8 MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN MAIORI!

Maiori, which in ancient times was named “Rheginna,” after the waterway that runs through the town, is another of the seaside towns of the Amalfi Coast. Here you will not only find the largest beach of all (1 kilometer long), but also many churches to visit, gardens, a beautiful promenade and even some sites of extraordinary historical interest such as the monumental complex of Santa Maria de' Olearia. Get ready to be won over by Maiori!

by Roberta Cascone

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Maiori saracen tower

1. Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare

Dedicated to the town's patron saint, the collegiate church of Santa Maria a Mare was built on a hill in the center of the town. It towers over the village with its yellow and green tiled dome, and the Lemon Trail, a charming hiking trail that connects it to nearby Minori, also starts from here.

2. St. Francis Church

Built in 1405, the church of St. Francis has been destroyed several times over the centuries: its original appearance has therefore been lost and today it has a late Rococo style. Inside it preserves the 16th-century statue of Our Lady of Relief.

3. Mezzacapo Palace's Gardens

Along the city's main street, one of the most important and fascinating buildings stands out: the Mezzacapo Palace, a splendid example of 18th-century architecture and decoration. Today it houses the municipal library and some municipal offices: get inside, there you can admire truly unique gardens! Consisting of interconnecting underground pools, they are shaped like a Maltese Cross and adorned with rose bushes, violets and other multicolored flowers.

4. Maiori Beach

As mentioned, Maiori beach, with its kilometer length, is the longest on the Amalfi Coast. Consisting of gravel and sand, it is among the most suitable for families with children (for more, see box below). Finally, it is parallel to the seafront promenade and therefore very close to the city center and its bars and restaurants.

5. Santa Maria de' Olearia monumental complex

A precious testimony to medieval art and architecture on the Amalfi Coast, the Monumental Complex of Santa Maria de' Olearia is truly unique! The name comes from the practice of producing oil by the monks who lived there in medieval times. If you are a lover of ancient art, you can't miss a visit here: the church and crypt are decorated with wall paintings of inestimable value.

6. The Lemon trail

The Lemon Trail is a short but enchanting hiking trail that connects Maiori and Minori. Behind the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare you will find road signs for the path: you will walk in the shade of lemon groves and from here you can admire the two towns and the magnificent sea of the Coast.

7. Castle of Saint Nicolas de Thoro-Plano

From Corso Reginna, looking up, you can make out a castle on a hill: this is the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, of medieval origin. The structure was part of the defense system of the ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi and was expanded by the Piccolomini dukes in the 15th century. Another fascinating testimony to the long history of the town of Maiori!

8. Erchie beach

Erchie is a small fishing village between Cetara and Maiori, of which it is a hamlet. The beach, enclosed between two Saracen towers, is very popular in summer and is really charming. From here, you can also reach by sea other nearby coves, such as Cauco or Sovrano beach.

If you want to learn more about the best beaches for children on the Amalfi Coast, click here.
To learn more about the Santa Maria de' Olearia Monumental Complex, read our article.
The Lemon Trail is not the only hiking route you can take on the Coast! Click here to learn about them all!
Erchie intrigues you? Click here to learn more!