Italy’s Amalfi Coast
There is a wild and rugged landscape stretching between Sorrento and Salerno. The view, which changes with each terrifying bend and turn in the road, is of towering limestone cliffs, jagged rocks that plunge into the crystal clear Mediterranean, and lemon, orange and olive trees that cling to the rocky terraces. These 19 miles are considered Europe’s most beautiful coastline. Anyone who has been to Italy’s Amalfi Coast will agree.
This exquisite landscape has been fueling the fantasies of writers, artists and royals for generations. Tourists, as well, have discovered the charming pastel fishing villages, the exquisite cuisine and the superb hotels. They are responsible for it becoming one of the world’s most popular resort areas.
Each of the enchanting towns along the coast: Ravello, Sorrento and Positano is magnificent, and each has it’s own personality and distinct flavor.
Amalfi
Amalfi is quiet and picturesque seaside resort of incomparable beauty. The heart of the town is the piazza where, at the top of a spectacular flight of steps, there is a handsome 800-year-old Cathedral whose Moorish-style facade is brilliant with mosaics. It is surrounded by quaint little shops and delightful cafes. A charming maze of alleys and courtyards wind their way up the steep mountainside where there are very good restaurants and hotels.
The five-star Hotel Santa Caterina, a magnificent property surrounded by terraces and gardens, stands on one of the most marvelous stretches of the breathtaking coastline. It ws built during the early part of this century but has been totally modernized. It offers telephones, color television and air-conditioning in all 70 or the exquisitely furnished rooms and suites. The two elevators connect the hotel with a swimming pool and a private beach. The dining room which offers superb food and service, has a panoramic view of the sea. Inquire for rates and reservation.
Sorrento
Sorrento, set on a vast natural flower-filled promontory high above the Bay of Naples, is a town of legends and gardens. Only an hour away from Naples, with its fine museums, and just 30 minutes from historic Pompeii, it is perfect destination for the traveler who wants to include sightseeing in an otherwise sybaritic journey.
Not far from the town square stands a 16th century Jesuit monastery which has been converted in a world class hotel. The Grand Hotel Cocumella, set in a park that stretches down to the sea, with panoramic views of mount Vesuvius, is Sorrento’s premier hotel. It boasts 50 individually decorated rooms and suites each with exquisite terraces arranged around an ancient cloister. Not only the hotel have a romantic restaurant which serves excellent Mediterranean Cuisine, but it is also owns a 100-year old tall ship that takes guests for day cruises along the Amalfi Coast. The graceful Scintilla Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic setting overlooking the park while, in summer, the Agrumeto presents a relaxed barbecue under the shade of orange trees by the pool. As generations of travellers have discovered, this peaceful spot is the perfect seaside escape. Inquire for rates and reservation.
Ravello
The tiny town of Ravello clings to the steep slopes of Monte Lattari overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento. With its 1,200 foot views, it appears to float between the sea and the sky. It is a tranquil town with terraced cobblestone streets, wide public squares and tiny Byzantine inspired churches. The Hotel Palumbo with its Moorish arches, columns and mosaics is the place for a memorable vacation. Large guest rooms with flowers-hung balconies are furnished in family antiques, beds are dressed in monogrammed linen and the air is filled with a sense of serenity and well-being. The food and wines at the formal dining room on the outdoor terrace are excellent and the views are breathtaking. Inquire for rates and reservation. Positano
Positano,
an ancient, pastel colored fishing village, has become one of the most famous resort towns
in Italy. Suspended between rock, sea and air, its beauty is legendary. La Sirenuse
and Il San Pietro di Positano, its two premier hotels, have
been carved out of the rocky coastline with the skill of a sculptor. Both properties offer
the visitor unparalleled luxury.
La Sirenuse (pictured on the left), a unique deluxe hotel that was originally a 18th century villa, has been delighting the most discriminating travelers for almost half a century. The hotel, perched on a hillside, looks out over the beach. The vine-covered public rooms, as well as the guest rooms, are individually decorated with stunning paintings and antiques, and have splendid views. All accommodations have terraces to the sea, air conditioning, a refrigerator and television. There is a fitness center as well as a hotel boat which offers complimentary excursions; a beautiful pool which is set on a terrace, and a glorious panoramic restaurant which looks out over the islands of the Galli, the mythical abode of the Sirens from which the hotel got its name.
The breathtaking Il San Pietro, a member of Relais and Chateaux, overlooks the stunning Amalfi coastline. Its terraced gardens gently cascade down the rocks to a secluded, private beach which guests reach by elevator. The design of the sea level tennis court as well as the swimming pool and the terraces compliment the natural line of the rocky landscape. The spacious guest and public room are exquisitely furnished with antiques, and the beautiful open-air restaurant offers superb food.
How to get to Amalfi Coast Most major carriers fly to Rome. You can rent a car and drive down the Amalfi or change planes for a flight to Naples and drive about an hour from there. From Naples it is possible to take the hydrofoil to Amalfi or Positano.|
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