Furore, a little village along the Amalfi Coast between Amalfi and Positano, is almost hiding in plain sight. Known as il paese che non c’è (“the village that isn’t there”), it is a collection of scattered houses and unique natural spots that make it seem like a place out of a fairy tale. Indeed, this unique geography and layout make Furore blend into the natural landscape, which gives it a very unusual, almost mystical atmosphere.
Situated approximately 8 kilometers from Amalfi and about 30 from Salerno, Furore lies 300 meters above sea level and offers its visitors stunning views of the famous coastline it overlooks. The village is accessible by the Amalfi State Road 163, and while driving offers scenic views, parking can be a challenge, so keep that in mind. Indeed, many visitors opt to take the SITA bus services, which provide convenient connections from Salerno, Naples, and Sorrento.
The village’s history dates back to Roman times, with its name likely deriving from the Latin word furor due to the roaring sound of the sea in the fjord during stormy weather. But there are also some interesting legends about it: according to one, the village’s original name was Terra Furoris (Latin for “the land of fury”) and comes from an epic battle where the villagers expelled the Devil himself from their land. In his rage, the Devil cursed the area with nettles and left a lasting footprint, known as the pedata, which remains visible to this day. Another legend speaks of the villagers’ tumultuous relationship with their patron saints—Santo Jaco, Sant’Agnello, and Sant’Elia—each facing the ire of the townsfolk in unique ways.
During the Middle Ages, Furore became part of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi and, later, an independent municipality. Its location made it largely inaccessible, protecting it from invasions such as those by the Saracens.
The beauty of Furore
Furore is probably best known for its Fiordo, a narrow fjord formed by the erosive action of the Schiato River: this natural inlet is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and features a small pebble beach accessible via a steep staircase. The fjord is also famous for hosting the annual MarMeeting, an international diving competition where participants dive from heights of up to 28 meters. The Muri in Cerca d’Autore project, which turned the village into an open-air art gallery, is also very famous: it started in the 1980s and, through the years, it brought to Furore artists from around the world to paint murals about local life, history, and myths.
Religious and historical sites
Furore is home to several historic churches, including the Church of San Giacomo, dating back to the 11th century, which houses frescoes from the Giotto school. The Church of Sant’Elia, built in the 13th century, features a wooden triptych by Angelo Antonello da Capua; the Church of San Michele and the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà also hold significant historical and artistic value, with the latter being known for its pre-Napoleonic cemetery.
Cuisine, traditions and curiosities
The village’s signature dish, totani e patate, perfectly represents the blend of land and sea flavors that define local cuisine. Once upon a time, this hearty meal was created by farmer-fishermen who sought to feed their large families by stretching the catch of the day with the addition of potatoes, so that no one went hungry.
Furore’s culinary scene is further enriched by local produce: the piennolo, a variety of small, flavorful tomatoes, is often seen hanging in clusters outside homes but the vine is, here, the true queen. As one of the three distinguished subzones of the Costa d’Amalfi DOC, Furore’s vineyards are cultivated on steep, terraced slopes, and contribute to the village’s well-earned title of Città del Vino (City of Wine).
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