Capturing the beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The lifeblood of many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast is tourism. And tourism reaches its peak between the months of June to August. I chose to visit during the milder month of April, and hope it will inspire you to relish the outstanding scenery and sights along the way. While more than enough has been written about what to see and do, here I have simply put together some of my eclectic and picturesque spots. They might prompt you to paint a picture or two, or at least take a few memorable photos.
Amalfi Coast near Ravello
Sorrento harbour area
One of the great pleasures of this region of Italy is its unmistakable ability to draw the visitor to prolonged gazes at its dazzling small towns, gardens, islands and even historic sites. This UNESCO listed Mediterranean coastline is barely 60 km, so is easily accessible. I based myself in Sorrento and went on to visit the towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. A day trip to the Isle of Capri was on my list too. To appease myself to claim that I did not come here merely to take photos, I joined an excursion to the historic site of Pompeii as well.
Images of Sorrento
It’s the most popular and largest of the coastal towns. Very walkable, although you have to contend with some steep steps if you want to meander down the cliffs to the harbour area. Here you will encounter a fishing village atmosphere. The fisher folk still adopt the old-fashioned way of going out to sea in small boats. Once back, they get busy, sorting their catch, mending nets, and transporting their
catch to the local restaurants.
Although it was spring, the town’s main streets and narrow alleyways were quite packed with tourists, keeping the restaurants and coffee shops busy. For a bit of culture and history, take some time to visit the Monastery and Cloisters of San Francesco.
Monastery cloisters
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Images of Amalfi
The chic town with its scenic mountainside backdrop with precariously hugging little villages is a typical picture postcard view. The black volcanic beach itself is regarded as the best on the coastline, attracting crowds from other dorps to come and spend the day. In the town square, stop at an outdoor cafe for some coffee and tiramisu. Then admire the grand entrance and facade of the 13th-century Amalfi Duomo, before taking a brief look inside.
Shopping for quality crafts
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Images of Positano
It’s the hilltop winding roads, is where best to get your first glimpse of the approaching town. This tightly packed cliffside village is one of the most photographed sights of the Amalfi Coast
The centrepiece of the town is the Santa Maria Assunta Church with its colourful tiled dome. Although not really a sightseeing town, a steep walk down to the pebble beach is essential for a different view of the village behind. It draws in not only the sunbathing tourists but also locals who set up their easels and canvasses, to paint the scene in front of them. It’s a perfect location to stop for a Campari, a spot of lunch outdoors, and take in the atmosphere.
Positano, pebble beach
Positano, antique shop
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Images of Ravello
Set over 1000 feet (300 metres) high on the hillside, this elegant and somewhat sophisticated town is quieter than many of its bigger neighbours. Its attractiveness is supplemented with gorgeous coastal views, dotted with tiny villages overlooking the deep blue sea of the Gulf of Salerno.
Ravello, view of he Gulf of Salerno
Most visitors come to Ravello for one thing. And that is to visit the Villa Rufolo Gardens. Immaculately landscaped, it infuses a romantic vibe. The gardens themselves are teeming with colourful flora, subtropical plants and varieties of Hibiscus flowers amongst others.
Ravello, Villa Rufolo Gardens
Villa Rufolo Gardens, Hibiscus
Bougainvillea
Hibiscus
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Images of Capri
Just 30 minutes by ferry, no visitor is going to return without a day trip to the isle of Capri. Before taking the funicular from the port to the top to Capri Town, take a wander around the harbour area with colourful fishing boats, set against the rocky backdrop. Piazza Umberto, the town’s main square was crowded with day trippers on the morning I visited, but luckily found a side street restaurant to lunch alfresco.
Avoiding the crowds and tourist shops, I found a stroll in the Augusto Gardens a soothing diversion, as well as exploring the dramatic cliffs and craggy coastal views.
Arriving back in Sorrento late evening, I was treated to a purple and pink dusk view of a seascape with Mount Vesuvius on the horizon.
Augusto Gardens
Mount Vesuvius, view from Sorrento
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Images of Pompeii
My prime interest was to enjoy and capture the sheer beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Yet, I could not return without making an excursion to the archaeological site of Pompeii.
Set against the background of Mount Vesuvius in the distance, this is a vast site that could take days to explore this buried city. Joining a small group on a half-day tour made it easy to enjoy walking among some of the ancient ruins and hearing our guide explaining the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Pompeii, Amphitheatre
The Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly a tourist magnet. It may soon be susceptible to overtourism. Resisting the peak times may help a little, yet remains an irresistible destination.
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