Amalfi Coast
Stretching for 50km (31mi) along a promontory from Sorrento to Salerno is some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline. The road hugs the zigzagging bends and curves of the cliffy coast, overlooking intensely blue waters and passing picture-postcard villages that cling to the cliff walls like matchbox houses.
Below are some picture we took of the family along the way. Good to see that some of us were so captivated by the beauty around us that we could hardly keep our eyes open!
POSITANO
Positano is the first port of call out of Sorrento, and it’s truly sublime: tiered arcades of rose- and honey-coloured houses hover precariously over an iridescent sea, and further investigation reveals cafes and hotels to die for. This is where we witnessed my friends Amar and Lena Lalvani getting married! Farther around several intervening bends is Amalfi. Check out http://www.positanonline.it if you want to learn more about this great town!
Its former status as a supreme naval power that rivalled Pisa and Genoa is evident from its arsenal and imposing duomo. Hairpin bends separate Amalfi from Ravello, which sits like a balcony overlooking the bay. Its duomo has an interesting pulpit with six lions carved at its base, and several villas and their beautiful gardens add to its attractions.
SORRENTO
This was a quaint little town on the edge of the Amalfi Coast. Its located between Pompeii and Positano and has all types of curio stores and shops. We walked the streets, ate gelato and gawked at all the well tanned Italians doing nothing but living life!
One of the stores we entered was an inlaid wood works factory and showroom. The owner is a bulky guy who looks like he could be a WWF wrestling champion. He is accompanied by his petite sister. The two of them are heirs to the store that their ancestors started. Below are a few pictures I captured of him giving us a quick demo of some of their work. Truly impressive stuff!
Along the way we stopped at several of the interesting grottoes. Here is the green grotto aptly named because, guess what, its green!
SALERNO
Salerno has seen it all, from Etruscan to Roman and medieval times. Unfortunately, the city was extensively damaged during WWII, as it was one of the Allies’ major landing sites. We had a nice lunch here and wandered the many stores. Not a lot to see here unless you enjoy beaches. Then you could probably stay here forever!
