Travel Guide to Erchie, Amalfi Coast

If you’ve ever driven along the Amalfi Coast between Cetara and Maiori, you may have passed Erchie without even realizing it. Blink and it’s gone, but stop here and you’ll find one of the most charming little villages on the whole coast.

I spent a day in Erchie and was surprised by how small it really is. Just a few houses, a couple of trattorias, and a crescent-shaped beach beneath steep terraces filled with vineyards and lemon trees. It’s the kind of stop that works best as part of a wider trip, alongside other things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

That’s all. And yet, it has the kind of beauty that makes you want to linger. Erchie isn’t about ticking off attractions; it’s about slowing down, swimming in clear water, and maybe enjoying a long seafood lunch.

A Glimpse of History

According to legend, Erchie was founded by Hercules himself, which is where the name is thought to come from. In reality, its history is just as fascinating. During the Middle Ages, a Benedictine abbey was established here, around which the village slowly grew.

Later, in 1278, Charles I of Anjou ordered the construction of a coastal bastion to defend the hamlet from Saracen raids. The defensive system included the Torre la Cerniola, which still stands proudly on the promontory today.

These centuries of history explain why such a small place has a church, a tower, and an identity that’s very different from a simple fishing hamlet.

Things to Do in Erchie

As I said before, there aren’t many things to do in Erchie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a day or two relaxing here!

Relax on the beach

The beach is the heart of Erchie, small but beautiful, with clear water and cliffs that shelter it from the wind. There are both free areas and lidos with sunbeds for rent.

At Lido Edelvina in 2025, prices are 40 euros for two sunbeds and an umbrella in the first two rows, and 30 euros behind. Keep in mind that the sunbeds are quite close together; this isn’t a wide sandy beach.

On the quieter side of the beach, you’ll find simpler sunbeds for about 5 euros each.

I visited in mid-May, and while other beaches on the Amalfi Coast were already quite busy, this one was still closed, and there were no sunbathers. So keep this in mind if you’re not visiting between June and the beginning of September, as the facilities at the beach may be closed.

Swim or paddle to hidden coves

Erchie is famous for the secluded coves tucked into the cliffs on either side of the main beach.

Spiaggia del Cauco is the best known, with turquoise water and a wild, untouched feel. It can be reached by kayak, SUP, or a paddle boat. You can rent the equipment directly on the main Erchie beach.

You can even swim here from the main beach, but I don’t recommend this option unless you are a strong swimmer, as the wind might change and it might be hard to get back.

Spiaggia di Suverano Lo Sgarrupo is even more hidden, generally reached by boat or kayak. People sometimes take the steep path down, but it’s tricky and not for everyone. However, if you manage, you’ll be on a beach with a handful of other people, which is almost unheard of on the Amalfi Coast.

Keep in mind that these are wilder beaches, you won’t find bathrooms, nor water or food or umbrellas to rent…but that’s the beauty of nature!

Photograph Torre La Cerniola

Built in the 13th century, this medieval watchtower was part of the defensive system that protected the Amalfi Coast. It’s one of the best preserved in the region and still dominates the headland.

The best photos are actually taken from the main road above the village – that’s the angle that makes it one of the most Instagrammed corners of Erchie.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

In the village square stands a small Renaissance-style church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. It was built over the ruins of the Benedictine abbey and houses a beautiful painting of the Madonna and Child.

The church is simple but evocative. It won’t take you more than 5 minutes to visit this church, so make sure to pop by (sorry, I forgot to take a photo!).

While you are there, make sure to walk around the village center and maybe grab a bite.

Where to Eat in Erchie

Even if the village is tiny, you won’t go hungry.

• Lido Edelvina – Right on the sand, this lido also has a restaurant. When I stopped, I only grabbed a coffee and juice, but the menu features fresh seafood and pasta dishes served with a sea view.
  
• Edonè – A small restaurant with a terrace that looks over the sea and the town of Erchie — especially beautiful at sunset. The menu goes beyond seafood, with great taglieri (platters of cold cuts and cheeses) and a wide choice of bruschette, perfect to share with a glass of wine.
  
