Amalfi Coast, Italy Guide

This stylish stretch of coast is Italy at its most iconic. Pastel-painted houses perch precariously atop vertiginous cliffs, tumbling down into the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Sorrento to Salerno, this celebrated coastline has been the darling of the world’s jet set since Jackie O summered here in the sixties.

Hire a classic car and brave the hairpin bends that lead down the coast from Naples, vertigo-inducing sea views to your right, the cloud-cloaked peaks of restless Mount Vesuvius to your left. Pause for an aperitivo along Sorrento’s stunning seafront, where Belle Époque hotels ooze elegance, stood atop the sheer cliff-face.

Take in the unforgettable views from your grandiose villa, pool looking down on Positano’s colourful houses clustered below. From here, hire a yacht and head to the fabled island of Capri. Moor up among the mega-yachts lazing in her secluded coves, azure waters hiding secret grottos. On land, browse the chic boutiques that line the piazza, before lingering over a long dinner in one of Anacapri’s many restaurants. Feast on Neapolitan mussels marinara under a canopy dripping with lemons and bougainvillea, as the sun sets on another perfect day.

The Amalfi Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is known for its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and charming seaside towns.

The earliest known inhabitants of the Amalfi Coast were the Oscan people, who settled in the area around the 6th century BC. They were followed by the Greeks, who founded the city of Positano in the 9th century BC. The Romans eventually conquered the region in the 4th century BC and it became an important trading port for the empire.

During the Middle Ages, the Amalfi Coast flourished as a maritime republic and became a major hub for trade and commerce. The city of Amalfi, which gave the coast its name, was the most powerful of the republics and had a strong navy. The Amalfitans were skilled shipbuilders and their ships were highly sought after for their speed and agility.

However, the golden age of the Amalfi Coast came to an end with the fall of the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century. The republic was conquered by the Normans and later ruled by various other foreign powers such as the Spanish and the French. The region also suffered from natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which caused significant damage to the towns and villages.

In the 19th century, the Amalfi Coast experienced a revival as a popular tourist destination. Artists, writers, and poets were drawn to the area for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. The town of Positano, in particular, became a popular destination for artists and was frequented by famous names like Pablo Picasso and John Steinbeck.

Today, the Amalfi Coast is known as a luxurious vacation spot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its charming towns, such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, attract millions of tourists each year. The region is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its coastal location and uses fresh seafood and locally grown produce.