The Amalfi Coast is located to the south of Sorrento, facing the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of western Italy (south of Naples).
The coast here is best known for being among the great scenic drives of Europe. The trees and forests of the hills along the centre of the peninsula give way to dramatic cliffs that plunge into the turquoise waters below, separated by several impressive traditional Italian villages.
The coastal road winds its way for approximately 50 kilometres along the coastline, from Positano in the east towards Salerno in the west. There are many impressive views and panoramas along much of the route
There is more than simply scenery to admire, with attractive harbour towns to discover including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello and others.
Ravello, the most westerly of these three towns, is not on the seafront like the others, but rather it is on top of a mountain with far-reaching views across the sea. It is a charming place to explore – although the views dominate the experience rather than the town itself and are a major attraction for visitors from all over Europe. The views themselves can be appreciated from formal gardens around the two grand villas that dominate the town – each garden culminates in a balustraded terrace offering views that have inspired artists and poets as diverse as Virginia Woolf, Richard Wagner and D H Lawrence.
The small town of Positano is best well known for its luxury villas interspersed with quaint pastel coloured houses, and has an established tradition of attracting the jet set. The streets of Positano cling to the side of a very steep hill, leading down to a small beach below.
Largest of the three towns mentioned here, Amalfi is dominated by an ornate cathedral and is very active and popular especially during the summer months. There are two beaches in Amalfi, although large sections of the beaches make an admission charge.
There are numerous other places along the Amalfi coast to discover and enjoy, small villages and churches to discover, and several chances to hike into the hills.
While a visit to the Amalfi Coast is obligatory for anyone visiting this part of Italy – and for many it is an important part of a broader plan to travel in Europe – note that the resort town of Sorrento is also close (although not itself on the Amalfi Coast) and is less expensive to stay in – Sorrento provides access to the Amalfi Coast by both car and by public bus (these can be very busy in summer!)
