The Amalfi Coast will make you giddy -
and that's not just because its famously winding coastal road
involves impossibly steep mountain sides and even longer drops. No,
it's because the place is both astoundingly beautiful and
impossibly glamorous; artists, writers and movie stars all flocking
here to find anything from sunshine to inspiration.
But this UNESCO World Heritage Site to
the south of Naples is no jet-set affair, its mood slow-paced
rather than sophisticated and its way-of-life still firmly rooted
in the past. Fishermen still haul in their catch at pastel-coloured
towns like Positano, for example; the medieval cathedral continues
to take pride of place in Amalfi, whilst Ravello still needs
nothing more than its celebrated gardens and picture-perfect
Mediterranean views to keep its visitors enthralled. You can expect
some steep climbs here, but remember there's always a glass of
limoncello waiting for you at the end!
The rocky island of Capri off the
Amalfi Coast offers anything from Roman remains to Versace gowns
and let's not forget the staggering sea views. It also now boasts a
trio of exceptional hotels simply perfect for summer getaways …
A visit to Maratea will not just
introduce you to charming villages and spectacular coastal scenery,
but it will also be a bit of a journey into Italy's past. Not
only do majestic mountains sweep down to the Tyrrhenian Sea, but
there are also medieval castles, historical centres and an
incredible 44 churches dotting the landscape, one of them dating as
far back as the 6th century. Why not combine these cultural
activities with horse riding, sea excursions and beach or mountain
walks …