Minori is a small town located along the Amalfi Coast, a 50 kilometer stretch of coastline that attracts travelers from around the world. Wedged between the Tyrrhenian Sea and a steep cliffside, Minori is a charming and quiet town compared to other more popular destinations like Sorrento or Positano. This makes it the perfect place for travelers looking to explore the Amalfi Coast away from otherwise overcrowded tourist destinations.
The most direct way to access towns along the Amalfi Coast, like Minori, is from Salerno, a port city located southeast of Naples. From there, you can opt for a ferry or shuttle bus to the coastline. We chose the shuttle bus which gave us beautiful views of the ocean from the cliffside – and the scary sight of the steep drop down the mountain!
We did, unfortunately, run into some transportation issues upon arriving in Italy that caused us to lose a full day in Minori. Due to miscommunication with the transportation officials at an information desk, we ended up on the wrong bus headed in the opposite direction of the Amalfi Coast. With this in mind, I encourage you to be mindful of the language barrier and prepare well for a trip to Italy due to the unreliability of the public transportation system.
Storyteller Alex experienced similar issues with transportation in Venice, Italy. Learn more about it here!
Thankfully, after some help from a local from Salerno, we managed to get on the right bus and eventually made it to our hotel for the night. By the time we reached Minori, it was dark and most businesses had already closed. After checking into our lodging at the Hotel Europa, we managed to find a restaurant that served inexpensive Italian staples into the early morning hours.
The next day, we woke up early to take full advantage of our only day in Minori. Unlike the night before, the town was bright and lively with cars driving through and a few other tourists enjoying their trip. We made our way to Minori beach for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the view of the expansive cliffside. I also spent a good deal of time scouring the coastline for shells and other ocean treasures. The shoreline was full of colorful sea glass and uniquely patterned broken pieces of tile from long-forgotten, eroded ruins.
For lunch, we headed just across the street from the beach to Midnight Sun Minori, a small restaurant run by a kind and friendly local. We enjoyed popular Italian cocktails and dishes, taking full advantage of the fresh, local ingredients. The Amalfi Coast is known for having delicious seafood such as shrimp, clams, octopus, and mollusks. I ordered a popular coastal dish called Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, or seafood risotto. It is also common to enjoy Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare, which is made with fresh pasta and assorted seafood. We enjoyed the food at Midnight Sun Minori so much we returned there later that evening for dinner.
We spent that last night in Minori exploring more of the town, enjoying the quiet bustle of the nightlife. There are tons of small, locally-owned stores with unique items, antiques, and gifts or places to get fresh Italian goods, like Limoncello, a popular liquor made from lemons in Amalfi.
There are also a few historical landmarks, such as the Ruins of Roman Villa and Antiquarium or the Basilica of Saint Trofimena to be explored. If going inside the church, make sure you’re dressed modestly and have your shoulders covered; otherwise, you may be asked to leave the building.
Finally, we went back to the beach to watch the sun dip behind the cliffside and enjoy the view of the receding vibrant pink sunset. I regret not having more time to explore some of the areas surrounding Minori, such as the Gardens of Villa Cimbrone or the nearby town of Maiori. I hope to go back soon and return with more adventures to share.
Italy is a huge country with tons of attractions, beautiful landscapes, and hidden gems to explore. If planning a trip, check out our other stories to help you prepare!
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