A Tour of Italy’s Spectacular Amalfi Coast
In southern Italy, a small peninsula extends into the Mediterranean Sea. This segment of the breathtaking coastline, called the Amalfi Coast, is an ideal tourist destination and is famous for its natural beauty, delicious food and historical wonders.
SORRENTO
We begin our adventure in Sorrento. Sorrento is the perfect place to stay if you want charming, small-town luxury. During the summer and well into the fall, Sorrento is a tourism hub. There is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained and delicious cuisine to taste. Sorrento is famous for its lemons, and as you meander through the town, you may begin to notice images of lemons everywhere. Reserve a table at the lemon-themed restaurant “O'Parrucchiano La Favorita” for an incredible dinner in an indoor lemon grove. The accommodations in the town are just as perfect as the restaurants, and there are many excellent hotels with spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Sorrento has much to offer during the day as well. If you’re in the mood to relax, wander down the stairs to Marina Grande and spend the day soaking up the sun at a beach club! If you want a cultural experience, sign up for a cooking class taught by local chefs. Sorrento is a highlight of the Amalfi Coast, so make sure to spend a few nights there.
POSITANO
Just a short ferry ride away from Sorrento is the picturesque town of Positano. Positano is perfect for a weekend trip. It may be smaller than Sorrento, but don’t let the size fool you; Positano is home to decadent restaurants, fabulous shopping and pristine beaches. Situated on a hill, the town does require a decent amount of climbing to be explored properly. If you’re willing to make the short trek up the hill, many high-end shops sell jewelry, clothing and artwork. If relaxing on the sand fits your agenda better, a secluded beach just a short hike away from the port is well worth the walk. With clear blue water, fine sand and a few great restaurants, Fornillo Beach is sure to be a memorable part of your Amalfi coast experience.
Photo from Pexels by Michael Block
CAPRI
The small island of Capri is a celebrity getaway due to its private, quiet and elegant ambiance. Capri is a short distance from Sorrento and is great for a day trip. There are two towns on the Island: Anacapri and Capri. Once at the port, there are buses that can take you to either town in under 20 minutes. Anacapri is small and has a few restaurants and a pedestrian-only road that goes by many stores. There is also a chairlift that takes visitors all the way to the highest point on the island. If you have an extra hour, riding the chairlift up to the peak is the best way to see Capri and is surely memorable. The main town of Capri is packed with designer stores, and it’s easy to get lost among the dazzling window fronts.
Photo from Pexels by Matt Hardy
RAVELLO
Returning to the mainland, we continue our trip to the town of Ravello. Founded during the fifth century, this town has a rich history and was even the home of the King of Italy during World War II. Unlike other towns on the Amalfi coast, Ravello is built on top of a mountain, far above sea level. In the mountains of Ravello, visitors can see coastline views and wander through alleys filled with gelaterias, leather stores, restaurants and cafes. With rich history comes tremendous architecture. While in Ravello, make sure to stop at La Terrazza del Infinito, a stunning garden with statues, terraces and various temples. Another must-see is Villa Rufolo. Consisting of both Arab and Byzantine architecture, Villa Rufolo is an artistic marvel and a time capsule of the medieval era.
If you ever find yourself vacationing along the Amalfi Coast, send snapshots of your jaw-dropping adventure to us @theedgemag!