Erchie

The name of the village evokes ancient legends: in fact, it is believed that a temple dedicated to Hercules (Hercules), the patron deity of travelers and seaports, once stood here. Although there are no certain sources, the mythological suggestion envelops the origins of the village, fueling the charm of this timeless place.

From medieval origins to Saracen raids

The earliest documented evidence dates back to 979 AD, with the founding of the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Erchi, desired by the doge of the powerful Republic of Amalfi. The monastery was sacked in 1154 during Saracen raids and later abandoned due to constant pirate threats, until its suppression in 1451. The coast between Erchie and Capo d'Orso was also the scene of the naval battle of 1528, when the fleets of Filippo Doria for France and Don Ugo di Moncada for Spain clashed.

The beach and the Saracen towers

The beating heart of the village is the main beach of Marina di Erchie, about 200 meters long, surrounded by high cliffs covered with Mediterranean scrub and dotted with small white houses with red roofs. To make it even more fascinating, two ancient Saracen watchtowers guard the bay: Torre La Cerniola, on the left, built of limestone and now converted into an exclusive accommodation facility, is one of the best-preserved towers on the Amalfi Coast; Torre Capo Tummolo, on the right, now reduced to ruins, remains as a testament to the defensive vocation of the Amalfi coast.

Access to the village is limited, cars are not allowed as far as the beach, a choice that preserves the intact and silent atmosphere of the village, where time seems to flow to the rhythm of the wind and waves.

The secret coves of Erchie

Erchie is famous for its hidden coves, reachable only by sea or by impervious paths: ideal refuges for those seeking tranquility, crystal clear sea and absolute silence.

The best known is the Spiaggia del Cauco (Cauco Beach), a tongue of pebbles about 150 meters long, set between high sheer cliffs. It can be reached by boat from the main beach or by a short swim. Bathed in turquoise waters, it is perfect for those who want a relaxing day, although in the afternoon hours the shade gains the upper hand because of the cliff above.

Other coves such as Sgarrupo (from the dialectal "cliff"), officially accessible only from the sea, attract instead experienced local bathers who access them from steep and wild paths. Here the sun stays longer, and nature shows itself in all its power.

During the summer, it is common to find itinerant boatmen bringing cool drinks and snacks to even the most isolated bays, giving a touch of comfort to the natural paradise.

A paradise for surfers and quiet lovers

Accomplice to its exposure and geographical conformation, Erchie is often caressed by the wind, making it an ideal surfing destination, although the village remains essentially a place for those who love calm, contact with nature and the authentic dimension of the sea.

The village has preserved its poetic spirit, far from the glamour of Positano or Ravello. Here there are no boutiques, trendy clubs or traffic: there is the sound of the waves, the colors of ripe lemons, the scent of saltiness and the silence broken only by the song of seagulls.

A Hidden Coast

Erchie represents the most intimate essence of the Amalfi Coast: not the glitzy and worldly one, but the more hidden and sincere one, where beauty is revealed with modesty. A perfect place for travelers in search of true emotions, sunsets stolen from time and clear waters that tell ancient stories.

Erchie is not traversed: it is contemplated. It is one of those places that speak to the heart and invite you to slow down. An enchanted bay that, once discovered, remains engraved in the memory of those who have experienced it even for a day.