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Destination Spotlight - Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Positano Ravello Capri Events in Italy Driving in Italy

Explore Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast with Carhire3000

Lying on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast has long retained a glamourous image with exclusive seaside resorts nestled amongst dramatic ravines and sheer cliffs.  Here fishing villages and whitewashed villas cling to the steep terrain, perched precariously amongst the limestone cliffs and bougainvillea, gazing out over a sparkling sea in search of Saracen pirates and mythical mermaids.

The corniche coastal road is a popular excursion with many holidaymakers, zig-zagging its way from Sorrento to Salerno amongst stunning scenery.  Sandwiched between the towering Lattari Mountains and the warm Mediterranean Sea, the Amalfi coast not only lays claim to the title “most beautiful stretch of coastline” but has also earned recognitition as a World Heritage Site.

With azure seascapes, breathtaking scenery and an inate love of life, the Amalfi Coast is Italy at its best.


Sorrento

Sorrento takes its name from the mythical Sirens who lured Ulysses to these coasts, thus encouraging its settlement.  Standing proud on the cliff, surrounded by citrus groves and looking out to sea, the town today still retains the original Greek street plan, designed to make the most of the sunlight without losing the refreshing sea breezes.

Used by many as a holiday base from which to explore the Amalfi Coast, it would be a shame not to spend a day or two soaking up some of the Sorrentine atmosphere. The atmosphere here is convivial and lively, day or night, with a sense of the true Italian dolce vita.

The pulsing heart of the town is the Via San Cesareo where tourists bustle amongst the many souvenir shops which sell everything from local handicrafts and lace tablecloths to regional lemon liqueurs (“Limoncello”).  Away from the melee, you will also find smart designer shops, world-class restaurants, artisan bakers, pizzerias and gelatarias to tempt the taste buds. 

Sorrento, Italy

The town boasts many historic churches, ancient monasteries and elaborate palaces - each providing a unique insight into the long history and eclectic culture of the surrounding community. Tour guides will point out the 13th century Palazzo Veniero, the Romanesque Cathedral, Basilica of Saint Antonio and evidence of the original Greek defensive walls.  The town is also rightly proud of the Cloister of San Francisco, part of which dates back to the 8th century.

There are also numerous museums including the Archaeological Museum of the Sorrento Peninsula and the Mineralogical Museum "Fondazione Discepolo”.  The Museum Correale displays an interesting collection of local art and historical items.  Situated in an ancient villa and surrounded by lemon groves, it has been described as “Italy’s most beautiful provincial museum”

The town’s original harbour, Marina Grande, was once a separate town.  Highly fortified to protect the inhabitants from the Saracen raids, the remains of the old gates can still be seen today.  There’s a strong fishing community and plenty of delicious sea-food restaurants, showcasing the best of the day’s catch.

The hydrofoils and ferries to Capri depart regularly from Marina Piccola, with more sailings during the summer months.  To avoid long queues, visitors are advised to book their tickets early and ahead of schedule.  And although it may not really need saying, don’t forget to check the timetable for the last return sailing!


Amalfi

The largest town along the coast, Amalfi is a popular seaside resort with a long established reputation as the playground of Europe’s elite, from the Roman aristrocracy in the 1st century to the European upper classes on their Grand Tour in the early 19th century. 

Once the capital of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, most evidence of the powerful Amalfi Republic was destroyed in a tsunami in 1343.  However, clues to the town’s influential past can still be found at the old military Arsenal in the harbour or in the small civic museum in the main piazza. 

Amalfi coast

The Cathedral, with its impressive flight of steps, dominates the main piazza.  Richly decorated, the building  is an interesting mix of architectural styles as well as being the last reputed resting place of St Andrew. The town is dedicated to the memory of the apostle (who they credit with saving them from Saracen pirates by conjuring up a freak storm in the 16th century) and each Easter the relics from the crypt are paraded around the terraced streets.

Ravello
The architectural beauty and stunning vistas of Ravello have attracted visitors and artists for many years, inspiring the likes of Wagner, Turner and DH Lawrence.

The town’s unrivalled panoramas are well-worth the steep ascent from Amalfi and can be best appreciated from the Villa Rufolo.  This is also the site of the popular open air music concerts each summer (March - November). 

The early wealth and influence of the town are also evident at the eclectic Villa Cimbrone.  Although much of the villa itself is not open to the public, a stroll through the formal gardens should not be missed.  Here you will find colourful floral displays, antique statues, fountains, natural grottos, spectacular sea views and souvenirs from exotic journeys. The Terrazza dell'Infinito offers particularly stunning views along the coast which Gore Vidal described as “the most beautiful in the world”.

Back at the main Piazza, the richly decorated 11th century cathedral is also worth a visit. Inside is more evidence of the influential Rufolo family as well as elaborate pulpits, ornate mosaics and a chapel housing the relics of Saint Pantaleone.

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