Maiori and Minori
Suspended like many more famous neighbors, such as Amalfi or Positano, between sky and sea, these two towns are the ideal destination for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the Amalfi Coast. Separated by about 2 km, these realities offer a less lacquered and more authentic cross-section of one of the most evocative places in Italy. A true corner of paradise, both stand out for their marvelous architecture and fragrant lemons, capable of releasing a unique fragrance in the world.
Maiori
Minori
Maiori
Is one of the main towns of the Amalfi Coast. UNESCO declared Maiori, along with the Amalfi Coast, a World Heritage Site in 1997.
After World War II Maiori has experienced a major urban expansion and boasts one of the best standards of living in Campania. After World War II, in the period of neo-realism, Maiori was chosen by Roberto Rossellini as a set for some of his films: Paisan, Voyage in Italy, Miracle and The Machine That Kills. Many Maiori residents participated as actors.
The town is primarily a tourist town and has the longest beach on this stretch of coastline. Erchie is a town which is part of Maiori and is a little gem among the coastal towns.
The patron saint’s day in Maiori is on the 15th August and the patron saint is the Santa Maria a Mare. Another important event is the Avvocata festival, celebrated every year on the first Monday after Pentecost on the nearby Mount Falerzio.
Minori
Minori is situated in a lovely, peaceful bay between Capo d’Orso and Conca dei Marini. Minori on the Amalfi Coast is the town known for the peculiarity of its territory and the fertility of its land.
The town, with its small white houses that wind along the coast plunge into the green of the gardens and has many lemon groves.
The enchanting landscape is enriched by the suggestion of historical memories and precious monuments and works of medieval art; The small but comfortable beach equipped with adequate bathing facilities are a delight; and the smell of orange blossoms, the taste of the sea and the mild climate make this place very safe and enjoyable place for children.
History
Maiori
The city’s origins date back to the Etruscan period. The original name of Maiori Rheginna Maior was to distinguish it from the nearby town Rheginna Minor (present-Minor). The City has undergone the historical events of the Divine since the days of the Ancient Amalfi Republic.
Destroyed and looted in the ninth century by Sicario Duke of Benevento, it was soon rebuilt and fortified with defensive walls and towers, of which the remains are still visible.
The violent tsunami of 1343, the plague of 1348, pirate attacks and the terrible floods, inevitably caused the decline of Maiori. Its reconstruction radically distorted the city’s appearance and nowadays one can see many hotels along its promenade.
Minori
Minor was chosen by the Romans as a summer residence, as evidenced by the remains of a grand seaside villa of the first century AC. spectacularly built in the surrounding rocks, and clearly visible from the sea.
After the destruction of the villa probably caused by frequent flooding, the site was probably abandoned for centuries.
Tradition has it that the first settlement of Minori was formed, around the fifth century, in a hilly area called Forcella chosen as a safe place by the inhabitants of the Sarno Valley, fleeing the raids of Germanic tribes.
The inhabitants of this first settlement first settled between the sixth and seventh centuries. They founded a new seaside village that took the name Rheginna, which, in contrast to the nearby district of Maiori, Rheginna Major they took the epithet Minor.
Minor also was unfortunately the victim of natural disasters; in 1492, in 1528 and in 1656 it was hit by terrible plagues that decimated the population. Thanks to the abundance of water and fertile land, Minor boasted, in the past, very thriving industries such as paper and food. Already in the thirteenth century Minori produced paper used in the courts and in religious institutions. They were strong in the preparation of pasta: flour mills and pasta factories formed the connective tissue of the small fishing village.
Things to see and do in Maiori and Minori
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.
What to see in Minori
The Roman Villa is a definite must see and a splendid example of idle villa from the Imperial period preserved with its rich decorations.
Another symbol of the city is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, which houses the relics of the Holy Martyr, the first arrived on the Amalfi Coast.
Just climb up the many hilly streets to reach the most characteristic corners of the town.
Particularly charming is the village of Villa Amena, with the ancient church of San Gennaro, and the village of Torre which, with St. Michael’s Church, is the heart of the splendid lemon path. The path of the old paper mills is a also a must see.
What to see in Maiori
There are many things to do in Maiori, and it has one of the largest Coastlines on the Amalfi coast. It is home to several beachfront hotels and is ideal for those who want to enjoy a few days at the beach.
One can visit the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare which is the main church in the town. It dates back to the XIII century and lies on a hill overlooking Maiori.
The view from here overlooks the coast and is spectacular. Inside the church there is a Museum where visitors can see ornaments and robes used throughout the centuries by clergymen.
Palazzo Mezzacapo was one the local town hall which is currently the town library. It can be found on Corso Reginna the main shopping street in Maiori. It was built in the XIX century and then was completely refurbished by the Mezzacapo family. Next to the building there are communal gardens which are a quiet place to sit and reflect. At Christmas time it becomes a nativity scene and locals visit it daily.
Towers are common in Maiori and were used in order to defend the city from attack. Some of the towers are torre di milo which was in via Nuova Provinciale Chiunzi, Torre di vecite, Torre Mezzacapo, torre dell’Angolo today called Torre Normanna. One can also find, Torretta di Capo’orso, Torre del Tumulo and Torre di Erchie.
Other churches that deserve a visit are the Santissimo Rosario church on Corso Reginna which is a baroque style with one big nave.
There is San Rocco’s church in Piazza Raffaele D’Amato which is celebrated on the 16th of August. The church of Assunta in Erchie was originally a Benedictine monastery which was usual for the time. In the XVI century it become a parish church and was frequented by locals.
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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