Visiting Atrani, Italy

Atrani, situated at the bottom of the Dragone valley, is the twin town of Amalfi, residence of the Nobles. It is also the smallest village in Italy. In 15th Century the rebel "Masaniello" was born here and later as a fuggitive lived in the grotto that still bears his name.

Atrani continues its ancient agricultural traditions, with its small vegetable gardens and fruit orchards where typical products of the Amalfi coast are grown: aubergines, tomatoes, walnuts, olives, citrus and other fruits. The beautiful clear water of the sea and the abundance of fish feature in various traditional celebrations held in Atrani, including the Sagra del Pesce Azzurro.

Atrani, the sister town of Amalfi, often overlooked for its bigger more famous neighbor. Less touristy than Amalfi it is quieter and more relaxed, a great place to unwind in its little piazza. It is also reputed to be the smallest village in Italy -so you just have to add it to your list of must see places.

Atrani is situated at the base of the narrow Valley of Dragone with its mountain villages. Scala is a 40 - 50 minute walk to descend into Atrani and meander around its quaint streets and Piazza Umberto and admire its churches before going onto to Amalfi.

Many of the churches here have been decorated in the intervening years by baroque frescoes and frontages. The most splendid and dominating landmark of this picturesque port is the fourteenth century Church of St Mary Magdalene, which boasts a fine example of the locally-popular "majiolica" domes resplendent in a myriad of colors shining in the sun.

There are a few very notable hotels in Atrani which include the Grand Hotel Tritone which is located seafront and has its on private beach. Other hotels include the Scalinatella Hotel and Hotel Arcate.

For restaurants you can choose from La Risacca Bar, Le Arcate Restaurant, and Le Palm Restaurant. Of course, the hotels and inns also have their own onsite restaurants and bars. If you are looking for more options you can visit any of the neighboring Amalfi Coast towns such as Amalfi, Ravello, or Positano.