Sea Itinerary
Conca Dei Marini
On the way from Amalfi to Positano, shortly after having left Vettica behind, emerges Conca dei Marini. It overhangs the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave) which can be reached either from state road 163 via a lift or by sea. Among the many caves along the coast the Emerald Cave is surely the biggest and best known.
The cave was found in 1932. It has the measures of 45 meters per 32 meters. Through the underwater exit external light enters the cave, which is reflected inside and causes so its water to become of emerald colour. Stalactites and stalagmites are to be admired too.
At Cape of Conca one can find the massive tower ordered by Carlo V (Charles V). The construction of the tower called Capo di vite took place from 1569 untill 1570, after the devastation of the church of S. Pancrazio by the crews of the Turkish ships.
The origins of this lovely town go back to Roman times, when it was called Cossa.
Looking at the town from the sea one sees its colourful houses spread in this picturesque landscape, a mixture of rocks and plants.
Dreamlike is the beach of Conca dei Marini with the little houses gently leaning on the rocks. Unterneath the massive rock one can make out the Chapel of Santa Maria della Neve which is celebrated every year on the 5th of August with a sea of colours and lights. Famous people like Gianni Agnelli, the Queen of Holland and Jacqueline Kennedy have visited Conca dei Marini remaining captivated by its beauty.
On the road leading to Agerola the austere Convent S. Rosa, dating from the 17th century, is located. It used to be the residence of nunns and has been turned into a hotel with the same name today.
It was in this convent that the famous sweet "sfogliatella santarosa" was created.
I had the pleasure to be on holidays at Conca dei Marini during the summer of 2001. It was in the square next to the old post office that I made friends with the local people and tasted their typical sweets. Who enjoys calm and wants to relax has found in Conca dei Marini and its little town square the ideal place, not at last, because of the breathtaking view over the sea and the scents of flowers and lemons in the air.