Highlights:
- The Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world; Villa la Madonnina is situated in the heart of it
- Romantic valleys in walking distance from the Villa La Madonnina:
   - Marina di Praia with several restaurants
   - Marina di Furore
- Close: Grotta di Smeraldo (arguably as beatiful as the Blue Grotto in Capri)
- Not far: famous, very scenic ancient towns: Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Atrani, Sorrento
- In reach: Capri, the excavations of Pompeii, Ercolaneo, Paestum and Napoli
- Romantic sea side restaurants reachable by boat (see the Our experience/restaurant section)
- Discover the area by foot, boat, car, scooter or bus

To go directly to the area photo gallery click here

The famous Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Selected as one of the 10 "Paradise Found" by National Geographic Traveler, no curious traveler should miss. Protected as a UNESCO world heritage site it has kept its natural charm and beauty with breathtaking landscape, ancient towns untouched by modern architecture, natural diversity, excellent restaurants, very friendly people and the always present deep blue Mediterranean sea.
Our Villa la Madonnina is situated in the heart of the most beautful part of the Amalfi coast and is therefore perfectly positioned for exploring the coastal towns of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello which are close or further the archeological highlights Pompeii, Ercolaneo and Paestum or Capri, Sorrent and Naples. You can do it by boat, car, bus or by hiking - alone or part of a group or excursion.
In the following you find some general descriptions and hints. More information about hiking, excursions, restaurants, culture and art you find under "Our experience" in this web site.
In the photo above you can see the beautiful surroundings of the Villa la Madonnina.The villa is positioned in the middle of the coastline, behind the small peninsula. 

It's very worthwhile to explore the treasures which are close to Villa la Madonnina and in walking distance: the beautiful valley and port of Marina di Praia with the medieval tower Torre a Mare which is visible from the villa and was built in the 13th century (10 minutes walk). You find there several restaurants in very beautiful settings. You can rent a boat there, start an excursions to Capri, go scuba diving and rent equipement for water sports.

Going to the east (20 minutes walk) you sea the fjord of Marina di Furore which is worth while visiting not only for the landscape but also for its museum of the industrial history and its romantic role in the movie history .

Only a few kilometers away is the nearest village Praiano (2 km / 1,2 miles). Centuries ago the Dogi of the republic of Amalfi spent the summer here which is known for its fine climate and magnificent views. You find there beautiful old churches with majolica tiles and grocery and other shops.

The "Grotta dello Smeraldo" in Conca di Marini (4 km/3 miles to the east) is a cave which is said to be as beautiful as the more famous Grotta Azzurra -the blue grotto- in Capri. The sunlight shines through an underwater tunnel and illuminates the grotto with an emerald light. Go there when the sun is high (around lunch time) and the sea is calm.

The famous towns along the coast are very different from each other but all are very worthwhile to visit. A must is the visit the famous ancient town of Amalfi (6 km/4 miles) with its Duomo and Piazza and the narrow alleys - still the same as 800 years ago. See the photo on the left. 
Close to Amalfi but up in the hill Ravello (10 km / 6 miles) with its fabulous gardens and villas and the Ravello music festival. The view down to the sea is spectacular!

Also nearby is the famously beautiful Positano (9 km / 7 miles) - the vertical city which lives up to its reputation - at least from the outside! (See the photo below)

And last but not least - not so spectacular as the other sites - there is  Furore the "paese dipinto" the "painted land" were most of the houses have paintings on their walls. From the viewpoint at the end of the village you have a great outlook over the Amalfi coast. The distance from the villa to Furore is only one kilometer, it is actually located 500 meter (1500 feet) above the villa. But to go there it takes 10 km/6 miles, because the road has to follow the contour of the rugged landscape.

Further away, but easily reached within one to two hours are the wonderful island of Capri (one hour by boat)- see the photo below, the excavations of Pompei (41 km/24 miles) and Ercolaneo (35 km / 20 miles). They present a unique impression of how the Romans lived 2000 years ago You will be amazed what level of civilization they had already reached. You can dive into Greek history 2500 years ago and visit the best preserved Dorian Greek Temple in Paestum (70 km / 40 miles) built 500 years b.c. See more in the culture section.

Then there is Napoli, Naples (60 km/ 37 miles) vibrant with life and with its unique, fascinating own micro cosmos, old narrow streets, historical monuments and the world famous National Archaeological Museum, where the most beautiful finds of the archaeological sites in Campania are displayed and last not least the oldest working opera house in Europe San Carlo.