Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AMALFI COAST
Stretching about 50km along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi
Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is one of Europe's most breathtaking. Cliffs terraced with
scented lemon groves sheer down into sparkling seas; sherbet-hued villas cling precari-
ously to unforgiving slopes while sea and sky merge in one vast blue horizon.
Yet its stunning topography has not always been a blessing. For centuries after the
passing of Amalfi's glory days as a maritime superpower (from the 9th to the 12th centur-
ies), the area was poor and its isolated villages were regular victims of foreign incursions,
earthquakes and landslides. But it was this very isolation that first drew visitors in the early
1900s, paving the way for the advent of tourism in the latter half of the century. Today the
Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's premier tourist destinations, a favourite of cashed-up jet-set-
ters and love-struck couples.
The best time to visit is in spring or early autumn. In summer the coast's single road
(SS163) gets very busy and prices are inflated; in winter much of the coast simply shuts
down.
