and commercial activities of the small coastal state. Thus, embarked on the ships of the republic, the Cetarese sailors contributed to the triangular cycle of Amalfi trade, which had as its vertices southern Italy, northern Africa, the empire of Byzantium.
Furthermore, at the time of the maritime republic, the best fishermen on the coast were precisely the Cetaresi, whose sea was abundant with fish; snappers, groupers and moray eels were fished in the waters of Cetara and the neighboring coast. Other types of fish caught with nets were tuna, palamidae and mackerel. For their fishing the trap was organized which consisted of a wall of massive nets of hemp and esparto, supported afloat by a large quantity of corks and stopped at the bottom with hammers tied to large cables and anchors.
The tuna traps started from the coast and went west and east, forming a cubic framework with various compartments. This ” labyrinth ” had only one opening, called the door, through which the fish entered. The people of Cetara also extracted large quantities of anchovies and sardines from the sea, which they salted in barrels together with various fish bones.
The fishermen of Cetara, like all those of the Amalfi coast, applied in their activities the chapter on the distribution of profits mentioned in the collection of maritime laws better known as Tabula de Amalpha. This is the ” half profit ” or ” party ” pact which provided for the division of profits derived from fishing and the consequent sale of the catch into three parts, one of which was for the owner of the boat, another for the chief fisherman and third to the crew.
History
A fishing town with a busy fishing port, built at the feet of the slopes of Mount Falesio, Cetara developed from the IX century, when it became the settlement of a colony of Saracens. The inhabitants participated actively in the affairs of the ancient Marine Republic of Amalfi, and was under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine Abbey of Cava de’ Tirreni for many centuries.
The entire economy of the village revolves around its maritime traditions: the fleet of Cetara is one of the most active of the Mediterranean Sea, specialized in fishing, processing and preserving tuna and anchovies.
A recently rediscovered culinary delicacy to be tasted is the salted anchovy sauce, an amber colored seasoning for pasta dishes, produced since ancient times and that derives from the fermentation of anchovy in small barrels of oak or chestnut (also known as terzigni), a descendant of the Romans “garum”.
Even the town’s name reflects its intimate relationship with the sea and fishing. Cetara, in fact, seems to derive from “cetaria” (tuna fish) or “cetari” (sellers of large fish).
Things to see and do in Cetara
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.
Torre di Cetara (Tower of Cetara)
This ancient watchtower dominates the eastern end of the beach at Cetara. Dating back to the 14th century, it has been built upon layer by layer. The original, cylindrical part of the tower is closest to the sea.
Today the top of the tower is a private residence and houses a small, free museum showcasing local artists and history that is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May to September). The tower also provides fine views of the town and coast.
The tower cannot be accessed from the beach. If you walk to its base on the beach, you’ll find a large closed off tunnel, and a collection of rocks where locals like to fish.
Instead, follow Amalfi Drive through town until it reaches the tower. On the way back to town, we also discovered that the tower can be reached via a series of staircases that started in a small square right called Piazzetta Grotta behind our hotel. To find it, watch for an arch leading to a small square on Via Marina.
Continuing past the tower, there’s a walking path that follows the coast all the way down to a secluded beach called Spiaggia de Lanio, but it looked quite dirty from what we could see so we didn’t go all the way down to it.
Church of St. Peter the Apostle
The town’s most prominent and visually stunning church is dedicated to St. Peter, patron saint of Cetara, who was himself a fisherman. It is located one minute up from the waterfront, and its dome is visible from afar.
With a history going back to at least 988 AD, this is the oldest Catholic Church in Cetara. The current building is in the baroque style and dates to the 18th century.
The church features a gorgeous green and yellow majolica tiled dome and a neoclassical façade. Check out the set of bronze doors created by artist Battista Marello in 2005. The doors depict the saint casting a fishing net. The large, beautiful organ inside above the entrance dates to the 19th century.
The church is open daily during evening mass (around 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). I tried the doors a few times during our stay, and one morning I found them open and quietly wandered in to take a quick look.
If you happen to be visiting on June 29, you will find a grand procession here for the Patron Saint’s feast day.
Cetara’s Seafood and Local Specialties
As the fishing capital of the Amalfi Coast, it comes as no surprise that you can feast on fine seafood in this small town. Of course the local specialties of colatura di alici, anchovies, and red tuna feature prominently on menus, and you can also buy these items to take away.
Besides seafood, the valley above town also produces lemons and various vegetables, which are also featured on menus. We loved buying produce from the local vegetable stand and cooking it for stay-at-home meals; during our stay we enjoyed delicious carrots, zucchinis, eggplants, tomatoes, giant mushrooms, peaches, pears, and even a kind of edible cactus.
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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