• Acqua in Bocca – A more refined option, offering local flavors with a creative touch. They make an excellent frittura (mixed fried fish) and the octopus looks incredible as well.
  
• Il Faro di Capo d’Orso – Just outside Erchie, perched dramatically on a cliff. This is a proper fine dining experience, one of the most elegant restaurants on the Amalfi Coast. The views alone are worth the drive, and the tasting menus feature refined takes on seafood classics. A great choice if you’re celebrating something special.

Where to Stay in Erchie

Accommodation here is limited, but if you want the rare chance to spend a night in such a quiet spot, here are a few options:

• Il Sogno – Located right in the village, only a short stroll from the beach. It’s family-run, with simple but comfortable rooms. Some have balconies with sea views, as well as fully equipped kitchens.
  
• Limoneto di Ercole – About a kilometer outside Erchie, on the road that links Cetara and Maiori. Surrounded by lemon groves, it offers self-catering apartments with kitchens and outdoor terraces. There’s even a jacuzzi with lovely views over Erchie and the sea. Ideal if you like independence and a rustic countryside atmosphere.
  
• Almaris – Also on the coastal road, not inside the village itself. This holiday home has a lot of character and great views out to the sea. A comfortable base if you don’t mind being a short drive from the beach.

If you can’t find availability in the village, base yourself in Maiori or Cetara and come down to Erchie for the day.

How to Get to Erchie

• By bus: SITA buses run between Salerno and Amalfi, with a stop above Erchie. From the bus stop it’s about a 10-minute walk down a steep path to the beach, and of course, the climb back up is the hard part.

A ticket from Salerno to Cetara costs about 2 euros, to Maiori around 2.80 euros, and to Amalfi around 3.40 euros (2025 prices).

Tickets must be bought in advance at a tabacchi or bar (although I think only one place sells tickets in Erchie, and it was closed when we were there), or you can buy your ticket on the UNICO Campania app (Apple / Android).

I recommend this second option; it’s easy and hassle-free. You can also buy the tickets in advance from the comfort of your hotel room and validate them when you actually use them.

⚠️ If you want to take the bus from Erchie going towards Maiori and Amalfi, the stop isn’t marked, and you need to wait on the opposite side of the road from the stop towards Salerno.

We didn’t understand where the stop was and ended up waiting behind a curve. When we finally flagged down the driver, he gestured for us to run up the road to the actual stop further along. So don’t be surprised if it feels confusing, and always raise your hand or the driver may pass you.

• By car: Parking is extremely limited and costs 4 euros per hour. If you do find a spot, you’ll still need to walk down the same steep road to the village, as parking is up by the main road, not in the village.

• By walking: On the way to Erchie, we walked from Cetara. The walk itself isn’t long nor difficult (it took us less than 30 minutes), but there isn’t a real sidewalk on the main road, so please be extra careful when walking on the road. Sometimes the cars drive very fast, and there are some pretty blind curves.
  
  However, it’s a scenic walk with some nice viewpoints, so it might be worth it.

• By boat: There’s no ferry stop in Erchie, but you can arrive by private boat or water taxi. The closest ferry ports are in Cetara and Maiori. For most people, though, this option is not doable or convenient.

Practical Tips for Visiting Erchie

• Wear proper shoes for the walk down and up; flip-flops make it harder.
• Most lidos and restaurants do take cards, but carrying a little cash is useful for small expenses like parking or bus tickets.
• Get there early in summer if you want to secure a sunbed.
• June and September are the sweet spots for enjoying Erchie without the worst of the crowds.

Why Visit Erchie

If you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll probably hear more about Maiori or Cetara, both bigger and better known. They’re among the better-known towns on the Amalfi Coast, but Erchie offers a very different, quieter feel.

It’s quieter, more intimate, and feels almost like a secret corner of the Amalfi Coast. It may not have many “sights,” but that’s exactly its charm. This is the place you come to when you want a day of pure sea and simplicity.

If you’re curious, you can also read my guides to Maiori and Cetara (coming soon) to see how Erchie compares and decide which stop is right for you.