Every time I see the Amalfi Coast, it never fails to take my breath away. There’s something about the small towns which seem to rise out of the sea and climb their way up the side of the mountain, the crystal clear waters dotted with colorful fishing boats bobbing about, the waves of beautiful purple bougainvillea clinging to the sides of precariously perched buildings. Everything is clinging; hanging on for dear life……kind of like me, while driving on the Amalfi Coast.
Tiny roads make for a tight squeeze. Driving on the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart. It’s more for the thrill-seeking personality. There are wonderful local buses which can transport you between the charming little towns. I have been on them. They can be crowded and carsick-inducing, and I’m just impatient enough to not want to operate on their schedule so, the car it is.
The drive is best done with two people. The passenger becomes adept at quickly rolling down the window and pulling in the side mirror moments before it scrapes a rocky outcropping or another car half parked in the lane of traffic. The passenger’s job is also to disembark and stop traffic so the driver can maneuver into an impossible parking spot whereby the passenger then uses ridiculous hand signals to “help” the driver.
Hairpin turns are par for the course.
It’s a lot of work, but this coastal drive is so worth it. It has the most amazing views. The serpentine coastline winds its way around vertical towns; the sparkling ocean ever-present in the background.
And once you arrive at each little town, there is so much to see. Even if you are not there during beach-going season, there are still lots of things to do. There are beautiful churches, adorable shops, little museums, pretty piazzas, and miles of potential walking to admire the view.
And of course there is always the food….. Naturally, seafood is at its best here. There are amazing mixed grill platters, and pastas made with all sorts of fish. But don’t forget to have some locally made Limoncello; the sweet lemon liqueur the area is so famous for. Actually, you won’t be able to forget, as it is offered most everywhere you go! Best of all, you never gain weight as there is no way to get around all the walking you’re going to have to do. There’s very little flat surface; you’re either going uphill or downhill.....all the time.
The Amalfi Coast is a stunningly beautiful place, worthy of a portion of your trip to Italy. You won’t be able to get enough of the scenery. When you set eyes upon it for the first time, be sure to drink it in because once you see it, you won’t be able to forget it and you’ll want to return again and again and…….
Drop me a line at irene@bellagiornatatours.com
Let’s talk about your future trip to Italy. I can’t wait. Can you?
Drop me a line at irene@bellagiornatatours.com
Let’s talk about your future trip to Italy. I can’t wait. Can you?
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