Maiori is a fishing town and peaceful bathing resort on the Amalfi Coast that boasts one of the largest beaches in the area, a colourful nightlife, great restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of pretty buildings. Once the Republic of Amalfi's principal port, with streets lined with stunning patrician palazzi, in the Middle Ages King Filippo IV even declared the town the Città Regia.
Located at the mouth of the valley of Tramonti, the town is said to have been founded by the Etruscan Lucumone Reghinna, though there is debate about whether the Romans, Etruscans or Greeks were the actual founders.
Its ancient name is Reghinna Major, in contrast to the nearby town of Reghinna Minor (called Minori today). Reghinna Major and Reghinna Minor were actually the names of two rivers, with Maiori having been built at the mouth of the Reginna Major river.
Located at the mouth of the valley of Tramonti, the town is said to have been founded by the Etruscan Lucumone Reghinna, though there is debate about whether the Romans, Etruscans or Greeks were the actual founders.
Its ancient name is Reghinna Major, in contrast to the nearby town of Reghinna Minor (called Minori today). Reghinna Major and Reghinna Minor were actually the names of two rivers, with Maiori having been built at the mouth of the Reginna Major river.
The overflowing of said river in 1954, actually swept away much of the ancient Maiori, requiring that it be completely rebuilt. As a result, the town has a relatively modern look, setting it apart from other towns in the area. However, the upside to this disaster was the widening of its beach, making it one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast.
Maiori is dominated by one of the few older buildings left in the town, the beautiful 15th century Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, which is perched on a rocky outcrop over the bay. Another historic example is another elevated building, the 12th Collegiate century church of Santa Maria a Mare, which was renovated between the 18th and 19th century and features a precious organ by master craftsman Zeno Fedeli from Foligno. There are also numerous ancient coastal towers that were built by the Spanish as part of a large defensive system. The pretty town is less ancient as a general rule but it is well worth wandering and exploring the shops and restaurants of Maiori.
Maiori is dominated by one of the few older buildings left in the town, the beautiful 15th century Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, which is perched on a rocky outcrop over the bay. Another historic example is another elevated building, the 12th Collegiate century church of Santa Maria a Mare, which was renovated between the 18th and 19th century and features a precious organ by master craftsman Zeno Fedeli from Foligno. There are also numerous ancient coastal towers that were built by the Spanish as part of a large defensive system. The pretty town is less ancient as a general rule but it is well worth wandering and exploring the shops and restaurants of Maiori.
The beach, of course, is an important feature of the town and a great place to spend long, lazy days, lounging around but the gastronomy of Maiori is not to be missed either. It features lots of traditional aspects, local produce, seafood specialities, and some rather unique dishes, such as the pairing of eggplant with chocolate.
If you have found a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast, this charming town is a perfect spot to come and get away from it all and fall in love with everything the area has to offer.
If you have found a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast, this charming town is a perfect spot to come and get away from it all and fall in love with everything the area has to offer.
Photo credits
picture 1: Daria / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Daria / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sabine Cretella / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Daria / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Daria / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sabine Cretella / CC BY-SA 3.0
