The Amalfi Coast conjures images of colorful cliffside towns, sparkling bays, and glamorous holidays for good reason. This thin stretch of land south of Naples wows with incredible sea views, swanky beach clubs and postcard-perfect scenery around every hairpin turn. Let’s uncover what makes it Italy’s sexiest and most intoxicating coastal retreat.
Postcard-Perfect Positano
Known as the pearl of the Amalfi Coast, Positano seduces with a pastel-hued vertical village tumbling down towards beaches with luxury hotels clinging to cliffs. Beyond the trendy shops and hotels, its hillside maze of staircases draped in wisteria and bells ringing from the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta capture old world romance.
Pose for that iconic photo overlooking terracotta rooftops to the sea before venturing down to enjoy crystalline coves or hopping colorful boats destined for offshore caves. The fame and visitors won’t slow down anytime soon, but with views this beautiful, who can blame the crowds for flocking?
Make sure to explore the less-traveled backstreets and quieter beaches east of Positano’s central Spiaggia Grande for more room to relax under the sun. But save time for getting gleefully lost wandering the endless narrow lanes and stairways to uncover hidden cafes, boutiques and peaceful balconies amid cascading bougainvillea.
Ravello’s Majestic Views
Further east along the coast, Ravello beckons those seeking Amalfi’s most dramatic vistas minus the crowds. This tranquil hilltop idyll floats high above the coastline revealing sweeping Tyrrhenian Sea panoramas from overflowing gardens and aristocratic villas.
Soak up centuries of art history at two renowned gardens – 14th century Villa Rufolo directly overlooking the sea and the perfectly manicured 17th century Villa Cimbrone perched even higher with dizzying views that seem to suspend you in the clouds.
Don’t miss classical music concerts staged outdoors with only the universe as your ceiling during the popular Ravello Festival each summer. The music pays homage to Wagner’s love affair with Ravello and villa Rufolo’s breathtaking seascapes that inspired some of his greatest works over 100 years ago.
Glitzy and Glamorous Capri
The glitziest Amalfi escape comes on the aptly named “Island of Dreams” – Capri. An A-list celebrity haunt, Capri dazzles with ultra-exclusive hotels, Michelin star dining, magnificent cliffs and the iconic Blue Grotto sea cave illuminating swimmers in ethereal blue light.
While undeniably pricey and popular, Capri promises luxe Mediterranean dolce vita vibes. Charter a boat to witness its magnetic sea cliffs and rock formations up close or people watch la dolce vita unfold in glamorous Piazzetta Umberto I against Instagram’s most coveted coastline.
Channel your inner Hollywood star wandering Capri’s impossibly chic boutiques and frequenting flashy nightclubs until dawn oozing modern Italian opulence mingling with old world charm.
The Amalfi Coast beguiles with vibrant living history against dramatic vistas – no wonder visitors dreamily lose track of time here. Along this glamorous stretch of paradise, beautiful destinations combine into Italy’s coastal nirvana that keeps luring back superficial lovers year after year.
