For romantic couples all over the world, the Amalfi coast has always been a favourite destination; not only because this region attracts the crème-de-la-creme of high society and offers a glamorous opportunity to mingle with the rich and famous (experience a chic and luxurious holiday even if you are on a budget!) but also due to its breathtaking natural scenery and cultural heritage. Today I’m pleased to bring you a fabulous guest post all about touring the Amalfi coast, and I hope it’ll inspire you to make some plans this summer, just like it has inspired me too!
Designated by UNESCO as “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and scenic values,” it was added to the list of protected world heritage sites in 1997. The coast has had the privilege of being home to many famous artists, painters and writers over the centuries who found it to be a perfect place for inspiration during their travels. These include the likes of the 14th Century writer Giovanni Boccaccio, the famous 19th Century composer Richard Wagner, the 20th Century playwright Tennessee Williams and many movie celebrities.
Make your trip more exciting and travel in style with a luxury convertible car available at Italian car rental agencies like PrimeRent – choose a BMW, an Audi or a Porsche and start your trip at central locations like Salerno to revisit a piece of history: this port town was an important strategic centre for allied forces during the 1943 invasion of Italy. Follow the autostrada A3 (highway A3) and take the SS163 to Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its popular ceramics and its splendid coastline.
Make mandatory stops to admire the variety of beautiful cliffs and sea views at Capo D’Orso, at Maiori’s sandy beach with its turquoise waters, and visit the 1st Century A.D. ruins of the Roman Villa at Minori and the two Churches of Atrani before heading inland to Ravello, one of the most romantic towns in Southern Italy where you can relax in luscious gardens and enjoy the views of the coast from its perched position high on the hill slopes (365 meters). Its 11th Century Cathedral and 13th Century Villa Rufolo (combining Arabic, Sicilian and Norman architecture and home to many kings and Popes) are wonders to behold; it is here that in 1880 Wagner composed part of his masterpiece ‘Parsifal’- a fit location for one of the greatest works of the era of Romanticism. Surrounded by exotic and splendid gardens, Villa Rufolo remains a historical treasure for visitors worldwide.
For a fashionable and chic shopping escapade, the town of Amalfi – a major centre of maritime activity since the era of the crusades- offers a scenic seafront setting lined with cafes, restaurants and shops of all kinds. Explore the Byzantine splendours of its 9th Century Duomo di St. Andrea, with its intricate facades and 11th Century ornate doors, and visit its 13th Century Chiostro del Paradiso, with its Roman and Arabesque architectural styles. Hike up the hills of Amalfi to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds, or drive to the Grotta dello Smeraldo- a marine grotto with emerald waters and curious exotic rock formations just west of Amalfi- and the spectacular gorges of the Vallone di Furore before arriving in the lovely coastal villages of Praiano and Positano- chic designer boutiques and wonderful nature hikes along the famous ‘Path of the Gods’ make Positano the perfect spot to end your road trip.
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