Overview
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning coastlines in the world, untamed and magnificent. Most people begin their trip to the Amalfi Coast in the city of Sorrento, because it's closest to Naples, the transportation hub. Sorrento is a good base from which to explore the rest of the famous coastline. Just beware that it's a resort destination, so it's very commercialized and full of tourists. Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano are a few of the must-see towns on the southwest coast of Italy, though there are many other villages to explore.
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Villa Massa, Sorrento: Sorrento is famous for a unique variety of lemon, which grows only in the town's ancient volcanic soil. Almost everyone in Sorrento has a little piece of land growing lemons, whether it's in their backyard or in a grove. The Massa family, of Sorrento, has one of the largest lemon groves in town. They have been exporting lemons around the world since the 1600s. Today, the family is famous for producing Limoncello, a strong liqueur made with sugar and lemons.
Piazza Tasso, Sorrento: Piazza Tasso is Sorrento's main square and acts as the city's hub. It's got it all - the painted church, the clock tower, shopping and lots of cafés. The shopping in Sorrento is more concentrated than anywhere else along the coast. One shop after another sells products typical of the region, including coral jewelry, lace, inlaid woodwork, leather gloves, and anything made with the famous Sorrento lemon.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Positano: No matter where you are in Positano, you can't miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. It is located right in the center of town, in the small Flavio Gioia square. With its decorative dome of green and yellow tiles, the church is a typical example of local architecture.
Where: Piazza Flavio Gioia, above the main beach. Positano, Italy
Phone: 089/875067
Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. - noon, then 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Hiking, Positano: Hiking is extremely popular along the Amalfi Coast. Public trails range from leisurely to very difficult, and offer gorgeous views of the sea and the Islands of the Sirens. The Path of the Gods is a particularly beautiful stroll.
Hotels
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento: The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is one of the loveliest hotels in Sorrento and features a terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. It also has a pool and an elevator that takes you down to the harbor, where ferries can take you to the surrounding islands, including Capri. The standard rooms at the hotel are quite cozy and inviting. You'll note details like marble floors, stenciling on the walls, high ceilings, and gorgeous natural light pouring through the windows.
Web: www.exvitt.it
Le Sirenuse Hotel, Positano: The dramatic rooms at Le Sirenuse Hotel — an 18th-century palazzo in Positano — are richly decorated with antiques, and the bathrooms feature Jacuzzi tubs. Request a room with a full terrace, to enjoy the incredible views.
Web: www.sirenuse.it
Shopping
Handmade Amalfi Paper: Not all of Amalfi's power came from the sea. The tiny town is also famous for having produced some of Europe's first paper. Some paper-makers still continue the ancient technique, which came to Amalfi in 1220. It takes 10 days to make just one sheet, so it's incredible to see the artistry still practiced today. Pick up a pack of the paper, distinguished by the Amalfi watermark, as a perfect souvenir.
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