A Taste of Minori on the Amalfi Coast

Until recently, I had not visited this quiet, low-paced town next door to Maiori. I had only briefly experienced Minori while riding through the town center on a SITA bus along the Amalfi Coast Road. The streets were so narrow that I could reach my hand outside the window and touch the lamppost on a wall. From that glimpse into this seaside paradise, I knew that eventually I would like to spend some time in this less touristy town. Finally, two years ago while staying in Amalfi, I had the opportunity to enjoy more of its charm.

Even though the SITA buses were packed, this town appeared surprisingly quiet, and we delighted in walking along the beach promenade and soaking in the ambience.

 

I recall meeting two travelers in Capri who told me they chose Minori because of its tranquil atmosphere and laid-back ambience. On the boat ride back from Capri, they pointed out their hotel with its marvelous, unobscured view of the shimmering sea. Ah, this is the way to relax and soak in the peaceful waves of leisure. I could enjoy that serenity and the beach every day of my life.

To get a better sense of this scenic Amalfi Coast town, enjoy this drone video of Minori.

 

We had savored a delicious lunch earlier in Maiori at a lovely restaurant on the water, so now we opted for dessert at the  well-known family-run pasticceria, Sal De Riso, located next to the sea on Via Roma. 

My mouth was drooling as I perused the different choices of handmade dolci from here, like the lemon cake, ricotta and pear tart, and tiramisu.

It was a challenge to choose from all these tempting delights, but I decided on a Shakerato caffè and ricotta pistachio pastry.   Mmmmm.

 

Almost directly behind the pasticceria, is the Basilica di Santa Trofimena, with its unmistakeable neoclassical style, tall bell tower, and yellow facade.

I wandered around the streets near there, and found this cute dog waiting for its owner outside a bistro.

 

If you are adventurous, have a couple of hours, and don’t mind climbing lots of steps, try the Sentiero dei Limoni, or Path of the Lemons, for spectacular views, great exercise, and the intoxicating scent of lemons high above the sea. The trail begins on a staircase just up the street from Basilica di Santa Trofimena. You’ll walk up and down approximately 400 stairs each way, but everything is paved and the stunning views will make it all worthwhile.

 

Minori  also possesses a long-standing tradition of pasta-making, dating back to medieval times. Made in the mills powered by the river, these pastas would be hung outside to dry all over the town. A signature pasta is ndunderi, considered one of the oldest types of pasta in the world. Ndunderi is a type of gnocchi, prepared with flour, egg, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, typically served with a simple pomodoro sauce and, of course, a few basil leaves. Minori’s restaurant owners feature this pasta with a true sense of pride. The Tagliolini al Limone (lemon tagliatelle) is also one of Minori’s most popular pasta dishes. While we didn’t stay in MInori long enough for dinner, I made a note to myself to add these pasta specialties to my must-try list the next time I’m here.

 

For an alternative to the more crowded Amalfi Coast cities, Minori provides a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. A small port and SITA bus stop make transportation to Salerno, Capri, and other places along the Amalfi Coast accessible. For traveling to Capri, ferries operate from April to October, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.

For much more about the Amalfi Coast, check out my award-winning memoir.

My Amalfi Coast Love Affair

is available in digital and paperback and now as an audiobook too.

Click to purchase.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave me a comment. Grazie.