Planning Your Days On The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most enchanting stretches of coastline in Europe and, despite its pronounced place on the tourist trail, it still retains a unique charm and local atmosphere. If you look carefully you can escape the throngs of visitors and find your own little piece of paradise. The forty-three mile coast stretches south of Naples and is a dramatic combination of sheer cliffs and deep ravines interspersed with quaint hilltop towns and endless terraces growing olives, lemons, almonds and grapes.

The best way to see this area is to book one to of the many wonderful villas in Amalfi that are available to rent. Well-known travel companies, who pride themselves on offering an exceptional service and a high standard of accommodation, offer villas in Amalfi and the surrounding villages. Properties are always comfortable, well managed and complete with all modern conveniences. Many have a swimming pool and all have an area of outside space where you can luxuriate in your own little home away from home.

If you decide to book one of the villas in Amalfi for the duration of your stay, you can easily get around the region using the public transport. Trains, buses, ferries and hydrofoils are all efficient and reasonably priced and it is much easier to use these than hire a car. The roads here are narrow and busy and can cause unnecessary stress when you are unsure where you are heading.

Planning Your Days

Being so close to Naples and the famous archaeological site of Pompeii, a visit to either of these is entirely possible when staying in one of the villas in Amalfi. Although a whole day for each visit would be required, they are both worthwhile excursions if you are staying in the area.

For a completely different experience, take a ferry to the beautiful island of Capri. Made famous by the celebrities it attracts, this island is a stunning place to indulge in a little shopping, sip a limoncello in the quieter town of Ana Capri, or explore on foot discovering the tiny coves and inlets hidden along the island’s shores. A chairlift takes you to the highest point on the island and offers superb views back towards the coast.

Positano is a quaint, although somewhat glitzy, place to spend an afternoon. From here you can take a small boat to Spaggia di Lauriot, which has the perfect cove with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming. If you are in search of a little culture, Ravello is the place for you. Enjoy one of the al fresco concerts at Villa Ruffolo’s Musicale di Ravello, wander the cobbled streets, take in a few of the local ceramic shops, and enjoy a delicious meal on the terrace of one of the fine restaurants in the town.

With much to see and do in this beautiful region it is easy to see why so many flock here for their holidays. But plan carefully and you can still beat the crowds and get the most out of your visit to the area.

Looking for your perfect home away from home in Italy? Mark Slaviero is a Director of Holiday Homes Italy, a company specialising in finding the holiday home, villa or apartment of your dreams. For the ideal villas in Amalfi and accommodation in Tuscany, Sicily, the Italian Lakes, ski resorts and more, we offer the best in every region.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.