Italy is my Favourite Holiday Destination. Hubtopic - The Amalfi Coast

Italy (and Europe as a whole) is always popular for holidays with many coastside resorts being the first choice for travellers. The Amalfi Coast is one of those areas.

Having been lucky enough to experience most of Italy it was hard to choose one favourite spot but the Amalfi Coast has a special connection to my family - my parents were born near this region, so it holds many memories for us.

An Italian background is not a prerequisite for travelling around Italy but it can be of assistance if you wish to travel to parts that are not on the tourist map. In the larger cities many Italians are able to speak English but in the smaller, more parochial towns, this may not be the case. Learning some of the basics of the Italian language will help, or maybe just visit the tourist areas where there usually is no language barrier.

The towns scattered along The Amalfi Coast, on the Mediterranean side of Italy not far from Naples is popular with tourists but there are enough towns spread along the coast if you want to escape the mob. This part of the coast is not part of the Italian Riviera but is visited by 'the beautiful people' just as often. The accommodation in this part of Italy is wide and varied, from quaint villas to large hotels.

There are thirteen unique 'paese' (villages) you can visit along this coast as it recklessly falls deep into the Mediterranean with a natural landscape of mountains cascading and forming cliffs, caves, arches and enchanting pebble beaches. Dotted with lemon groves (this is where the refreshing liquor "Limoncello" was originally made), there is bougainvillea in a myriad of colours which are matched by the warm colours of the rustic architecture throughout the towns.

The "Paese"

• Amalfi - The Cathedral of St Andrew is a must see. Much of the night life happens here.
  
• Vietri sul Mare - Drive from Salerno to this capital of the ceramics industry and the hill towns of Albori and Raito.
• Cetara - one of the smaller fishing villages which produces terrific seafood delights.
• Maiori - although the initial impression may be that this town is newish, the charming part is the 'old town' with its narrow streets and alleyways.
• Minori - stop and enjoy The Basilica of Santa Trofimena as well as the hand-made pasta dishes. Buon Appetito!
  
• Positano - this is where the 'beautiful people' tend to stay and laze their summers away in strappy shoes and cool linen outfits.
• Tramonti - known for its authentic wines and dairy products, this area is covered with vineyards.
• Atrani - with a square so beautiful your camera will not stop in this, one of the smallest provinces in Italy.
• Scala - the oldest town in the region full of important monuments.
• Ravello - another favourite of the 'beautiful people', 350m above sea level the views are spectacular. Famous people known to have stayed here are: Humphrey Bogart, the Kennedys, Greta Garbo, Wagner, DH Lawrence, Sophia Loren and many more.
  
• Conca del Marini - the entrance to the famous "Blue Grotto" is part of the attraction of this town.
  
• Furore - a deep fjord runs through here with murals scattered throughout the town.
• Praiano - one of the gateways to the Island of Capri this town overlooks Positano and Sorrento.

When travelling through Italy it becomes apparent that everything is priced quite high, especially in the popular tourist areas. The Amalfi Coast is no exception although there are smaller boutique hotels in which to stay and it is easy to live on the good quality breads, cheeses and fresh fruits if your budget doesn't stretch to the cafes and restaurants which are abundant in each town. Gelato is always good to keep you energy levels up! Oh and, of course, there's always an espresso bar handy.

The history, the churches, the scenery, in fact, even just 'people watching' - there is so much to take in. Each town has its own church or cathedral, one more magnificent than the next, the local squares are teeming with local wares, and many of the locals are more than willing to help with directions or simply to have a chat.

There are daily tours to beautiful Island of Capri which is surrounded with spectacular azure water and other islands dotted along the coast, The Blue Grotto, or to Naples and bus tours into the mountain regions where you will be able to sample local wines, olives and prosciutto (a cured ham).

You will appreciate the awesome beauty of the coastline when you take a boat tour and take in the houses built into the rock faces, the winding roads, the clear water of the Mediterranean, which is so refreshing to dive into and swim lazily about.

On our last trip we only spent four days in Amalfi at a hotel high up on the main road, away from the crowded square down on the beach and we were lucky enough to be able to use their private beach (which you pay extra for the privilege... remember what I said about the budget). Four days is not nearly enough to experience everything this region has to offer but the nice thing is we have wonderful memories of a great holiday.

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