Inspiration

11 Reasons to Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

It may only stretch for 30 miles, but the Amalfi Coast offers enough idyllic beauty and Italian luxury for a standalone trip. Driving its winding seaside roads will take you to charming coastal towns, scenic beaches, villas and gardens, and some of the best hotels in the world. Looking for la dolce vita? You've found it.

By Caitlin Morton

April 14, 2017

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The unparalleled views from Villa Rufolo, Ravello.
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Driving south from Sorrento to Salerno, while channeling your inner Marcello Mastroianni.

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Exquisite handmade ceramics, found all along the coast.
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The tiny, picturesque village of Atrani. Its colorful cliffside perch, beautiful churches, and charming piazzas are reminiscent of Italy's more famous coastal towns, only much less crowded.

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That Mediterranean climate—warm summers, mild winters, no complaints.
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Praiano's beautiful beaches and double dose of culture. Pictured: San Gennaro Church, which has intricate tile floors and a ceramic dome that can be seen from most anywhere in town.

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The picturesque town of Amalfi, including the ornate, early 13th-century Amalfi Cathedral.
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Positano's trendy boutiques, beaches, and hotels. Try the super-chic Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro di Positano for some of the best accommodations in town.

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The sculptures and gardens of Villa Cimbrone, Ravello.
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Sorrento's abundance of lemons, which leads to an even better abundance of limoncello. The liqueur can be sampled at stands in the town or among the coast's many lemon groves.

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Beautiful Capri is just a boat ride away; rides generally take an hour or less, depending on which town you leave from.

The unparalleled views from Villa Rufolo, Ravello.

Driving south from Sorrento to Salerno, while channeling your inner Marcello Mastroianni.

Exquisite handmade ceramics, found all along the coast.

The tiny, picturesque village of Atrani. Its colorful cliffside perch, beautiful churches, and charming piazzas are reminiscent of Italy's more famous coastal towns, only much less crowded.

That Mediterranean climate—warm summers, mild winters, no complaints.

Praiano's beautiful beaches and double dose of culture. Pictured: San Gennaro Church, which has intricate tile floors and a ceramic dome that can be seen from most anywhere in town.

The picturesque town of Amalfi, including the ornate, early 13th-century Amalfi Cathedral.

Positano's trendy boutiques, beaches, and hotels. Try the super-chic Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro di Positano for some of the best accommodations in town.

The sculptures and gardens of Villa Cimbrone, Ravello.

Sorrento's abundance of lemons, which leads to an even better abundance of limoncello. The liqueur can be sampled at stands in the town or among the coast's many lemon groves.

Beautiful Capri is just a boat ride away; rides generally take an hour or less, depending on which town you leave from.

The Daily