What to see in Italy

Amalfi Coast

A stretch of coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is a rainbow palette of hillside villages, fishing ports, turquoise bays and verdant forests. The most photogenic destination in Italy, a holiday to the Amalfi Coast is the chance to saunter in the footsteps of the jet-set, who’ve long adored this idyllic corner of Italy for its tranquil setting and stylish, cliff-hugged towns.

A total of 13 seaside towns are the jewels in the crown of this stretch of coastline, and glamorous Positano, verdant Ravello, historic Amalfi and tranquil Sorrento are just a handful of the most popular places to visit on the Amalfi Coast. 

Home to some of the countries most high-end hotels and restaurants a trip to the Amalfi Coast certainly holds a luxury allure. This 50-kilometre stretch of coastline is compact enough to explore with relative ease and the coastal road that connects the different towns is said to be one of the most spectacular drives in the world!

A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast represents Mediterranean living at its most idyllic. Explore the region by boat to discover paradise covers and dazzling perspectives of cliff-hugging villages, or discover the region on foot as a number of coastal trails connect the different towns. 

If you take a holiday to the Amalfi Coast you’ll be greeted with exceptional sea views, delicious local cuisine and the enduring aroma of fresh lemons, that grow on hillside terraces between February and October. Limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur, is the quintessential Amalfi Coast drink of choice. Sip it over ice whilst watching the sunset over neighbouring Capri.

Things to see on the Amalfi Coast

Amongst the picture-perfect villages and dramatic coastline, there are a number of fascinating things to see on the Amalfi Coast. At the heart of historic Ravello, you’ll find Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century villa known for its elaborate cascading gardens. Offering unbelievable panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea far below, the story goes that German composer, Wagner, was so impressed by these exotic gardens that he modelled the setting for one of his operas on them. Today, an interactive museum can be found within the villa’s tower, where you can trace the story of Villa Rufolo’s glamorous past. 

Nearby, Villa Cimbrone offers competing views. The villa itself is a private hotel these days, but the gardens are open to the public. Here, the Belvedere of Infinity, flanked by classical marble busts, offers panoramic views and a photo opportunity of a lifetime. Certainly, one of the best things to see on the Amalfi Coast. 

In the vibrant city of Amalfi, you’ll find the Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a symbol of the Amalfi Coast. This medieval Roman Catholic Cathedral houses the precious relics of Apostle Saint Andrew and its extravagant facade is a mix of Norman, Arab and Byzantine architecture. Stood at the top of a 62-step staircase, the Duomo di Sant’Andrea is one of the best things to see on the Amalfi Coast. 

The Amalfi Coast boasts natural wonders in abundance and the Grotto dello Smeraldo, or Emerald Grotto is the perfect example of this. Just a few kilometres from Amalfi, this small karst cave was formed over the millennia, and its crystal-clear turquoise pool is the result of the sunlight softly filtering through the cave. The grotto can be visited by boat as part of a tour of the Amalfi Coast or on foot, by descending a winding staircase. Here you can admire the fabulous stalactites and stalagmites and glistening turquoise waters. 

If you’re looking for a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri is just a short boat ride away from the Sorrento Peninsula. Home to luxurious gardens, dramatic limestone cliffs, Roman ruins and the beautiful Blue Grotto, Capri is a must-see if you visit the Amalfi Coast.