5 Unique Active Experiences on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s top destinations, especially during the summer months.  With stretches of breathtaking coastline, drastic cliff sides, and rocky beaches dotting the cerulean-blue waters of this UNESCO-protected coastline, its no wonder it has been attracting the likes of movie starts, royalty and travelers alike for decades.

Many visitors to the Amalfi Coast instantly fall in love with the place—the warm and welcoming demeanor of the local residents, the delicious food, the incredible landscape, and the seemingly endless number of sunny days are all reason why travelers return to the Amalfi Coast time and time again. But then what does one do on their second, third, or even fourth visit to reinvent their trip and try something new?

Here are some insider tips, and activities that many may not have even known existed.

5 Unique Active Experiences on the Amalfi Coast

1. Kayaking

In exploring the coast by kayak, you will easily be able to reach many of the concealed coves and isolated beaches that boats and pedestrians simply cannot reach. Based on your level of experience and itinerary preference, enjoy visiting sites such as the Fjord of Furore, Santa Croce Beach, the Devil’s Grotto, and the Marmorata Falls.

Looking for a romantic excursion? How about a special evening kayaking excursion departing just before sunset and finishing with a delicious dinner served in a fantastic local restaurant along the coast. This could be the perfect experience for honeymooners.

2. Waterskiing around the Island of Capri

No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without at least a one-day jaunt over to the glamorous island of Capri. Instead of the typical afternoon shopping stroll followed by lunch in one of the island’s famed restaurants, how water skiing around Capri? Now, that’s an experience of a lifetime!

Imagine skimming the surface of the crystal blue waters along the unspoiled coastline of one of the world’s most stunning islands, with the warm sun glowing on your face. Enjoy the swell of emotions as you ski by the world renowned Faraglioni Rocks, the symbols of Capri, while heading full-speed towards the fashionable seaside resorts along the Bay of Marina Piccola.

Discover some of the area’s hidden beaches, the natural beauty of its coastline, and its amazing turquoise waters, while taking in the breathtaking views of some of Capri’s most amazing natural wonders.

3. Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean

Scuba diving is not just for the Caribbean! Discover the Mediterranean from underwater while you admire the vibrant seabed and marvelous wildlife of this UNESCO-protected coastline. You will be surrounded by sea fans, gorges, scorpion fish, and an entire underwater world of Mediterranean beauty. The diverse underwater wildlife, with its vibrant colors and intricate formations will add to your unforgettable experience.

4. Tandem Skydive

Enjoy the spectacular sights and exhilarating sensations as you set out on this one of a kind adventure, high above the beautiful Amalfi Coast. This is experience is great for first-time skydivers, as it will consists of a tandem jump where you are strapped to your instructor and parachute system.

After 30 minutes of ground preparation, you will be geared up and ready to go. A 15-minute airplane ride takes you to up to approximately 14,000 feet where you’ll jump from the aircraft and begin your free fall. That’s one adrenaline rush combined with a bird’s eye-view of the unparalleled beauty of the Amalfi Coast below.

5. International “MarMeeting” High Dive Competition

A special treat for adventurous travelers who happen to find themselves on the Amalfi Coast during the first week of July. Each year in the tiny hamlet of Furore, tucked away along the Amalfi Coast just beside the towns Conca dei Marini and Praiano, you’ll find the International “MarMeeting” High Dive Competition.

Furore is home to the only fjord in southern Europe, and boasts an amazing natural break in the coastline, which houses an ancient natural gorge better known as the Fjordo di Furore (the fjord of Furore). This year Furore will host the 28^th Annual MarMeeting High Dive Competition, a free event, open to the public.

The competition is best viewed from a boat, which can anchor just outside of the fjord, or you can walk down the 100+ stairs to reach the tiny rocky beach of Furore where you can also view the divers as they plunge over 100 feet into the crystal blue waters below. The first and second session of trials will take place on Friday and Saturday July 4^th and 5^th 2014 and the main event will take place on Sunday July 6^th.

The competition generally begins in the early afternoon, but due to the local popularity of this event, we recommend arriving in the early morning to secure a space on the beach or a prime docking position just outside of the fjord should you decide to arrive by boat.

Author’s Bio: Nicole Biscardi, a native New Yorker, is the Director of Marketing for Your Private Italy, an American-managed, on-site destination management specialist in Italy that provides a set of unique experiences on the Amalfi Coast. With their head operational office based in Salerno, the southern-most city of the Amalfi Coast, Your Private Italy has the insider knowledge to help you arrange unforgettable experiences on the Amalfi Coast.