The Amalfi Coast is best known for its dramatic coastal scenery deep gorges, violently-shaped rocks that plunge into a deep blue sea, tempered by the luxuriant vegetation that thrives in the favourable climate; lemons, oranges, olives, almonds, vines, camellias and bougainvillaea. Basked in a clear light, the shades of green and the vibrant hues of the flowers offer a welcome contrast to the deep blue of the sea and austere rock to which all life seems to cling along the coast. Human habitation thrives too in the tiny fishing villages in rocky coves and in the pink and white-washed flat-roofed or domed buildings that hug the cliffs in layers. The Amalfi Coast’s history of trading throughout the Mediterranean still shows in the Moorish and Byzantine architectural styles; domes and arcades, wrought-iron balconies and colourful ceramic tiles which depict the region, perhaps fishing boats, lemons and the sun.The regional cuisine is light and simple, based on local fish and shellfish, lemons and oranges, mozzarella and fresh herbs. Whilst the climate of the Amalfi Coast is particularly appealing too, there are numerous excursion and sightseeing possibilities for your holiday including the islands of Procida, Capri and Ischia, the city of Naples, the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the romance of Ravello and the bustle of Sorrento.
Local highlights
Cultural highlights
The House of the Vettii at Pompeii, The baroque Palazzo Reale at Caserta, Villa Jovis in Capri, The Doric temples of Paestum, In Naples, `Modesty` by Antonio Corradini in the Cappella Sansevero, the Gothic church of San Lorenzo Maggiore, the Majolica tiles in the cloisters of the 14th Century Santa Chiara, and Michelozzo`s tomb of Cardinal Rinaldo Brancaccio in the 14th Century church of Sant`Angelo.
Festivals
Ravello has a music festival June to July. Capri the festival of San Costanzo on 14 May. The festival of Sant`Antonio in Anacapri on 13 June. The festival of Madonna della Liberta in Marina Grande in September. Positano has Lo Sbarco dei Saraceni on the second Sunday in August.
Gastronomy
Neapolitan cuisine is now famous the world over for its use of tomatoes, pizza, mozzarella cheese, dried pasta and lemons. Local specialities include Mozzarella in Carrozza, Panzanella alla napoletana, Pasta alla sorrentina (with scamorza cheese and tomatoes), Sartu (an elaborate rice pie stuffed with meats, sausages, mushrooms etc), Timballo di Maccheroni (also elaborate with maccheroni baked in a pie and a sauce of chicken livers, mushrooms and black truffles), Carciofi ripieni alla napoletana (baked stuffed artichokes), Coviglie (a mousse-like dessert), Sproccolati (sun-dried figs on sticks) and Sfogliatelle (breakfast pastries). The region produces a number of excellent red and white wines. The most famous white is called Lacrimi Christi, from vines grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Taurasi from Avellino is a full-bodied red. Capri, Ischia and Sorrento all produce their own local wines.
Getting out and about
A drive along the Amalfi coast from Positano to Amalfi offers stunning and breathtaking scenery. Visit the Emerald Cave near Vettica Minore by boat. Enjoy the superb view of the coast from the 13th Century Gothic Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Spend a full day visiting the awe-inspiring site of Pompeii, visiting the remains of the villas containing both vibrant and delicate frescoes. Herculaneum is nearby and also worth visiting. The Greek site of Paestum has outstanding Doric temples. In the resort of Amalfi stroll along the Via Genova and the Via Capuano taking in the typical architecture of Campania with the flower-covered balconies, narrow alleyways leading to fountain-filled little squares. Take the chairlift on Capri to Monte Solaro or walk to the Migliara Belvedere for a view of the lighthouse. On Ischia visit the beaches of Citara and Maronti and enjoy a morning’s walk to Monte Epomeo for panoramic views of the coast. Well worth visiting is the often forgotten island of Procida between Naples and Ischia, with its vines and fishing, flat roofed white houses and atmosphere most characteristic of the region in bygone days. Vietri for ceramics. Stalls of lemons, garlic and peppers.
Travel arrangements
How you get there
By air: Airport at Naples (Daily flights with British Airways from Gatwick). The hotels on the Amalfi Coast are about 90 minutes by car from Naples airport. Rome is also possible as a gateway with numerous daily flights. The drive from Rome to Naples is about three hours. Easyjet flies from Stansted to Naples. Ask us for a fare quote at the time of booking if you are interested in this route. We can also offer you charter flights from UK regional airports to Naples. Hirecars: We include a hire-car with our hotels on the Amalfi Coast (except those on Capri, Ischia and one in Sorrento). However, you may prefer a taxi transfer instead. Please ask us for price differences.