Dear traveller, this article dedicated to Albori, a small hamlet of Vietri sul Mare, is intended as a way to give you some dispassionate advice, from true locals.
During your trip to the Amalfi Coast, you will certainly want to visit the most famous places, seen – and envied! – on various social networks.
You’ll want, for example, to have yourself captured with the landscape of Positano behind you.
Or you’ll want to admire the breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast from Villa Cimbrone’s splendid Terrace of Inifinity.
Or you’ll also want to treat yourself to a lemon slushy on the steps of Amalfi Cathedral, complete with photos, just like you’ve seen other travellers do on their social profiles.
We are sure it will be nice to finally do all these things.
As interesting it will be to visit and see with your own eyes, to feel the atmosphere and sensations of some iconic places live.
In your wandering, travelling and discovering, however, find moments to go off the mainstream routes: discover the less-travelled streets, the hidden alleys, the villages less photographed on Instagram.
Slow your pace and take alternative paths.
You will discover little gems, such as the village of Albori, a hamlet of the more famous Vietri sul Mare.
If we have intrigued you, read the following paragraphs now: we will take you on a tour of discovery of this enchanting place, perhaps a little hidden and, for this very reason, all the more interesting and guardian of authentic coastal authenticity.
Table of Contents
A short introduction to the village of Albori, a hamlet of Vietri sul Mare
You will certainly know Vietri sul Mare, famous for its colourful ceramics, which have become iconic.
This village is the first on the Amalfi Coast, coming from Salerno, and strikes the traveller for its narrow streets in the centre studded with majolica and ceramic plaques, pleasant to look at and interesting to photograph. The little shops are also inviting: the entire centre of Vietri sul Mare is a succession of craft workshops, specialised in the selling of ceramic items. Here one is sure to want to buy one of the typical blue donkeys, which have become iconic of the Amalfi Coast and almost bearers of a feeling of belonging and historical memory, linked to steep streets trodden by donkeys and people at work.
Not far from this lively tourist centre, you can discover the characteristic village of Albori, one of the most beautiful in Italy.
This little white corner of paradise is located at an altitude of about 300 metres, in a position that allows it to have two special characteristics: an atmosphere suspended in time and a stunning panoramic view.
Just 350 people live in this village sheltered from mass tourism, busy and lively, amidst small stairways and small white houses with characteristic Mediterranean architecture.
Strolling through the narrow streets and alleyways that intertwine with each other, surrounded by small stone and lime houses with characteristic Neapolitan roof tiles, one feels as if living in a film set in another era and savours the silence, slowness and tranquillity.
What to see in Albori
The Church of Santa Margherita
In addition to the pleasant walk, which in itself resembles a small journey through time, in Albori you can admire the church of Santa Margherita, which represents a fascinating synthesis of styles and cultures. Its history, rooted in the Middle Ages, is interlaced with oriental and baroque influences, creating an architectural and artistic harmony of great value.
The building, rebuilt in the 17th century on a pre-existing 14th-century structure, is distinguished by its Baroque façade, rich in decorative elements and crowned by a domed bell tower. The interior, divided into three naves, holds valuable works of art, including a Marian painting cycle on the vault of the nave attributed to the workshop of painter Belisario Corenzio, a leading exponent of the Neapolitan school of the 16th and 17th centuries.
In addition to its artistic value, the Church of Santa Margherita has an important religious and social function for the community of Albori.
Its central position in the village makes it a reference point for the faithful, who gather here to celebrate masses, baptisms, weddings and other celebrations: the steps leading to the churchyard become, in fact, a meeting and festive place, where the community gathers to share moments of joy and conviviality.
The beach at Marina di Albori
If you are looking for a little corner of paradise, where you can bathe, we recommend a stop at the small beach of Marina di Albori, which you can reach by climbing the 280 steps from the main road, skirting the rock.
If you have the patience to walk down, but more importantly to walk back up, you will find yourself in a bay that has two small beaches, framed by enchanting natural scenery and washed by crystal-clear water.
