Discovering Maiori in 10 stops

On a hill overlooking the town center, Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare (Collegiate Church of St Mary by the Sea) is the result of centuries of history. It was built in medieval times and expanded in successive phases, until it underwent an imposing renovation in the 19th century.

Admiring this historical structure, you'll notice how the colors and shapes of the bell tower contrast with the architectural ensemble it forms part of. Want to know why? The defensive fortress built by the Longobards was destroyed during an attack by the Pisans. The only thing left standing was the tower, which was then reused as a bell tower after the church was constructed.

Look up to the mountains when strolling through the center of Maiori and you'll spot Castello di San Nicola de Thoro Plano (Castle of San Nicola de Thoro), an imposing fortification that dates back to when Amalfi was a Maritime Republic. It served as a sanctuary for locals during raids by the Longobards and Saracens.

The necessary infrastructure for withstanding a siege was held inside: barracks, lodging, warehouses and a water source. You can reach the castle by automobile, or by foot along a path with over 700 steps. At the top you can admire a view of the whole town and coast.

You can admire the remains of the town’s ancient defensive tower system including La Torre Saracena whilst relaxing on Maiori beach. Look toward Minori and you'll spot the elegant shapes of Castello di Miramare (Miramare Castle), standing where the Torricella was built in the 16th century, before being enlarged and transformed into the residence we see today.

Shift your gaze in the opposite direction; you'll be struck by the imposing outline of Torre Normanna (Norman Tower), a bastion on a rocky spur overlooking the sea. In the past, there were many more lookout and defense structures spread along the coastline, protecting all the bays up to Erchie. Some vestiges survived, like Torre Lama di Cane (Tower of Lama di Cane).

The ancient road that passed through the village of Torre and connected Maiori and Minori is now a fascinating tourist route that crosses an area famed for its lemon harvests known as the Path of the Lemons. Walking along it you can observe the work going on in the citrus groves.

It's common to see men transporting heavy crates of the fruit harvest on their backs or on mules, especially in June and August. Il Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of the Lemons) is a relatively easy walk on a paved floor and lasts about an hour. The route includes about 400 steps. There are gorgeous views of Minori from Torre's observation platform.

If you're looking for an atmospheric little cove where you can spend a day bathing and sunbathing, Salicerchie beach and the Cave of Sulfur has sand for lying on, rocks to snorkel between and crystal-clear sea that takes on a peculiar color which gives the cove its name: Baia Verde (Green Bay). To get there, you need to go down 160 steps that take you along the main road. It's a semicircle measuring about 40 meters, with a free area and another with beach umbrellas and bars.

Are you an explorer? 30 meters from the beach, on the right, is Grotta Sulfurea (Cave of Sulfur). On the left, hidden behind an inlet, another ravine is carved out of the rocks.

Maiori was the natural backdrop for famed movies by Roberto Rossellini, one of the founding fathers of Italian neorealism. Two episodes of Paisà (Paisan) were shot in the village, in Chiesa di San Domenico (Church of Saint Dominic) and in front of the Torre Normanna (Norman Tower).

During production, a special bond was formed between the neighbourhood and the great maestro, who returned to Maiori to movie other scenes for unforgettable movies: Il miracolo (The Miracle), L’amore (Love), La macchina ammazzacattivi (The Machine to Kill Bad People) and Viaggio in Italia (Journey to Italy).

When on vacation in Maiori, stop off at Erchie and soak up the sun in 2 gorgeous coves, Glauco and Sgarrupo. Cauco is a little corner of paradise nestled between promontories and soaked in crystal-clear waters. It can only be reached by sea and it's very common to arrive by pedalo from nearby lidos. If you want to catch some rays, we recommend going in the morning because the sun sets behind the high cliff faces early in the afternoon.

Nearby is Sgarrupo, a small white pebble beach surrounded by wildlife. It's easier to get there by boat, even though some intrepid explorers go down from the main road via a steep and rugged path.

For those who love a good trek, Maiori is a great starting point for hikes through the countryside, especially with destinations like the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Advocate. If you take the path leading to Monte Falerzio (Falerzio Mount) you'll discover a monument that's only accessible on foot: Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata sopra Maiori (Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Advocate above Maiori).

This 16th-century building has a red brick facade and is situated on a magnificent observation platform. The path starts from Casale dei Cicerali and is about 4 km long with a difficult steep ascent that requires some preparation and orienteering skills. A round-trip takes around 5 hours.

When entering Pasticceria Napoli in the center of Maiori, you'll be overwhelmed with sfogliatelle ricce and frolle (flaky and spongy sfogliatellas), mostaccioli (small chocolate-covered spice cakes), delizie al limone (lemon cream sponge cakes), babà (liquor-soaked yeast cake), pasticciotti (filled cakes) and pastiera (ricotta and orange blossom tart).

It's the place to go for a coffee and croissant breakfast or a break during the day. Tiramisù, semifreddi al cioccolato (semi-frozen chocolate dessert) and cheesecake are favorites for those who aren't so keen on local flavors but still want an expertly made treat from a patisserie.

A few kilometers from the center of Maiori stands Abbazia di Santa Maria de Olearia (Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia). You can get there by automobile via the Amalfi Drive or on foot, following the paths leading to Capo dell’Orso. This rocky medieval complex includes three churches and is made from the internal part of the cliff face. It blends perfectly with the landscape, so it's easily missed by those walking along the coast.

When visiting it, you'll discover interesting works of art and a gorgeous sea view. The lowest chapel contains well-preserved frescoes. On the upper level is the main chapel, above which a third chapel has been created which faces the courtyard.