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Maiori boasts the longest sea front in the Amalfi Coast area and it is this wonderful fine pebble beach shaped like an ancient amphitheatre which draws the greatest number of holiday makers. Many tourists come to Maiori unaware of its historical and artistic importance. From the sea Maiori is a stunning destination when you reach it by motor yacht or sailing boat. A must to be seen when you sail the Italian Coast.
 During the Middle Ages Maiori was the main operative centre of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi: here were part of the arsenals (other ones in Minori) but, most of all, here were the military headquarters of the fleet, the main customs offices and the representatives of foreign merchant companies. In short it was the main harbour of the Republic. For its strategic position it was surrounded by coastal defences and wall fortifications, of which remain nowadays some defence towers and the Castle of San Francesco (St.Francis) rebuilt in 15th century. Even under the Reign of Naples, Maiori preserved its commercial function and also a certain prosperity, which made it deserve the title of Cittą Regia (Royal Town) during the Spanish Viceroyalty.
 Through the valley behind the town of Maiori, called Valle di Tramonti by the name of the main town inland, which is in a northern position respect to Maiori, we get into the core of the mountain range of Monti Lattari, a completely different environment and having the typical characters of the mountain life. From the Valley of Tramonti also derives the name of the cold northerly wind (Tramontana) for centuries written above the Rosa dei Venti (Wind Rose), used as background of the compass, introduced in Europe by the sailors of the Amalfi Republic.
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