Atrani is a small charming town on a beautiful Amalfi Coast. It has a little bit less than a thousand inhabitants and is almost attached to Amalfi, a very popular town with rich historical heritage. The town is squeezed between the sea and the high mountains, and it offers one of the most beautiful views on the entire Amalfi Coast. Compared to the most popular coastal towns such as Amalfi and Positano, Atrani is definitely placed in the background, but not for its beauty.
The fact that it is not very touristic is perhaps even better because you can calmly admire the countless alleys between the white houses. Atrani is also known as one of the most authentic places in Italy because it remained untouched despite the mass tourism over the last 50 years.
Even though this picturesque town is very small, there are still many things to do. Also, you will be delighted with its climate, which is mild during the winter months and never particularly sultry during the summer months. Here are the best things to do in Atrani Italy:
Relax in the historical center of Atrani
The tiny historical center called Piazzetta Uberto I is the heart of the town. It is so small that it almost looks like a courtyard with a fountain and few bars. The center of Atrani is located just a few steps from the beach and is accessible through stairways or narrow but gorgeous alleys.
This little corner of paradise is a locals’ social, cultural, and gastronomic meeting place. It is particularly beautiful in the evening when it lights up and gives you a truly unforgettable experience. The square is enclosed among the colorful houses, and it still looks like in the 60s, so you can relax with a drink and feel like you are a true Italian.
Get lost in tiny narrow streets
Atrani is full of small narrow streets that intertwine, creating a labyrinthine network of magnificent paths and tunnels. These streets kept their medieval charm over time, so wandering around the town is a unique feeling. Remember that Atrani is located on a hill, so the streets are usually very steep with a lot of stairs. The town is very small, and you can explore all the streets in less than 2 hours.
The most popular street in Atrani is Via dei Dogi, which extends throughout the whole town. At the end of this street, you can admire an enchanting landscape, churches, and caves perched on the beautiful mountain.
Visit the Church of San Salvatore de Birecto
The church dedicated to San Salvatore de Birecto is located on the top of the staircase near the Piazzetta square and was built in the 10th century. This church is the place where the doges of the famous Amalfi Republic were crowned. It still has medieval elements, such as the bronze door from Constantinople in 1087, similar to the Amalfi Cathedral, and a 12th-century marble barrier.
You can also see the old clock tower and bronze bells from the outside. The church’s interior is quite simple, but still, there are some beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
Other churches in Atrani
Even though Atrani is a very small town, it has a few more churches that are worth visiting. Among them, the most popular is called the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. It was founded in 1274 on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress. The church is located on the promontory overlooking the town, with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salerno.
Another church worth mentioning is the chapel of Santa Maria del Bando. It is set on the rocky wall below an old tower and can be reached after walking up a steep but fascinating staircase. In addition to these churches, in the town, you can also see the Franciscan monastery of Santa Rosalia, the church of Santa Maria Immacolata, the Chapel of San Gertrude, and the church of San Michele Fuori le Mura, famous for its unusual architecture.
Relax on Atrani beach
Atrani has a small but gorgeous beach where you can swim and sunbathe. The beach is almost entirely sandy, very well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and is known for crystal clear water and splendid panorama of the town in the back.
Keep in mind that the beach is very crowded during the summer months, so it is advisable to reserve your sunbeds in advance. Next to the beach, there is a small harbor where you can book many beautiful boat excursions.
How to get to Atrani
Atrani is only 800 meters (0.5 miles) far from the much larger and more famous Amalfi. Therefore, the best way to get to Atrani is by SITA bus. There is a stop on the Strada Statale, which is conveniently located immediately in the town center.
If you are coming to Amalfi Coast by plane, the nearest one is in Naples, so you can also take a bus from there. The only train station on Amalfi Coast is in Sorrento, so from there you can also take a bus to your destination.
Parking in Atrani
Getting to Atrani by car is not advisable because it is very hard to find available parking spaces and the prices are very high for every hour of parking. If you still decide to come to Atrany by car, you can try to find available space in a paid parking area in Via Gabriele di Benedetto. Alternatively, you can also search for privately guarded car parks.
The events in Atrani
The most popular event in Atrani held every 22 of July, is the patronal feast in honor of Santa Maria Maddalena. This event is a public holiday with a big procession and spectacular fireworks over the sea. Another event that includes beautiful fireworks is held every third week of August and is called Blue Fish Festival. Last (but not least) is called the St. Maria del Bando Festival, which is held every first Sunday of September in Atrani.
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