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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