Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast stretches for 50 kilometers along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, where the rugged Lattari Mountains plunge dramatically into the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The UNESCO-listed coastline is characterized by vertiginous cliffs, terraced lemon groves, hidden coves, and pastel-colored villages that appear to defy gravity as they cascade down steep hillsides. The winding SS163 coastal road, carved into the cliff face in the 19th century, is one of the most scenic drives in the world, offering heart-stopping views around every hairpin turn. From the elegant town of Positano to the historic center of Amalfi and the garden paradise of Ravello, each settlement along the coast has its own distinct character and irresistible charm.

Positano is the coast's most photographed town, its cascade of pink, peach, and terracotta buildings tumbling down to a scenic beach, lined with boutiques selling the handmade sandals and linen clothing for which the town is famous. Amalfi itself was once a powerful maritime republic rivaling Venice and Genoa, and its magnificent 9th-century cathedral, with its striking striped facade and Cloister of Paradise, speaks to the town's glorious past. Ravello, perched high above the coast, offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views on the Mediterranean, and its Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens have inspired artists from Wagner to Gore Vidal. Smaller villages like Praiano, Furore, and Cetara offer quieter alternatives where visitors can experience authentic coastal Italian life away from the crowds.

The Path of the Gods hiking trail connects Agerola to Positano along a breathtaking cliff-top route that offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in all of Europe, passing through Mediterranean scrubland, ancient shepherd paths, and abandoned terraces. Boat excursions allow visitors to explore the Emerald Grotto, swim in secluded coves accessible only from the sea, and visit the legendary island of Capri just offshore. The coast is renowned for its culinary traditions, including fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and the famous limoncello liqueur made from the enormous Sfusato lemons grown on the terraced hillsides. Cooking classes, ceramic workshops in Vietri sul Mare, and wine tastings at cliffside vineyards round out an experience that engages all the senses.