Erchie, fishing village on the Amalfi Coast

Fishing Village of the Coast

Erchie

An amphitheatre of white houses around a sandy bay, guarded by a Saracen tower. The best-kept secret on the Amalfi Coast.

Erchie is the village that tourists don't find. Hidden in a bay between Cetara and Maiori, this small amphitheatre of white houses overlooking a sandy beach is where Campanian locals go to the beach when they want to escape the crowds.

A hamlet of Maiori, Erchie has preserved the atmosphere of a fishing village that the rest of the coast lost long ago. The 16th-century Saracen tower dominates the bay, colourful boats are pulled up on the sand, and the restaurants serve fish caught that very morning.

Did you know?

XVI cent.

the Saracen tower overlooking the bay

Sandy

a rare find on the Amalfi Coast

~200

residents in the village

The Beach at Erchie

Erchie's beach is one of the very few sandy beaches on the Amalfi Coast. A sheltered bay with calm water that is shallow near the shore — ideal for families.

Main beach

Fine sand with a free section and an equipped section (sunbeds and umbrellas for hire). The Saracen tower provides a scenic backdrop. Calm water thanks to the shape of the bay.

Eastern cove

A small pebble cove reachable on foot from the village — wilder and more peaceful. Ideal for those seeking solitude and snorkelling in clear water.

What to See in Erchie

1

Saracen Tower

The symbol of Erchie: a 16th-century watchtower built to defend the coast from pirate incursions. It dominates the bay with its imposing mass. Not open to the public inside, but an unmissable photographic backdrop.

2

Abbey of Santa Maria de Erchie

An ancient Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century, perched above the village. The remains of the medieval structure are partly visitable and offer a panoramic view over the bay.

3

The fishing village

Wander among the white houses, flower-lined staircases, and colourful boats pulled up on the sand. Erchie has maintained its fishing village character thanks to its secluded position away from the main road.

4

Erchie–Cetara Coastal Path

A coastal path linking Erchie to Cetara through Mediterranean scrub. About 3 km, 1 hour of walking, with views of the coast and the sea. Easy difficulty.

Local Tip

The Campanian secret

Erchie is where Salernitans and Campanians go to the sea when they want the coast without the crowds. Real sand, calm water, fresh fish, and honest prices. On a weekday outside peak season, you could almost have the beach to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Erchie

How do you get to Erchie?
By car: on the SS163 between Cetara and Maiori, a turn-off leads down to the village (limited parking). By SITA bus: Erchie stop on the Salerno–Amalfi line. By boat: reachable by sea from Maiori or Cetara.
Is the beach at Erchie sandy?
Yes, Erchie has one of the very few sandy beaches on the Amalfi Coast. It is a sheltered bay with calm, shallow water near the shoreline — ideal for families with young children. There is a free section and an equipped section with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
Is Erchie crowded in summer?
Far less so than Positano or Amalfi. Erchie is known mainly to locals and Campanian visitors. In August it can be busy but never truly overcrowded. Arrive early in the morning to get the best spot.
Are there restaurants in Erchie?
Yes, there are several trattorias and seafood restaurants directly on the beach and in the village. Incredibly fresh seafood at lower prices than the main coast restaurants.
What is the Erchie Tower?
It is a 16th-century Saracen watchtower that dominates the bay. Built to defend the village from pirate raids, today it is one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. It cannot be entered, but it makes a stunning backdrop.