Seeing the Amalfi Coast has been on our “want to see” list for quite awhile. We decided to add it to our itinerary before we headed to Rome. The Amalfi Coast landscape is breathtaking and we zeroed in on visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello and making Sorrento/SanAgnello our home base. We knew we didn’t want to rent a car. Driving through the region can be a wild experience, unless you have a penchant for switchback curves, scary passing and buses swinging at you from the opposite direction. We found a tour offered through Airbnb that suited what we wanted to see and booked it. It was supposed to be a small group tour under 8 people, but we lucked out again and we were the only two on the tour so we had a private 8 hour day with Antonio.
We visited the three communities we had chosen. First, Positano, the Amalfi Coast’s headliner. The houses tumbling down to the sea in a cascade of pinks and peaches and terracotta have been photographed millions of times. The streets are steep and there are a million steps. We were there early in the season so many of the shops, cafes and restaurants are still setting up and getting ready for summer. We were also early in the day so the crowds were minimal. It was so nice to wander through the town with quiet streets. We’ve heard it’s shoulder to shoulder in high season.
On the way to Amalfi we stopped for Lemonade at a stand where the seller told us he is the fourth generation selling lemonade at that spot.
Next we reached the smaller community of Amalfi. It might have been my favourite. The town square at the foot of the Cathedral of St.Andrew was a typical Italian piazetta. After looking at all the surrounding beautiful vistas – we hiked the staircase, toured the Cathedral, the catacombs and the cloisters. Then we sat in the square and shared their famous baba cake with coffee and people watched. Loved it.
While we were in Amalfi we noticed tour boats going out very reasonably- off season- 1/2 price the captain was advertising. We jumped aboard and spend an hour going up and down the coast seeing the towns from the sea.
Back to the van and up high to the town of Ravello at the top of the mountains. A beautiful small town and Antonio chose a favourite “locals” restaurant for us to eat at. The view was beautiful and the pasta was great. One last walk around Ravello and the day is done. Back to SanAgnello to sleep, and off to Rome tomorrow.
After yesterdays whining, I’m glad I could share a great day. Still sniffling a bit and my hair is still flat and lacking gel, but a 10 out of 10 day anyway. 😀
Love your photos & blog.