Amalfi Coast
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The Amalfi Coast is a beguiling blend of towns tumbling down steep hillsides, sheltered bays of blue water, ancient communities, and spectacular views. It is true that the secret is out, but if you avoid the height of summer you can still have a shady cobbled street, quiet strip of coastline, or cool medieval cloister to yourself.
Just three hours south of Rome, an hour from Naples, and close enough to the buried Roman city of Pompeii to have you glancing at the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius every so often, Sorrento makes the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. An attractive town perched on a seaside cliff edge, Sorrento boasts impressive views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius, a sea-breeze cooled summer climate, and plenty of old alleyways, shops, and tavernas to investigate. Admittedly all too many of the shops have turned their back on traditional fare for tourist tat, but unique gifts and bargains can still be found.
Just off the coast to the west of Sorrento is the island of Capri. Once a secluded idyll that drew Roman emperors on vacation and medieval monks for contemplation, Capri is now all but overwhelmed by visitors. Despite this, the views, the walk to the ruins of Tiberius' Villa, and the unspoiled beauty of the island's more remote corners still makes this a journey well worth the effort.
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A spectacular and sometimes scary coastal drive from Sorrento takes you to the impossibly attractive hillside town of Positano, tumbling right down to the golden stretch of sand that just stops it falling into the sea beyond. Maze-like alleyways lead up the hillside, and boutiques on all sides sell clothing, artwork, and a generally superior class of tourist souvenir. Bars, restaurants, and gelatarias complete the mix in this fashionable holiday haven.
Further along from Positano is the town that gives the coast its name - Amalfi. The largest town of those that share this stretch of coast, Amalfi is dominated by elaborate facade of its 13th century Chiostro del Paradiso, perched above the central piazza that leads into the heart of the town. The nearby settlement of Ravello has even better views of the sweeping coast, and is the perfect place to enjoy the excellent local seafood.
Getting There
British Airways, Alitalia, and various low cost airlines fly to Italy. A regular train service from Naples (the Circumvesuviana) ends at Sorrento.
More Information
Check out Sorrento Web for local information or In Italy for more general tourist information.
Also visit our other Italian guides - Rome, Pompeii, Parma, and Venice.
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