Spring is in full swing on the Amalfi Coast, offering a variety of events and activities without the crowds of summer tourists. You can enjoy a scenic walk along the famous Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path) between Maiori and Minori to celebrate Slow Food Day on May 18th. Additionally, indulge in the latest pastry innovations from the renowned Amalfi Pasticceria Pansa, or experience the remarkable Vestri Vases in celebration of the 17th Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics of Amalfi, Genoa, Venice, and Pisa.
Slow Food Day Tour - May 18 2025
One highlight for food lovers is the Slow Food Day on May 18, 2025. During this event, the Amalfi Coast celebrates good and fair food along the Sentiero dei Limoni, an ancient path connecting Maiori and Minori. This excursion allows participants to rediscover the Sfusato Amalfitano lemon, its cultivators, and the authentic flavors of the region. As you walk through terraced gardens, you'll have the chance to enjoy tastings and traditional dishes.
This initiative is part of a national program promoted by Slow Food Italia and is organized by the Slow Food Travel Community of the Amalfi Coast. Candida Esposito, an environmental hiking guide and member of the Slow Food community, will lead participants along the steps and paths to explore the Sfusato Amalfitano. During the walk, you will be immersed in the scents of citrus and landscapes that reflect the hard work of farmers and the ingenuity of vertical farming. You will visit the lemon "gardens" and meet Viviana and Vincenzo from the Cuonc Cuonc farm, who will welcome participants for a tasting of typical products made with seasonal ingredients.
The route will conclude in Minori, in the heart of the historic center, where Chef Maria Lucia Mansi from the A' Ricetta restaurant awaits guests to savor one of the most iconic dishes of local gastronomy: N'dunderi with Neapolitan ragù. This traditional fresh pasta is considered one of the oldest in Campania. It will be a day to reconnect with nature, peasant culture, and the joy of food, rediscovering the authentic spirit of the Amalfi Coast, where taste intertwines with history, identity, and landscape.
Ndunderi di Minori
Ndunderi, a type of ricotta gnocchi, are traditionally served on three feast days for Minori’s patron saint, Trofimena: November 5, November 27, and July 13. These gnocchi are easier to prepare than potato gnocchi, as there is no need to boil and mash potatoes. Instead, a soft dough is made from ricotta, eggs, grated cheese, and flour, formed into larger shapes. The use of cheese makes ndunderi tastier and lighter than potato gnocchi. Despite their deliciousness, they have not attained the same popularity. Ndunderi are typically paired with sugo di salsiccia, a sausage-based meat sauce, but they also go well with meatless tomato sauce, melted lemon butter, or any sauce suitable for potato gnocchi.
Ingredients:
250g (1/2 lb) ricotta, well drained; 50g (2 oz) grated parmigiano-reggiano (or caciocavallo if you can find it); 2 eggs;
salt; nutmeg; 200g (7 oz) white flour, preferably of the “OO” variety
Preparation:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nutmeg until smooth. Gradually add flour until you form a soft, non-sticky dough. Briefly knead on a floured surface to shape into a ball, then cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
After resting, divide the dough into halves or quarters and roll into thick logs. Cut these into lengths (each ndundero should weigh 20-35 grams). Press each piece against a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges and dimples. Arrange the ndunderi on a floured tray until ready to cook. Simmer in well-salted water for about 5 minutes, until they rise to the surface. Cook for an additional minute or two as needed. Using a skimmer, transfer to a serving plate, top with your sauce of choice, and serve immediately with extra grated cheese if desired. Grazie a Memorie di Angelina.
The Story of Saint Trofimena is just so special; that we wanted to share it. The basilica in Minori has housed the relics of Saint Trofimena for over 1,000 years. According to legend, she lived in Sicily in the 7th century and died after refusing an arranged marriage. Her body was placed in an urn and cast into the sea, eventually washing ashore in Minori. The locals discovered the urn and brought it into town on white calves. When the calves stopped and refused to move, the townsfolk saw it as a sign of divine intervention and built a church at that spot. Saint Trofimena is honored on three days each year: her main feast day on July 13, when she is said to have summoned a storm against pirates; November 5, the day her remains reached Minori; and November 27, the day her lost reliquary urn was rediscovered in the 18th century.
The Pan delle Repubbliche - Pansa Pasticceria Amalfi
A delicately flavored artisanal dessert has been created to honor the four Maritime Republics. "Amalfi" is the latest cake from the renowned Amalfi Pasticceria Pansa. On May 15th, during the 70th Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, the Pasticceria Pansa unveiled their newest culinary delight: the Pan delle Repubbliche.
This artisanal dessert pays tribute to the four Maritime Republics—Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice—on the occasion of the seventieth edition of the Palio rowing race. It incorporates ingredients inspired by the medieval traditions of these republics. Using a special blend of spices reminiscent of the ancient spice trade, the Pan delle Repubbliche features Amalfi lemons and candied ginger, raisins, various spices, Giffoni hazelnut glaze, almonds, and pine nuts. "It's a combination of flavors that speaks of history, authenticity, and eternity," said Nicola and Andrea Pansa.
Vase di Vietri Ceramic Artistry
On the occasion of the 70th edition of the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, scheduled to take place in Amalfi from May 15 to 18, 2025, the Municipal Administration inaugurated an artistic installation composed of four unique Vietri ceramic jars, crafted by master Francesco Raimondi. These four vases celebrate the Maritime Republics of Italy and showcase a style that blends traditional Vietri ceramic artistry with an innovative and conceptual approach. Standing 80 centimeters tall, the vases are displayed at the foot of the Flavio Gioia monument, designed by Alfonso Balzico. Each vase features icons from the Maritime Republics: the winged horse of Amalfi, the dragon of Genoa, the German imperial eagle of Pisa, and the lion of St. Mark for Venice, along with the cities’ flags and notable historical figures.
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