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Holidays in Cetara
Cetara is a picturesque fishing village on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, located in the Campania region. Its history dates back to Roman times, though its name is believed to derive from the Latin word cetaria, meaning "tuna fishing nets" or "fish farm," highlighting its long connection to fishing.
During the Middle Ages, Cetara became part of the Duchy of Amalfi, a powerful maritime republic. In the 16th century, it was frequently attacked by pirates, leading to the construction of defensive watchtowers, some of which still stand today. Over the centuries, Cetara has remained a small but thriving fishing community, maintaining its traditional character despite the tourism boom along the Amalfi Coast.
Description of Cetara
Cetara is a charming seaside town with colorful houses, a small beach, and a historic center filled with narrow streets. Unlike the more touristy parts of the Amalfi Coast, Cetara retains an authentic feel, with local fishermen still practicing their trade. The town is nestled between steep hills and the Mediterranean Sea, offering stunning coastal views.
The Saracen Tower, originally built to defend against pirate raids, is one of Cetara’s main landmarks. The Church of San Pietro Apostolo, with its beautiful majolica-tiled dome, is another important site, reflecting the town’s deep-rooted religious traditions.
Typical Food of Cetara
Cetara is best known for its anchovies and tuna, which are fished using traditional methods. One of the town’s most famous culinary products is "Colatura di Alici", a unique anchovy-based sauce that dates back to Roman times. Similar to Asian fish sauce, colatura di alici is made by layering anchovies and salt in barrels, allowing the liquid to drip down and age for several months. It is often used to flavor pasta dishes.
Other typical dishes include:
Spaghetti alla Colatura di Alici – Pasta with anchovy extract, garlic, and olive oil.
Tuna in Oil (Tonno sott'olio) – Locally caught and preserved tuna.
Stuffed Anchovies (Alici Ripiene) – Anchovies filled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare – A fresh pasta dish with seafood.
Limoncello – A local lemon liqueur, typical of the Amalfi Coast.
Activities in Cetara
Cetara offers a variety of activities for visitors who enjoy nature, history, and gastronomy:
Beach Relaxation – The town has a small but beautiful beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Boat Tours & Fishing Trips – Explore the Amalfi Coast by boat or experience a traditional fishing tour with local fishermen.
Hiking – Enjoy trails leading into the surrounding hills, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Visit the Saracen Tower – Discover the town’s history and take in the panoramic views.
Tasting Colatura di Alici – Visit a local producer to learn about the fermentation process of this famous anchovy sauce.
Day Trips – Cetara is well connected by road and ferry to nearby Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno.
Religious Festivals – The town hosts the Feast of St. Peter (June 29), celebrating its patron saint with processions, fireworks, and traditional food.
During the Middle Ages, Cetara became part of the Duchy of Amalfi, a powerful maritime republic. In the 16th century, it was frequently attacked by pirates, leading to the construction of defensive watchtowers, some of which still stand today. Over the centuries, Cetara has remained a small but thriving fishing community, maintaining its traditional character despite the tourism boom along the Amalfi Coast.
Description of Cetara
Cetara is a charming seaside town with colorful houses, a small beach, and a historic center filled with narrow streets. Unlike the more touristy parts of the Amalfi Coast, Cetara retains an authentic feel, with local fishermen still practicing their trade. The town is nestled between steep hills and the Mediterranean Sea, offering stunning coastal views.
The Saracen Tower, originally built to defend against pirate raids, is one of Cetara’s main landmarks. The Church of San Pietro Apostolo, with its beautiful majolica-tiled dome, is another important site, reflecting the town’s deep-rooted religious traditions.
Typical Food of Cetara
Cetara is best known for its anchovies and tuna, which are fished using traditional methods. One of the town’s most famous culinary products is "Colatura di Alici", a unique anchovy-based sauce that dates back to Roman times. Similar to Asian fish sauce, colatura di alici is made by layering anchovies and salt in barrels, allowing the liquid to drip down and age for several months. It is often used to flavor pasta dishes.
Other typical dishes include:
Spaghetti alla Colatura di Alici – Pasta with anchovy extract, garlic, and olive oil.
Tuna in Oil (Tonno sott'olio) – Locally caught and preserved tuna.
Stuffed Anchovies (Alici Ripiene) – Anchovies filled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare – A fresh pasta dish with seafood.
Limoncello – A local lemon liqueur, typical of the Amalfi Coast.
Activities in Cetara
Cetara offers a variety of activities for visitors who enjoy nature, history, and gastronomy:
Beach Relaxation – The town has a small but beautiful beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Boat Tours & Fishing Trips – Explore the Amalfi Coast by boat or experience a traditional fishing tour with local fishermen.
Hiking – Enjoy trails leading into the surrounding hills, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Visit the Saracen Tower – Discover the town’s history and take in the panoramic views.
Tasting Colatura di Alici – Visit a local producer to learn about the fermentation process of this famous anchovy sauce.
Day Trips – Cetara is well connected by road and ferry to nearby Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno.
Religious Festivals – The town hosts the Feast of St. Peter (June 29), celebrating its patron saint with processions, fireworks, and traditional food.
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