Amalfi Coast
Ideal: Ideal for romantic routes, coastal views, photography, and slow Mediterranean trips.
The roughly 50-kilometre strip between Sorrento and Salerno joined the UNESCO list in 1997. The SS163 road carved into the cliffs in 1852 has more than a hundred bends — buses wait for each other at narrow sections. Positano's houses stack in tiers up a 300-metre slope. Amalfi was once a maritime republic rivalling Venice and Genoa; the 1343 earthquake and tsunami buried much of the harbour. The Sentiero degli Dei path between towns can be walked.
Did you know?
Why was Amalfi once a maritime republic?
Before Venice and Genoa, Amalfi was one of the Mediterranean's powerful trading republics. The Tavole Amalfitane, among the earliest codes of maritime law, were written here and recognised across the Mediterranean for centuries.
Why are the lemons here so large?
The local sfusato amalfitano variety has a thick, low-bitterness peel, which is exactly what limoncello needs. The trees grow under wooden pergolas on hand-tended terraces cut into the steep slopes.
Is the coast road hard to drive?
The SS163 is narrow, endlessly winding and very busy in summer; in some periods access alternates by number plate. Taking the local bus or a boat is usually faster and far less stressful.
Why go?
- To see one of Italy's most beautiful coastal views
- To explore colourful seaside towns, sea, and narrow streets
- To add a romantic, visually strong route to a Rome or Naples trip
Travel tip
Roads and towns can be very crowded in summer; plan accommodation and transport ahead.
