Claudette, Ron and Deanna all got in late at night at our stay at the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi. The Convento was originally a 12th century Monastery featuring a 13th century Norman-Arab cloister. The Passeggiata dei Monaci (panoramic walk overlooking Amalfi) is probably the most painted view in the world. The Convento was totally refurbished and reopened in 2009. It has 53 rooms, a panoramic restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.
We spent time just outside the Duomo di Sant' Andrea which is a mish-mash of architectural elements but you can detect a lot of Arab-Norman looks in this Duomo. The Duomo is reached by 62 steps from the main piazza of Amalfi. The inexpensive tour of the Duomo starts at the 11th century Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise) and continues into the 9th century basilica where there is a museum containing treasures from the cathedral complex.
We took a boat ride to the Amalfi Coast’s most popular tourist destinations which is the Emerald Grotto. It is known for its natural “fireworks display” caused by light reflecting off its stalactites, and the jewel-like sheen of its green waters. The experience is breathtaking, and is well worth the extra effort you need need to take to charter a boat. In fact, some would argue that the Emerald Grotto is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, a high honour granted to a region already famous for its spectacular beauty.