Maiori: Lemon Trails, Coast and Culture

Maiori between lemon groves and coast

Maiori combines the area's longest beach with lemon groves, historic buildings and a local culinary tradition. UNESCO describes Reginna Maior as one of the four most important coastal areas within the Amalfi Coast World Heritage Site. If you would like to combine coastal landscapes, trails, culture and local specialities, Maiori offers various points of interest – from the Sentiero dei Limoni to gardens, churches and towers.

The Sentiero dei Limoni

The Sentiero dei Limoni begins at the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare in Maiori and leads through cultivated lemon groves and diverse Mediterranean vegetation. In the past, the path was used by the Formichelle, women who carried lemons in large baskets. Upon request, a lemon tour can take place on the Sentiero dei Limoni, including information about lemon processing and a tasting of lemon-based products in the lemon grove. Here, landscape, historic work and flavour come together along the trail.

Beach, towers and cliffs

Maiori has the area's longest beach. The Torre Normanna is one of Maiori's well-known Saracen towers and is located in the Erchie district. Behind the Torre Normanna, the Spiaggia di Salicerchie can be reached by descending more than 160 steps; you should take this descent into account when planning your visit. The Abbazia di Santa Maria dell'Olearia is situated directly beside a cliff face.

Church, fortress and memory

The Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare was built by the Lombards in the 13th century. It preserves sacred objects and paintings from the 15th century. Its crypt houses a museum of sacred art. The Castello di Thoro Plano is a complex dating from the 9th century that rises above Maiori. It served the Republic of Amalfi as a communications outpost. In Maiori, remains of the former S. Sebastiano fortifications can also be seen.

Gardens, festivals and local specialities

The Giardini di Palazzo Mezzacapo offer a place to relax among elegant, impressive fountains. The Giardini Mezzacapo are laid out with Mediterranean plants, flowers, trees, artificial grottoes and waterways, have the shape of the Maltese cross, and frequently host art events, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances. The Festa patronale di Santa Maria a Mare culminates in a solemn procession through Maiori and a fireworks display over the sea. “Melanzana con la cioccolata” is a traditional dish from Maiori associated with the patron saint's festival and has received De.Co. recognition. “Zizze 'e monache” is the local name in Maiori for a delicate variation of the “sospiri” pastry. The digestif “Concerto” is said to have originated between Maiori and Tramonti.

This gives your trip planning a clear range of options: the Sentiero dei Limoni represents the former work centred around lemons, the historic sites bear witness to religious and military history, while the gardens, festival and specialities reveal the local character from different perspectives.

Discover more destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Policastro Bussentino, Marina Di Camerota, Casalsottano, Arenabianca, Mercato San Severino, Giffoni Valle Piana, Vibonati and Bracigliano.

For the overarching travel overview: Salerno.