A Slice of Amalfi Paradise
Tucked along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Minori is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors Positano and Amalfi, but that’s precisely what makes it special. This small, picturesque town offers breathtaking coastal views, rich history, and some of the best food in Italy—without the overwhelming crowds. Known as the “City of Taste” (Città del Gusto), Minori has a long tradition of pasta-making, lemon cultivation, and exquisite pastries.
A Walk Through Minori’s History
Minori’s origins date back to ancient Rome, when it served as a retreat for the Roman elite. The Villa Marittima Romana, an ancient Roman villa from the 1st century AD, stands as proof of the town’s historic importance. The villa’s well-preserved frescoes, baths, and mosaics make it a must-see site for history lovers.
Through the centuries, Minori became known for its handmade pasta production, particularly scialatielli—a thick, ribbon-like pasta that pairs beautifully with the region’s seafood. Today, while neighboring Amalfi draws the majority of tourists, Minori remains a charming escape where you can experience the Amalfi Coast at a slower, more authentic pace.
Things to See and Do in Minori
While Minori is small, it’s packed with incredible sights, delicious food, and coastal charm. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:
Visit the Villa Marittima Romana
This ancient Roman villa is a time capsule of Minori’s past, showcasing incredible mosaics and a glimpse into the luxurious life of ancient Rome.
Stroll Through the Lemon Groves
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, and Minori has some of the most fragrant groves in the region. Take a walk through the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons), a scenic trail connecting Minori to Maiori, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Relax on Minori Beach
Unlike the often-crowded beaches of Positano, Minori’s sandy shore is a peaceful place to soak in the Mediterranean sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Savor Traditional Pasta Dishes
Minori is renowned for its pasta-making heritage. Stop by a local trattoria and try scialatielli ai frutti di mare—a seafood pasta dish bursting with fresh flavors.
The Sweet Legend of Sal De Riso & His Famous Lemon Delight
You simply can’t talk about Minori without mentioning Sal De Riso, one of Italy’s most famous pastry chefs. If you watched Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy on CNN**, you’ve seen him rave about Sal’s “Delizia al Limone”—a dreamy lemon-infused dessert that has become a symbol of the Amalfi Coast.
What Is Delizia al Limone?
This heavenly dessert features a soft sponge cake soaked in limoncello syrup, filled with a silky lemon cream, and topped with a light, citrusy glaze. It’s bright, refreshing, and captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast in every bite.
Where to Try It?
You can visit Pasticceria Sal De Riso, located right in Minori, and indulge in his world-famous pastries. His bakery is a pilgrimage site for food lovers, offering everything from sfogliatelle to torta ricotta e pere (ricotta and pear cake). If you can’t make it in person, some of his sweets are available for online ordering—because who wouldn’t want a taste of Italy delivered to their door? [Find Sal De Riso’s online shop here].
How to Get to Minori
Minori is easily accessible, whether you’re coming from Naples, Rome, or other Amalfi Coast towns.
By Air: Fly into Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), then take a train or private car transfer.
By Train: Take a train to Salerno, then hop on a ferry or SITA bus along the Amalfi Coast.
By Ferry: During the summer, ferries from Amalfi, Salerno, or Positano offer a scenic and stress-free way to reach Minori.
By Bus: SITA buses run regularly between Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno, stopping in Minori along the way.
Final Thoughts: Why Minori Should Be on Your Amalfi Coast Itinerary
While many visitors rush to Positano or Ravello, Minori remains an underrated gem where you can truly immerse yourself in authentic Amalfi life. From stunning historic sites and sun-kissed lemon groves to indulgent pastries at Sal De Riso’s bakery, Minori offers a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and culinary delight. If you’re planning an Amalfi Coast trip, don’t just pass through—stay a while, savor the flavors, and let Minori’s charm work its magic.