Cetara, nestled on Italy's Amalfi Coast, is a charming destination renowned for its fishing heritage and the unique 'cetera' string instrument. For frequent-flyer hotel travelers, Cetara offers a serene alternative to busier coastal hubs like Positano or Amalfi. The town's compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, while its authentic maritime atmosphere provides a relaxing backdrop for your stay. While the city itself is small, it serves as an excellent base for discovering the wider region. Visitors can enjoy the local culture, historic architecture, and stunning sea views without the overwhelming crowds found elsewhere. The presence of traditional crafts, including the distinctive cetera, adds a layer of cultural depth to the accommodation experience. Whether staying in a boutique hotel or a larger resort, guests benefit from the peaceful ambiance and rich history that define this Italian gem.
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For hotel travelers, the best areas to base are near the historic port and the old town center. Cetara is compact, so most accommodations offer walkable access to the main beach, restaurants, and cultural sites. Staying in the historic center allows you to immerse yourself in the local fishing village atmosphere while enjoying easy access to the Amalfi Coast's scenic routes.
The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport (NAP). The journey to Cetara typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus, often requiring a transfer in Amalfi or Salerno. Public transport connections are available but can be complex during peak seasons. Hotel travelers should consider arranging private transfers or checking with their hotel for shuttle options to ensure a smooth arrival.
Cetara is famous for the 'cetera,' a plucked string instrument similar to a mandolin but larger, with sixteen or eighteen metal strings. Many hotels may offer information on local workshops where you can see these instruments being crafted. This unique cultural heritage adds a distinctive flavor to your stay. Additionally, the town's fishing harbor and seafood restaurants provide a quintessential Amalfi Coast experience, perfect for evening strolls after a day of exploring.
fortified building in Maiori, provence of Salerno, Campania, Italy
mountain in Campania, Italy
Following renovation work, the frescoed dining room at this restaurant now has the feel of a contemporary osteria, while its attractive terrace boasts tables overlooking the picturesque village’s small square. The menu focuses mainly on fish and seafood (although a few meat options such as tomahawk ribeye and steak also feature), including raw fish, tartares, fried anchovies stuffed with smoked provolone cheese, grilled dishes and pasta, including spaghetti with the local anchovy sauce. If you choose fish from the dry-ageing cabinet, you’ll add a little extra to your bill. The desserts are als
WebsiteA very small, atypical restaurant, almost a bistro with only tables outside, at the counter with stools overlooking the sea or in the more classic dehors. The menu lists several fish recipes! You will find bluefin tuna, anchovies, squid... after all, the owners have been involved in fishing for four generations. Those with a sweet tooth should know that there is only one dessert on offer, the spumone, made for them by a nearby artisan ice-cream parlour. The dish that won the inspector over: octopus tentacles with chickpea hummus and anchovy colatura, simple but very tasty!
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WebsiteOnce you’ve passed through Vietri heading towards the Amalfi Coast, you come to the Giardini del Fuenti perched on a cliff sloping towards the sea. This hotel complex boasts a beach, terraced garden and the Riva Restaurant, which is open at lunchtime only and which also hosts various food and wine events. In a spacious dining room with large windows overlooking the beautiful bay, chef Michele De Blasio serves modern, elaborate and minimalist-style dishes based on reinterpretations of classic specialities from Campania, all showcased on two tasting menus and an à la carte. We particularly enjoy
WebsiteSituated on the fifth floor of the Due Torri hotel, the restaurant has recently been refurbished, giving it an even more charming and atmospheric feel than before. The cuisine is creative in style, almost always using ingredients and recipes from Campania as its inspiration – a good example is the many different ways tomato is used, including tomato water distilled in an alembic still. Chef Alfonso Crisci’s recipes are complex and always full of different ingredients and colours, with a selection of delicious and generous desserts to finish your meal.
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