The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast (Costiera
Amalfitana) stretches for just 40 km (25 mi) along the south side of the
Sorrentine Peninsula, between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, south of the
Bay of Naples. It is stunningly beautiful. Backed by the spine of the
harsh Lattari mountains, it consists of vertiginous slopes plunging 210 m
(700 ft) into the deep, intensely blue Tyhrrenian Sea. Broken by rocky
spurs and ravines into tiny bays and secret coves, it appears to be
completely wild and even hostile. But every twist and turn of the
switchback coast road reveals a dramatic new vista of ancient fishing
villages clinging to the mountainside, tumbling down to quayside huddles
of colorful boats and café awnings. Explore the 'Path of the Gods' and
walk from Positano to Praiano.
Positano is becoming the resort of choice for the rich, powerful and
famous. Its multi-colored houses crowd together, interwoven by a million
steps, arcades, and arched passages full of shops, lively bars and
excellent restaurants. It is both the prettiest of, and a blueprint for,
the other communities dotting the area. Amalfi itself, in the middle of
the coast, is still the largest and most influential town here. Only
modern tourism has restored to it some of the colossal wealth it used to
command. But though Amalfi is as historically fascinating as any of its
neighbors (it was once a major naval power with a population of 70,000),
its perfect setting now attracts people seeking pleasure and recreation.
The Amalfi Coast's communities look seawards. The switchback coast road
was only built in 1850. But whether you see this section of the coast
from land or sea, its loveliness is a romantic fantasy come true. The
best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the area is really
crowded in Summer. Do not miss the gardens of the Villa Cimbrone and
Villa Rufolo in Ravello, the old paper mill in Amalfi, Capri.