The beaches are served by a bathing lido, there is a restaurant and it is possible to rent pedal boats and canoes.
Trekking: towards Mount Falerio
The path connecting Albori to Mount Falerio offers hikers an unmissable opportunity to immerse themselves in the unspoilt beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The route, with its breathtaking views of the Gulf of Salerno, winds its way through picturesque villages and suggestive peaks, offering truly unique emotions to lovers of nature and adventure.
Starting from Albori, the trail climbs towards the peak, leading hikers to the discovery of increasingly suggestive landscapes. The trail, which is clearly visible and marked, is suitable for hikers of average experience, with a length of around 4 km and a positive altitude difference of around 440 metres.
Along the ascent, you will come across the Cappella Vecchia, a place of worship immersed in the quietness of the mountain, offering a moment of meditation and peace. On reaching the peak of Mount Falerio, at an altitude of 561 metres, the view opens out over the Gulf of Salerno, a breathtaking spectacle that rewards the effort made.
For more experienced hikers, the trail continues to the summit of Mount Falerio, at an altitude of 684 metres. A final effort to reach the summit and enjoy a 360-degree panorama ranging from the peaks of the Monti Lattari to the vastness of the sea.
The path from Albori to Monte Falerio is an experience not to be missed for those who wish to discover the authentic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, combining the pleasure of the excursion with the discovery of places rich in history and culture.
How to get to Albori
If travelling by public transport
You can get to Albori by reaching Vietri sul Mare and then taking the Cstp bus (Marina di Vietri – Albori line).
Vietri is well connected to the other towns on the Coast, both by road and by sea.
In the first case, rely on the Sita Sud service: buses leave approximately every hour from Salerno and Amalfi. You can purchase tickets on the Unico app.
If, on the other hand, you prefer transport by sea, travel aboard Travelmar ferries, which leave from Amalfi and Salerno’s Concordia pier and stop in Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare.
If travelling by car
From Amalfi, drive the 13 km or so along the SS163, which offers unforgettable views, but requires a good deal of attention when driving, especially if you are not an expert.
After passing the junction for Atrani, continue along the SS163, leaving the picturesque village of Cetara behind. Then take the SP1 towards Vietri sul Mare and follow the signs for Albori. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes of driving.
From Salerno to Albori
Starting from Salerno, the journey to Albori by car will take you along the A3 Salerno-Castellammare di Stabia motorway. Exit at the Vietri sul Mare junction and follow the signs for the historic centre. Once here, signs for Albori will guide you to the SP1, through which you will reach your destination.
In Albori you can park your car at the public car park located near the church.
Tips for a perfect experience in Albori
The road leading to Albori is narrow and winding: pay attention when driving, especially if you travel during the busiest periods (July-August or weekends from April to September)
Albori is a small village with a limited number of parking spaces available. Public parking is an excellent solution for leaving your car safely.
Why you should visit Albori
If you are looking for places that can give you authentic emotions, Albori will certainly enchant you with its small white houses clustered together, its panoramic views and its old-world atmosphere.
Visit Albori if:
- you want to get off the mainstream routes and discover a place that has preserved its authenticity intact;
- you are travelling in spring or autumn: discovering these less-travelled places is not only more pleasant in the milder seasons, but also a wonderful alternative to the beach.
- We have already mentioned that Albori is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, haven’t we?
Some curiosities about Albori
A typical dish in Albori is ‘Penne alla cuppetiello’.
This is one of those ancient recipes, lovingly linked to the passing of the seasons, which in ancient times also influenced people’s lives.
During the winter, in fact, the inhabitants of this small village, unable to go out fishing, devoted themselves to cultivating the small vegetable gardens available.
This habit made vegetables available, which are the main ingredient of this pasta dish, seasoned with delicious seasonal vegetables.
Another speciality of Albori has a name that is a whole programme: “Palle di ciuccio” (donkey’s balls), which are sweet and sour potato croquettes.
