With its 42 kilometre stretch of gently sloping coastline and white pebbled-beaches, the Amalfi Coast is an 'earthly paradise' with breathtaking beauty.
AMALFI COAST: One of Italy's most spectacular coastlines begins after Sorrento, runs through Positano and continues until it reaches Amalfi. Looking along the tall cliffs and down into the sapphire sea, takes your breath away.
POSITANO: A vibrant village with narrow, colourful buildings which cascade like a waterfall down a vertiginous hill to the sea. Positano's town centre meanders down to the waterfront, where a profusion of cafes, bars and restaurants sell fresh seafood. The beach air is filled with the perfume of orange, almond blossom and jasmine.
AMALFI: Once the most important trading port in the southern Italy, Amalfi is in the ravine of the Mulini Valley, its churches, towers and arcaded houses rising above the small harbour. The town's Duomo dominates a long flight of steps and embraces a picturesque piazza stretching to its seafront. A wonderful contrast between fine beaches in front and tall cliffs behind.
SORRENTO: Sorrento offers wonderful views of the entire bay of Naples and the Island of Capri. There are beautiful beaches, bars surrounding Piazza Tasso, great shops and a fragrant citrus purfume from near-by trees.Sorrento has narrow streets and quiet squares, like Piazza Tasso which is brimming with excellent restaurants, bars and cafés. There are many trendy shops from one-off boutiques to top names including Max Mara, Gucci and Armani. From Sorrento you can take coaches or hovercrafts to Amalfi, Positano, Ischia and Capri.
CAPRI: Capri offers panormamic vistas at every turn, picturesque eateries with local seafood and blue grottos hidden under the limestone cliffs. A trip to Capri is ideal for a one-day excursion from Sorrento with the hydrofoil. Capri is, unquestionably, the holiday princess of the Italian islands: idyllic and rugged with its shimmering Blue Grotto and cliffs that descend down into the sea. Capri has trendy jewellery shops and designer boutiques.
POMPEII & VESUVIUS: Pompeii is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in the world and Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe. Pompeii and Herculaneum are cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and re-discovered in the 18th century. It is possible to drive to 3,200 feet and then trek to its summit to enjoy the mesmerising views of the entire gulf of Naples.
MOUNT FAITO: Mount Faito offers one of the best views in Italy. You can admire the bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Situated 1000 metres above sea level, its views are literally breath-taking! You can also take advantage of fully escorted tours around Monte Faito and taste local produce, ideal for walkers and mountain lovers.
SHOPPING: The Amalfi coast offers unique local, hand-crafted produce; varieties of limoncello (lemon liquer), coral jewellery and artifacts, inlaid wooden pictures and jewellery boxes, ceramics and real leather shoes. Don't miss browsing among the typical little shops that line the narrow village streets selling handmade items on which these beautiful surroundings are reproduced.
RESTAURANTS: You really are spoilt for choice! Wherever you go you can sample genuine local dishes and wines prepared according to tradition from fine wines, pasta and fish dishes to original Italian pizzas.You can enjoy a pizza and an Italian beer or glass of wine for less than £10 a head. Alternatively, you can experience the delicious, freshly caught seafood and more up market restaurants, which offer a range of pasta and seafood specialities.
BEACHES: The Amalfi coast offers sandy beaches, crystal-clear seawater, rocky coastlines and charming marinas. There are so many beaches to choose from! For enthusiasts of marine life, diving centers operate in all seasons, with snorkeling and scuba equipment.