Minori is a quiet little seaside town of about 2700 inhabitants located on the Amalfi coast. Although a popular tourist destination, it lacks the suffocating crowds of Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano and the island of Capri. It is only a 40 minute ferry ride from Salerno and the views of the coast are stunning. The terraced lemon groves cling to the rocky coastline.
Today’s weather was perfect for our excursion- sunny, temperatures in the upper 60s, no humidity and a slight breeze. We arrived around 3:40 pm, with about 2 1/2 hours to explore before catching the last ferry back to Salerno. 
Sunbathers could still be seen on the beach despite it being in late October!
We strolled past the monument and church dedicated to St. Trofimena, the patron saint of Minora, a young Sicilian martyr killed by her father because she would not marry a pagan. Her remains, placed in an urn, washed up onto the shores of this little village in the 7th century and white heifers were used to carry her remains to the site where the church now stands.
We continued on to an archeological site discovered in the 1950s of an ancient Roman villa dating from the 1st century BC. This area of the coast was a popular vacation destination two millennia ago for the Roman aristocracy and the remains of a swimming pool, dining hall, frescoed walls and mosaic floors can still be seen.
The last stop was at the Laboratorio Artigianale Mansi, where limoncello and other liqueurs are manufactured by hand, without the use of machinery. The local variety of lemon is zested by hand and the lemon zest is placed in a vat of absolute alcohol for 48 hours. Then a simple syrup (sugar and water) is added to create the iconic drink of the Amalfi coast. Other liqueurs made with pistacchio, orange, melon and an herbal mixture are also produced here.There are no artificial colors of flavors added.
We were given the opportunity to sample these potent potables, and of course had the opportunity to purchase a bottle or two!
We had about an hour of free time which most used to get some refreshment, predominantly in the for of gelato, especially lemon flavor. Pasticceria De Riso, located near the waterfront, is famous for its pastries and gelato, so that’s where we headed.
The ferry arrived just as the sun was beginning to set, with a lovely and romantic vista.
Camino Musings 