A Journey through the Amalfi Coast: Atrani
Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 100, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/60 s)
(Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and take action, I'll be compensated.) If you are also interested in any PRINTS from any of my posts, be sure to check out my store where you can buy prints as posters, in metal/wooden frames or on canvas.
**This post is the 5th of a 8-post series discussing what to see in this town of the Amalfi Coast (You can check out the other parts in the list below, separated by each specific town. Everything is also summarized in another post here.**
The Amalfi Coast is one of the premier destinations in not just Italy, but the whole of Europe. Situated on the South side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, it is a collection of village towns that bear fine churches, plentiful beaches, and stunning coastlines. The entire area is named after the town of Amalfi which is the main historical and political center, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each town has a different vibe so it worth checking out multiple ones on your visit. I personally was able to see Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Amalfi, Atrani, Fiordo di Furore (the beach), and Positano, but I hope to come back someday to also check out Praiano and Conca dei Marini.
In this blog post, I will cover the town of Atrani. The town of Atrani is the smallest municipality in Italy, located just East of Amalfi. It bears the designation of 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia', given to beautiful towns in Italy. Its traditional characteristics are well preserved and its most notable attraction is the Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalena. A Google Map of the places I will talk about can be seen at the end of this article.
Check out my drone video of Atrani on the Amalfi Coast below!
You can see all my Amalfi Coast related blog posts below:
Ravello (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Ravello)
Minori ( A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Minori)
Maiori (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Maiori)
Amalfi (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Amalfi)
Atrani (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Atrani)
Fiordo di Furore (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Fiordo di Furore)
Positano (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Positano)
Summary (A Guide to the Towns of the Amalfi Coast in Italy)
Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 100, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/60 s)
How to get to Atrani
In order to get to Atrani, you will have to get yourself to Italy and then to the Amalfi Coast first. The best airport to fly into is Naples Airport (NAP), followed by taking a train to the city of Salerno. If you want a cheaper option, you can go by bus.
Take the SITA 5000 bus to Salerno from Naples City Center
Take the SITA 5003 bus to Salerno from Naples Airport
*There is also a Direct Bus that goes from Naples to Amalfi, however it runs 1-2 times daily and takes 2 hours. Just look for SITA bus 5020.*
Then from Salerno, you can:
Take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi (the ferry also stops at Vietri Sul Mare, Cetara, Minori, Maiori, and Positano).
Followed by taking SITA bus number 5120 to Atrani.
You can also walk from Amalfi to Atrani (5 minutes along the main road).
Take SITA bus number 5120 from Salerno bus station to Amalfi.
Followed by taking SITA bus number 5120 to Atrani.
You can also walk from Amalfi to Atrani (5 minutes along the main road).
Take a taxi direct to Atrani.
Option #2 is the cheapest option and the one we ended up doing (while walking to Atrani from Amalfi). We rarely take taxis if public transport is available. You can get bus tickets at any Tabacchi in Italy, but usually only with cash.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes, including Italy, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
Some notable places to see in Atrani include:
Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena (Callegiata di Santa Maria Maddalena Penitente)
This church is the main site of Atrani. It greets when you are coming from the west as the road curves around the church’s exterior. This church dates back to the 12th century, erected in 1274 on the ruins of an ancient fortress. It has since undergone a series of restorations, modernized by Lorenzo Casalbore of Salerno, a know architect.
Externally, the church is stunning with its bright orange roof next to the main dome and side chapels containing majolica tiles of green and yellow. There is also the brown belltower which is a common feature among churches in the Amalfi Coast. Internally, the church is home to various statues and other works by prominent Italian artists.
Lastly, the Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena is considered to be the only example of Rococo on the Amalfi Coast. Rococo is thought to be a ‘rebellious’ design style which came to be in the final days of the Baroque movement. Design features of this style are known to be ornamental and theatrical.
Atrani Beach (Spiaggia di Atrani)
The Atrani beach is quite small, which is fitting for a village of its size (only 0.2 square kilometers). The beach is situated below the roadway that passes through the city and the water is calm due to the break walls out from the shoreline. This makes it MUCH more enjoyable for swimming and it indeed was our favorite beach in the entire Amalfi coast region.
The vibe was much more relaxed and quieter, from the amount of people as well as the amount of cars (or lack therefore) near the beach area. Furthermore, the sun hits the beach all morning into the early afternoon making it a perfect place to see at the start of the day. There are a number of small restaurants and bars on and near the beach for breaks from swimming.
As with most beaches in the Amalfi coast, there are private and public portions, with the former costing anywhere from 35-50 Euros to rent an umbrella and two beach loungers. (Save that money for a nice restaurant meal instead!)
Lido di Ravello Beach Club, Atrani, Italy (ISO 100, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/60 s)
Le Arcate
This restaurant is situated just next to Atrani beach and offers dishes such as mussels, octopus, seafood pasta, and grilled fish, all on a waterfront terrace. This is the place to go for seafood!
Church of San Salvatore dei Pericto (Chiesa di San Salvatore de’Birecto)
This church is located inside the center of Atrani. It is where dukes were crowned and their ashes were kept upon their death. What I enjoy about this church was its soft yellow facade and rather simple features and look. It wasn’t too over the top as a church. It is known for its bronze doors which illustrates the quality of the Amalfi nobility (so they say).
Hotel Luna Convento
This hotel is for the posh ones. I couldn’t help but become curious about it due to its tower shape and perfect location between the villages of Amalfi and Atrani. This hotel is one of the oldest cloisters in the Amalfi area and is evocative of Moorish architecture and dates back to the year 1222.
The ancient guard tower was used to prevent pirate attacks and later became home to temporary stays by famous actors. There are two panoramic restaurants on the property along with a bar and a private swimming pool and beach entry along the rocky coastline.
Staying a night in this ex-monastery will set you back about 500 Euros in peak season but you’ll be assured that you get the best food, views, and beach seclusion that can be offered in the Amalfi Coast.
The great thing about Atrani was that is was within 5 minutes walking distance of Amalfi, where we had our accommodation. Simply by walking along the roadway, you can get between both beach towns quite easily. Feel free to check out my blog post on what to see and do in Amalfi, in addition to other Amalfi coast village posts.
