Guide to Scala

'An ancient village perched in unspoilt hills above Amalfi, medieval Scala will delight history and nature-lovers.'

Scala is something of a well-kept secret on the Neapolitan Riviera. Tucked into the hills above Amalfi, it's one of those places often ignored by tourist mapmakers. But it's a real humdinger if you fancy gorging on authentic, traditional Neapolitan Italy. A charming, medieval village centred around quaint alleyways, this is where real, Italian village life goes on away from the tourist trail.
Wander around its streets and you'll sense it's pretty old. In fact, it's the oldest inhabited settlement in the Amalfi Coast, giving it instant star quality if you're a history buff. And there's more. Stroll past its central square to discover its beautiful Saint Lorenzo cathedral, complete with its crypt filled with 13th century sculptures.
As in the cathedral interior, peace reigns in the village itself. Plant yourself at one of Scala's traditional trattorias or cafe terraces and everything's so quiet, even faintest birdsong and buzz of Vespas will seem deafening. The soothing mood continues at night, with most visitors choosing to while away their evenings over a quiet supper of grilled swordfish and antipasti, finished with a glass of limoncella.
During the day, there's plenty to lure you out. All around, unpaved mule tracks radiate into dense chestnut woods and lemon groves. Descend through the forest to Pogerola and you'll even find a marquis-scented track down to Amalfi with its Arabesque cathedral and nearby beaches.
And for pack-your-bags, proper day trips, schedule in nearby Ravello with its Villa Rufolo gardens and the extraordinary Doric temples at Paestum before joining the tourists in Sorrento and Pompeii.

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