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Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare

The town of Vietri sul Mare, considered since the Medieval times the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, is situated just 3 km far from Salerno and is one of the 13 Amalfi Coast villages.
Vietri is considered to be the capital of artistic and traditional ceramics, that is why, for generations, the inhabitants of this lovely seaside town have been producing precious porcelain.

Colorful towns cling to cliff faces, restaurant terraces offer breathtaking views, and blue waters sparkle into the distance. Vespas weave through cars on narrow mountain roads and the heady tang of lemons fills the warm air.
After Italy’s big-city trilogy of Rome, Florence and Venice, the Amalfi Coast remains the most popular destination for visitors to the boot-shaped nation of Italy.
Hugging the northern shore of the Gulf of Salerno, this curvaceous coastline boasts some of the most jaw-dropping settings in the world. It all adds up to a postcard-perfect Italian summer escape in an area so special that it’s UNESCO-protected.
But while the often over-crowded Amalfi and Positano are well established on the mainstream tourist path, one Amalfi Coast town remains less known and offers an intriguing mix of sea views, artistry, beauty and simplicity.
White-washed buildings, clothes hanging to dry, arched doorways and colorful ceramics abound — meet Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

History

Situated on the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare is the first town that tourists will encounter. Often considered the first pearl of a string along the coast, it begins the path that leads to the other beautiful towns of the area. It includes six hamlets: Albori, Benincasa, Dragonea, Marina, Molina, Raito.
Home to Etruscans, its first inhabitants, Vietri sul Mare was then inhabited by Romans who probably gave it the name “Veteri“, which was later changed to Vietri. Its origins are traditionally attributed to Marcina, a mysterious town probably founded by Etruscans and often mentioned in ancient epigraphs but whose existence is uncertain.
As a hamlet of Cava de’ Tirreni, Vietri‘s history was very dependent on this nearby town until 1806. In 1944 it played an important role because a city very close to it, Salerno, became the Italian capital city in order to host the Royal family and protect it from the danger of fascism.
Vietri sul Mare, just west of Salerno, marks the beginning of Amalfi’s coastal road and is the ceramics capital of Campania. Vietri’s pottery production dates back to Roman times, and back in the day the royal court of Naples was its most important client.
The small town center is full of decorative tile shopfronts selling ceramics of all shapes and sizes, while every establishment is chock-full of them.
Vietri’s vicoli (small streets) stretch out from the main landmark, the Neapolitan Renaissance Church of Saint John the Baptist (dating back to 1732) with its colorful bell tower and ceramic-covered dome, which stands out like a beacon on the approach from Salerno. Unlike their more popular neighbors, Vietri and even nearby Cetara have never really relied on tourism for their livelihoods.
As fishing towns, they’ve historically been reasonably self-sufficient, but they’ve sparked a little more international curiosity of late — Vietri for its quiet humility and ceramics trade; and Cetara for its anchovy and tuna prowess and now world-famous colatura di alici — an exquisite extract of fermented anchovies referred to by locals as “liquid gold.”

Things to see and do in Vietri

The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Vietri is a small working town with a well-established traditional craft industry. Vietri's main street, with its famous ceramic shops, gets a lot of tourist attention; but it usually makes for a hit-and-run shopping excursion, which leaves the area otherwise undisturbed. Vietri is also well worth a visit for its scenic seashore. 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.

The museum of Ceramics in Vietri sul Mare

Located in a tranquil setting overlooking the town of Vietri sul Mare and the Bay of Salerno, the Provincial Museum of Ceramics is a great day trip on the Amalfi Coast, from nearby Salerno or other destinations in Campania.

With a ceramic making tradition that dates back to the 15th century, it is only appropriate that the town of Vietri sul Mare is home to the Museo Provinciale della Ceramica dedicated to the ceramics of the Amalfi Coast and the province of Salerno. First opened in 1981, the Museum of Ceramics is housed in the Torretta Belvedere, a little watchtower topped with a decorative turret on the grounds of the beautiful Villa Guariglia.

The grand yellow house of Villa Guariglia is surrounded by gardens and overlooks the Bay of Salerno from the hamlet of Raito in Vietri sul Mare. The Villa Guariglia was the home of Raffaele Guariglia, an Italian ambassador, Knight of the Order of Malta and a foreign minister, who donated the property to the Provincial Administration of Salerno when he passed away in 1970. In addition to being home to the Museum of Ceramics, the Villa Guariglia presents outdoor concerts on its beautiful outdoor terrace as well has hosting other scholarly conferences and meetings. Fans of the popular Capri television series might recognize the grand yellow villa as the Villa Isabella.

Since opening, the Museum of Ceramics has grown and expanded its collection to cover ceramics produced in the area from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The collection is displayed in a chronological and thematic progession starting on the first floor and winding up three floors to the top of the Torretta Belvedere. The visit begins in a room dedicated to 17th-century objects, primarily religious votives, plaques and other household ceramics.

Continuing up a few steps you reach a room filled with beautiful ceramics from the 19th century, including many platters, bowls, vases and other crockery created for daily use. Be sure to spot the tall and narrow glass display case with the decorative oil containers. Called “ogliaruli,” these oil cruets were specially designed to catch any drops of oil, either in a ridge below the spout or around the base. Why the concern for spilt oil? It was considered bad luck if oil dropped from the cruet, which is also why you’ll spot the pair of eyes just below the spout. With eyes and handles that appear to be arms firmly placed on the hips, these oil cruets take on an anthropomorphic charm.

As you explore the Torretta Belvedere, you’ll discover interesting displays along the passageways and around the staircase up to the next levels. On the second level is a library and study area surrounded by large black and white images and biographical information on some of the most important artists that worked in Vietri sul Mare in the early 20th century. Starting in the 1920s many foreign artists, especially German, arrived in Vietri to work in the ceramic factories. This revitalized period from the 20s until the beginning of the World War 2 is known as the “German Period” in Vietri ceramics. Climb the spiral stone staircase from the library to the top floor of the library to see works from this colorful and vibrant time of ceramic production in Vietri sul Mare.

If you’re visiting Vietri sul Mare to shop for ceramics, you’ll find the streets of the town lined with temptations. The Museum of Ceramics is located just off the Amalfi Coast Road in the hamlet of Raito, and makes an excellent excursion from the nearby towns of Amalfi and Ravello, or Positano further down the coastline.

Ceramica Artistica Solimene

This vast factory outlet, which looks like something Gaudí might have built, is the most famous ceramics shop in town. It sells everything from egg cups to ornamental mermaids. Even if you don’t go in, it’s worth having a look at the shop’s extraordinary glass-and-ceramic facade. It was designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright.

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.


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.

 

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

 

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

 

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


“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


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


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.

Wine tasting in Raito

Duration: from 1 to 5 hours

Think drinks and the Amalfi Coast, and limoncello is what first comes to mind, but the region of Campania also produces wines to rival some of the more celebrated French varieties.
With a true passion for the land, Patrizia Malanga took over a semi-abandoned two-hectare plot in Raito, a district in the hills above Vietri, and started her own organic wine production. The views from the vineyard are nothing short of incredible.
Together with her assistant Alfonso they run daily wine tours and tastings of her certified reds and rosé together with tasting plates for lunch or dinner. They sometimes even throw in a local ceramics demonstration by the neighboring Liguori family. Patrizia may even organize a secret Vietri tour to previously undiscovered thermal baths that date back to Roman times.

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.

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