Few areas in the world are as glamorus or beautiful as Italy's Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi coast lies just beneath Naples on Italy's southwestern coast on what is known as the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy. It is home to upscale towns such as Positano and hotels such as Buca di Bacco Hotel that cling to the perilous cliffs and offer outstanding views of the sea below. And, the Amalfi coast makes for a wonderful vacation destination for couples and families alike.
Getting There
Unfortunately, there are no carriers that offer non-stop service from the New York area to Naples (the closest major airport to the Amalfi coast.) However, there is direct service (meaning flights with one or more stops) offered by Alitalia, Delta, Air France and Lufthansa. Pricing is currently on the high side with the average price for a coach flight running around $1395 per person.
Once in Naples, if you dare to be brave you can rent a car and take the journey along the coast yourself. However, unless you have nerves of steel, it's recommended you hire a professional drive from agencies such as Positano Taxi to do the driving for you.
Things to Do
The Amalfi coast is about relaxing and living "la dolce vita" (the sweet life.) However that doesn't mean there aren't sights to see and things to do. Here are a few suggestions:
- Tour Pompeii and Herculaneum that were destroyed in 79 AD
- Take a self-guided tour of the streets of Positano
- Enjoy a day excursion to the island of Capri just off the Amalfi coast
- Sip a glass of chilled limoncello, the region's signature drink made from lemons
- Be adventurous and take a small boat with expert guides to the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Whatever you do, don't rush because before you know it, your time on the Amalfi coast will be gone and it will be time to return home. One thing is certain about this region, it will bring you back again and again, and, you'll never grow tired of it!
Ciao!
