Responsible Tourism on the Amalfi Coast

Agriturismo businesses

The Amalfi Coast is well known for hosting chic brigades, celebrities and yachties. However, real life is very much a feature of this splendid landscape too, with plenty of traditional agriturismo businesses offering homestays, particularly inland. Preserving traditional agriculture is vital along the Amalfi Coast. Lemon, olive and grape growing are all part of the ancient ways here, and also protect the coast from erosion. Terraced farming has led to the building of stone walls over the centuries which protect the villages at the bottom of slopes from landslides. In addition, the traditional cultivation of lemon and olive groves also protects the region from flooding.

Agriturismo accommodation gives travelers the chance to keep things local, and often ingredients used at mealtimes will have come directly from the soil surrounding the property. Diversifying into tourism has allowed agricultural land owners to keep up traditional practices whilst still supporting each other through local cooperatives. This protects rural communities and fair wages and training opportunities at agriturismo businesses empower rural workers and help to create a healthy relationship between tourism and traditional practices. Recommendations for local markets, rural restaurants and authentic workshops are all part of this healthy picture.