Cycling holidays on the Amalfi Coast

Cycling along the Amalfi Coast means riding on winding roads, amongst the unique scents and bright colours of citrus groves. Here, some of Italy’s most beautiful villages and beaches can be discovered. Prepare to enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Sorrento, Capri and Mount Vesuvius at…

Cycling along the Amalfi Coast means riding on winding roads, amongst the unique scents and bright colours of citrus groves. Here, some of Italy’s most beautiful villages and beaches can be discovered. Prepare to enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Sorrento, Capri and Mount Vesuvius at every turn — and don’t forget to visit the pearls of the Coast, nestled between the rock and the sea. Let yourself be entranced by Amalfi’s incredible cathedral, the villas and gardens of Ravello, the picturesque centre of Sorrento and the stunning cliffside town of Positano.

Between rugged mountain ranges and steep climbs overlooking the sea, the Amalfi Coast will delight those who relish every ascent. Sufficient fitness — or a good electric bike — is required to tackle the gradients of the coastal roads. If you love heights, you will find what you’re looking for here; all you have to do is cycle from the coast towards the slopes of the Monti Lattari for long, steep ascents that lead to epic panoramic viewpoints. If, on the other hand, you prefer to save yourself some effort, you will find less brutal rolling roads along the coast. To invigorate the body and soul between rides, there are the culinary specialities that have made local cuisine world-famous. At every stop, it is impossible not to enjoy a good coffee — a real ritual in these parts.

The State Road 163 Amalfitana, linking various towns along the coast — from Vietri sul Mare to Sorrento, passing through Amalfi and Positano — is the most popular route for cycling in this region. This route is the most accessible, in terms of elevation and technical difficulty, but also the most frequented by traffic, especially in the summer. If the hills are where your heart lies, the loop that leads to the small rural village of Agerola is perfect for you. Cycling from the coast towards the countryside of Conca dei Marini and Furore — finally reaching Agerola — offers incredible views of the sea throughout. Finally, the Valico di Chiunzi tour is an exceptional mountain bike route, ideal for escaping the traffic and heat of the coast to pass through landscapes fit for a postcard.

Food

Ndunderi

Ndunderi are a typical dish from the village of Minori. Resembling large gnocchi, they have been a staple of the region for centuries — known since Roman times — and are considered one of the oldest types of pasta in the world. Originally, they were prepared with spelt flour and rennet; today the recipe uses fresh ricotta, potatoes, flour and eggs.

Scialatielli all’Amalfitana

Similar to linguine but shorter and thicker, scialatielli are a type of fresh pasta listed among the Traditional Food Products of Campania. They were invented during the 1970s in Amalfi by renowned chef Enrico Cosentino. The original recipe, which brings all the scents of the Amalfi Coast to the table, includes a delicious sauce of cuttlefish, shrimp, mussels, clams and Piennolo cherry tomatoes. They go perfectly with the famous colatura di alici di Cetara, an anchovy sauce typical of this coastline.

Melanzane al cioccolato

Originally from Maiori, this dessert is the result of an unusual combination of flavours, which at first glance might seem unappetising. However, those who dare to give this unique dish a taste will not be disappointed. The chocolate aubergine, mulignana c’a’ ciucculata in dialect, is a kind of sweet parmigiana prepared with dark chocolate, candied fruit and fried aubergines, traditionally served in mid-August. Apparently, the recipe was invented by the monks of a convent in Atrani.