Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a beautiful 50 kilometer stretch of mountainous coastline situated on the Sorrento peninsula between Sorrento and Salerno, just south of Naples, in the region of Campania. This coastline is dotted with small picturesque villages and towns stacked precariously on steep, pale rocky cliffs plunging sheer into the the Mediterranean Sea. The famous islands of Capri and Ischia are nearby, both of stunning natural beauty. Legend has it that Hercules loved a nymph called Amalfi and when she died, Hercules buried her in the world's most beautiful place and, in her honor, he gave the place her name. The Amalfi Coast has been one of Italy's major tourist attractions for decades. It is regarded by many as Europe's most beautiful stretch of coast. Today tourism is the main industry, and the area has numerous luxury hotels and a wide selection of restaurants, bars, craft shops, boutiques, boat trips, and more. For those who like to drive, one of the highlights of a trip to this area is the romantic coastal road itself. The narrow serpentine road clings to the coastal cliffs, soaring and plunging and winding around the towering cliffs that fall sheer into the sea. By car or bus, this road offers some dramatic and breathtaking scenery. At some places it is so narrow that two vehicles can hardly pass and have to back up to yield way to each other. Amalfi is the largest town on this stretch of coast and a good place to base yourself when visiting the area. This small and picturesque seaside resort, famous for its glorious history as a maritime republic, has some spectacular scenery, and great weather conditions.

The white, pink and yellow cottages are surrounded by whitewashed courtyards and winding alleys that makes a walking tour a pleasant experience. Amalfi also has several historical monuments that are worth visiting, such as the Cathedral, the old dockyards and the old Paper Mills where the famous paper of Amalfi was made in the past. Many buildings in the town are surrounded by immaculately kept gardens and terraces, lemon trees, and grape and olive vines. In the town's harbor you can find the Piazza Flavio Gioia. One of its sides reaches directly into the ocean. This is a lively area with age-old workshops and a chapel of St. Ann. At one of the many bars on the harbour, you can have a glass of superb wine and sample a delicious antipasto. Ships to Positano, Salerno and the island of Capri leave from this harbor. Some boats also offer to take you on a day-trip tour of the famous Grotta Smeralda (the green grotto).