Winding roads, cliffside villages, and the endless blue of the Mediterranean—this is Italy at its most dramatic.
The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that lives up to every photograph you've ever seen of it. The 50-kilometer stretch of coastline between Sorrento and Salerno is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason.
The winding coastal road offers breathtaking views at every turn, though it's not for the faint of heart.
The Drive
Driving the Amalfi Coast is an adventure in itself. The road clings to the cliffs, with hairpin turns and narrow passages that require constant attention. But the views—oh, the views. Every turn reveals a new perspective: colorful villages cascading down the mountainside, terraced lemon groves, and the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean below.
The Villages
We stopped in several of the coast's famous villages: Positano, with its pastel-colored buildings; Amalfi, the historic maritime republic; and Ravello, perched high above the sea with some of the most spectacular views on the entire coast.
The villages of the Amalfi Coast seem to grow organically from the cliffs, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
Each village has its own character, but they all share that quintessential Italian charm: narrow streets, flower-filled balconies, and piazzas where life unfolds at a leisurely pace. It's the kind of place where you want to slow down, have a long lunch, and simply soak it all in.
— Alex, Nomad Atlas
